UPDATE: Stifel Nicolaus Downgrades MarketAxess Holdings to Hold on Valuation, EPS Deceleration

Stifel Nicolaus reduced its rating on MarketAxess Holding

from Buy to Hold and removed its previous $40 price target. Stifel Nicolaus commented, "We are downgrading shares of MKTX from Buy to Hold following a disappointing August volume report and what we see as a significant slowdown coming in revenue and EPS growth in 2H12. Given our reduced EPS forecast, we see limited upside from current levels following a ~30% run in the shares over the last two months, compared to a 6% gain in the S&P 500. Under our previous valuation framework of 11x 2013E EBITDA, we estimate fair value at $36/sh." MarketAxess Holdings closed at $34.00 on Wednesday.