ISX index closes at 91.1 points on Tuesday

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index went up by slightly 0.01% for the third session on a row to close at 91.1 points as rates of shares of 8 out of a total 24 traded firms increased on Tuesday. Shares of 24 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 8 shares increased, 10 slumped, and 6 others maintained their previous levels. “More than 1.296 billion shares exchanged hands at 1.724 billion Iraqi dinars (roughly $1,4 million) through 204 deals,” according to an ISX news bulletin received by IraqiNews.com news agency. The banking sector took the lead with 81% of the overall trading through 97 deals worth 1.403 billion dinars over 10 firms, followed by the hotel sector with 15% through 28 deals worth 261 million dinars over five firms and the service sector with 2% through 44 deals worth 44.9 million dinras. Trading was modest over the industrial and agricultural sectors. 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, 2009, 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 (S) 1