Gains in derivatives trading and an acceleration of cost-cutting measures drove NYSE Euronext’s second-quarter profits higher, as the Big Board reported what could be its last set of results before completing a multibillion-dollar merger with the Atlanta-based IntercontinentalExchange.

In a busy three months for the transatlantic exchange group, second quarter profits rose 20% year-on-year to $153 million, from $128 million. In the last three months, NYSE Euronext changed its derivatives clearing provider, won a bid to become the administrator of the London Interbank Offered Rate benchmark and lodged an application with regulators to co-launch a new stock exchange in Brazil.