("Schwab To Launch Currency Trading Next Year," published at 9:22 a.m. EDT, incorrectly described the new service. The correct version follows.)

Charles Schwab Corp. (SCHW) clients will be able to trade foreign equities in their local currencies starting early next year, as the San Francisco online brokerage looks to expand its reach in global markets.

"As our clients continue to take a broader world view with their portfolios and their long-term goals, we want to be sure they have a platform that lets them access global markets seamlessly," said Schwab executive Brian McDonald.

Schwab on Wednesday said it would partner with securities-processing firm Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (BR) to launch the new service.

The brokerage cited a growing client interest in foreign equity trading as cause for the launch, which will allow Schwab clients to access markets like Japan and Australia using currencies like the Japanese yen and Australian dollar. Last fall, the company introduced trading in over-the-counter foreign stocks.

The launch comes ahead of Schwab's expected foray into foreign currency trading. Schwab's acquisition earlier this year of optionsXpress Holdings Inc. (OXPS), expected to close in the third quarter, was made in part because of optionXpress's development of a currency-trading offering.

Shares of Schwab were recently up 2% to $15.74.

-By Mia Lamar, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-3207; mia.lamar@dowjones.com

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