Browse: Departments Dates Agencies
DOCUMENT ID: [Release No. 34-58956; File No. SR-NYSEArca-2008-124]
SUBJECT CATEGORY: Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of Proposed Rule Change To List Shares of iShares Silver Trust
DOCUMENT SUMMARY: November 14, 2008.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given
that, on November 5, 2008, NYSE Arca, Inc. (``NYSE Arca'' or
``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(``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
[[Page 71075]]
solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons
and approving the proposed rule change on an accelerated basis. \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
NYSE Arca, through its whollyowned subsidiary NYSE Arca Equities,
Inc. (``NYSE Arca Equities''), proposes to list and trade shares
(``Shares'') of the iShares[supreg] Silver Trust (the ``Trust'')
pursuant to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201. The text of the proposed
rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site at http://
www.nyse.com, at the Exchange's principal office and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.
II. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission, the selfregulatory organization
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 those statements may be examined at
the places specified in Item III below. The Exchange has prepared
summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant parts of such statements.
A. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to list and trade the Shares under NYSE Arca
Equities Rule 8.201. Under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201, the Exchange
may propose to list and/or trade pursuant to unlisted trading
privileges (``UTP'') ``CommodityBased Trust Shares.'' \3\ The
Commission has previously approved listing of the Shares on NYSE
Alternext U.S. LLC (``NYSE Alternext US'') (formerly, the American
Stock Exchange LLC (``Amex'')) \4\ and trading on the Exchange pursuant
to UTP.\5\ Prior to listing on the Exchange, the issuer of the Shares
would be required to satisfy the applicable delisting procedures of
NYSE Alternext US and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements,
including, without limitation, Section 12 of Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (``Act''),\6\ relating to listing the Shares on the Exchange.\7\
\3\ CommodityBased Trust Shares are securities issued by a
trust that represent investors' discrete identifiable and undivided
beneficial ownership interest in the commodities deposited into the trust.
\4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 53521 (March 20,
2006), 71 FR 14967 (March 24, 2006) (SRAmex200572) (``Amex Order'').
\5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 53520 (March 20, 2006), 71 FR 14977 (March 24, 2006) (SRPCX2005117) (``UTP
Filing'').
\6\ 15 U.S.C. 78(l).
\7\ See email from Michael Cavalier, Chief Counsel, NYSE
Euronext, to Brian O'Neill, Attorney, and Christopher Chow, Special
Counsel, Division of Trading and Markets, Commission, dated November
12, 2008 (``November 12 email''). The Exchange will seek the
voluntary consent of the issuer of the Shares to be delisted from NYSE Alternext US and listed on the Exchange.
The Shares represent beneficial ownership interests in the net assets of the Trust consisting primarily of silver bullion (``silver''). The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of silver, less the Trust's expenses.
Descriptions of the Trust and the Shares are included in the Amex
Order, the UTP Filing, and Registration Statement for the Trust.\8\ The
Exchange represents that the Shares satisfy the requirements of Rule
8.201 and thereby qualify for listing on the Exchange.\9\ The Exchange
states that all of the facts describing the Trust and the Shares
contained in the Amex Order are true and correct as of the date of this
filing. The Exchange states further that the representations included
in the Amex Order relating to the dissemination and availability of
information regarding the Shares will apply to listing and trading of
the Shares on the Exchange. To the extent NYSE Alternext US has any
affirmative obligations with respect to dissemination of information or
key values relating to the Shares, the Exchange represents that it
would take the place of NYSE Alternext US in such role and discharge such obligations.
\8\ See the Registration Statement for the Trust, dated May 29, 2008 (Registration Statement No. 333149810).
\9\ With respect to application of Rule 10A3 (17 CFR 240.10A3)
under the Act, the Trust relies on the exemption contained in Rule 10A3(c)(7).
The Exchange deems the Shares to be equity securities, thus rendering trading in the Fund subject to the Exchange's existing rules governing the trading of equity securities. The Shares will trade on the Exchange from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.\10\ The Exchange has appropriate rules to facilitate transactions in the Shares during all trading sessions. The minimum trading increment for Shares on the Exchange will be $0.01.
Further, NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201 sets forth certain restrictions on ETP Holders acting as registered Market Makers in the Shares to facilitate surveillance. Pursuant to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201(h), an ETP Holder acting as a registered Market Maker in the Shares is required to provide the Exchange with information relating to its trading in the underlying silver, related futures or options on futures, or any other related derivatives. NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201(i) prohibits an ETP Holder acting as a registered Market Maker in the Shares from using any material nonpublic information received from any person associated with an ETP Holder or employee of such person regarding trading by such person or employee in the underlying silver, related futures or options on futures or any other related derivative (including the Shares). In addition, NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201(g) prohibits an ETP Holder acting as a registered Market Maker in the Shares from being affiliated with a market maker in the underlying silver, related futures or options on futures or any other related derivative unless adequate information barriers are in place, as provided in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.26.
As a general matter, the Exchange has regulatory jurisdiction over its ETP Holders and their associated persons, which include any person or entity controlling an ETP Holder, as well as a subsidiary or affiliate of an ETP Holder that is in the securities business. A subsidiary or affiliate of an ETP Holder that does business only in commodities or futures contracts would not be subject to Exchange jurisdiction, but the Exchange could obtain information regarding the activities of such subsidiary or affiliate through surveillance sharing agreements with regulatory organizations of which such subsidiary or affiliate is a member.
With respect to trading halts, the Exchange may consider all relevant factors in exercising its discretion to halt or suspend trading in the Shares. Trading on the Exchange in the Shares may be halted because of market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in the Shares inadvisable. These may include: (1) The extent to which conditions in the underlying silver market have caused disruptions and/or lack of trading, or (2) whether other unusual conditions or circumstances detrimental to the maintenance of a fair and orderly market are present.
The Exchange intends to utilize its existing surveillance
procedures applicable to derivative products (including CommodityBased
Trust Shares) to monitor trading in the Shares. The Exchange represents that these
[[Page 71076]]
procedures are adequate to properly monitor Exchange trading of the
Shares in all trading sessions and to deter and detect violations of Exchange rules and applicable federal securities laws.
The Exchange's current trading surveillance focuses on detecting
securities trading outside their normal patterns. When such situations
are detected, surveillance analysis follows and investigations are
opened, where appropriate, to review the behavior of all relevant
parties for all relevant trading violations. Also, pursuant to NYSE
Arca Equities Rule 8.201(h), the Exchange is able to obtain information
regarding trading in the Shares and the underlying silver, silver
futures contracts, options on silver futures, or any other silver
derivative, through ETP Holders acting as registered Market Makers, in
connection with such ETP Holders' proprietary or customer trades which
they effect on any relevant market. In addition, the Exchange may
obtain trading information via the Intermarket Surveillance Group
(``ISG'') from other exchanges who are members of the ISG.\11\ Also,
the Exchange has an Information Sharing Agreement with the New York
Mercantile Exchange (``NYMEX'') for the purpose of sharing information
in connection with trading in or related to COMEX (a division of NYMEX) silver futures contracts.
\11\ A list of ISG members is available at http:// www.isgportal.org.
Prior to the commencement of trading, the Exchange will inform its ETP Holders in an Information Bulletin of the special characteristics and risks associated with trading the Shares. Specifically, the Information Bulletin will discuss the following: (1) The procedures for purchases and redemptions of Shares in Baskets (including noting that Shares are not individually redeemable and that silver is a wasting asset); (2) NYSE Arca Equities Rule 9.2(a), which imposes a duty of due diligence on its ETP Holders to learn the essential facts relating to every customer prior to trading the Shares; (3) how information regarding the Intraday Trading Value (``ITV'') is disseminated; (4) the requirement that ETP Holders deliver a prospectus to investors purchasing newly issued Shares prior to or concurrently with the confirmation of a transaction; (5) trading information; and (6) the risks involved in trading the Shares in the Opening and Late Trading Sessions when an updated ITV will not be calculated or publicly disseminated.\12\ For example, the Information Bulletin will advise ETP Holders, prior to the commencement of trading, of the prospectus delivery requirements applicable to the Trust. The Exchange notes that investors purchasing Shares directly from the Trust (by delivery of the Basket Silver Amount) will receive a prospectus. ETP Holders purchasing Shares from the Trust for resale to investors will deliver a prospectus to such investors.
In addition, the Information Bulletin will reference that the Trust is subject to various fees and expenses described in the Registration Statement. The Information Bulletin will also reference the fact that there is no regulated source of last sale information regarding physical silver, that the Commission has no jurisdiction over the trading of silver as a physical commodity, and that the CFTC has regulatory jurisdiction over the trading of silver futures contracts and options on silver futures contracts.
The Information Bulletin will also discuss any relief, if granted, by the Commission or the staff from any rules under the Act. 2. Statutory Basis
The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) \13\ of
the Act in general and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) \14\
in particular in that it is designed to prevent fraudulent and
manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable
principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with
persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing
information with respect to, and facilitating transaction in
securities, and, in general to protect investors and the public
interest. The proposed rule change will permit the listing and trading
of the Shares on the Exchange, which the Exchange believes will benefit investors and the marketplace.
\13\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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 that is 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 solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change.
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
After careful consideration, the Commission finds that the proposed [[Page 71077]]
rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities
exchange.\15\ In particular, the Commission believes that the proposal
is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\16\ which requires,
among other things, that the rules of a national securities exchange be
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.
\15\ In approving this rule change, the Commission notes that it has considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency,
competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
The Exchange proposes to list and trade the Shares pursuant to NYSE
Arca Equities Rule 8.201. NYSE Arca represents that the Shares satisfy
the requirements of Rule 8.201, which include initial and continued
listing criteria to which the Shares will be subject. The Exchange
deems the Shares to be equity securities, thus subjecting the Shares to
the Exchange's existing rules governing the trading of equity
securities. The Shares will trade on the Exchange from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Eastern Time. The Commission approved the listing and trading of the
Shares on Amex,\17\ now known as NYSE Alternext US, and trading of the Shares pursuant to UTP on NYSE Arca.\18\
\17\ See Amex Order, supra, note 4.
The Commission believes that the proposal to list and trade the Shares on the Exchange is consistent with Section 11A(a)(1)(C)(iii) of the Act,\19\ which sets forth Congress' finding that it is in the public interest and appropriate for the protection of investors and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets to assure the availability to brokers, dealers, and investors of information with respect to quotations for and transactions in securities. The Exchange states that: (1) The representations included in the Amex Order relating to the dissemination and availability of information regarding the Shares will apply to listing and trading of the Shares on the Exchange; and (2) to the extent NYSE Alternext U.S. has any affirmative obligations with respect to dissemination of information or key values relating to the Shares, the Exchange will assume the role of NYSE Alternext US and discharge such obligations. Accordingly, among other things: \19\ 15 U.S.C. 78k1(a)(1)(C)(iii).
1. The last sale price for the Shares will be disseminated on a realtime basis via the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association; \20\
2. Shortly after 4 p.m. each business day, the NAV of the Trust, the Basket Silver Amount (for orders properly placed by 4 p.m. during the day), and the next day's Indicative Basket Silver Amount are disseminated; \21\
3. The ITV will be disseminated on a per Share basis at least every 15 seconds between 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time; \22\ \22\ Id. at 14971.
4. The Trust's Web site is and will be publicly accessible at no charge and will contain, among other things, the NAV of the Silver Shares and the Basket Silver Amount as of the prior business day, the Indicative Basket Amount, the BidAsk Price, and a calculation of the premium or discount of the BidAsk Price in relation to the closing NAV; \23\
5. The Trust's Web site, to which the NYSE Arca will link, will also provide data in chart form displaying the frequency distribution of discounts and premiums of the BidAsk Price against the NAV, within appropriate ranges for each of the four previous calendar quarters, the Prospectus, and other applicable quantitative information; and \24\ \24\ Id. at 1497475.
6. The Exchange will provide a hyperlink on its Web site to the Trust's Web site (http://www.iShares.com), which will include, among other things a realtime indicative silver spot price through TheBullionDesk at http://www.thebuilliondesk.com.\25\ \25\ Id. at 14971.
The Commission also believes that the proposal to list and trade
the Shares is reasonably designed to promote fair disclosure of
information that may be necessary to price the Shares appropriately and
to prevent trading when a reasonable degree of transparency cannot be
assured. Under its continued listing standards, after the 12month
period following the commencement of trading on the Exchange, the
Exchange will consider suspending trading in the Shares or removing
them from listing if: (1) The value of the underlying commodity is no
longer calculated or available on at least a 15second delayed basis
from a source unaffiliated with the sponsor, Trust, custodian or the
Exchange, or if the Exchange stops providing a hyperlink on its Web
site to any such unaffiliated commodity value; \26\ or (2) the ITV is
no longer made available on at least a 15second delayed basis.\27\
With respect to trading halts, the Exchange may consider all relevant
factors in exercising its discretion to halt or suspend trading in the
Shares.\28\ Specifically, however, if the Exchange becomes aware that
the NAV is not being disseminated to all market participants at the
same time, it will halt trading in the Shares until such time as the
NAV is available to all market participants pursuant to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.34(a)(5).
\26\ See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201(e)(2)(iv).
\27\ See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201(e)(2)(v).
\28\ Trading may be halted because of market conditions or for
reasons that make trading in the Shares inadvisable, including: (1)
The extent to which trading is not occurring in the underlying
securities; or (2) whether other unusual conditions or circumstances
detrimental to the maintenance of a fair and orderly market are present.
Further, NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201 sets forth certain restrictions (described above) on ETP Holders acting as registered Market Makers in the Shares to facilitate surveillance. The Exchange states that it has regulatory jurisdiction over its ETP Holders and their associated persons, which include any person or entity controlling an ETP Holder, as well as a subsidiary or affiliate of an ETP Holder that is in the securities business. A subsidiary or affiliate of an ETP Holder that does business only in commodities or futures contracts would not be subject to Exchange jurisdiction, but the Exchange states that it can obtain information regarding the activities of such subsidiary or affiliate through surveillance sharing agreements with regulatory organizations of which such subsidiary or affiliate is a member.
In support of this proposal, the Exchange has made the following representations:
(1) The Shares satisfy the requirements of NYSE Arca Equities Rule
8.201, which includes the initial and continued listing criteria for CommodityBased Trust Shares.
(2) The Exchange's surveillance procedures are adequate to properly
monitor trading of the Shares in all trading sessions and to deter and
detect violations of Exchange rules and applicable federal securities laws.
(3) The Exchange will distribute an Information Bulletin, the
contents of which are more fully described above, to ETP Holders in connection with the trading of the Shares.
This approval order is based on the Exchange's representations.
The Commission finds good cause, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,\29\ for approving the proposed rule
[[Page 71078]]
change prior to the 30th day after the date of publication of notice in
the Federal Register. Previously, the Commission approved the listing
and trading of the Shares on Amex,\30\ and the trading of the Shares
pursuant to UTP on the Exchange.\31\ The Exchange's proposal to list
and trade the Shares does not appear to present any novel or significant regulatory issues.
\29\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
\30\ See Amex Order, supra, note 4.
\31\ See UTP Filing, supra, note 5.
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the
Act,\32\ that the proposed rule change (SRNYSEArca2008124) be, and it hereby is, approved on an accelerated basis.
\32\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.\33\
Florence E. Harmon,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. E827879 Filed 112108; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 801101P
SUMMARY: NYSE Arca, Inc.,
DOCUMENT BODY 2: November 14, 2008.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given
that, on November 5, 2008, NYSE Arca, Inc. (``NYSE Arca'' or
``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(``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
[[Page 71075]]
solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons
and approving the proposed rule change on an accelerated basis. \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
NYSE Arca, through its whollyowned subsidiary NYSE Arca Equities,
Inc. (``NYSE Arca Equities''), proposes to list and trade shares
(``Shares'') of the iShares[supreg] Silver Trust (the ``Trust'')
pursuant to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201. The text of the proposed
rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site at http://
www.nyse.com, at the Exchange's principal office and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.
II. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission, the selfregulatory organization
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 those statements may be examined at
the places specified in Item III below. The Exchange has prepared
summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant parts of such statements.
A. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to list and trade the Shares under NYSE Arca
Equities Rule 8.201. Under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201, the Exchange
may propose to list and/or trade pursuant to unlisted trading
privileges (``UTP'') ``CommodityBased Trust Shares.'' \3\ The
Commission has previously approved listing of the Shares on NYSE
Alternext U.S. LLC (``NYSE Alternext US'') (formerly, the American
Stock Exchange LLC (``Amex'')) \4\ and trading on the Exchange pursuant
to UTP.\5\ Prior to listing on the Exchange, the issuer of the Shares
would be required to satisfy the applicable delisting procedures of
NYSE Alternext US and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements,
including, without limitation, Section 12 of Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (``Act''),\6\ relating to listing the Shares on the Exchange.\7\
\3\ CommodityBased Trust Shares are securities issued by a
trust that represent investors' discrete identifiable and undivided
beneficial ownership interest in the commodities deposited into the trust.
\4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 53521 (March 20,
2006), 71 FR 14967 (March 24, 2006) (SRAmex200572) (``Amex Order'').
\5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 53520 (March 20, 2006), 71 FR 14977 (March 24, 2006) (SRPCX2005117) (``UTP
Filing'').
\6\ 15 U.S.C. 78(l).
\7\ See email from Michael Cavalier, Chief Counsel, NYSE
Euronext, to Brian O'Neill, Attorney, and Christopher Chow, Special
Counsel, Division of Trading and Markets, Commission, dated November
12, 2008 (``November 12 email''). The Exchange will seek the
voluntary consent of the issuer of the Shares to be delisted from NYSE Alternext US and listed on the Exchange.
The Shares represent beneficial ownership interests in the net assets of the Trust consisting primarily of silver bullion (``silver''). The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of silver, less the Trust's expenses.
Descriptions of the Trust and the Shares are included in the Amex
Order, the UTP Filing, and Registration Statement for the Trust.\8\ The
Exchange represents that the Shares satisfy the requirements of Rule
8.201 and thereby qualify for listing on the Exchange.\9\ The Exchange
states that all of the facts describing the Trust and the Shares
contained in the Amex Order are true and correct as of the date of this
filing. The Exchange states further that the representations included
in the Amex Order relating to the dissemination and availability of
information regarding the Shares will apply to listing and trading of
the Shares on the Exchange. To the extent NYSE Alternext US has any
affirmative obligations with respect to dissemination of information or
key values relating to the Shares, the Exchange represents that it
would take the place of NYSE Alternext US in such role and discharge such obligations.
\8\ See the Registration Statement for the Trust, dated May 29, 2008 (Registration Statement No. 333149810).
\9\ With respect to application of Rule 10A3 (17 CFR 240.10A3)
under the Act, the Trust relies on the exemption contained in Rule 10A3(c)(7).
The Exchange deems the Shares to be equity securities, thus rendering trading in the Fund subject to the Exchange's existing rules governing the trading of equity securities. The Shares will trade on the Exchange from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.\10\ The Exchange has appropriate rules to facilitate transactions in the Shares during all trading sessions. The minimum trading increment for Shares on the Exchange will be $0.01.
Further, NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201 sets forth certain restrictions on ETP Holders acting as registered Market Makers in the Shares to facilitate surveillance. Pursuant to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201(h), an ETP Holder acting as a registered Market Maker in the Shares is required to provide the Exchange with information relating to its trading in the underlying silver, related futures or options on futures, or any other related derivatives. NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201(i) prohibits an ETP Holder acting as a registered Market Maker in the Shares from using any material nonpublic information received from any person associated with an ETP Holder or employee of such person regarding trading by such person or employee in the underlying silver, related futures or options on futures or any other related derivative (including the Shares). In addition, NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201(g) prohibits an ETP Holder acting as a registered Market Maker in the Shares from being affiliated with a market maker in the underlying silver, related futures or options on futures or any other related derivative unless adequate information barriers are in place, as provided in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.26.
As a general matter, the Exchange has regulatory jurisdiction over its ETP Holders and their associated persons, which include any person or entity controlling an ETP Holder, as well as a subsidiary or affiliate of an ETP Holder that is in the securities business. A subsidiary or affiliate of an ETP Holder that does business only in commodities or futures contracts would not be subject to Exchange jurisdiction, but the Exchange could obtain information regarding the activities of such subsidiary or affiliate through surveillance sharing agreements with regulatory organizations of which such subsidiary or affiliate is a member.
With respect to trading halts, the Exchange may consider all relevant factors in exercising its discretion to halt or suspend trading in the Shares. Trading on the Exchange in the Shares may be halted because of market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in the Shares inadvisable. These may include: (1) The extent to which conditions in the underlying silver market have caused disruptions and/or lack of trading, or (2) whether other unusual conditions or circumstances detrimental to the maintenance of a fair and orderly market are present.
The Exchange intends to utilize its existing surveillance
procedures applicable to derivative products (including CommodityBased
Trust Shares) to monitor trading in the Shares. The Exchange represents that these
[[Page 71076]]
procedures are adequate to properly monitor Exchange trading of the
Shares in all trading sessions and to deter and detect violations of Exchange rules and applicable federal securities laws.
The Exchange's current trading surveillance focuses on detecting
securities trading outside their normal patterns. When such situations
are detected, surveillance analysis follows and investigations are
opened, where appropriate, to review the behavior of all relevant
parties for all relevant trading violations. Also, pursuant to NYSE
Arca Equities Rule 8.201(h), the Exchange is able to obtain information
regarding trading in the Shares and the underlying silver, silver
futures contracts, options on silver futures, or any other silver
derivative, through ETP Holders acting as registered Market Makers, in
connection with such ETP Holders' proprietary or customer trades which
they effect on any relevant market. In addition, the Exchange may
obtain trading information via the Intermarket Surveillance Group
(``ISG'') from other exchanges who are members of the ISG.\11\ Also,
the Exchange has an Information Sharing Agreement with the New York
Mercantile Exchange (``NYMEX'') for the purpose of sharing information
in connection with trading in or related to COMEX (a division of NYMEX) silver futures contracts.
\11\ A list of ISG members is available at http:// www.isgportal.org.
Prior to the commencement of trading, the Exchange will inform its ETP Holders in an Information Bulletin of the special characteristics and risks associated with trading the Shares. Specifically, the Information Bulletin will discuss the following: (1) The procedures for purchases and redemptions of Shares in Baskets (including noting that Shares are not individually redeemable and that silver is a wasting asset); (2) NYSE Arca Equities Rule 9.2(a), which imposes a duty of due diligence on its ETP Holders to learn the essential facts relating to every customer prior to trading the Shares; (3) how information regarding the Intraday Trading Value (``ITV'') is disseminated; (4) the requirement that ETP Holders deliver a prospectus to investors purchasing newly issued Shares prior to or concurrently with the confirmation of a transaction; (5) trading information; and (6) the risks involved in trading the Shares in the Opening and Late Trading Sessions when an updated ITV will not be calculated or publicly disseminated.\12\ For example, the Information Bulletin will advise ETP Holders, prior to the commencement of trading, of the prospectus delivery requirements applicable to the Trust. The Exchange notes that investors purchasing Shares directly from the Trust (by delivery of the Basket Silver Amount) will receive a prospectus. ETP Holders purchasing Shares from the Trust for resale to investors will deliver a prospectus to such investors.
In addition, the Information Bulletin will reference that the Trust is subject to various fees and expenses described in the Registration Statement. The Information Bulletin will also reference the fact that there is no regulated source of last sale information regarding physical silver, that the Commission has no jurisdiction over the trading of silver as a physical commodity, and that the CFTC has regulatory jurisdiction over the trading of silver futures contracts and options on silver futures contracts.
The Information Bulletin will also discuss any relief, if granted, by the Commission or the staff from any rules under the Act. 2. Statutory Basis
The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) \13\ of
the Act in general and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) \14\
in particular in that it is designed to prevent fraudulent and
manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable
principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with
persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing
information with respect to, and facilitating transaction in
securities, and, in general to protect investors and the public
interest. The proposed rule change will permit the listing and trading
of the Shares on the Exchange, which the Exchange believes will benefit investors and the marketplace.
\13\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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 that is 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 solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change.
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
After careful consideration, the Commission finds that the proposed [[Page 71077]]
rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities
exchange.\15\ In particular, the Commission believes that the proposal
is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\16\ which requires,
among other things, that the rules of a national securities exchange be
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.
\15\ In approving this rule change, the Commission notes that it has considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency,
competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
The Exchange proposes to list and trade the Shares pursuant to NYSE
Arca Equities Rule 8.201. NYSE Arca represents that the Shares satisfy
the requirements of Rule 8.201, which include initial and continued
listing criteria to which the Shares will be subject. The Exchange
deems the Shares to be equity securities, thus subjecting the Shares to
the Exchange's existing rules governing the trading of equity
securities. The Shares will trade on the Exchange from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Eastern Time. The Commission approved the listing and trading of the
Shares on Amex,\17\ now known as NYSE Alternext US, and trading of the Shares pursuant to UTP on NYSE Arca.\18\
\17\ See Amex Order, supra, note 4.
The Commission believes that the proposal to list and trade the Shares on the Exchange is consistent with Section 11A(a)(1)(C)(iii) of the Act,\19\ which sets forth Congress' finding that it is in the public interest and appropriate for the protection of investors and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets to assure the availability to brokers, dealers, and investors of information with respect to quotations for and transactions in securities. The Exchange states that: (1) The representations included in the Amex Order relating to the dissemination and availability of information regarding the Shares will apply to listing and trading of the Shares on the Exchange; and (2) to the extent NYSE Alternext U.S. has any affirmative obligations with respect to dissemination of information or key values relating to the Shares, the Exchange will assume the role of NYSE Alternext US and discharge such obligations. Accordingly, among other things: \19\ 15 U.S.C. 78k1(a)(1)(C)(iii).
1. The last sale price for the Shares will be disseminated on a realtime basis via the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association; \20\
2. Shortly after 4 p.m. each business day, the NAV of the Trust, the Basket Silver Amount (for orders properly placed by 4 p.m. during the day), and the next day's Indicative Basket Silver Amount are disseminated; \21\
3. The ITV will be disseminated on a per Share basis at least every 15 seconds between 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time; \22\ \22\ Id. at 14971.
4. The Trust's Web site is and will be publicly accessible at no charge and will contain, among other things, the NAV of the Silver Shares and the Basket Silver Amount as of the prior business day, the Indicative Basket Amount, the BidAsk Price, and a calculation of the premium or discount of the BidAsk Price in relation to the closing NAV; \23\
5. The Trust's Web site, to which the NYSE Arca will link, will also provide data in chart form displaying the frequency distribution of discounts and premiums of the BidAsk Price against the NAV, within appropriate ranges for each of the four previous calendar quarters, the Prospectus, and other applicable quantitative information; and \24\ \24\ Id. at 1497475.
6. The Exchange will provide a hyperlink on its Web site to the Trust's Web site (http://www.iShares.com), which will include, among other things a realtime indicative silver spot price through TheBullionDesk at http://www.thebuilliondesk.com.\25\ \25\ Id. at 14971.
The Commission also believes that the proposal to list and trade
the Shares is reasonably designed to promote fair disclosure of
information that may be necessary to price the Shares appropriately and
to prevent trading when a reasonable degree of transparency cannot be
assured. Under its continued listing standards, after the 12month
period following the commencement of trading on the Exchange, the
Exchange will consider suspending trading in the Shares or removing
them from listing if: (1) The value of the underlying commodity is no
longer calculated or available on at least a 15second delayed basis
from a source unaffiliated with the sponsor, Trust, custodian or the
Exchange, or if the Exchange stops providing a hyperlink on its Web
site to any such unaffiliated commodity value; \26\ or (2) the ITV is
no longer made available on at least a 15second delayed basis.\27\
With respect to trading halts, the Exchange may consider all relevant
factors in exercising its discretion to halt or suspend trading in the
Shares.\28\ Specifically, however, if the Exchange becomes aware that
the NAV is not being disseminated to all market participants at the
same time, it will halt trading in the Shares until such time as the
NAV is available to all market participants pursuant to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.34(a)(5).
\26\ See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201(e)(2)(iv).
\27\ See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201(e)(2)(v).
\28\ Trading may be halted because of market conditions or for
reasons that make trading in the Shares inadvisable, including: (1)
The extent to which trading is not occurring in the underlying
securities; or (2) whether other unusual conditions or circumstances
detrimental to the maintenance of a fair and orderly market are present.
Further, NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201 sets forth certain restrictions (described above) on ETP Holders acting as registered Market Makers in the Shares to facilitate surveillance. The Exchange states that it has regulatory jurisdiction over its ETP Holders and their associated persons, which include any person or entity controlling an ETP Holder, as well as a subsidiary or affiliate of an ETP Holder that is in the securities business. A subsidiary or affiliate of an ETP Holder that does business only in commodities or futures contracts would not be subject to Exchange jurisdiction, but the Exchange states that it can obtain information regarding the activities of such subsidiary or affiliate through surveillance sharing agreements with regulatory organizations of which such subsidiary or affiliate is a member.
In support of this proposal, the Exchange has made the following representations:
(1) The Shares satisfy the requirements of NYSE Arca Equities Rule
8.201, which includes the initial and continued listing criteria for CommodityBased Trust Shares.
(2) The Exchange's surveillance procedures are adequate to properly
monitor trading of the Shares in all trading sessions and to deter and
detect violations of Exchange rules and applicable federal securities laws.
(3) The Exchange will distribute an Information Bulletin, the
contents of which are more fully described above, to ETP Holders in connection with the trading of the Shares.
This approval order is based on the Exchange's representations.
The Commission finds good cause, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,\29\ for approving the proposed rule
[[Page 71078]]
change prior to the 30th day after the date of publication of notice in
the Federal Register. Previously, the Commission approved the listing
and trading of the Shares on Amex,\30\ and the trading of the Shares
pursuant to UTP on the Exchange.\31\ The Exchange's proposal to list
and trade the Shares does not appear to present any novel or significant regulatory issues.
\29\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
\30\ See Amex Order, supra, note 4.
\31\ See UTP Filing, supra, note 5.
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the
Act,\32\ that the proposed rule change (SRNYSEArca2008124) be, and it hereby is, approved on an accelerated basis.
\32\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.\33\
Florence E. Harmon,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. E827879 Filed 112108; 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