Gross domestic product (GDP) climbed by 0.2% quarter-on-quarter. The year-on-year growth rate was 1.1 %. Value added fell in the manufacturing industry, while the building industry and services sector recorded growth.

During the first quarter of 2024, shares issued by Belgian funds markedly increased in value, reaching €244.7 billion. Belgian households invested relatively more in shares issued by domestic funds (76% of purchases) than by foreign funds.

After several months of near stability, the business confidence indicator dropped to a level close to that recorded in February. Confidence in the business climate worsened in the manufacturing industry and in business-related services, while the building industry grew slightly more optimistic.

Fears of a rise in unemployment over the next twelve months have sharply intensified. Households are less optimistic about their savings intentions over the coming twelve months.

The Governing Council today decided to keep the three key ECB interest rates unchanged. The incoming information broadly supports the Governing Council’s previous assessment of the medium-term inflation outlook.