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DOCUMENT ID: [Release No. 34-58929; File No. SR-Phlx-2008-75]
SUBJECT CATEGORY: Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by the NASDAQ OMX PHLX, Inc. Relating to the Definition of ``Market for the Underlying Security''
DOCUMENT SUMMARY: November 12, 2008.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(``Act'') \1\, and Rule 19b4 \2\ thereunder, notice is hereby given
that on November 3, 2008, the NASDAQ OMX PHLX, Inc. (``Phlx'' or
``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(``SEC'' or ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in
Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange.
The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange, pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Act \3\ and Rule
19b4 thereunder,\4\ proposes to amend Exchange Rule 1017, Openings in
Options, to replace references to the ``primary market'' in respect of
an underlying security with references to the ``market for the underlying security.''
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site at http://www.phlx.com/regulatory/reg_rulefilings.aspx. II. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in
sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.
[[Page 68472]]
A. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
The purpose of the proposed rule change is to clarify the
circumstances under which the Exchange's electronic trading platform
for options, Phlx XL,\5\ would initiate an automated opening in a
particular option series upon receipt of the opening trade or quote in
the primary market for the underlying security, by more specifically defining ``primary market'' in the Exchange's rules.
\5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 50100 (July 27, 2004), 69 FR 44612 (August 3, 2004) (SRPhlx200359).
Currently, Exchange Rule 100(b)31 defines the term ``primary market'' in respect of an underlying stock or ExchangeTraded Fund Share as the principal market in which the underlying stock or ExchangeTraded Fund Share is traded.
The Exchange believes that the current definition of ``primary market'' in respect of an underlying security is not sufficiently specific to capture the various marketplaces that might be determined to be the ``primary market'' for such underlying security. Because underlying securities trade on multiple exchange platforms and various Electronic Commerce Networks (``ECNs'') and other venues, the term ``primary market'' has become increasingly difficult to define in determining the principal market in which the underlying stock or ExchangeTraded Fund Share is traded. In order to account for this respecting openings in options, the Exchange intends to code its automated opening system to open trading in options upon receipt of an opening price on the ``market for the underlying security,'' as defined more specifically below.
The Exchange proposes to amend Exchange Rule 1017 by eliminating the requirement that the Phlx XL automated opening system must receive an opening price in the ``primary'' market for the underlying security in order to open trading in the overlying options, and accordingly, to adopt a definition of ``market for the underlying security'' in proposed Rule 1017(k). Under the proposal, the term ``market for the underlying security'' would mean either the primary listing market, the primary volume market (defined as the market with the most liquidity in that underlying security for the previous two calendar months), or the first market to open the underlying security, as determined by the Exchange on an issuebyissue basis and communicated to members on the Exchange's Web site.
The Exchange believes that this proposed definition should more accurately capture the manner in which the Phlx XL system determines to open a particular option series based on the opening trade or quote on the primary market in the underlying security.
Exchange Rule 1017, Openings in Options, currently lists various
scenarios that take place when a quote or trade has been disseminated
by the primary market for the underlying security. For example,
respecting the preopening phase of the Phlx XL automated opening
system, Rule 1017(b) states that the system will calculate an
Anticipated Opening Price (``AOP'') and Anticipated Opening Size
(``AOS'') in equity options when a quote or trade has been disseminated
by the primary market for the underlying security.\6\ Other sections of
Rule 1017 require an opening quote or trade in the ``primary market''
for the underlying security in order to open, and base the timing of
the opening on the dissemination of such a quote or trade by the primary market for the underlying security.\7\
\6\ The rule goes on to state generally that an AOP can only be
calculated when either (A) the specialist's quote has been
submitted; (B) the quotes of at least two Phlx XL participants have
been submitted within two minutes of the opening trade or quote on
the primary market for the underlying security in the case of equity
options; or (C) if neither the specialist's quote nor the quotes of
two Phlx XL participants have been submitted within two minutes of
the opening trade or quote on the primary market for the underlying
security in the case of equity options, one Phlx XL participant has submitted their quote.
\7\ Rule 1017(b)(iii) provides that the system will open the
series for trading within a time period not to exceed 5 seconds (as
determined by the Exchange and disseminated to membership via
Exchange circular) following: (A) respecting equity options, the
dissemination of an opening quote or trade in the primary market for
the underlying security; or (B) respecting index options, following
the dissemination of a quote or trade by the primary markets for
underlying securities constituting 100% of the index value.
The Exchange has experienced situations where the ``primary
market'' for the underlying security in a particular series has been
delayed in disseminating an opening quote or trade when other markets
for the underlying security for the series have already disseminated an
opening quote or trade in such underlying security. If the Exchange
were to limit its definition of ``primary market'' for the underlying
security to mean the ``principal market in which the underlying stock
or ExchangeTraded Fund Share is traded,'' it would risk the
possibility that other options markets with more specific definitions
of the market in the underlying security whose opening quote or trade
would initiate an automated opening \8\ could open the particular
series, while the Exchange could not. This would place (and has placed)
the Exchange and its market participants at a distinct competitive
disadvantage concerning openings in options, because market prices for
options trading on other options exchanges would be established through
free trading while the Exchange establishes its options pricing on the
``primary market'' for the underlying security, which may not yet be
open for the affected series. Exchange participants could thus open an
option series at an opening price that is inferior to the price established in free trade on away markets.
\8\ For example, Chicago Board Options Exchange Rule 6.2B, on
which the instant proposal is based, states, ``[U]nless unusual
circumstances exists (sic), at a randomly selected time within a
number of seconds after the opening trade and/or the opening quote
is disseminated in the market for the underlying security (or after
8:30 a.m. for index options), the System initiates the opening
rotation procedure and sends a notice (``Rotation Notice'') to
market participants. For purposes of this paragraph, the ``market
for the underlying security'' shall be either the primary listing
market, the primary volume market (defined as the market with the
most liquidity in that underlying security for the previous two
calendar months), or the first market to open the underlying
security, as determined by the Exchange on a classbyclass basis and announced to the membership via Regulatory Circular.''
The Exchange believes that the elimination of the term ``primary market'' from the rule, together with the proposed definition of ``market for the underlying security,'' should capture the manner in which the Phlx XL system will evaluate underlying prices, thus preserving the Exchange's ability to compete with other options exchanges respecting openings.
The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section
6(b) of the Act \9\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section
6(b)(5) of the Act \10\ in particular, in that it is designed to
promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments
to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national
market system, and, in general to protect investors and the public
interest, by adopting a definition of ``market for the underlying security,'' thus ensuring that
[[Page 68473]]
the Exchange is on an even playing field with competing options exchanges concerning openings.
\9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
The Exchange believes that the proposed definition of ``market for the underlying security'' should enable Exchange options participants to price options promptly and accurately at the opening of trading, resulting in narrower spreads and deeper markets on the Exchange.
The Exchange further believes that the proposed rule change will provide it with more flexibility to determine when to permit the Phlx XL automated opening system to begin, which should contribute to the Exchange's ability to conduct openings in a fairly and orderly manner. B. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will
impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
C. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others
No written comments were either solicited or received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action
The proposed rule change is being designated by the Exchange as a
``noncontroversial'' rule pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) \11\ of the
Act and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b4 thereunder,\12\ because the
proposed rule change: (1) Does not significantly affect the protection
of investors or the public interest; (2) does not impose any
significant burden on competition; and (3) does not become operative
for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time
as the Commission may designate if consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest, provided that the Exchange has given
the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule
change at least five business days prior to the filing of the proposed rule change.\13\
\11\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\12\ 17 CFR 240.19b4(f)(6).
\13\ As required under Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii), the Exchange has
provided the Commission with written notice of its intent to file
the proposed rule change at least five business days prior to the filing of the proposed rule change.
A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b4(f)(6) \14\ normally
does not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing.
However, Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii) \15\ permits the Commission to designate
a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest. The Exchange requests that the
Commission waive the 30day operative delay. The Commission believes
that waiving the 30day operative delay is consistent with the
protection of investors and the public interest. The proposed rule change is based on the rules of another selfregulatory
organization,\16\ and this proposal does not raise any novel issues. In
addition, the Exchange states that it is being placed at a competitive
disadvantage because other exchanges are able to open trading in an
options series at times when the Exchange cannot. Allowing the proposed
rule change to become operative on filing will ensure that the Exchange
is on an even playing field with competing options exchanges concerning
openings. For these reasons, the Commission designates the proposed rule change as operative upon filing.\17\
\14\ 17 CFR 240.19b4(f)(6).
\15\ 17 CFR 240.19b4(f)(6)(iii).
\16\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56600 (October 2, 2007), 72 FR 57619 (October 10, 2007) (SRCBOE200788).
\17\ For purposes only of waiving the 30day operative delay,
the Commission has also considered the proposed rule's effect on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:
Electronic Comments
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.\18\
\18\ 17 CFR 200.303(a)(12).
Florence E. Harmon,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. E827282 Filed 111708; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 801101P
SUMMARY: NASDAQ OMX PHLX, Inc.,
DOCUMENT BODY 2: November 12, 2008.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(``Act'') \1\, and Rule 19b4 \2\ thereunder, notice is hereby given
that on November 3, 2008, the NASDAQ OMX PHLX, Inc. (``Phlx'' or
``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(``SEC'' or ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in
Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange.
The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange, pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Act \3\ and Rule
19b4 thereunder,\4\ proposes to amend Exchange Rule 1017, Openings in
Options, to replace references to the ``primary market'' in respect of
an underlying security with references to the ``market for the underlying security.''
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site at http://www.phlx.com/regulatory/reg_rulefilings.aspx. II. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in
sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.
[[Page 68472]]
A. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
The purpose of the proposed rule change is to clarify the
circumstances under which the Exchange's electronic trading platform
for options, Phlx XL,\5\ would initiate an automated opening in a
particular option series upon receipt of the opening trade or quote in
the primary market for the underlying security, by more specifically defining ``primary market'' in the Exchange's rules.
\5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 50100 (July 27, 2004), 69 FR 44612 (August 3, 2004) (SRPhlx200359).
Currently, Exchange Rule 100(b)31 defines the term ``primary market'' in respect of an underlying stock or ExchangeTraded Fund Share as the principal market in which the underlying stock or ExchangeTraded Fund Share is traded.
The Exchange believes that the current definition of ``primary market'' in respect of an underlying security is not sufficiently specific to capture the various marketplaces that might be determined to be the ``primary market'' for such underlying security. Because underlying securities trade on multiple exchange platforms and various Electronic Commerce Networks (``ECNs'') and other venues, the term ``primary market'' has become increasingly difficult to define in determining the principal market in which the underlying stock or ExchangeTraded Fund Share is traded. In order to account for this respecting openings in options, the Exchange intends to code its automated opening system to open trading in options upon receipt of an opening price on the ``market for the underlying security,'' as defined more specifically below.
The Exchange proposes to amend Exchange Rule 1017 by eliminating the requirement that the Phlx XL automated opening system must receive an opening price in the ``primary'' market for the underlying security in order to open trading in the overlying options, and accordingly, to adopt a definition of ``market for the underlying security'' in proposed Rule 1017(k). Under the proposal, the term ``market for the underlying security'' would mean either the primary listing market, the primary volume market (defined as the market with the most liquidity in that underlying security for the previous two calendar months), or the first market to open the underlying security, as determined by the Exchange on an issuebyissue basis and communicated to members on the Exchange's Web site.
The Exchange believes that this proposed definition should more accurately capture the manner in which the Phlx XL system determines to open a particular option series based on the opening trade or quote on the primary market in the underlying security.
Exchange Rule 1017, Openings in Options, currently lists various
scenarios that take place when a quote or trade has been disseminated
by the primary market for the underlying security. For example,
respecting the preopening phase of the Phlx XL automated opening
system, Rule 1017(b) states that the system will calculate an
Anticipated Opening Price (``AOP'') and Anticipated Opening Size
(``AOS'') in equity options when a quote or trade has been disseminated
by the primary market for the underlying security.\6\ Other sections of
Rule 1017 require an opening quote or trade in the ``primary market''
for the underlying security in order to open, and base the timing of
the opening on the dissemination of such a quote or trade by the primary market for the underlying security.\7\
\6\ The rule goes on to state generally that an AOP can only be
calculated when either (A) the specialist's quote has been
submitted; (B) the quotes of at least two Phlx XL participants have
been submitted within two minutes of the opening trade or quote on
the primary market for the underlying security in the case of equity
options; or (C) if neither the specialist's quote nor the quotes of
two Phlx XL participants have been submitted within two minutes of
the opening trade or quote on the primary market for the underlying
security in the case of equity options, one Phlx XL participant has submitted their quote.
\7\ Rule 1017(b)(iii) provides that the system will open the
series for trading within a time period not to exceed 5 seconds (as
determined by the Exchange and disseminated to membership via
Exchange circular) following: (A) respecting equity options, the
dissemination of an opening quote or trade in the primary market for
the underlying security; or (B) respecting index options, following
the dissemination of a quote or trade by the primary markets for
underlying securities constituting 100% of the index value.
The Exchange has experienced situations where the ``primary
market'' for the underlying security in a particular series has been
delayed in disseminating an opening quote or trade when other markets
for the underlying security for the series have already disseminated an
opening quote or trade in such underlying security. If the Exchange
were to limit its definition of ``primary market'' for the underlying
security to mean the ``principal market in which the underlying stock
or ExchangeTraded Fund Share is traded,'' it would risk the
possibility that other options markets with more specific definitions
of the market in the underlying security whose opening quote or trade
would initiate an automated opening \8\ could open the particular
series, while the Exchange could not. This would place (and has placed)
the Exchange and its market participants at a distinct competitive
disadvantage concerning openings in options, because market prices for
options trading on other options exchanges would be established through
free trading while the Exchange establishes its options pricing on the
``primary market'' for the underlying security, which may not yet be
open for the affected series. Exchange participants could thus open an
option series at an opening price that is inferior to the price established in free trade on away markets.
\8\ For example, Chicago Board Options Exchange Rule 6.2B, on
which the instant proposal is based, states, ``[U]nless unusual
circumstances exists (sic), at a randomly selected time within a
number of seconds after the opening trade and/or the opening quote
is disseminated in the market for the underlying security (or after
8:30 a.m. for index options), the System initiates the opening
rotation procedure and sends a notice (``Rotation Notice'') to
market participants. For purposes of this paragraph, the ``market
for the underlying security'' shall be either the primary listing
market, the primary volume market (defined as the market with the
most liquidity in that underlying security for the previous two
calendar months), or the first market to open the underlying
security, as determined by the Exchange on a classbyclass basis and announced to the membership via Regulatory Circular.''
The Exchange believes that the elimination of the term ``primary market'' from the rule, together with the proposed definition of ``market for the underlying security,'' should capture the manner in which the Phlx XL system will evaluate underlying prices, thus preserving the Exchange's ability to compete with other options exchanges respecting openings.
The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section
6(b) of the Act \9\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section
6(b)(5) of the Act \10\ in particular, in that it is designed to
promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments
to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national
market system, and, in general to protect investors and the public
interest, by adopting a definition of ``market for the underlying security,'' thus ensuring that
[[Page 68473]]
the Exchange is on an even playing field with competing options exchanges concerning openings.
\9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
The Exchange believes that the proposed definition of ``market for the underlying security'' should enable Exchange options participants to price options promptly and accurately at the opening of trading, resulting in narrower spreads and deeper markets on the Exchange.
The Exchange further believes that the proposed rule change will provide it with more flexibility to determine when to permit the Phlx XL automated opening system to begin, which should contribute to the Exchange's ability to conduct openings in a fairly and orderly manner. B. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will
impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
C. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others
No written comments were either solicited or received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action
The proposed rule change is being designated by the Exchange as a
``noncontroversial'' rule pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) \11\ of the
Act and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b4 thereunder,\12\ because the
proposed rule change: (1) Does not significantly affect the protection
of investors or the public interest; (2) does not impose any
significant burden on competition; and (3) does not become operative
for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time
as the Commission may designate if consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest, provided that the Exchange has given
the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule
change at least five business days prior to the filing of the proposed rule change.\13\
\11\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\12\ 17 CFR 240.19b4(f)(6).
\13\ As required under Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii), the Exchange has
provided the Commission with written notice of its intent to file
the proposed rule change at least five business days prior to the filing of the proposed rule change.
A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b4(f)(6) \14\ normally
does not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing.
However, Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii) \15\ permits the Commission to designate
a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest. The Exchange requests that the
Commission waive the 30day operative delay. The Commission believes
that waiving the 30day operative delay is consistent with the
protection of investors and the public interest. The proposed rule change is based on the rules of another selfregulatory
organization,\16\ and this proposal does not raise any novel issues. In
addition, the Exchange states that it is being placed at a competitive
disadvantage because other exchanges are able to open trading in an
options series at times when the Exchange cannot. Allowing the proposed
rule change to become operative on filing will ensure that the Exchange
is on an even playing field with competing options exchanges concerning
openings. For these reasons, the Commission designates the proposed rule change as operative upon filing.\17\
\14\ 17 CFR 240.19b4(f)(6).
\15\ 17 CFR 240.19b4(f)(6)(iii).
\16\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56600 (October 2, 2007), 72 FR 57619 (October 10, 2007) (SRCBOE200788).
\17\ For purposes only of waiving the 30day operative delay,
the Commission has also considered the proposed rule's effect on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:
Electronic Comments
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.\18\
\18\ 17 CFR 200.303(a)(12).
Florence E. Harmon,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. E827282 Filed 111708; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 801101P
14 CFR Part 39 40 CFR Part 52 14 CFR Part 71 33 CFR Part 165 47 CFR Part 73 26 CFR Part 1 50 CFR Part 679 40 CFR Part 180 50 CFR Part 17 33 CFR Part 117 44 CFR Part 67 50 CFR Part 648 14 CFR Part 97 40 CFR Part 63 6 CFR Part 5 33 CFR Part 100 50 CFR Part 622 50 CFR Part 660 26 CFR Part 301 44 CFR Part 65 39 CFR Part 111 40 CFR Part 271 40 CFR Part 300 47 CFR Part 64 40 CFR Parts 52 and 81 50 CFR Part 665 39 CFR Part 3020 50 CFR Part 229 44 CFR Part 64 49 CFR Part 571