Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to Extension of the Exchange's Penny Pilot Program and Replacement of Penny Pilot Issues That Have Been Delisted, 77174-77176 [2012-31415]

Download as PDF 77174 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 250 / Monday, December 31, 2012 / Notices member organization has customer orders to buy and sell an equivalent amount of the same security.19 B. Self-Regulatory 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. Self-Regulatory 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. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing rule change is effective upon filing pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) 20 of the Act and subparagraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b–4 21 thereunder, because it establishes a due, fee, or other charge imposed by the NYSE MKT. At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend 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. IV. Solicitation of Comments 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: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–NYSEMKT–2012–83 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NYSEMKT–2012–83. This supra note 14. U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 21 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission’s Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR– NYSEMKT–2012–83 and should be submitted on or before January 22, 2013. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.22 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2012–31412 Filed 12–28–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–68534; File No. SR–Phlx– 2012–143] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to Extension of the Exchange’s Penny Pilot Program and Replacement of Penny Pilot Issues That Have Been Delisted December 21, 2012. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on December 19 See 22 17 20 15 1 15 VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:28 Dec 28, 2012 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. Jkt 229001 PO 00000 Frm 00172 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 20, 2012, NASDAQ OMX Phlx, LLC (‘‘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. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange is filing with the Commission a proposal to: extend through June 30, 2013, the Penny Pilot Program in options classes in certain issues (‘‘Penny Pilot’’ or ‘‘Pilot’’), and to change the date when delisted classes may be replaced in the Penny Pilot.3 The Exchange requests that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay period contained in Exchange Act Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) 4 to the extent needed for timely industry-wide implementation of the proposal. [GPO FOLLOW LIT] Proposed new language is italicized and proposed deleted language is [bracketed]. NASDAQ OMX PHLX Rules Options Rules * * * * * Rule 1034. Minimum Increments (a) Except as provided in subparagraphs (i)(B) and (iii) below, all options on stocks, index options, and Exchange Traded Fund Shares quoting in decimals at $3.00 or higher shall have a minimum increment of $.10, and all options on stocks and index options quoting in decimals under $3.00 shall have a minimum increment of $.05. (i)(A) No Change. (B) For a pilot period scheduled to expire [December 31, 2012]June 30, 2013 (the ‘‘pilot’’), certain options shall be quoted and traded on the Exchange in minimum increments of $0.01 for all series in such options with a price of less than $3.00, and in minimum increments of $0.05 for all series in such options with a price of $3.00 or higher, except that options overlying the PowerShares QQQ Trust (‘‘QQQQ’’)®, SPDR S&P 500 Exchange Traded Funds 3 The Penny Pilot was established in January 2007 and was last extended in June 2012. See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 55153 (January 23, 2007), 72 FR 4553 (January 31, 2007) (SR–Phlx– 2006–74) (notice of filing and approval order establishing Penny Pilot); and 67326 (June 29, 2012), 77 FR 40126 (July 6, 2012) (SR–Phlx–2012– 86) (notice of filing and immediate effectiveness extending the Penny Pilot through December 31, 2012). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 250 / Monday, December 31, 2012 / Notices (‘‘SPY’’), and iShares Russell 2000 Index Funds (‘‘IWM’’) shall be quoted and traded in minimum increments of $0.01 for all series regardless of the price. A list of such options shall be communicated to membership via an Options Trader Alert (‘‘OTA’’) posted on the Exchange’s web site. The Exchange may replace any pilot issues that have been delisted with the next most actively traded multiply listed options classes that are not yet included in the pilot, based on trading activity for the six month period beginning [December]June 1, [2011]2012, and ending [May 31]November 30, 2012. The replacement issues may be added to the pilot on the second trading day following [July]January 1, [2012]2013. (C) No Change. (ii)–(iv) No Change. * * * * *[/FOLLOW LIT] The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at https:// nasdaqomxphlx.cchwallstreet.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory 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. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with 1. Purpose The purpose of this filing is to amend Phlx Rule 1034 to: extend the Penny Pilot through June 30, 2013, and to change the date when delisted classes may be replaced in the Penny Pilot. Under the Penny Pilot, the minimum price variation for all participating options classes, except for the Nasdaq100 Index Tracking Stock (‘‘QQQQ’’), the SPDR S&P 500 Exchange Traded Fund (‘‘SPY’’) and the iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund (‘‘IWM’’), is $0.01 for all quotations in options series that are quoted at less than $3 per contract and VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:28 Dec 28, 2012 Jkt 229001 $0.05 for all quotations in options series that are quoted at $3 per contract or greater. QQQQ, SPY and IWM are quoted in $0.01 increments for all options series. The Penny Pilot is currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 2012. The Exchange proposes to extend the time period of the Penny Pilot through June 30, 2013, and to provide revised dates for adding replacement issues to the Penny Pilot. The Exchange proposes that any Penny Pilot Program issues that have been delisted may be replaced on the second trading day following January 1, 2013. The replacement issues will be selected based on trading activity for the six month period beginning June 1, 2012, and ending November 30, 2012.5 This filing does not propose any substantive changes to the Penny Pilot Program; all classes currently participating in the Penny Pilot will remain the same and all minimum increments will remain unchanged. The Exchange believes the benefits to public customers and other market participants who will be able to express their true prices to buy and sell options have been demonstrated to outweigh the potential increase in quote traffic. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act 6 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 7 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 facilitating transactions in securities, and to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system. In particular, the proposed rule change, which extends the Penny Pilot for an additional six months through June 30, 2013, will enable public customers and other market participants to express their true prices to buy and sell options for the benefit of all market participants. The Exchange is also changing the date for replacing Penny Pilot issues that were deleted. B. Self-Regulatory 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 5 The replacement issues will be announced to the Exchange’s membership via an Options Trader Alert (OTA) posted on the Exchange’s web site. 6 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 7 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). PO 00000 Frm 00173 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 77175 necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. To the contrary, this proposal is procompetitive because it allows Penny Pilot issues to be traded on the Exchange. C. Self-Regulatory 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 Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 8 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.9 Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative prior to 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, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 10 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.11 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing.12 However, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),13 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because doing so will allow the Pilot Program to continue without interruption in a manner that is consistent with the Commission’s prior approval of the extension and expansion of the Pilot Program and will allow the 8 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 10 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 11 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 12 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the Exchange’s intent to file the proposed rule change along with a brief description and the text of the proposed rule change, at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this pre-filing requirement. 13 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 9 17 E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1 77176 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 250 / Monday, December 31, 2012 / Notices Exchange and the Commission additional time to analyze the impact of the Pilot Program.14 Accordingly, the Commission designates the proposed rule change as operative upon filing with the Commission.15 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend 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. IV. Solicitation of Comments 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: provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–Phlx– 2012–143 and should be submitted on or before January 22, 2013. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.16 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. Electronic Comments [FR Doc. 2012–31415 Filed 12–28–12; 8:45 am] • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–Phlx–2012–143 on the subject line. BILLING CODE 8011–01–P Paper Comments mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with • Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–Phlx–2012–143. This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission’s Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 14 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 61061 (November 24, 2009), 74 FR 62857 (December 1, 2009) (SR–NYSEArca–2009–44). See also supra note 3. 15 For purposes only of waiving the operative delay for this proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:28 Dec 28, 2012 Jkt 229001 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION issues (‘‘Pilot Program’’) previously approved by the Commission.4 The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Exchange’s Web site at https://www.batstrading.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the self-regulatory 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 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. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,3 notice is hereby given that on December 11, 2012, BATS Exchange, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘BATS’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘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. Purpose The purpose of this filing is to extend the Penny Pilot, which was previously approved by the Commission, through June 30, 2013, and to provide a revised date for adding replacement issues to the Pilot Program. The Exchange proposes that any Pilot Program issues that have been delisted may be replaced on the second trading day following January 1, 2013. The replacement issues will be selected based on trading activity for the six month period beginning June 1, 2012, and ending November 30, 2012. The Exchange represents that the Exchange has the necessary system capacity to continue to support operation of the Penny Pilot. The Exchange believes the benefits to public customers and other market participants who will be able to express their true prices to buy and sell options have been demonstrated to outweigh the increase in quote traffic. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with the [Release No. 34–68516; File No. SR–BATS– 2012–048] Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Penny Pilot Program December 21, 2012. The Exchange filed a proposal for the BATS Options Market (‘‘BATS Options’’) to extend through June 30, 2013, the Penny Pilot Program (‘‘Penny Pilot’’) in options classes in certain 16 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 15 U.S.C. 78a. 3 17 CFR 240.19b-4. 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00174 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4 The rules of BATS Options, including rules applicable to BATS Options’ participation in the Penny Pilot, were approved on January 26, 2010. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 61419 (January 26, 2010), 75 FR 5157 (February 1, 2010) (SR–BATS–2009–031). BATS Options commenced operations on February 26, 2010. The Penny Pilot was extended for BATS Options through December 31, 2012. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67306 (June 28, 2012), 77 FR 40109 (July 6, 2012) (SR–BATS–2012–025). E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 250 (Monday, December 31, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77174-77176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-31415]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-68534; File No. SR-Phlx-2012-143]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX, LLC; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to 
Extension of the Exchange's Penny Pilot Program and Replacement of 
Penny Pilot Issues That Have Been Delisted

December 21, 2012.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the ``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given 
that on December 20, 2012, NASDAQ OMX Phlx, LLC (``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 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange is filing with the Commission a proposal to: extend 
through June 30, 2013, the Penny Pilot Program in options classes in 
certain issues (``Penny Pilot'' or ``Pilot''), and to change the date 
when delisted classes may be replaced in the Penny Pilot.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The Penny Pilot was established in January 2007 and was last 
extended in June 2012. See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 
55153 (January 23, 2007), 72 FR 4553 (January 31, 2007) (SR-Phlx-
2006-74) (notice of filing and approval order establishing Penny 
Pilot); and 67326 (June 29, 2012), 77 FR 40126 (July 6, 2012) (SR-
Phlx-2012-86) (notice of filing and immediate effectiveness 
extending the Penny Pilot through December 31, 2012).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange requests that the Commission waive the 30-day 
operative delay period contained in Exchange Act Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) 
\4\ to the extent needed for timely industry-wide implementation of the 
proposal. [GPO FOLLOW LIT]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed new language is italicized and proposed deleted language 
is [bracketed].

NASDAQ OMX PHLX Rules

Options Rules

* * * * *
    Rule 1034. Minimum Increments
    (a) Except as provided in sub-paragraphs (i)(B) and (iii) below, 
all options on stocks, index options, and Exchange Traded Fund Shares 
quoting in decimals at $3.00 or higher shall have a minimum increment 
of $.10, and all options on stocks and index options quoting in 
decimals under $3.00 shall have a minimum increment of $.05.
    (i)(A) No Change.
    (B) For a pilot period scheduled to expire [December 31, 2012]June 
30, 2013 (the ``pilot''), certain options shall be quoted and traded on 
the Exchange in minimum increments of $0.01 for all series in such 
options with a price of less than $3.00, and in minimum increments of 
$0.05 for all series in such options with a price of $3.00 or higher, 
except that options overlying the PowerShares QQQ Trust 
(``QQQQ'')[supreg], SPDR S&P 500 Exchange Traded Funds

[[Page 77175]]

(``SPY''), and iShares Russell 2000 Index Funds (``IWM'') shall be 
quoted and traded in minimum increments of $0.01 for all series 
regardless of the price. A list of such options shall be communicated 
to membership via an Options Trader Alert (``OTA'') posted on the 
Exchange's web site.
    The Exchange may replace any pilot issues that have been delisted 
with the next most actively traded multiply listed options classes that 
are not yet included in the pilot, based on trading activity for the 
six month period beginning [December]June 1, [2011]2012, and ending 
[May 31]November 30, 2012. The replacement issues may be added to the 
pilot on the second trading day following [July]January 1, [2012]2013.
    (C) No Change.
    (ii)-(iv) No Change.
* * * * *[/FOLLOW LIT]
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
Web site at https://nasdaqomxphlx.cchwallstreet.com, at the principal 
office of the Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

II. Self-Regulatory 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.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and the 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
    The purpose of this filing is to amend Phlx Rule 1034 to: extend 
the Penny Pilot through June 30, 2013, and to change the date when 
delisted classes may be replaced in the Penny Pilot.
    Under the Penny Pilot, the minimum price variation for all 
participating options classes, except for the Nasdaq-100 Index Tracking 
Stock (``QQQQ''), the SPDR S&P 500 Exchange Traded Fund (``SPY'') and 
the iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund (``IWM''), is $0.01 for all 
quotations in options series that are quoted at less than $3 per 
contract and $0.05 for all quotations in options series that are quoted 
at $3 per contract or greater. QQQQ, SPY and IWM are quoted in $0.01 
increments for all options series. The Penny Pilot is currently 
scheduled to expire on December 31, 2012.
    The Exchange proposes to extend the time period of the Penny Pilot 
through June 30, 2013, and to provide revised dates for adding 
replacement issues to the Penny Pilot. The Exchange proposes that any 
Penny Pilot Program issues that have been delisted may be replaced on 
the second trading day following January 1, 2013. The replacement 
issues will be selected based on trading activity for the six month 
period beginning June 1, 2012, and ending November 30, 2012.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The replacement issues will be announced to the Exchange's 
membership via an Options Trader Alert (OTA) posted on the 
Exchange's web site.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This filing does not propose any substantive changes to the Penny 
Pilot Program; all classes currently participating in the Penny Pilot 
will remain the same and all minimum increments will remain unchanged. 
The Exchange believes the benefits to public customers and other market 
participants who will be able to express their true prices to buy and 
sell options have been demonstrated to outweigh the potential increase 
in quote traffic.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section 
6(b) of the Act \6\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 
6(b)(5) of the Act \7\ 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 facilitating transactions in securities, and to 
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open 
market and a national market system. In particular, the proposed rule 
change, which extends the Penny Pilot for an additional six months 
through June 30, 2013, will enable public customers and other market 
participants to express their true prices to buy and sell options for 
the benefit of all market participants. The Exchange is also changing 
the date for replacing Penny Pilot issues that were deleted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Self-Regulatory 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. To the contrary, this 
proposal is pro-competitive because it allows Penny Pilot issues to be 
traded on the Exchange.

C. Self-Regulatory 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 Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \8\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\9\ 
Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the 
protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any 
significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative prior to 
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, the proposed rule change has become 
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \10\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \9\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \10\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \11\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) normally does 
not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing.\12\ 
However, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\13\ the Commission may 
designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked 
the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal 
may become operative immediately upon filing. The Commission believes 
that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest because doing so will 
allow the Pilot Program to continue without interruption in a manner 
that is consistent with the Commission's prior approval of the 
extension and expansion of the Pilot Program and will allow the

[[Page 77176]]

Exchange and the Commission additional time to analyze the impact of 
the Pilot Program.\14\ Accordingly, the Commission designates the 
proposed rule change as operative upon filing with the Commission.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) 
requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the 
Exchange's intent to file the proposed rule change along with a 
brief description and the text of the proposed rule change, at least 
five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule 
change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The 
Exchange has satisfied this pre-filing requirement.
    \13\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \14\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 61061 (November 24, 
2009), 74 FR 62857 (December 1, 2009) (SR-NYSEArca-2009-44). See 
also supra note 3.
    \15\ For purposes only of waiving the operative delay for this 
proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact 
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 summarily may temporarily suspend 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.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    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

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number SR-Phlx-2012-143 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-Phlx-2012-143. This file 
number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help 
the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, 
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on 
the Commission's Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all 
written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are 
filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to 
the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other 
than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and 
printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-Phlx-2012-143 and should be 
submitted on or before January 22, 2013.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\16\
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    \16\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2012-31415 Filed 12-28-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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