Following the CME Group’s volume figures, the IntercontinentalExchange released its December and 2012 full year numbers. For December, the ICE reported average daily volumes (ADV) 2.72 million contracts, a 0.7% increase from the same period in 2011. For 2012, ADV was 3.36 million contracts, a 9.7% increase from 2011 (figures include both Futures and Options contracts). Total 2012 volume was a record for the ICE. Boosting the exchange were Energy products led by a 16.5% rise 2012 in Brent products and a 52.7% surge in its Power division.

In FX, December 2012 ADV was 33,146 which was 2.6% higher than 2011, and 32% above November 2012 figures. The rise in month over month trading follows a similar report from the CME. As such, it appears that despite the holiday period, December turned out to be a great month for FX trading. In the next few days we’ll be seeing some of the publically reporting FX spot venues and brokers reporting their figures.

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For the ICE, the record 2012 volumes come as the exchange has had a busy end of the year as seen by its $8.2 billion bid to acquire the NYSE Euronext. Looking ahead, if the merger comes to fruition it could lead to a combined ICE/Liffe competing well against the CME Group.