ISX index closes at 95.6 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Wednesday went down by 0.2% to close at 95.6 points as shares of 19 firms out of total 34 decreased. Traded shares today hit more than one billion shares worth $1.344 billion through 424 deals. Shares of 34 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 7 shares jumped, 19 slumped, and 8 others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 51% through 137 deals worth 688 million dinars over 9 firms, followed by the industerial sector with 40% through 218 deals worth 541 million dinars over 14 firms, the service sector came third with 4% of the overall trading through 33 deals worth 57 million dinars over two firms and the hotel sector with 42 million dinars through 22 deals over five 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 1