Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to Complex Orders, 66808-66810 [E6-19378]
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66808
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 221 / Thursday, November 16, 2006 / Notices
Commission believes that the proposed
rule change, as amended, is consistent
with Section 6(b) of the Act 6 in general,
and Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 7 in
specific, which requires that an
exchange have rules that are 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 transactions
in securities, to remove impediments to
and perfect the mechanism for a free
and open market and a national market
system, and, in general, to protect
investors and the public interest.
The Commission notes that the
proposed rule change, as amended, will
retroactively reinstate the rules
governing the market opening pilot
program currently in use on BOX for the
period August 6, 2006 through
September 1, 2006.8 Thus, upon
approval of this proposed rule change,
there will effectively be no interruption
of the pilot program rules governing the
market opening on BOX.9 The
Commission finds that the BOX market
opening pilot program procedures
provide a quicker, more efficient, fair
and orderly market opening process to
the benefit of BOX market participants
and investors.
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to
Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,10 that the
proposed rule change (File No. SR–
BSE–2006–36), as amended, be, and
hereby is, approved.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated
authority.11
Nancy M. Morris,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6–19382 Filed 11–15–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
6 15
U.S.C. 78f(b).
U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
8 On September 1, 2006, BSE filed a proposed
rule change, which was immediately effective, to
extend the market opening pilot program from
September 1, 2006 through August 6, 2007. See
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 54467
(September 18, 2006), 71 FR 55530 (September 22,
2006).
9 Prior to approval of this proposed rule change,
however, BOX’s market opening was operating
without effective rules for the period August 6,
2006 through September 1, 2006.
10 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
11 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–54729; File No. SR–CBOE–
2006–83]
Self-Regulatory Organizations;
Chicago Board Options Exchange,
Incorporated; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
Rule Change Relating to Complex
Orders
November 8, 2006.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
notice is hereby given that on October
20, 2006, the Chicago Board Options
Exchange, Incorporated (‘‘CBOE’’ 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 CBOE has filed
the proposed rule change pursuant to
Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 3 and
Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder,4 which
renders the proposal effective upon
filing with the Commission.5 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 CBOE proposes to amend its rules
regarding the execution of complex
orders to clarify that the legs of stockoption and security future-option orders
may be executed in penny increments.
The CBOE also proposes various nonsubstantive changes designed to
simplify the text of several rules. The
text of the proposed rule change is
available on the Exchange’s Web site
(https://www.cboe.com), at the
Exchange’s Office of the Secretary, 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
11
15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
CFR 240.19b–4.
3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
5 The CBOE has requested that the Commission
waive the 30-day operative delay, as specified in
Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).
2 17
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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
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
1. Purpose
CBOE Rule 6.42(3), ‘‘Minimum
Increments for Bids and Offers,’’
currently provides that complex orders
may generally be expressed on a net
price basis in any increment, regardless
of the minimum increment otherwise
appropriate to the individual legs of the
order.6 Thus, for example, a complex
order could be entered at a net debit or
credit price of $1.03 even though the
minimum increment for the individual
series is generally $0.05 or $0.10.7 After
a complex order has been executed at
the total net debit or credit price, the
contract quantities and prices for each
individual component leg of the trade
are reported as executions. In this
regard, CBOE Rule 6.42(3) currently
provides that the legs of a complex
order may be executed in one-cent
increments, regardless of the minimum
increments otherwise appropriate to the
individual legs of the order.
With respect to the types of complex
orders that may be expressed in net
price increments and reported in onecent increments as described above, the
rule text currently refers to spreads,
straddles, and combinations as defined
in CBOE Rule 6.53, ‘‘Certain Types of
Orders Defined,’’ and any other type of
complex order defined in CBOE Rule
6.53C, ‘‘Complex Orders on the Hybrid
System.’’ The purpose of the proposed
rule change is to clarify that the options
leg of a stock-option or security futureoption order, as defined in CBOE Rules
6 A minimum trading increment is defined in
CBOE Rule 6.42 as $0.05 if the options contract is
trading at less than $3.00 and $0.10 if the options
contract is trading at or above $3.00.
7 As an exception to this provision, CBOE Rule
6.42(3) provides that complex orders in options on
the S&P 500 Index (‘‘SPX’’) and the S&P 100 Index
(‘‘OEX’’) that are not box spreads are to be
expressed in decimal increments no smaller than
$0.05. A ‘‘box spread’’ (also referred to as a ‘‘box/
roll spread’’) means ‘‘an aggregation of positions in
a long call option and short put option with the
same exercise price (‘buy side’) coupled with a long
put option and short call option with the same
exercise price (‘sell side’) all of which have the
same aggregate current underlying value, and are
structured as either: (A) a ‘long box spread’ in
which the sell side exercise price exceeds the buy
side exercise price or (B) a ‘short box spread’ in
which the buy side exercise price exceeds the sell
side exercise price.’’ See CBOE Rule 6.42,
Interpretation and Policy .05, and CBOE Rule
6.53C(a)(7).
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1.1(ii)(a) and 1.1(zz)(a),8 respectively
(collectively ‘‘Type A’’ orders), also may
be executed in one-cent increments.9
While there are already references to
both Type A and Type B stock-option
and security future-option orders in the
Exchange’s priority rules applicable to
complex orders,10 the Exchange believes
that making the proposed clarification
in the text of CBOE Rule 6.42(3) should
help to avoid any confusion as to the
applicable increments for reporting the
execution of any options leg of Type A
stock-option and security future-option
orders. The Exchange believes that this
clarification is consistent with Rule 722
of the International Securities Exchange
(‘‘ISE’’), which permits complex orders,
as defined in ISE Rule 722, to be
executed in penny increments.11
The Exchange also notes that under
CBOE rules, a stock-option order or
security future-option order may be
executed at a total credit or debit price
without giving priority to bids (offers)
8 A ‘‘stock-option order’’ is defined as ‘‘an order
to buy or sell a stated number of units of an
underlying or a related security coupled with either
(a) The purchase or sale of option contract(s) on the
opposite side of the market representing either the
same number of units of the underlying or related
security or the number of units of the underlying
security necessary to create a delta neutral position
or (b) the purchase or sale of an equal number of
put and call option contracts, each having the same
exercise price, expiration date and each
representing the same number of units of stock as,
and on the opposite side of the market from, the
underlying or related security portion of the order.’’
See CBOE Rule 1.1(ii). A ‘‘security future-option
order’’ is defined as ‘‘an order to buy or sell a stated
number of units of a security future or a related
security convertible into a security future
(‘convertible security future’) coupled with either
(a) The purchase or sale of option contract(s) on the
opposite side of the market representing either the
same number of the underlying for the security
future or convertible security future or the number
of units of the underlying for the security future or
convertible security future necessary to create a
delta neutral position or (b) the purchase or sale of
an equal number of put and call option contracts,
each having the same exercise price, expiration date
and each representing the same number of the
underlying for the security future or convertible
security future, as and on the opposite side of the
market from, the underlying for the security future
or convertible security future portion of the order.’’
See CBOE Rule 1.1(zz).
9 CBOE Rule 6.42(3) already contains a crossreference to conversions and reversals (collectively
‘‘Type B’’ orders). A conversion (reversal) order is
an order involving the purchase (sale) of a put
option and the sale (purchase) of a call option in
equivalent units with the same strike price and
expiration in the same underlying security, and the
purchase (sale) of the related instrument. See CBOE
Rule 6.53C(a)(9). This definition is also referenced
in CBOE Rules 1.1(ii)(b) and 1.1(zz)(b).
10 CBOE Rule 6.45(e) pertains to the priority of
complex orders executed in non-Hybrid Trading
System (‘‘Hybrid’’) options classes. CBOE Rule
6.45A(b)(iii) pertains to the priority of complex
orders in Hybrid equity options classes. CBOE Rule
6.45B(b)(iii) pertains to the priority of complex
orders in Hybrid index and exchange-traded fund
option classes.
11 See ISE Rule 722(b)(1).
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established in the trading crowd but not
over bids (offers) in the public customer
limit order book. While CBOE is
proposing to clarify that the options leg
of a Type A stock-option or security
future-option order may be executed in
penny increments, it is not proposing to
change the existing requirement that to
have priority over public customer limit
orders, the options leg of the order must
trade at a price that is better than the
corresponding bid (offer) by at least one
minimum trading increment. Thus,
public customer limit orders will
maintain their existing priority.
Finally, the Exchange is proposing
various non-substantive changes in an
effort to simplify the existing text of
several rules. First, rather than list out
the various types of complex orders, the
Exchange proposes to add a definition
of a ‘‘complex order’’ in Interpretation
and Policy .01 to CBOE Rule 6.42.12 The
Exchange also proposes to add
corresponding cross-references to this
definition in other CBOE rules.13
Second, the Exchange proposes to add
a reference to CBOE Rule 6.42(3) to
clarify that, except as otherwise
provided in CBOE Rule 6.53C, a
complex order may be expressed in any
increment.14 Third, the Exchange
proposes to replace rule text in CBOE
Rule 6.42(3), regarding the priority
applicable to complex orders that are
not net priced in a multiple of the
minimum increment, with a crossreference to the applicable priority
requirements described in other CBOE
rules, and to add a reference to certain
of the Exchange’s applicable complex
order priority rules providing that at
least one leg of a complex order must
12 For purposes of the rule, ‘‘complex order’’ shall
mean a spread, straddle, combination, or ratio order
as defined in CBOE Rule 6.53, a stock-option order
as defined in CBOE Rule 1.1(ii), a security futureoption order as defined in CBOE Rule 1.1(zz), or
any other complex order as defined in CBOE Rule
6.53C. See CBOE Rule 6.42(3), Interpretation and
Policy .01.
13 The Exchange notes that the definition of a
‘‘complex order’’ for purposes of CBOE’s priority
rules is different from the definition of a ‘‘complex
trade’’ for purposes of the options intermarket
linkage requirements described in CBOE Rules 6.80,
‘‘Definitions,’’ and 6.83, ‘‘Order Protection.’’ Under
the options intermarket linkage-related rules, a
‘‘complex trade’’ means the execution of an order
in an options series in conjunction with the
execution of one or more related order(s) in
different options series in the same underlying
security occurring at or near the same time for the
equivalent number of contracts and for the purpose
of executing a particular investment strategy. See
CBOE Rules 6.80(4) and 6.83(b)(7).
14 CBOE Rule 6.53C provides that the net price
increment applicable to complex orders that are
routed to the electronic complex order book
(‘‘COB’’) will be either a multiple of the minimum
increment (i.e., $0.05 or $0.10, as applicable) or a
one cent increment, as determined on a class-byclass basis.
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66809
better the corresponding bid (offer) in
the public customer limit order book by
at least one minimum trading increment
as defined in CBOE Rule 6.42 (i.e., $0.05
or $0.10, as applicable). The Exchange
believes that this proposed change to
the rule text is substantively the same as
one recently made by the ISE.15 Finally,
CBOE Rule 6.42 is being revised to
clarify that the terms ‘‘box/roll spread’’
and ‘‘box spread,’’ both of which are
used in the CBOE’s rules, have the same
meaning.16
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that the basis
under the Act for the proposed rule
change is the requirement under Section
6(b)(5) of the Act 17 that a national
securities exchange have rules that are
designed to prevent fraudulent and
manipulative acts and practices, to
promote just and equitable principles of
trade, to remove impediments to and to
perfect the mechanism of a free and
open market and a national market
system, and, in general, to protect
investors and the public interest. The
Exchange believes that the proposed
rule change will provide investors with
more flexibility in pricing stock-option
orders and security future-option orders
and will increase the opportunity for
such orders to be executed.
B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Burden on Competition
The CBOE 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
The Exchange neither solicited nor
received comments on the proposal.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the
Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
The Exchange has designated the
proposed rule change as one that: (i)
Does not significantly affect the
protection of investors or the public
interest; (ii) does not impose any
significant burden on competition; and
(iii) does not become operative for 30
days from the date of filing, or such
shorter time as the Commission may
designate if consistent with the
15 See ISE Rule 722 and Securities Exchange Act
Release No. 54124 (July 11, 2006), 71 FR 40567
(July 17, 2006) (order approving File No. SR–ISE–
2005–49).
16 See supra note 7.
17 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 221 / Thursday, November 16, 2006 / Notices
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protection of investors and the public
interest. In addition, as required under
Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),18 the CBOE
provided the Commission with written
notice of its intention 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 filing the proposal with the
Commission. Therefore, the foregoing
rule change has become effective
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the
Act 19 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)
thereunder.20
Pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) under
the Act, a proposal does not become
operative for 30 days after the date of its
filing, or such shorter time as the
Commission may designate if consistent
with the protection of investors and the
public interest. The CBOE has asked the
Commission to waive the 30-day
operative delay because the CBOE
believes that the proposal is
substantially similar to ISE Rule 722
and because the proposal clarifies the
applicable reporting increments for the
options leg of stock-option and security
future-option orders. Accordingly, the
CBOE believes that its proposal presents
no novel issues and that waiver of the
30-day operative delay is consistent
with the protection of investors and the
public interest.
The Commission believes that
waiving the 30-day operative delay is
consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest
because the proposal will allow stockoption orders and security future-option
orders, like other types of complex
orders, to be executed in penny
increments. Allowing stock-option and
security future-option orders to be
executed in penny increments could
facilitate the execution of such orders by
increasing the number of price points at
which these orders may be executed.
For these reasons, the Commission
designates that the proposed rule
change become operative immediately.
At any time within 60 days of the
filing of the proposed rule change, the
Commission may summarily abrogate
the 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,
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).
19 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
20 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
20:27 Nov 15, 2006
Electronic Comments
• Use the Commission’s Internet
comment form (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml); or
• Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File
Number SR–CBOE–2006–83 on the
subject line.
Paper Comments
• Send paper comments in triplicate
to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary,
Securities and Exchange Commission,
100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC
20549–1090.
All submissions should refer to File No.
SR–CBOE–2006–83. This file number
should be included on the subject line
if e-mail 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 inspection and copying in
the Commission’s Public Reference
Room. 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 No.
SR–CBOE–2006–83 and should be
submitted on or before December 7,
2006.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated
authority.21
Nancy M. Morris,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6–19378 Filed 11–15–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
18 17
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including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act.
Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
21 17
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[Release No. 34–54726; File No. SR–CBOE–
2006–89]
Self-Regulatory Organizations;
Chicago Board Options Exchange,
Incorporated; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
Rule Change Regarding the
Exchange’s Open Outcry Crossing
Rule
November 8, 2006.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
notice is hereby given that on November
6, 2006, the Chicago Board Options
Exchange, Incorporated (‘‘CBOE’’ 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 CBOE has filed
this proposal as a ‘‘non-controversial’’
proposed rule change pursuant to
Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 3 and
Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder,4 which
renders the proposal effective upon
filing with the Commission. 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 proposes certain
changes that are intended to clarify the
operation of CBOE Rule 6.74, which
pertains to crossing orders in open
outcry. The text of the proposed rule
change is available on the Exchange’s
Web site (https://www.cboe.com), at the
Exchange’s Office of the Secretary, 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
1 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
CFR 240.19b–4.
3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
2 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 221 (Thursday, November 16, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66808-66810]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-19378]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-54729; File No. SR-CBOE-2006-83]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange,
Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
Rule Change Relating to Complex Orders
November 8, 2006.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that
on October 20, 2006, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated
(``CBOE'' 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 CBOE has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder,\4\
which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the
Commission.\5\ The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit
comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
\4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
\5\ The CBOE has requested that the Commission waive the 30-day
operative delay, as specified in Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii). 17 CFR
240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change
The CBOE proposes to amend its rules regarding the execution of
complex orders to clarify that the legs of stock-option and security
future-option orders may be executed in penny increments. The CBOE also
proposes various non-substantive changes designed to simplify the text
of several rules. The text of the proposed rule change is available on
the Exchange's Web site (https://www.cboe.com), at the Exchange's Office
of the Secretary, 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
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
1. Purpose
CBOE Rule 6.42(3), ``Minimum Increments for Bids and Offers,''
currently provides that complex orders may generally be expressed on a
net price basis in any increment, regardless of the minimum increment
otherwise appropriate to the individual legs of the order.\6\ Thus, for
example, a complex order could be entered at a net debit or credit
price of $1.03 even though the minimum increment for the individual
series is generally $0.05 or $0.10.\7\ After a complex order has been
executed at the total net debit or credit price, the contract
quantities and prices for each individual component leg of the trade
are reported as executions. In this regard, CBOE Rule 6.42(3) currently
provides that the legs of a complex order may be executed in one-cent
increments, regardless of the minimum increments otherwise appropriate
to the individual legs of the order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ A minimum trading increment is defined in CBOE Rule 6.42 as
$0.05 if the options contract is trading at less than $3.00 and
$0.10 if the options contract is trading at or above $3.00.
\7\ As an exception to this provision, CBOE Rule 6.42(3)
provides that complex orders in options on the S&P 500 Index
(``SPX'') and the S&P 100 Index (``OEX'') that are not box spreads
are to be expressed in decimal increments no smaller than $0.05. A
``box spread'' (also referred to as a ``box/roll spread'') means
``an aggregation of positions in a long call option and short put
option with the same exercise price (`buy side') coupled with a long
put option and short call option with the same exercise price (`sell
side') all of which have the same aggregate current underlying
value, and are structured as either: (A) a `long box spread' in
which the sell side exercise price exceeds the buy side exercise
price or (B) a `short box spread' in which the buy side exercise
price exceeds the sell side exercise price.'' See CBOE Rule 6.42,
Interpretation and Policy .05, and CBOE Rule 6.53C(a)(7).
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With respect to the types of complex orders that may be expressed
in net price increments and reported in one-cent increments as
described above, the rule text currently refers to spreads, straddles,
and combinations as defined in CBOE Rule 6.53, ``Certain Types of
Orders Defined,'' and any other type of complex order defined in CBOE
Rule 6.53C, ``Complex Orders on the Hybrid System.'' The purpose of the
proposed rule change is to clarify that the options leg of a stock-
option or security future-option order, as defined in CBOE Rules
[[Page 66809]]
1.1(ii)(a) and 1.1(zz)(a),\8\ respectively (collectively ``Type A''
orders), also may be executed in one-cent increments.\9\ While there
are already references to both Type A and Type B stock-option and
security future-option orders in the Exchange's priority rules
applicable to complex orders,\10\ the Exchange believes that making the
proposed clarification in the text of CBOE Rule 6.42(3) should help to
avoid any confusion as to the applicable increments for reporting the
execution of any options leg of Type A stock-option and security
future-option orders. The Exchange believes that this clarification is
consistent with Rule 722 of the International Securities Exchange
(``ISE''), which permits complex orders, as defined in ISE Rule 722, to
be executed in penny increments.\11\
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\8\ A ``stock-option order'' is defined as ``an order to buy or
sell a stated number of units of an underlying or a related security
coupled with either (a) The purchase or sale of option contract(s)
on the opposite side of the market representing either the same
number of units of the underlying or related security or the number
of units of the underlying security necessary to create a delta
neutral position or (b) the purchase or sale of an equal number of
put and call option contracts, each having the same exercise price,
expiration date and each representing the same number of units of
stock as, and on the opposite side of the market from, the
underlying or related security portion of the order.'' See CBOE Rule
1.1(ii). A ``security future-option order'' is defined as ``an order
to buy or sell a stated number of units of a security future or a
related security convertible into a security future (`convertible
security future') coupled with either (a) The purchase or sale of
option contract(s) on the opposite side of the market representing
either the same number of the underlying for the security future or
convertible security future or the number of units of the underlying
for the security future or convertible security future necessary to
create a delta neutral position or (b) the purchase or sale of an
equal number of put and call option contracts, each having the same
exercise price, expiration date and each representing the same
number of the underlying for the security future or convertible
security future, as and on the opposite side of the market from, the
underlying for the security future or convertible security future
portion of the order.'' See CBOE Rule 1.1(zz).
\9\ CBOE Rule 6.42(3) already contains a cross-reference to
conversions and reversals (collectively ``Type B'' orders). A
conversion (reversal) order is an order involving the purchase
(sale) of a put option and the sale (purchase) of a call option in
equivalent units with the same strike price and expiration in the
same underlying security, and the purchase (sale) of the related
instrument. See CBOE Rule 6.53C(a)(9). This definition is also
referenced in CBOE Rules 1.1(ii)(b) and 1.1(zz)(b).
\10\ CBOE Rule 6.45(e) pertains to the priority of complex
orders executed in non-Hybrid Trading System (``Hybrid'') options
classes. CBOE Rule 6.45A(b)(iii) pertains to the priority of complex
orders in Hybrid equity options classes. CBOE Rule 6.45B(b)(iii)
pertains to the priority of complex orders in Hybrid index and
exchange-traded fund option classes.
\11\ See ISE Rule 722(b)(1).
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The Exchange also notes that under CBOE rules, a stock-option order
or security future-option order may be executed at a total credit or
debit price without giving priority to bids (offers) established in the
trading crowd but not over bids (offers) in the public customer limit
order book. While CBOE is proposing to clarify that the options leg of
a Type A stock-option or security future-option order may be executed
in penny increments, it is not proposing to change the existing
requirement that to have priority over public customer limit orders,
the options leg of the order must trade at a price that is better than
the corresponding bid (offer) by at least one minimum trading
increment. Thus, public customer limit orders will maintain their
existing priority.
Finally, the Exchange is proposing various non-substantive changes
in an effort to simplify the existing text of several rules. First,
rather than list out the various types of complex orders, the Exchange
proposes to add a definition of a ``complex order'' in Interpretation
and Policy .01 to CBOE Rule 6.42.\12\ The Exchange also proposes to add
corresponding cross-references to this definition in other CBOE
rules.\13\ Second, the Exchange proposes to add a reference to CBOE
Rule 6.42(3) to clarify that, except as otherwise provided in CBOE Rule
6.53C, a complex order may be expressed in any increment.\14\ Third,
the Exchange proposes to replace rule text in CBOE Rule 6.42(3),
regarding the priority applicable to complex orders that are not net
priced in a multiple of the minimum increment, with a cross-reference
to the applicable priority requirements described in other CBOE rules,
and to add a reference to certain of the Exchange's applicable complex
order priority rules providing that at least one leg of a complex order
must better the corresponding bid (offer) in the public customer limit
order book by at least one minimum trading increment as defined in CBOE
Rule 6.42 (i.e., $0.05 or $0.10, as applicable). The Exchange believes
that this proposed change to the rule text is substantively the same as
one recently made by the ISE.\15\ Finally, CBOE Rule 6.42 is being
revised to clarify that the terms ``box/roll spread'' and ``box
spread,'' both of which are used in the CBOE's rules, have the same
meaning.\16\
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\12\ For purposes of the rule, ``complex order'' shall mean a
spread, straddle, combination, or ratio order as defined in CBOE
Rule 6.53, a stock-option order as defined in CBOE Rule 1.1(ii), a
security future-option order as defined in CBOE Rule 1.1(zz), or any
other complex order as defined in CBOE Rule 6.53C. See CBOE Rule
6.42(3), Interpretation and Policy .01.
\13\ The Exchange notes that the definition of a ``complex
order'' for purposes of CBOE's priority rules is different from the
definition of a ``complex trade'' for purposes of the options
intermarket linkage requirements described in CBOE Rules 6.80,
``Definitions,'' and 6.83, ``Order Protection.'' Under the options
intermarket linkage-related rules, a ``complex trade'' means the
execution of an order in an options series in conjunction with the
execution of one or more related order(s) in different options
series in the same underlying security occurring at or near the same
time for the equivalent number of contracts and for the purpose of
executing a particular investment strategy. See CBOE Rules 6.80(4)
and 6.83(b)(7).
\14\ CBOE Rule 6.53C provides that the net price increment
applicable to complex orders that are routed to the electronic
complex order book (``COB'') will be either a multiple of the
minimum increment (i.e., $0.05 or $0.10, as applicable) or a one
cent increment, as determined on a class-by-class basis.
\15\ See ISE Rule 722 and Securities Exchange Act Release No.
54124 (July 11, 2006), 71 FR 40567 (July 17, 2006) (order approving
File No. SR-ISE-2005-49).
\16\ See supra note 7.
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2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that the basis under the Act for the proposed
rule change is the requirement under Section 6(b)(5) of the Act \17\
that a national securities exchange have rules that are designed to
prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just
and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and to
perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market
system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest.
The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change will provide
investors with more flexibility in pricing stock-option orders and
security future-option orders and will increase the opportunity for
such orders to be executed.
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\17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
The CBOE 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
The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the
proposal.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
The Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as one that:
(i) Does not significantly affect the protection of investors or the
public interest; (ii) does not impose any significant burden on
competition; and (iii) does not become operative for 30 days from the
date of filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate if
consistent with the
[[Page 66810]]
protection of investors and the public interest. In addition, as
required under Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\18\ the CBOE provided the
Commission with written notice of its intention 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 filing the
proposal with the Commission. Therefore, the foregoing rule change has
become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \19\ and
Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\20\
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\18\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
\19\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\20\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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Pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) under the Act, a proposal does
not become operative for 30 days after the date of its filing, or such
shorter time as the Commission may designate if consistent with the
protection of investors and the public interest. The CBOE has asked the
Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay because the CBOE
believes that the proposal is substantially similar to ISE Rule 722 and
because the proposal clarifies the applicable reporting increments for
the options leg of stock-option and security future-option orders.
Accordingly, the CBOE believes that its proposal presents no novel
issues and that waiver of the 30-day operative delay is consistent with
the protection of investors and the public interest.
The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest
because the proposal will allow stock-option orders and security
future-option orders, like other types of complex orders, to be
executed in penny increments. Allowing stock-option and security
future-option orders to be executed in penny increments could
facilitate the execution of such orders by increasing the number of
price points at which these orders may be executed. For these reasons,
the Commission designates that the proposed rule change become
operative immediately.
At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule
change, the Commission may summarily abrogate the 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 e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include
File Number SR-CBOE-2006-83 on the subject line.
Paper Comments
Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris,
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20549-1090.
All submissions should refer to File No. SR-CBOE-2006-83. This file
number should be included on the subject line if e-mail 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 inspection and
copying in the Commission's Public Reference Room. 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 No. SR-
CBOE-2006-83 and should be submitted on or before December 7, 2006.
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\21\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation,
pursuant to delegated authority.\21\
Nancy M. Morris,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6-19378 Filed 11-15-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P