Euronext, the pan-European exchange, posted a 78% increase in profits in the first six months of the year thanks to strong derivatives trading and a software deal with the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT).

Profits in the first half of last year were boosted by an exceptional gain of €91.9m ($100m) as a result of the sale of 20% of Clearnet shares and Dutch settlement activities to Euroclear. Net profit stripping out the exceptional gain was €74.5m in the first half compared with €41.8m in the same period last year. Total revenues rose just 3.9% to €511.4m.