Shares in First Derivatives, the financial software business, jumped sharply on Thursday’s trading statement. Trading in the current year is ahead of expectations and new customers include the Financial Services Authority and the New York Stock Exchange/Euronext markets. Demand for consulting work has also risen.

Up from a December 2006 recommendation level of 172.5p to 278.5p, the shares remain a firm hold.

First Derivatives	AIM	£19.55m	142.50p	0.00p
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Other company articles:
First Derivatives: take your profit			05/10/2007
First Derivatives going well			23/08/2007
First Derivatives wobbles – then recovers			11/05/2007
First Derivatives jumps on trading statement			09/02/2007
‘Strong momentum’ at First Derivatives			08/02/2007