ECB rate hike does not send shockwave through Brussels stock exchange

The historic interest rate increase by the European Central Bank (ECB) on Thursday did not cause a shockwave on the Brussels stock exchange. At the sound of the closing bell, the Bel20 index was 0,37 percent lower at 3.759,97 points.

Among the shares which count for the calculation of the index, Umicore and UCB in particular lost ground. The metals group lost 4,97 percent with a closing price of 33,26 euros, the pharmaceuticals group lost 2,55 percent with a closing price of 81,18 euros.

In telecoms, Proximus lost 1,39 percent to close at 13,50 euros, while its competitor Telenet fell 2,77 percent to 16,17 euros. Both companies bought additional spectrum for their 5G plans.

In the second tier, Elm Invest trimmed 4,59 percent to 10,40 euros.

Amongst the index stocks, the holdings Sofina and D'Ieteren posted gains. Sofina gained 2,42 percent to close at 211,40 euro, D'Ieteren rose 2,25 percent to 154,40 euro.

Aedifica ended the day 0,73 percent higher at 96,30 euro. The company is investing around £10 million in a yet-to-be-built residential care home in Port Erin, on the Isle of Man. The rental brings it a return of about 6 percent.

Amongst smaller securities, Fountain gained 4,00 percent to 1,30 euros.

(BRV)

© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK