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GREENWICH, Conn. - Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: IBKR), a global automated electronic broker with a market capitalization of $74.28 billion and an impressive 90.63% gross profit margin, has expanded the trading hours for its Forecast Contracts, now allowing eligible clients to trade these contracts nearly 24 hours a day, six days a week, the company announced today. According to InvestingPro data, the company has demonstrated strong financial health with consistent profitability. The extended hours enable clients to manage risk and express market views on economic, government, and climate events as they occur in real-time.
Forecast Contracts are designed to offer a simple and cost-effective method for investors to speculate on the outcomes of various significant events. These events range from economic developments to governmental actions and environmental changes. Each contract poses a "Yes" or "No" question, such as whether the U.S. economy will enter a recession by a certain date, thereby allowing investors to buy positions based on their predictions.
Interactive Brokers emphasizes the timeliness of this service, as markets can react instantly to global events. "By extending trading hours for Forecast Contracts, we’re offering clients the flexibility to act on critical market developments as they unfold, regardless of when they happen," stated Steve Sanders, EVP of Marketing and Product Development at Interactive Brokers.
The contracts are available to trade on various Interactive Brokers platforms, including mobile and desktop applications, and are priced between USD 0.02 and USD 0.99, reflecting the market’s view of the probability of each event. A correct prediction on a contract will settle at USD 1.00, while an incorrect one settles at zero. This settlement system provides a transparent indicator of investor sentiment in real-time.
Forecast Contracts are offered through ForecastEx LLC, a CFTC-regulated subsidiary of Interactive Brokers. They are accessible to clients in the U.S., Canada, and Hong Kong who meet eligibility requirements.
Interactive Brokers is recognized for providing sophisticated technology and automation to its clients, which include individual investors, hedge funds, and financial advisors. The company has been acknowledged by the industry for its trading platform and investment tools designed to help clients manage their portfolios efficiently and achieve superior investment returns. With an 18.21% revenue growth in the last twelve months and a track record of maintaining dividend payments for 16 consecutive years, IBKR has established itself as a robust financial services provider. InvestingPro analysis reveals 8 additional key insights about IBKR’s performance and potential, available to subscribers.
This expansion of service is based on a press release statement issued by Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. For comprehensive analysis and detailed insights into IBKR’s financial health, valuation metrics, and growth prospects, investors can access the full Pro Research Report, available exclusively on InvestingPro, along with in-depth research on 1,400+ other top US stocks.
In other recent news, Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. reported a significant increase in trading activity for April, with Daily Average Revenue Trades (DARTs) rising 63% year-over-year to 3.818 million. The company also saw a 28% increase in client equity, ending at $588.1 billion. Additionally, Interactive Brokers introduced the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) in Canada, offering a tax-advantaged savings option for first-time homebuyers, with high contribution limits and tax-free investment growth. At the annual stockholders’ meeting, all proposals were approved, including the election of directors and the ratification of Deloitte as the independent auditor. Piper Sandler adjusted its price target for Interactive Brokers to $182, following the company’s first-quarter earnings report, which showed an adjusted EPS of $1.88, slightly below estimates. BofA Securities also revised its price target to $243, maintaining a Buy rating, citing concerns over tariff disputes but acknowledging strong international demand for US assets. Interactive Brokers continues to demonstrate resilience with robust account growth and a comprehensive global offering across 160 markets.
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