Core Insights - MarketAxess Holdings Inc. (MKTX) reported a total trading average daily volume (ADV) of $38.8 billion in Q3 2025, reflecting a 4% year-over-year decrease due to declines in U.S. High-Grade Credit and U.S. Government Bonds [1][9] - The electronic trading platform facilitated over $932.4 billion in total credit trading volume during the same period [1] Trading Performance - Eurobonds and Emerging markets credit businesses experienced significant growth, with ADV increasing by 16% and 14% year-over-year, respectively, driven by new client-initiated and dealer-initiated trading initiatives [2] - High-grade markets saw a 7% decrease in ADV compared to the previous year, while agency and other government bonds experienced a 6% growth in ADV, with U.S. government bonds declining by 9%, leading to an overall 8% decrease in total rates trading [3] Transaction Fees and Market Share - Total credit average variable transaction fees per million (FPM) declined by 6% year-over-year due to protocol mix, while total rates fees remained stable [4] - MarketAxess' estimated market share of U.S. credit portfolio trading decreased to 19.1%, down from 20% a year ago [4] Strategic Initiatives - The company is expanding its dealer business and rolling out new tools for sell-side traders, diversifying beyond core fixed-income trading [5] - In June 2025, MarketAxess launched the first fully electronic trading workflow for Indian Government Bonds, accessible to Foreign Portfolio Investors [5] Peer Comparison - CME Group is expanding through global growth and product innovation, planning to offer 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options [6] - Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE) is focusing on sustainability and emerging markets, with plans to launch ICE GreenTrac targeting global carbon markets [7] Valuation and Earnings Estimates - MarketAxess shares have declined by 25.7% year-to-date, contrasting with the industry's growth of 28.3% [8][9] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 20.78X, which is higher than the industry average, and carries a Value Score of D [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q3 2025 earnings indicates a 2.6% decline year-over-year, while the full-year earnings consensus predicts a 2.2% increase [12]

Core Viewpoint - MarketAxess Holdings Inc. has acquired a majority stake in RFQ-hub Holdings LLC, enhancing its position in the ETF and derivatives market through this strategic move [1][2][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - MarketAxess now holds approximately a 90% controlling stake in RFQ-hub, which is a global request-for-quote platform for trading ETFs, derivatives, and structured products [1]. - The remaining ownership is retained by original consortium members including Virtu Financial, BlackRock, Citadel Securities, Flow Traders, and Jane Street Capital, who will continue to collaborate with MarketAxess [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - This acquisition is expected to broaden MarketAxess' multi-asset capabilities, allowing it to better serve clients managing credit risk and bond liquidity through ETF and derivative tools [3]. - Gaining majority control is likely to provide MarketAxess with more direct influence over RFQ-hub's operations and revenue streams, aligning with its long-term strategy to diversify beyond core fixed-income trading [4]. Group 3: Market Context - MarketAxess has been focusing on accelerating growth in the fixed income space, as evidenced by its recent strategic data partnership with S&P Global Market Intelligence aimed at enhancing transparency and operational efficiency [6]. - Despite the acquisition, MarketAxess shares have declined 6.7% year-to-date, contrasting with an 8.3% increase in the industry, indicating challenges in the current market environment [7].