ISX index closes at 94.5 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Monday went up by 0.3% to close at 94.5 points as shares of 20 firms out of total 40 increased. Traded shares today hit more than 1.316 billion worth $1.575 billion through 440 deals. Shares of 40 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 20 shares jumped, 16 slumped, and four others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 43% through 93 deals worth 677 million dinars over 11 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 37% through 249 deals worth 592 million dinars over 13 firms, the hotel sector came third with 11% of the overall trading through 43 deals worth 181 million dinars over 6 firms and the service sector with 110 million dinars through 42 deals over four 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) 1