ISX index down, closes at 126.8 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Wednesday went down by 1 percent to close at 126.8 points as shares of 21 firms out of total 48 decreased. Traded shares today hit 1.655 billion shares worth 2.8 billion dinars ($2.8 million) through 637 deals. Shares of 48 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 12 shares jumped, 21 slumped, and 15 others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 80% through 394 deals worth 2.2 billion dinars over 16 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 9% through 159 deals worth 252 million dinars over 16 firms, the hotel sector came third with 6% of the overall trading through 33 deals worth 172 million dinars over 5 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)/SR   600