STOCK exchange group Plus Markets saw trading volumes soar in May this year as it continues to push itself as a major competitor in the trading arena.<br /><br />Volumes rose 302 per cent to a total of 6.19bn compared to May 2008, while trade value rose by 142 per cent year-on-year to £6.14bn.<br /><br />Average daily trade value for the month was also the highest the exchange had ever seen, at £323.1m.<br /><br />“Our growing market share validates Plus as a premier venue in the exchange and MTF landscape,” said business development director Cyril Théret. <br /><br />“Our trading activity is seeing consistent performance.”<br /><br />Plus is determined to grow its offering in the large cap sector with a view to catching up with larger competitors such as the London Stock Exchange. Around per cent of trading in FTSE 100 stocks in May was conducted on Plus.