ISX rises, closes at 94 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index went up slightly by 0.7% to close at 94 points as trading took place on Wednesday over shares of 38 out of a total of 82 electronically-registered firms. Shares of 16 companies went up, 12 down while 10 others retained their previous rates. The number of shares traded hit 1.058 million shares worth more than1.728 million Iraqi dinars ($1.4 million) through 281 deals. The banking sector took the lead during the session with 89% of the trading activities through 151 deals worth ID1.538 billion over 14 firms, followed by the service sector with 6% through 70 deals over five firms and the industry sector with 3% through 31 deals over 9 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 (P) 1