Brussels is ranked 39th in the world rankings of city economies, and public transport is its greatest asset

The World Cities Index, produced by Schroders every year, ranks 763 cities based on their economic potential.

The British financial house doesn't do it for fun. The asset manager uses the rating as an input for making investment decisions related to real estate, such as investments in offices and logistics centers, but also in housing for seniors or students.

“It is interesting for us to know what city economies are promising. Because you want to invest in a growing city where people love to live and work. If the city is growing and the real estate supply is limited, rents and values ​​​​will increase,” explains Tom Walker, investment expert. Real estate at Schroders.

Vibrant city economies

The index ranks cities based on four criteria: economic dynamism, environmental policy, innovation, and transportation infrastructure. San Francisco stands out as the best economic city, ahead of London and San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley.

And Brussels? The Belgian capital ranks 39th, and is in the top ten in Europe, after London, Paris, Stockholm, Munich, Berlin, Amsterdam, Manchester, Copenhagen and Zurich.

“This is not bad at all. Moreover, Brussels is climbing the rankings year after year,” says Walker, who explains the partial results at BRUZZ's request.