Dame Clara’s LSE swansong sees revenues surge

Dame Clara Furse today began her last day as chief executive at the London Stock Exchange by posting results that show share trading levels are improving, in another sign of green shoots in the economy.

In April, the average daily value of equity trading on the LSE's UK order book was up 2% on the previous quarter, helping it to beat forecasts, posting revenues of £671.4 million for the full year to March 31.

But the LSE's market share of Footsie 100 stocks this month fell below 70% for the first time, as the impact of discount rivals Chi-X, Turquoise and Bats begins to become clear.

"Although market conditions are expected to remain testing, the group is well-placed for the future," the LSE said in a statement.

Xavier Rolet, a 49-year-old former Lehman Brothers banker, takes over Furse's job at the close of trading today.