ISX index up by 2.4% on Wednesday

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Wednesday went up by 2.4% to close at 98.2 points as shares of 32 firms out of total 41 increased. Traded shares today hit more than 726,000 shares worth $1.214 billion through 513 deals. Shares of 41 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 32 shares jumped, 3 slumped, and 6 others maintained their previous levels. The banking sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 45% through 168 deals worth 550 million dinars over 11 firms, followed by the industrial sector with 21% through 166 deals worth 256 million dinars over 13 firms, the service sector came third with 19% of the overall trading through 90 deals worth 235 million dinars over 5 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 (S) 2