FXCM Inc (NYSE:FXCM), one of the major players in the US Forex market, has just reported its operating metrics for March 2015 and the first quarter of 2015.
Although the broker has managed to benefit from the high volatility on the Forex markets last month, with retail and institutional trading volumes marking robust rises against February 2015 levels, FXCM’s volumes were still well below FXCM’s historical volumes in the second half of last year, pre-SNB crisis. They also contrast with rival Gain Capital Holdings Inc (NYSE:GCAP) and GAIN’s record results for March 2015.
As FXCM continues to shed assets (FXCM Japan, Faros…) those figures are likely to continue lower. But if existing clients stay with FXCM and continue to trade like they did in March, the future might indeed still be bright.
Of course, FXCM’s achievements should not be downplayed, with average daily retail OTC trading volumes reaching $17.1 billion in March 2015, up by substantial 29% from February 2015. Average daily institutional trading volumes also staged a marked rise against the previous month – they amounted to $11.3 billion in March 2015, 40% higher than in February 2015.
Below are the monthly and quarterly highlights, as reported by FXCM.
March 2015 Retail Trading Metrics
- Retail customer trading volume of $375 billion in March 2015, 40% higher than February 2015 and 29% higher than March 2014. Volume from indirect sources was 36% of total retail volume in the first quarter 2015.
- Retail customer trading volume for the first quarter 2015 was $1.1 trillion, 20% lower than the fourth quarter 2014, and 17% higher than the first quarter 2014.
- Average retail customer trading volume per day of $17.1 billion in March 2015, 29% higher than February 2015 and 24% higher than March 2014.
- An average of 591,122 retail client trades per day in March 2015, 15% higher than February 2015 and 38% higher than March 2014.
- Tradable accounts of 222,279 as of March 31, 2015, a decrease of 440 accounts, or 0.2% from February 2015, and an increase of 33,016 accounts, or 17%, from March 2014.
March 2015 Institutional Trading Metrics
- Institutional customer trading volume of $248 billion in March 2015, 53% higher than February 2015 and 24% higher than March 2014.
- Average institutional trading volume per day of $11.3 billion in March 2015, 40% higher than February 2015 and 19% higher than March 2014.
- An average of 53,827 institutional client trades per day in March 2015, 72% higher than February 2015 and 43% higher than March 2014.
To view the official announcement, click here.