Nasdaq OMX Group Inc., the owner of the second-largest U. S. equity exchange, reported that fourth-quarter profit jumped 23 percent as it plunged expenses and charged some customers more to trade.

In addition, the New York- based company unveils its net income to increase to $43 million, or 20 cents a share, from $35 million, or 17 cents, the previous year. Excluding certain items, earnings reported were 46 cents a share, compared with the 45-cent average speculation of 19 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

Chief Executive Officer Robert Greifeld has revealed to sack employees and cut expenses, assisting bring down expenses. He also raised prices at the BX platform.

The company claimes to spent $5.05 billion in 2008 to acquire Sweden's OMX AB and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange.

Nasdaq shares witnesses a 2.4 percent rise to $18.80 on Feb. 5. The stock has reported a fall of 5.2 percent this year, compared with a 13 percent decline in the FTSE/Mondo Visione Exchange Index, which tracks 18 companies.

The firm had been paying rebates to brokers who posted orders and imposing lower fees for those who take liquidity, in a view to attract new customers. U. S. exchange owners are expanding to multiple spheres to expand price offerings and experiment with incentives.