ISX index closes at 122.3 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Sunday went up by 2.9% to close at 122.3 points as shares of 29 firms out of total 48 increased. Traded shares today hit more than 2 billion shares worth 3.2 billion dinars ($2.8 million) through 901 deals. Shares of 48 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 29 shares jumped, 12 slumped, and 7 others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 72% through 595 deals worth 2.342 billion dinars over 16 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 15% through 182 deals worth 494 million dinars over 16 firms, the hotel sector came third with 7% of the overall trading through 43 deals worth 241 million dinars over six 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 1008