The Brussels Stock Exchange’s Bel20 index closed on Thursday at 4,617.32 points, marking the first time since 23 July 2007 that it has finished above the 4,600 mark and edging closer to its all-time high of 4,756.92 points, set on 23 May 2007.
The Bel20 index reflects the performance of the top 20 shares on the Brussels stock exchange. It began on 18 March 1991, with the basket of shares set at a value of 1,000 points as of 30 December 1990.
After 17 years, the Bel-20 was heading for a fivefold increase since its inception, but the index fell short of reaching this milestone. After its record high of 4,756.92 points in 2007, the international banking crisis sparked a significant downturn. Major financial stocks such as Fortis, Dexia, and KBC heavily influenced the index’s trajectory, eventually dropping it to 1,527.27 points on 6 March 2009.
It has taken more than 16 years to return to previous levels, overcoming challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, an energy crisis, and disruptions in international trade.
