ISX index up by 0.4%, closes at 121.4 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Tuesday went up by 0.4% to close at 121.4 points as shares of 15 firms out of total 38 increased. Traded shares today hit 1.133 billion shares worth 1.813 billion dinars ($1.5 million) through 551 deals. Shares of 38 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 15 shares jumped, 11 slumped, and 12 others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 68% through 365 deals worth 1.244 billion dinars over 15 firms, followed by the hotel sector with 14% through 33 deals worth 275 million dinars over 6 firms, the industrial sector came third with 11% of the overall trading through 111 deals worth 200 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 (TS) 794