ISX index slightly down, closes at 126.17 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Tuesday went down by 0.19 percent to close at 126.17 points as shares of 20 firms out of total 42 decreased. Traded shares today hit 1.798 billion shares worth 3.2 billion dinars ($8.2 million) through 665 deals. Shares of 42 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 14 shares jumped, 20 slumped, and 8 others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 80% through 406 deals worth 2.5 billion dinars over 15 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 8% through 136 deals worth 257 million dinars over 13 firms, the hotel sector came third with 7% of the overall trading through 60 deals worth 233 million dinars over seven 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) 342