ISX index closes at 91.18 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index went up slightly by 0.04% to close at 91.18 points as trading took place on Wednesday over shares of 40 out of a total of 82 electronically-registered firms. Shares of 7 companies went up, 17 down while 16 others retained their previous rates. The number of shares traded hit 856.474 million shares worth more than 1.439 billion Iraqi dinars through 263 deals. The banking sector took the lead during the session with 63% of the trading activities through 140 deals over 14 firms, followed by the industry sector with 20% through 63 deals over nine firms and the hotels sector with 11% through 32 deals over 9 firms. The ISX witnessed its first E-trading session on April 19, 2009 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) 1