IG Group sees full-year earnings slightly ahead of views

Spreadbetting firm IG Group reported solid trading in the fourth quarter and said earnings for the year are set to be slightly ahead of expectations.

In a very brief trading update, the company said it performed well during what was a relatively quiet period in financial markets, with all key operating and financial metrics remaining strong.

“As outlined in the third quarter trading update, this continued robust performance has resulted in higher variable operating costs in the last part of the year, including an increase in online marketing spend, where the payback remains compelling,” IG said.

However, it said the cost increase was more than offset by ongoing strength in trading revenue, so it now expects full-year earnings to be slightly ahead of views.