Aug 1 (Reuters) - Intercontinental Exchange ( ICE )

reported a rise in second-quarter profit on Thursday, helped by

a strong performance in its exchanges business as trading

remained strong.

The conflict in the Middle East has changed the landscape

for global commodity and energy markets, significantly raising

volatility and bumping up trades as investors assess the impact

of shifting supply chains.

Trading volumes at exchanges typically do better in

times of market fluctuation, as investors rejig portfolios or

when there is a broad-based rally, which encourages riskier

trades.

Energy trading volumes surged 31% in the second quarter,

with gains across segments including oil, gasoil as well as

other crude and refined products. Natural gas average daily

volumes jumped 36%.

Total revenue from ICE's exchange business, the biggest

component of its income base, jumped to $1.25 billion in the

reported quarter, up from $1.09 billion in the year-ago period.

The company reported adjusted earnings of $876 million, or

$1.52 per share, in the quarter ended June 30, compared to $802

million, or $1.43 apiece last year.