Feb 12 (Reuters) - Exchange operator CME Group ( CME )

reported a higher fourth quarter profit on Wednesday, helped by

increased hedging activity as investors moved to mitigate risks

amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Net profit attributable to the common shareholders of CME

came in at $863.7 million, or $2.40 per share, in the three

months ended December 31, compared with $804.3 million, or $2.24

per share, in the year-ago period.