Profit attributable to shareholders decreased to $1,148 million in the first quarter of 2012 against$1,238 million for the same period in 2011. The decrease was mainly due to lower turnover-related income and higher operating expenses, but partly offset by higher net investment income.
Income affected by market turnover dropped by $126 million to $1,129 million in the first quarter of 2012 mainly due to the lower trading fees and trading tariff and clearing and settlement fees driven by the decrease in turnover on the Cash and Derivatives Markets.
The increase in net investment income was mainly attributable to the higher net fair value gains of investments reflecting market movements, and a rise in interest income due to increases in bank deposit rates.
Total operating expenses increased over the same quarter last year mainly due to higher staff costs and increases in legal and professional fees on account of various initiatives under the StrategicPlan 2010-2012.
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