Oct 31 (Reuters) - Intercontinental Exchange ( ICE )

reported a higher third-quarter profit on Thursday, helped by

strong trading volumes across asset classes due to geopolitical

risks and shifting expectations of interest rate cuts.

Conflict in the Middle East and diverging views of the

interest rate trajectory have bumped up volatility in the global

markets, prompting traders to actively adjust their portfolios

to capitalize on fluctuating prices and avoid risks.

ICE's energy trading volumes rose 23% in the third quarter,

with gains across segments including oil, gasoil as well as

other crude and refined products. Natural gas average daily

volumes increased 33%.

Total revenue from the company's exchange business, the

biggest component of its revenue base, rose to $1.25 billion

from $1.11 billion from a year earlier.

The New York Stock Exchange parent reported adjusted

earnings of $894 million, or $1.55 per share, in the quarter,

compared with $824 million, or $1.46 per share, a year earlier.