ISX index down by 1.8%, closes at 91 points

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) index went down by 1.8% to close at 91 points as trading took place on Tuesday over shares of 37 out of a total of 82 electronically-registered firms. Shares of 9 companies went up, 19 down while 9 others retained their previous rates. The number of shares traded hit 506 million shares worth more than 1.278 billion Iraqi dinars through 243 deals. The banking sector took the lead during the session with 80% of the trading activities through 114 deals over 14 firms, followed by the hotels sector with 8% through 30 deals over four firms and the industry sector with 6% through 61 deals over 11 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