(Reuters) – Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE) reported a higher third-quarter profit on Thursday, helped by strong trading volumes across asset classes due to geopolitical risks and shifting expectations of interest rate cuts.
Conflict in the Middle East and diverging views of the interest rate trajectory have bumped up volatility in the global markets, prompting traders to actively adjust their portfolios to capitalize on fluctuating prices and avoid risks.
ICE’s energy trading volumes rose 23% in the third quarter, with gains across segments including oil, gasoil as well as other crude and refined products. Natural gas average daily volumes increased 33%.
Total revenue from the company’s exchange business, the biggest component of its revenue base, rose to $1.25 billion from $1.11 billion from a year earlier.
The New York Stock Exchange parent reported adjusted earnings of $894 million, or $1.55 per share, in the quarter, compared with $824 million, or $1.46 per share, a year earlier.
