Feb 7 (Reuters) - Exchange operator Cboe Global Markets ( CBOE )

reported a rise in fourth-quarter adjusted profit on

Friday, driven by increased options trading as investors sought

to hedge risks.

Demand for options products remained high as investors

hedged against risks from economic and geopolitical

uncertainties such as the war in the Middle East.

Cboe's options trading segment revenue grew 3% in the

quarter compared with last year, while futures revenue fell 7%.

Heightened concerns about interest-rate cuts, a potential

trade war and geopolitical tensions kept investors on edge

despite a strong market rally, driving demand for hedging.

"While the robust options volumes were a standout for 2024,

the results were notable in that each category, Derivatives

Markets, Data Vantage, and Cash and Spot Markets, contributed to

the fourth-quarter and full-year growth," said CEO Fredric

Tomczyk.

Average daily volumes in total company options increased to

15.7 million contracts in the reported quarter, from 14.9

million a year earlier.

On an adjusted basis, the exchange operator's net income

allocated to common shareholders came in at $221.2 million, or

$2.10 per share, in the three months ended December 31, compared

with $218.8 million, or $2.06 per share in the year-ago period.

Cboe's fourth-quarter net revenue rose 5% to $524.5 million

from a year earlier, while revenue from North America equities

rose 10% to $94.9 million.