ISX index closes at 118 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Wednesday went up by 0.6% to close at 118 points as shares of 11 firms out of total 42 increased. Traded shares today hit more than 1.624 billion shares worth 2.300 billion dinars ($2 million) through 704 deals. Shares of 42 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 11 shares jumped, 23 slumped, and 8 others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 73% through 405 deals worth 1.680 billion dinars over 15 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 19% through 176 deals worth 451 million dinars over 12 firms, the investment sector came third with 3% of the overall trading through 28 deals worth 79 million dinars over one firm. 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 649