Trading activity on the London Stock Exchange has increased faster than on any other European bourse this year, bringing it level with its rivals for the first time.

Last week the LSE reported volumes up 55.7% to 71.2 million trades for the first six months, putting it on a par with Deutsche Börse, which recorded an 18% rise to 71.8 million trades, and the European arm of NYSE Euronext, which added 28% to 71.3 million.