Plus500 profit climbs as U.S. expansion gains momentum

Shares of the trading platform climbed 5% to 3942 pence in early Monday trading as investors reacted to the expansion efforts. The firm highlighted a "genuine step-change" in its U.S. operations, underpinned by the launch of round-the-clock, five-day trading cycles. While the influx of new customers surged 17% overall during the first half of the year, the second quarter saw a 12% decline in new account sign-ups.

Looking toward the remainder of 2026, management expects revenue and profit to align with existing market forecasts. Future growth hinges on scaling B2B partnerships and further developing the global futures business. To reward shareholders, the company announced a total return package of $182.5 million, split between an $82.5 million dividend and a $100 million share buyback program. Executives remain on the hunt for potential bolt-on acquisitions to sustain this growth trajectory.