Spanish Stock Exchange Closes Trading Above 20,000 Points for the First Time in Its History

Madrid, Aug 4 (KUNA) -- The main index of the Madrid Stock Exchange (IBEX 35) closed Tuesday’s trading above the 20,000-point level for the first time in its history, supported by gains in mining and infrastructure stocks. The Madrid Stock Exchange said on its official website that the IBEX 35 ended the session up 0.21 percent to reach 20,023 points, marking a new unprecedented record high. It added that shares of steel and ironmaker ArcelorMittal led the gains, rising 4.24 percent, followed by Amadeus IT Group, which provides information technology and tourism and travel services, up 2.13 percent, and then Sacyr, a construction and infrastructure company, up 1.9 percent. On the other hand, energy sector stocks came under pressure amid falling oil prices. Shares of Acciona, an energy and infrastructure firm, fell 7.18 percent, while Repsol shares dropped 1.15 percent and Naturgy shares declined 1.25 percent. The IBEX 35 comprises the 35 largest listed companies on the Spanish stock exchange and serves as the primary benchmark for the performance of Spain’s equity market. (End) H.N.D. / M.A.H.A.