BEL 20 rebounds by 6.46 per cent

The BEL 20 index increased by 1.40 per cent on Friday, bringing its weekly rise to 6.46 per cent. The index closed at 3,503.52 points after a fifth consecutive day of gains.

Stock and bond markets rebounded strongly this week as investors showed confidence that the US Federal Reserve will not raise interest rates again. The optimism was also felt on the Brussels stock exchange. Nineteen of the 20 stocks in the BEL 20 index gained, with only Solvay losing ground.

As the BEL 20 includes several real estate companies, which are particularly sensitive to interest rates, the Brussels stock exchange recovered more strongly than other exchanges.

The biggest daily gainer was biotech company Galapagos, which rose 7.79 per cent to 34.72 euros. Elia and Aperam followed with 3.86 per cent and 2.94 per cent respectively.

On Friday, property companies Aedifica, Cofinimmo and WDP rose by 3.03, 2.54 and 2.73 per cent respectively.

^{© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}