The internet auction¹ site eBay has reported a 14% increase in third quarter profits.

在线拍卖网站eBay今年第三季度盈利增长14%。

Net income for the three months to the end of September came in at $491m (£311m), up from $432m in the same period last year.

EBay said the growth was driven by increased activity on its online marketplaces and greater use of its PayPal payments network.

But in after-hours trading in New York, the company's shares fell 5% to $31.45.

"Investors² were assuming there would be upside surprise in earnings³ or the guidance," said Fred Moran, an analyst⁴ at the Benchmark Company.

"They maintained their full-year forecast essentially⁵, which reflects a little caution around the global economy."

In his results statement, chief executive John Donahoe stressed the importance of the company's applications for mobile phones.

"Mobile commerce continues to accelerate as consumers change the way they shop and pay," he said.

"We are focused on enabling commerce, helping⁶ consumers shop anytime, anywhere, and being the commerce partner of choice for retailers⁷ of all sizes."