ISX index closes at 128.4 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com:  The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Tuesday went up by 0.7 percent to close at 128.4 points as shares of 27 firms out of total 43 increased. Traded shares today hit 1.624 billion shares worth 3 billion dinars ($ 2.7 million) through 705 deals. Shares of 43 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 27 shares jumped, 2 slumped, and 14 others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 52% through 259 deals worth 1.655 billion dinars over 13 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 23% through 234 deals worth 897 million dinars over 13 firms, the service sector came third with 19% of the overall trading through 175 deals worth 599 million dinars over 7 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) 511