The BEL 20 index on the Brussels Stock Exchange closed Friday at a record high, rising 0.52% as utilities, industrials and consumer goods led advances. Declining issues numbered 33 against 55 gainers, with 13 stocks unchanged.
Ackermans & Van Haaren NV led gains with an 8.22% increase to €279.20, adding €21.20. Azelis Corporate Services NV rose 2.25% to €12.27, while Syensqo SA climbed 2.07% to €81.35.
Decliners included UCB SA, which fell 2.43% to €216.50, Lotus Bakeries NV down 1.54% at €12,780, and Argen-X NV, which slipped 1.34% to €895.20.
Commodities retreated as gold futures for December delivery declined 2.10% to $4,566.21 per troy ounce. Crude oil for October delivery dropped 0.62% to $83.01 per barrel, while Brent crude for November delivery fell 0.63% to $87.96 per barrel.
In foreign exchange, the EUR/USD pair retreated 0.49% to 1.16. The EUR/GBP rate was little changed, ending at 0.86 with a 0.21% gain. The U.S. Dollar Index futures fell 0.45% to 99.54.
