] The unofficial figures of the day's trade tell the story.
] Over $10 million in stocks changed hands, reflecting the
] movement of about 1.43 billion shares though only 27
] companies are listed on the exchange.

] For Iraqis, these days have been a long time coming. The
] ISX replaces the now-defunct Baghdad Stock Exchange,
] which was riddled with corruption. Saddam's extended
] family often muscled in at will by simply issuing new
] shares for companies they found attractive.

] Officials say they hope that in a month they will have all
] 120 companies previously listed on the old exchange on
] the new ISX's ''big board'' actually 27 small white boards,
] where workers record trades with markers.