(19 February 2010 – Australia) Australian Securities Exchange operator ASX Limited has reported a 2.3 percent fall in its first-half net profit, including significant items, from a year earlier.In a statement released yesterday, ASX Limited said its net profit for the six months to December 31st, including one of items, fell to A$168 million from A$171.9 million the previous year.
Robert Elstone, managing director and chief executive, ASX Limited, said that the group performed well during the first half of the financial year 2010, following a rebound in financial market confidence, lower volatility and a modest return of risk appetite within the financial intermediary and investment community.
The group also reported that its normal net profit, excluding significant items, fell 0.8 percent to A$170.6 million, however its operating revenue increased from A$286.3 million the previous year to A$302.8 million.