ISX closes with slight increase on Wednesday

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Wednesday went up slightly by 0.09 percent to close at 126.6 points as shares of 18 firms out of total 45 increased.   Traded shares today hit 2.8 billion shares worth 7.6 billion dinars ($ 6.5 million) through 551 deals. Shares of 45 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 18 shares jumped, 15 slumped, and 12 others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 91% through 306 deals worth 6.9 million dinars over 15 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 4% through 126 deals worth 292 million dinars over 14 firms, the hotel sector came third with 3% of the overall trading through 57 deals worth 209 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 390