ISX index up to close at 126.3 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Wednesday went up by 0.17 percent to close at 126.3 points as shares of 15 firms out of total 41 increased. Traded shares today hit 5.6 billion shares worth 9.8 billion dinars ($8.4 million) through 673 deals. Shares of 41 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 15 shares jumped, 9 slumped, and 17 others maintained their previous levels. The industrial sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 75% through 115 deals worth 7.3 billion dinars over 13 firms, followed by the banking sector with 23% through 453 deals worth 2.3 billion dinars over 14 firms, the service sector came third with 0.06% of the overall trading through 45 deals worth 59 million dinars 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 (TP)/SR   554