LONDON -- The U.K.'s leading spread-betting company, IG Group (LSE: IGG.L), posted an 18% fall in first-quarter revenues as quieter financial markets took their toll. The company said: "The particularly quiet financial markets impacted all areas of client activity relative to the prior period, including active client numbers, average revenue per client and the number of clients signing up and trading for the first time."

The company said U.K. revenues were down 21% while revenues in Australia were 17% lower. It also reported a 20% drop in revenues in Europe, with clients reducing their activity during the summer holiday period. It reported an 11% fall in revenues in Japan and a 4% decline in revenues in the Rest of World.

IG Group explained: "The comparator period in 2011, which was 30% ahead of the year before, was marked by some extreme levels of volatility in financial markets and short term spikes in client activity. August 2011 remains, by some way, the record month for the group in terms of trading revenue."

IG Group reckons that the first quarter of any financial year is normally the lowest quarter. It also said the company continues to face tough comparatives at the start of the second quarter. That said, the company anticipates revenues will be weighted toward the second half.

A stronger second half could put the company on track for pre-tax profits of around 190 million pounds, which would value the business at a relatively undemanding 11 times profit based on this morning's 4% share price rise to 453 pence. Currently, IG Group is also penciled in for full-year dividend payout of 23 pence, which puts the shares on a prospective yield of around 5%.

This morning's update from IG Group underlines how exciting shares can become wonderful investments for ordinary investors.

But if you're keen to earn even greater returns, this free Motley Fool report -- "10 Steps to Making a Million in the Market" -- could help you on your way. The report highlights how choppy markets can still provide the big winners to take you to that magic million.

You can download "10 Steps to Making a Million in the Market" for free right now. But hurry, the report is available for a limited time only.

Investing is by no means easy in today's uncertain economy. That's why we've published "Top Sectors of 2012" -- our guide to three favorable industries. This free report will be dispatched immediately to your inbox.

Further Motley Fool investment opportunities: