SIXs Securities Services business area saw international clearing transactions increase by approximately 186% to 74.3 million in 2012, representing 81% of the total clearing volume of 91.6 million transactions. The company, which is expanding its position as a central counterparty in Europe, also saw international settlement transactions also increase, rising 18% to 8.7 million, while settlement transactions in Switzerland declined by 23.7% to 15.1 million, in particular due to the increased netting of transactions on the part of banks.
However, as a consequence of the declining trading volume on the stock markets, persistently low interest rates and continued strong margin pressure, operating income fell 5.3% to CHF 172.3 million and operating profit dropped 25.6% to CHF 21.0 million.
SIX group profit rose by 46.5% to CHF 320.1 million year on year. The increase primarily reflects the proceeds from the sale of the Eurex holding and higher financial income, said SIX. However, adjusted for the sale of its stake in Eurex and special effects from the prior year, operating income was at the same level as in 2011, the operating profit rose by CHF 34.2 million or 21.3% to CHF 194.8 million.
(JDC)