Negative investment portfolio returns in recent months, coupled with bleak economic prospects largely due to the trade war initiated by US President Donald Trump, are weighing on the morale of Belgian investors, according to the latest Investor Barometer, conducted by ING bank released on Saturday.
The barometer fell to 77 out of 200 points in April, marking its lowest level since November 2022, reported the bank. For the second consecutive month, it is below the neutral level of 100 points, “indicating that Belgian investors are watching financial and economic developments with some anxiety,” noted ING.
Peter Vanden Houte, chief economist at ING Belgium, stated that “48% of respondents expect the economic situation in Belgium to worsen over the next three months, while one-fifth anticipate an economic cycle upturn. More than half of the investors have reported negative returns for their portfolios.” These factors have significantly affected investor confidence.
However, there is a growing hope for a recovery in the Brussels stock market. In the first half of April, 15% of those surveyed believed that the stock market would rise in the coming months, but this figure increased to 31% in the second half of April.
ING also explored sustainable investments. Over a third of respondents believe they can support the fight against climate change through their investment portfolio composition, and approximately six in ten consider climate change when building their portfolios.
Finally, nearly two out of three investors wish to invest in sustainable companies, but only if the returns are as high as those for non-sustainable investments.
