Exchange operator NYSE Euronext (NYX) Tuesday said fourth-quarter net profit dropped 20% from a year earlier, hit by negative foreign currency moves, weak trading volumes and merger charges.

Net profit for the period was $120 million compared with $151 million in the same period a year earlier, while earnings per share declined 21% to $0.46.

Revenue in the quarter fell 4% to $613 million compared with the same quarter in 2009 due a decline in European derivatives and U.S. cash average daily trading volumes, as well as a $19 million hit from foreign currency fluctuations, which were partially offset by higher technology services revenue.

"Despite a challenging trading volume environment in the second half of 2010, we recorded record volumes in our derivatives business for full-year 2010, we stabilized our core cash markets, our listings business showed renewed strength, our technology business is primed for growth in 2011 and we continued to focus on reducing our fixed expense base," said Chief Financial Officer Michael S. Geltzeiler in a statement.

NYSE Euronext said its board will recommend a $0.30 cash dividend a share in the first quarter.

NYSE Euronext was formed in 2007 by the combination of NYSE Group Inc. and pan-European bourse operator Euronext NV. The company's shares closed Monday in New York up 3.4%, or $1.11, at $33.76.

-By Elena Berton, Dow Jones Newswires; +33 1 40 17 17 65; elena.berton@dowjones.com
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