U.S. brokerage firm profits climbed in the first quarter (Q1) of 2017, according to data published on Tuesday by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

After-tax profit for NYSE members rose to almost US$4 billion, on revenues of approximately US$46 billion, in Q1. Brokerage firms recorded $2.2 billion in after-tax profits in Q1 a year ago.

While revenues were up in Q1 2017 from US$39.5 billion in Q1 2016, commission revenues were actually down a bit this year, coming in at $5.3 billion this year, down from $5.8 billion in Q1 2016.

The data is from NYSE brokerage firms that conduct business with the public, which includes firms that trade primarily for their own account, but excludes designated market makers.