Frankfurt - Shares in Deutsche Boerse AG fell more than six per cent Wednesday after the operator of the Frankfurt stock market, reported a 34-per-cent slump in second-quarter net profit.

Deutsche Boerse said earnings dropped to 164.9 million euros (237.3 million dollars) in the second quarter compared with 249.4 million euros in the same period last year as a fall in trading volumes and rising costs hit the group's profit.

"Reluctance to trade resulted in decreased sales," said Deutsche Boerse chief Reto Francioni.

Group revenue fell 12 percent to 515.6 million euros, Deutsche Boerse said, while costs rose 9 per cent to 322.5 million euros.

The company's shares were down 6.6 per cent at 52.75 euros in late morning trading in Frankfurt.

The group also said its second-quarter earnings before interest, taxes and amortization (EBITA) slipped to 248.8 million from 375.1 million euros in the same period of 2008. (dpa)