Belgium Stocks Higher at Close of Trade; BEL 20 Up 0.28%

Belgium stocks closed higher at the end of the trading day on December 29, 2025, with the BEL 20 index rising by 0.28%. This positive trend is a welcome respite for investors after a tumultuous year in the global markets.

The BEL 20, which tracks the performance of the 20 largest and most liquid stocks listed on the Euronext Brussels exchange, has been a key indicator of the Belgian economy's health. With its latest gain, the index has now risen by 10.23% over the past 12 months, outperforming many of its European peers.

Investors are likely to be encouraged by the BEL 20's performance, which suggests that the Belgian economy is continuing to grow and recover from the pandemic. However, it's worth noting that the index's gains have been largely driven by a small number of large-cap stocks, and the broader market remains vulnerable to volatility.

The latest data from the Euronext Brussels exchange shows that the BEL 20's gain was driven by a range of factors, including a strong performance from the banking sector and a rebound in the technology sector. The index's top performers included AB InBev, which rose by 2.5%, and UCB, which gained 2.2%.

While the BEL 20's gain is a positive development for investors, it's worth noting that the broader market remains uncertain. The global economy is facing a range of challenges, including rising inflation and a slowdown in economic growth. As a result, investors are likely to remain cautious and may be looking for opportunities to diversify their portfolios.

In terms of specific stocks, investors may want to consider the following:

• AB InBev (EBR: ABI): The world's largest brewer has been a consistent performer in recent years, driven by its strong brand portfolio and expanding presence in emerging markets.
• UCB (EBR: UCB): The Belgian pharmaceuticals company has been a key beneficiary of the pandemic, with its vaccines and treatments in high demand.
• KBC Group (EBR: KBC): The Belgian bank has been a solid performer in recent years, driven by its strong balance sheet and expanding presence in Eastern Europe.

Overall, the BEL 20's gain is a positive development for investors, but it's worth noting that the broader market remains uncertain. As always, investors should conduct their own research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Sources

[1] Belgium stocks higher at close of trade; BEL 20 up 0.28%