ISX index closes at 98.3 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Monday dropped by 0.3% to close at 98.3 points as shares of 18 firms out of total 43 decreased. Traded shares today hit more than 784 million shares worth $1.247 billion through 424 deals. Shares of 43 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 15 shares jumped, 18 slumped, and 10 others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 57% through 157 deals worth 716 million dinars over 12 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 21% through 137 deals worth 266 million dinars over 13 firms, the hotel sector came third with 11% of the overall trading through 59 deals worth 144 million dinars over 8 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 (S)/SR 38