Slight increase in ISX index

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index on Tuesday went up slightly by 0.07% to close at 97.9 points as shares of 23 firms out of total 43 increased. Traded shares today hit more than 994.682 million worth $1.619 billion through 609 deals. Shares of 43 companies were traded in today’s session, of which 23 shares jumped, 11 slumped, and nine others maintained their previous levels. The industrial sector grabbed the lion’s share of today’s trading with 41% through 304 deals worth 668 million dinars over 14 firms, followed by the banking sector with 31% through 138 deals worth 503 million dinars over 9 firms, the service sector came third with 16% of the overall trading through 96 deals worth 262 million dinars over four firms and the hotel sector with 147 million dinars through 33 deals over seven 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) 1