IG Group Posts Rise In H1 Profit

reported a 2.8% gain in its pretax profit for the first half. IG Group's pretax profit for the period rose to 101.4 million pounds ($153.5 million), compared to GBP98.6 million, in the year-earlier period. Its total revenue gained to GBP216.5 million, versus GBP203.8 million. IG Group lifted its interim dividend to 8.45 pence per share, compared to 5.75 pence. Chief executive Tim Howkins said: "IG delivered another very strong set of results, with record revenue in the half year after a subdued first quarter. We also made good progress with our ongoing investment in strategic initiatives designed to drive future growth, including the launch of stockbroking in the UK and the opening of a new office in Switzerland.”