Daishin Securities reported sharply higher first-half earnings as a more active domestic stock market lifted trading volumes and supported brokerage revenue and investment gains. Consolidated net profit for the first half reached 403.29 billion won ($288 million), up 165.2% from a year earlier, while operating profit rose 164.9% to 462.39 billion won. Momentum strengthened in the second quarter, when net profit climbed 242.8% from a year earlier and 77.2% from the previous quarter to 257.81 billion won, and operating profit increased 165.2% to 359.93 billion won. The company said heavier stock trading boosted brokerage fees and margin lending (broker-backed stock loans) income, while valuation gains on securities holdings also improved. It added that affiliates including Daishin F&I and Daishin Savings Bank posted balanced growth.