BM&FBovespa SA, owner of Latin America's biggest exchange, posted an increase of 8.8 per cent in the fourth-quarter profit. This happened mainly on the back of recovery in of Brazil's economy which was boosted by trading in the local markets.

Company reported net profit of $120.5 million or 220.2 million reais for the fourth quarter of 2009 as against 202.4 million reais for the same period of the previous financial year. Revenue of the company increased by, 20 per cent to 424.8 million reais from the 355.5 million reais for the same period, last financial year.

Its operational expenses offset the rise in the margins by 25 per cent and the surplus revenue was narrowed by 10 per cent over the period.

For the next fiscal year, the exchange is boosting its trading capabilities which will help it to lure more retail investors and global hedge funds.

According to Chief Executive Edemir Pinto, "2009 was an awesome year for the records we had in terms of trading volumes in the equity segment and the progress we made in direct market access trading and high frequency trading."