History of Iraq Stock Exchange in Timeline

The Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX), formerly the Baghdad Stock Exchange, was re-established on April 18, 2004, by CPA Order No. 74 as an independent, non-profit organization. This order also created the Iraq Securities Commission and an Iraq Depositary. The ISX's creation was intended to help transform Iraq from a centrally planned economy into a free market economy driven by a dynamic private sector.

2003: Baghdad Stock Exchange operated by the Iraqi Ministry of Finance

Before the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the country's stock exchange was called the Baghdad Stock Exchange and was operated by the Iraqi Ministry of Finance.

April 18, 2004: Establishment of the Iraq Stock Exchange

On April 18, 2004, the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) was established as an independent non-profit organization by the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) Order No. 74. This order also led to the creation of the Iraq Securities Commission and an Iraq Depositary.

June 24, 2004: Iraq Stock Exchange Begins Operations

On June 24, 2004, the Iraq Stock Exchange was incorporated and commenced operations under the supervision of the Iraq Securities Commission.

2004: ISX opens with 15 companies

The ISX opened in 2004 with 15 companies listed.

2005: ISX Operational Details in 2005

As of 2005, the ISX was Iraq's only stock exchange, with turnover of shares approximately $5 million USD per trading session. Major stocks included Bank of Baghdad, Baghdad Soft Drinks Co, Iraqi Tufted Carpets Co, Hader Marble, and Altherar Agriculture.

2006: Trading Statistics for 2006

In 2006, 92 trading sessions were held on the Iraq Stock Exchange, with 57 billion shares traded at a value of 146 billion dinars, and 38,000 trades were consummated. The trading floor was open six hours a week.

2006: Suspension of Trading in 2006

In 2006, trading on the Iraq Stock Exchange was suspended for several months due to violence, and was subject to power outages.

August 2, 2007: ISX Opens to Foreign Investors

On August 2, 2007, the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) opened to foreign investors.

2008: ISX Unaffected by 2008 Financial Crisis

The Iraq Stock Exchange was unaffected by the 2008 financial crisis.

April 19, 2009: ISX Switches to Electronic Trading

On April 19, 2009, the Iraq Stock Exchange transitioned to electronic trading, initially with five companies available for electronic trading.

2018: ISX Top Performer in Q1 2018

In the first quarter of 2018, the ISX became one of the world's top performers due to the influx of investors encouraged by the defeat of the Islamic state. Companies listed on the market increased by 10 percent.