ISX index closes at 127.3 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Monday went down by 0.6% to close at 127.3 points as shares of 31 firms out of total 48 decreased. Traded shares today hit 2.256 billion shares worth 3.3 billion dinars ($2.8 million) through 759 deals. Shares of 48 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 5 shares jumped, 31 slumped, and 12 others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 87% through 544 deals worth 2.932 billion dinars over 17 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 7% through 142 deals worth 234 million dinars over 15 firms, the hotel sector came third with 4% of the overall trading through 39 deals worth 114 million dinars over 8 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 (TP) 556