Interactive Brokers Group concluded 2024 with a significant surge in key performance metrics, boosted by growing client engagement and expanded financial activity.
While some monthly figures showed slight declines, the year-on-year growth highlighted a strong performance for the global electronic brokerage firm, according to the company’s statement.
DARTs and Client Equity
The company reported 3.267 million Daily Average Revenue Trades (DARTs) in December 2024, marking a 66% increase from the previous year. However, this figure dipped by 1% compared to November.
Ending client equity stood at $568.2 billion, reflecting a substantial 33% rise year-on-year, although it fell slightly by 1% from the prior month. Interactive Brokers ended the year with 3.34 million client accounts, a remarkable 30% increase from December 2023 and a 3% rise compared to the previous month.
Margin loan balances climbed to $64.2 billion, up 45% year-on-year and 7% month-on-month. Meanwhile, client credit balances reached $119.7 billion, growing by 15% from the previous year and edging up 1% from November.
Trading Costs and Metrics
Interactive Brokers posted average commissions per cleared commissionable order of $2.58. Notably, stock trades averaged 862 shares per order with a commission of $1.84, while futures trades averaged 3.1 contracts at $4.56. These figures highlight the firm's efficiency and cost-effectiveness for clients, particularly its IBKR PRO users.
December’s average U.S. Reg.-NMS stock trade was $18,726, and the total cost of execution for IBKR PRO clients was approximately 5.7 basis points.
Over the rolling twelve months, the net cost was 4.1 basis points. Mark-to-market gains on U.S. government securities added $0.3 million for the quarter, contributing to a $1.8 million gain for the year.
While the December performance showcased resilience, the GLOBAL, measured in U.S. dollars, declined by 0.58% during the month and 1.45% over the year. Despite this, Interactive Brokers’ diversified platform ensured steady engagement across 150 markets worldwide.
