Belgium has several popular stocks, which may be new to foreigners.
Whether you’re Belgian or visiting Belgium, these meme stocks will give you an idea of what is popular in the country. Contact a Saxo broker for more information.
Gobelins
Gobelins is one of the most well-known Belgian companies, and its stock price reflects that worldwide.
What first started as a small toy company doing wooden serpentine puzzles has now blossomed into a global corporation with more than 200 different offices worldwide.
In the 80s, the company moved on to office furniture, but as time went on, they shifted towards designing and manufacturing wooden cubes for board games such as Chess and Mahjong.
Most recently, they have been focusing on making high-quality marble run sets initially introduced in the 50s after founder Oscar Gobelins came up with the idea.
Engine
TODAY, the GDF Suez group’s subsidiary energy supplier ENGIE is undoubtedly one of Belgium’s most popular meme stocks.
The phrase “Let there be light” could easily refer to this company which provides the power needed for light all over Belgium by delivering gas or electricity that keeps lights turned on in people’s homes and businesses.
Carrefour
It’s safe to say that many Belgians own some shares of the famous French company Carrefour.
This stock has been trading on Euronext Brussels since 2006 and is part of the Next 150 index, including companies such as BNP Paribas Fortis, Solvay and Telenet.
The retailer started as a small grocery store in Annecy in 1953 before expanding throughout Europe, Latin America and even China.
Today, they have more than 12 500 locations worldwide! So whether you’re looking for groceries or home products, be sure to check it out if you’re ever near one of their many locations across Belgium.
Umicore
Umicore is a materials technology and recycling company founded in 1805 as a mining and smelting company.
Over the years, they have specialized in several different areas such as precious metals, automotive catalysts and advanced materials.
Recently, they announced their plan to focus on electric vehicle batteries and recycling, which is sure to be a valuable resource in the years to come.
Telenet
Belgium’s most recent billionaire, John Caudron, made his money through smart investments in telecom and media companies such as Telenet.
Telenet has been listed on Euronext Brussels since its IPO in 1996 and is part of the BEL20 index.
It operates mobile networks, TV cable networks and fixed telephone lines which cover more than 98% of Belgium’s population today – a great reason to invest if you live there.
Solvay
The Belgian chemicals company is one of the largest in Europe and has been operating since 1863.
The company is listed on Euronext Brussels and is part of the BEL20 and CAC40 indices. Solvay is a significant producer of soda ash, chlorine, hydrofluoric acid and sodium bicarbonate, all of which are used in a wide variety of different products that we come across daily.
Kinepolis
From amusement parks to shopping malls, Belgium has seen an increase in modern-day cinemas built over the years.
One of the most prominent players here is Kinepolis Group NV, founded in 1981 and operates movie theatres throughout Europe & China.
The company was listed on Euronext Brussels back in 1989 and is currently part of the BEL20 index. Just last year they announced plans to invest 500 million Euros into the construction of new locations, so it’s doing very well!
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV
And finally, the biggest company on this list is none other than AB InBev, the largest beer company in the world.
It was founded in 2008 when two major Belgian companies joined forces and merged their operations. The company has a market capitalization of over $200 billion and employs more than 150 000 people worldwide.
It is listed on Euronext Brussels and the New York Stock Exchange and is part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. AB InBev produces more than 400 different brands of beer sold in over 100 countries, so it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most traded stocks on the planet!