Bullish - green stock market chart with arrow up day trade by Quality Stock Arts via ShutterstockMarketAxess (MKTX) ripped higher today after financial services giant Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) announced a definitive agreement to acquire it for about $6 billion in cash. Even after the meteoric rally, MarketAxess stock remains down nearly 17% versus its year-to-date high. More News from BarchartWhy Is ICE Paying a Heavy Premium for MKTX Stock? With MarketAxess currently hovering around $163, the stock sits within 2.5% of the buyout price. Wall Street's View on MarketAxess HoldingsHeading into Thursday, Wall Street firms had a consensus "Hold" rating on MarketAxess, with a mean price target of about $141.