IG punters switch from playing forex to Footsie

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

IG said revenues in the summer trading quarter to the end of August were 28% better at £68 million.

Excluding its move into the Japanese forex market, IG said its organic growth in the three months was 17%. Even in its most mature market in London, revenues were up 4% to £39 million.

IG said the number of new acounts opened came in at 21,000 financial accounts representing organic growth of 23% and that contrary to general perception, its customer base is not a load of City boys playing the markets in their spare time.

Rather, the firm says, the typical IG punter is in fact in his or her mid to late-thirties, most likely in a managerial or professional role and playing the market as part of his or her wider investment portfolio.

Last year IG reported a 33% surge in profits to £131 million, the spread-betting specialist today warned the increase in business during the volatility of last autumn's banking crisis will not be repeated. "The group faces more challenging comparatives in the second quarter, as both revenue and account-opening last year were boosted by the volatility of September and October," IG said.