ISX index closes at 126.8 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Wednesday went down by 1.7% to close at 126.8 points as shares of 28 firms out of total 48 decreased.  Traded shares today hit 2.397 billion shares worth 3.636 billion dinars ($3 million) through 888 deals.  Shares of 48 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 9 shares jumped, 28 slumped, and 11 others maintained their previous levels.  The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 74% through 570 deals worth 2.705 billion dinars over 15 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 14% through 188 deals worth 551 million dinars over 18 firms, the service sector came third with 8% of the overall trading through 79 deals worth 303 million dinars over 4 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 422