Profits generated by New York Stock Exchange firms rocketed ahead in the first quarter, according to new data.

The NYSE announced yesterday that its member firms that conduct business with the public reported first-quarter 2006 after-tax profits of US$3.08 billion and revenues of US$77.56 billion, compared to US$1.7 billion in after-tax profits on revenues of US$49.22 billion in the first quarter of 2005.

These figures include revenue from all sources, including trading, interest and commission income.

Also, NYSE specialists reported after-tax profit of US$121 million for the quarter. During the same period last year, the specialists reported an after-tax profit of US$43 million. Total specialist revenue in the first quarter of 2006 was US$362 million, compared to US$228 million in the first quarter of 2005.