Following the CME Group’s volume figures, the IntercontinentalExchange released its December and 2012 full year numbers. For December, the ICE reported average daily volumes (ADV) 2.72 million contracts, a 0.7% increase from the same period in 2011. For 2012, ADV was 3.36 million contracts, a 9.7% increase from 2011 (figures include both Futures and Options contracts). Total 2012 volume was a record for the ICE. Boosting the Exchange were Energy products led by a 16.5% rise 2012 in Brent products and a 52.7% surge in its Power division.
In FX, December 2012 ADV was 33,146 which was 2.6% higher than 2011, and 32% above November 2012 figures. The rise in month over month trading follows a similar report from the CME. As such, it appears that despite the holiday period, December turned out to be a great month for FX trading. In the next few days we’ll be seeing some of the publically reporting FX spot venues and brokers reporting their figures.
For the ICE, the record 2012 volumes come as the exchange has had a busy end of the year as seen by its $8.2 billion bid to acquire the NYSE Euronext. Looking ahead, if the Merger comes to fruition it could lead to a combined ICE/Liffe competing well against the CME Group.
