Provided by Dow Jones By Alice Uribe SYDNEY ASX Ltd., Australia s dominant securities exchange, reported lower half-year profit even as operating revenue climbed 3.4% due to a rise in listings and issuer services supported by capital raisings and elevated issuer activity. Net profit fell by 3.4% to 241.8 million Australian dollars (US$186.7 million) in the six months through December compared to the same period a year before. Operating revenue grew to A$470.5 million. As expected, the challenges arising from Covid were felt during the half and are likely to continue for at least the short term, Chief Executive Dominic Stevens said. ASX s expenses rose by 8.2%, slightly above guidance, he said.