ISX index goes up by 1%

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Wednesday went up by 1% to close at 100.5 points as shares of 22 firms out of total 43 increased. Traded shares today hit more than 4.659 billion shares worth $5.4 billion through 542 deals. Shares of 43 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 22 shares jumped, 8 slumped, and 13 others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 81% through 207 deals worth 4.4 million dinars over 13 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 8% through 142 deals worth 417 million dinars over 10 firms, the hotel sector came third with 7% of the overall trading through 126 deals worth 384 million dinars over 10 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) 24