ISX trading hits ID2.9b on Monday

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) on Monday saw more than 1.5 billion shares exchanging hands at a value of 2.9 billion Iraqi dinars ($2.5 million). Rates of shares of six companies went up, 25 down while four retained their previous rates in a session that saw non-Iraqi investors trading over 272.3 million shares worth 620.9 million Iraqi dinars. The banking sector came in the lead today with 58% of the trading activities through 277 contracts over stocks of 16 banking firms, followed by the services sector with 20% of the trading activities, while the industrial sector came in third with 17% of the trading activities. The ISX witnessed the first e-trading session on April 19 over five registered companies, three banks and two hotels. The banks were:  Ashur International Bank (AIB), Al-Mansour Bank and the Iraqi Credit Bank while the hotels were:  Ashtar Hotel and Al-Mansour Hotel. On June 7, the Iraqi Middle East Investment Bank and the Warka Bank joined the electronic trading sessions. The ISX now holds five sessions from Sunday to Thursday. SH (P)/SR 1