Nasdaq OMX’s alternative European equity market is finally showing signs of life six months after its launch, after putting in place an aggressive pricing model where the company takes a loss on many large trades.

The market, known as Nasdaq OMX Europe, was boosted by a record day of trading yesterday when it performed share trades worth €135m ($181m), according to US-based equities market Bats Europe. Bats is a rival of Nasdaq, although the figures are not disputed by Nasdaq OMX.