Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of Proposed Rule Change to Trade the iShares® S&P Europe 350 Index Fund Pursuant to Unlisted Trading Privileges, 173-175 [E6-22445]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 1 / Wednesday, January 3, 2007 / Notices
A proposed rule change filed
pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6) under the
Act 13 normally does not become
operative for 30 days after the date of its
filing. However, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) 14
permits the Commission to designate a
shorter time if such action is consistent
with the protection of investors and the
public interest. The NYSE has requested
that the Commission waive the 30-day
operative delay. The Commission
believes that waiving the 30-day
operative delay is consistent with the
protection of investors and the public
interest because it will allow the
moratorium to continue without
interruption so that the Exchange may
have additional time to fully study the
future viability of RCMMs and CTs in
the Hybrid Market. For these reasons,
the Commission designates that the
proposed rule change become operative
immediately.15
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 rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File
Number SR–NYSE–2006–113 on the
subject line.
Paper Comments
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
• Send paper comments in triplicate
to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary,
Securities and Exchange Commission,
100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC
20549–1090.
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 requested that the Commission waive the 5-day
pre-filing notice requirement. The Commission has
determined to waive this requirement.
13 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
14 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).
15 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day
operative delay, the Commission has considered the
proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition,
and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
VerDate Aug<31>2005
19:02 Dec 29, 2006
Jkt 211001
All submissions should refer to File
Number SR–NYSE–2006–113. 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
Number SR–NYSE–2006–113 and
should be submitted on or before
January 24, 2007.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated
authority.16
Jill M. Peterson,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6–22448 Filed 12–29–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–55004; File No. SR–
NYSEArca–2006–33]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Order
Granting Accelerated Approval of
Proposed Rule Change to Trade the
iShares S&P Europe 350 Index Fund
Pursuant to Unlisted Trading
Privileges
December 22, 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
18, 2006, NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘NYSE
Arca’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the
16 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
1 15
PO 00000
Frm 00076
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
173
Securities and Exchange Commission
(‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
change as described in Items I and II
below, which Items have been
substantially prepared by the Exchange.
The Commission is publishing this
notice and order to solicit comments on
the proposed rule change from
interested persons and to approve the
proposed rule change on an accelerated
basis.
I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Terms of Substance of
the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange, through its whollyowned subsidiary NYSE Arca Equities,
Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca Equities’’), proposes
to trade shares (‘‘Shares’’) of the iShares
S&P Europe 350 Index Fund (‘‘Fund’’)
(Symbol: IEV) pursuant to unlisted
trading privileges (‘‘UTP’’) based on
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.2(j)(3).
The text of the proposed rule change
is available on the Exchange’s Web site
(https://www.nysearca.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 III 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
The Exchange is proposing to trade
the Shares pursuant to UTP. The Fund
seeks investment results that correspond
generally to the price and yield
performance, before fees and expenses,
of the Standard & Poor’s Europe 350
Index (‘‘Index’’). The Index measures
the performance of the stocks of leading
companies in the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
and the United Kingdom. The market
capitalization of constituent companies
is adjusted to reflect only those stocks
E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM
03JAN1
174
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 1 / Wednesday, January 3, 2007 / Notices
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
that are available to foreign investors.
The stocks in the Index are chosen for
market size, liquidity, industry group
representation, and geographic
diversity. The Fund uses a
representative sampling strategy to try
to track the Index.
The Commission previously approved
the original listing and trading of the
Fund on the American Stock Exchange,
LLC (‘‘Amex’’).3 The Fund was
subsequently listed on the New York
Stock Exchange (‘‘NYSE’’).4 The
Exchange deems Shares of the Fund to
be equity securities, thus rendering
trading in the Shares subject to the
Exchange’s existing rules governing the
trading of equity securities. The trading
hours for the Shares on the Exchange
would be the same as those set forth in
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.34, except
that the Shares would not trade during
the Opening Session (4 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Eastern Time) unless the Indicative
Optimized Portfolio Value (‘‘IOPV’’) is
calculated and disseminated during that
time.
Quotations for and last sale
information regarding the Shares are
disseminated through the Consolidated
Quotation System. NYSE disseminates,
every 15 seconds during regular NYSE
trading hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
(Eastern Time), the value of the
underlying Index and this information
is widely disseminated by quotation
vendors. NYSE also disseminates, every
15 seconds during regular NYSE trading
hours, an IOPV for the Fund calculated
by a securities information provider and
this information is widely disseminated
by market data vendors. The net asset
value (‘‘NAV’’) of the Fund, however, is
calculated only once a day. Therefore,
the IOPV may not reflect the value of all
securities included in the Index and
thus may not reflect the precise
composition of the current portfolio of
securities held by the Fund at a
particular moment. The IOPV is
intended to closely approximate the
value per share of the portfolio of
securities for the Fund and provide for
a close proxy of the NAV at a greater
frequency for investors.
The Fund includes companies trading
in markets with trading hours
overlapping regular NYSE trading
hours. For this Fund, the IOPV
calculator updates the IOPV during the
overlap period every 15 seconds to
reflect price changes of the Index
components in the principal foreign
3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 42786
(May 15, 2000), 65 FR 33586 (May 24, 2000) (SR–
Amex–99–49).
4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 52761
(November 10, 2005), 70 FR 70010 (November 18,
2005) (SR–NYSE–2005–76).
VerDate Aug<31>2005
19:02 Dec 29, 2006
Jkt 211001
market and converts such prices into
U.S. dollars based on the current
currency exchange rate. When the
foreign market or markets are closed but
NYSE is open for trading, the IOPV is
updated every 15 seconds of the Index
components to reflect changes in
currency exchange rates.
The Commission has granted the
Fund an exemption from certain
prospectus delivery requirements under
Section 24(d) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (‘‘1940 Act’’).5
Any product description used in
reliance on the Section 24(d) exemptive
order will comply with all
representations made and all conditions
contained in the Fund’s application for
orders under the 1940 Act.6
In connection with the trading of the
Shares, the Exchange would inform ETP
Holders in an Information Circular of
the special characteristics and risks
associated with trading the Shares,
including how Fund Shares are created
and redeemed, the prospectus or
product description delivery
requirements applicable to the Shares,
applicable Exchange rules, how
information about the value of the
underlying Index is disseminated, and
trading information.
In addition, before an ETP Holder
recommends a transaction in the Shares,
the ETP Holder must determine the
Fund is suitable for the customer, as
required by NYSE Arca Equities Rule
9.2(a)–(b).
The Exchange intends to utilize its
existing surveillance procedures
applicable to derivative products to
monitor trading in the Shares. The
Exchange represents that these
procedures are adequate to monitor
Exchange trading of the Shares.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that the
proposed rule change is consistent with
Section 6(b) of the Act 7 in general and
Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 8 in particular
in that it is designed 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 and perfect the
mechanisms of a free and open market
and to protect investors and the public
interest. In addition, the Exchange
believes that the proposed rule change
is consistent with Rule 12f–5 under the
5 15
U.S.C. 80a–24(d).
In the Matter of iShares, Inc., et al.,
Investment Company Act Release No. 25623 (June
25, 2002).
7 15 U.S.C. 78s(b).
8 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(5).
6 See
PO 00000
Frm 00077
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Act 9 because it deems the Shares to be
equity securities, thus rendering trading
in the Shares subject to the Exchange’s
existing rules governing the trading of
equity securities.
B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that
the proposed rule change would 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
Written comments on the proposed
rule change were neither solicited nor
received.
III. 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 rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File
Number SR–NYSEArca–2006–33 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
Number SR–NYSEArca–2006–33. 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
9 17
E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM
CFR 240.12f–5.
03JAN1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 1 / Wednesday, January 3, 2007 / Notices
exchange shall not extend UTP to a
security unless the exchange has in
effect a rule or rules providing for
transactions in the class or type of
security to which the exchange extends
UTP. The Exchange has represented that
it meets this requirement because it
deems the Shares to be equity securities,
thus rendering trading in the Shares
subject to the Exchange’s existing rules
governing the trading of equity
securities.
The Commission further believes that
the proposal is consistent with Section
11A(a)(1)(C)(iii) of the Act,16 which sets
forth Congress’ finding that it is in the
IV. Commission’s Findings and Order
public interest and appropriate for the
Granting Accelerated Approval of the
protection of investors and the
Proposed Rule Change
maintenance of fair and orderly markets
After careful review, the Commission
to assure the availability to brokers,
finds that the proposed rule change is
dealers, and investors of information
consistent with the requirements of the
with respect to quotations for and
Act and the rules and regulations
transactions in securities. Quotations for
thereunder applicable to a national
and last sale information regarding the
securities exchange.10 In particular, the
Shares are disseminated through the
Commission finds that the proposed
Consolidated Quotation System.
rule change is consistent with Section
Furthermore, the IOPV calculator
11 which requires that
6(b)(5) of the Act,
updates the IOPV for the Fund every 15
an exchange have rules designed, among
seconds to reflect price changes of the
other things, to promote just and
Index components in the principal
equitable principles of trade, to remove
foreign markets, and converts such
impediments to and perfect the
prices into U.S. dollars based on the
mechanism of a free and open market
current currency exchange rate. When
and a national market system, and in
the foreign market or markets are closed
general to protect investors and the
but NYSE is open for trading, the IOPV
public interest. The Commission
will be updated every 15 seconds to
believes that this proposal should
reflect changes in currency exchange
benefit investors by increasing
rates. Furthermore, NYSE Arca Equities
competition among markets that trade
Rule 7.34 describes the circumstances
the Shares.
where the Exchange would halt trading
In addition, the Commission finds
when the IOPV or the value of the
that the proposal is consistent with
underlying Index is not calculated or
12 which permits
Section 12(f) of the Act,
widely available.
an exchange to trade, pursuant to UTP,
The Commission notes that, if the
a security that is listed and registered on
Shares should be delisted by the listing
another exchange.13 The Commission
exchange, the Exchange would no
notes that it previously approved the
longer have authority to trade the Shares
listing and trading of the Shares on
pursuant to this order.
14
Amex and subsequently on NYSE.
In support of this proposal, the
The Commission also finds that the
Exchange has made the following
proposal is consistent with Rule 12f–5
under the Act,15 which provides that an representations:
1. The Exchange’s surveillance
procedures are adequate to monitor the
10 In approving this rule change, the Commission
trading of the Shares.
notes that it has considered the proposed rule’s
impact on efficiency, competition, and capital
2. In connection with the trading of
formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
the Shares, the Exchange would inform
11 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
ETP Holders in an Information Circular
12 15 U.S.C. 78l(f).
of the special characteristics and risks
13 Section 12(a) of the Act, 15 U.S.C. 78l(a),
associated with trading the Shares.
generally prohibits a broker-dealer from trading a
security on a national securities exchange unless
3. The Information Circular would
the security is registered on that exchange pursuant
inform participants of the prospectus or
to Section 12 of the Act. Section 12(f) of the Act
product delivery requirements
excludes from this restriction trading in any
applicable to the Shares.
security to which an exchange ‘‘extends UTP.’’
When an exchange extends UTP to a security, it
This approval order is conditioned on
allows its members to trade the security as if it were the Exchange’s adherence to these
listed and registered on the exchange even though
representations.
it is not so listed and registered.
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
available for inspection and copying in
the Commission’s Public Reference
Room. Copies of such 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–NYSEArca–2006–33 and
should be submitted on or before
January 23, 2007.
15 17
supra notes 3 and 4.
CFR 240.12f–5.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
19:02 Dec 29, 2006
The Commission finds good cause for
approving this proposal before the
thirtieth day after the publication of
notice thereof in the Federal Register.
As noted previously, the Commission
previously found that the listing and
trading of the Shares on Amex and
subsequently on NYSE is consistent
with the Act. The Commission presently
is not aware of any regulatory issue that
should cause it to revisit that earlier
finding or preclude the trading of the
Shares on the Exchange pursuant to
UTP. Therefore, accelerating approval of
this proposal should benefit investors
by creating, without undue delay,
additional competition in the market for
the Shares.
V. Conclusion
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to
Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,17 that the
proposed rule change (SR–NYSEArca–
2006–33) is approved on an accelerated
basis.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated
authority.18
Jill M. Peterson,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6–22445 Filed 12–29–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Agency Information Collection
Activities: Emergency Request
The Social Security Administration
(SSA) publishes a list of information
collection packages that will require
clearance by the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) in compliance with
P.L. 104–13, the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995.
The information collection package that
is included in this notice is for an
emergency approval request for use of
an existing OMB-approved form.
SSA is soliciting comments on the
accuracy of the Agency’s burden
estimate; the need for the information;
its practical utility; ways to enhance its
quality, utility, and clarity; and on ways
to minimize burden on respondents,
including the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology. Written
comments and recommendations
regarding the information collection(s)
should be submitted to the OMB Desk
Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance
Officer. The information can be mailed
and/or faxed to the individuals at the
addresses and fax numbers listed below:
17 15
14 See
16 15
Jkt 211001
PO 00000
U.S.C. 78k–1(a)(1)(C)(iii).
Frm 00078
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
175
18 17
E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM
U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
03JAN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 3, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 173-175]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-22445]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-55004; File No. SR-NYSEArca-2006-33]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing
and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of Proposed Rule Change to
Trade the iShares[supreg] S&P Europe 350 Index Fund Pursuant to
Unlisted Trading Privileges
December 22, 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 18, 2006, 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 substantially prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is
publishing this notice and order to solicit comments on the proposed
rule change from interested persons and to approve the proposed rule
change on an accelerated basis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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, through its wholly-owned subsidiary NYSE Arca
Equities, Inc. (``NYSE Arca Equities''), proposes to trade shares
(``Shares'') of the iShares S&P Europe 350 Index Fund (``Fund'')
(Symbol: IEV) pursuant to unlisted trading privileges (``UTP'') based
on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.2(j)(3).
The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's
Web site (https://www.nysearca.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 III 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
The Exchange is proposing to trade the Shares pursuant to UTP. The
Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price
and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Standard &
Poor's Europe 350 Index (``Index''). The Index measures the performance
of the stocks of leading companies in the following countries: Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
and the United Kingdom. The market capitalization of constituent
companies is adjusted to reflect only those stocks
[[Page 174]]
that are available to foreign investors. The stocks in the Index are
chosen for market size, liquidity, industry group representation, and
geographic diversity. The Fund uses a representative sampling strategy
to try to track the Index.
The Commission previously approved the original listing and trading
of the Fund on the American Stock Exchange, LLC (``Amex'').\3\ The Fund
was subsequently listed on the New York Stock Exchange (``NYSE'').\4\
The Exchange deems Shares of the Fund to be equity securities, thus
rendering trading in the Shares subject to the Exchange's existing
rules governing the trading of equity securities. The trading hours for
the Shares on the Exchange would be the same as those set forth in NYSE
Arca Equities Rule 7.34, except that the Shares would not trade during
the Opening Session (4 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time) unless the
Indicative Optimized Portfolio Value (``IOPV'') is calculated and
disseminated during that time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 42786 (May 15,
2000), 65 FR 33586 (May 24, 2000) (SR-Amex-99-49).
\4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 52761 (November 10,
2005), 70 FR 70010 (November 18, 2005) (SR-NYSE-2005-76).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quotations for and last sale information regarding the Shares are
disseminated through the Consolidated Quotation System. NYSE
disseminates, every 15 seconds during regular NYSE trading hours of
9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (Eastern Time), the value of the underlying
Index and this information is widely disseminated by quotation vendors.
NYSE also disseminates, every 15 seconds during regular NYSE trading
hours, an IOPV for the Fund calculated by a securities information
provider and this information is widely disseminated by market data
vendors. The net asset value (``NAV'') of the Fund, however, is
calculated only once a day. Therefore, the IOPV may not reflect the
value of all securities included in the Index and thus may not reflect
the precise composition of the current portfolio of securities held by
the Fund at a particular moment. The IOPV is intended to closely
approximate the value per share of the portfolio of securities for the
Fund and provide for a close proxy of the NAV at a greater frequency
for investors.
The Fund includes companies trading in markets with trading hours
overlapping regular NYSE trading hours. For this Fund, the IOPV
calculator updates the IOPV during the overlap period every 15 seconds
to reflect price changes of the Index components in the principal
foreign market and converts such prices into U.S. dollars based on the
current currency exchange rate. When the foreign market or markets are
closed but NYSE is open for trading, the IOPV is updated every 15
seconds of the Index components to reflect changes in currency exchange
rates.
The Commission has granted the Fund an exemption from certain
prospectus delivery requirements under Section 24(d) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (``1940 Act'').\5\ Any product description used in
reliance on the Section 24(d) exemptive order will comply with all
representations made and all conditions contained in the Fund's
application for orders under the 1940 Act.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ 15 U.S.C. 80a-24(d).
\6\ See In the Matter of iShares, Inc., et al., Investment
Company Act Release No. 25623 (June 25, 2002).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In connection with the trading of the Shares, the Exchange would
inform ETP Holders in an Information Circular of the special
characteristics and risks associated with trading the Shares, including
how Fund Shares are created and redeemed, the prospectus or product
description delivery requirements applicable to the Shares, applicable
Exchange rules, how information about the value of the underlying Index
is disseminated, and trading information.
In addition, before an ETP Holder recommends a transaction in the
Shares, the ETP Holder must determine the Fund is suitable for the
customer, as required by NYSE Arca Equities Rule 9.2(a)-(b).
The Exchange intends to utilize its existing surveillance
procedures applicable to derivative products to monitor trading in the
Shares. The Exchange represents that these procedures are adequate to
monitor Exchange trading of the Shares.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent
with Section 6(b) of the Act \7\ in general and Section 6(b)(5) of the
Act \8\ in particular in that it is designed 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 and perfect the mechanisms of a free and open market
and to protect investors and the public interest. In addition, the
Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Rule
12f-5 under the Act \9\ because it deems the Shares to be equity
securities, thus rendering trading in the Shares subject to the
Exchange's existing rules governing the trading of equity securities.
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\7\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b).
\8\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(5).
\9\ 17 CFR 240.12f-5.
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B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change would
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
Written comments on the proposed rule change were neither solicited
nor received.
III. 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-NYSEArca-2006-33 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 Number SR-NYSEArca-2006-33. 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
[[Page 175]]
available for inspection and copying in the Commission's Public
Reference Room. Copies of such 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-NYSEArca-2006-33 and should
be submitted on or before January 23, 2007.
IV. Commission's Findings and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of
the Proposed Rule Change
After careful review, the Commission finds that the proposed rule
change is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities
exchange.\10\ In particular, the Commission finds that the proposed
rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\11\ which
requires that an exchange have rules designed, among other things, 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. The Commission believes that this proposal should benefit
investors by increasing competition among markets that trade the
Shares.
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\10\ 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).
\11\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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In addition, the Commission finds that the proposal is consistent
with Section 12(f) of the Act,\12\ which permits an exchange to trade,
pursuant to UTP, a security that is listed and registered on another
exchange.\13\ The Commission notes that it previously approved the
listing and trading of the Shares on Amex and subsequently on NYSE.\14\
The Commission also finds that the proposal is consistent with Rule
12f-5 under the Act,\15\ which provides that an exchange shall not
extend UTP to a security unless the exchange has in effect a rule or
rules providing for transactions in the class or type of security to
which the exchange extends UTP. The Exchange has represented that it
meets this requirement because it deems the Shares to be equity
securities, thus rendering trading in the Shares subject to the
Exchange's existing rules governing the trading of equity securities.
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\12\ 15 U.S.C. 78l(f).
\13\ Section 12(a) of the Act, 15 U.S.C. 78l(a), generally
prohibits a broker-dealer from trading a security on a national
securities exchange unless the security is registered on that
exchange pursuant to Section 12 of the Act. Section 12(f) of the Act
excludes from this restriction trading in any security to which an
exchange ``extends UTP.'' When an exchange extends UTP to a
security, it allows its members to trade the security as if it were
listed and registered on the exchange even though it is not so
listed and registered.
\14\ See supra notes 3 and 4.
\15\ 17 CFR 240.12f-5.
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The Commission further believes that the proposal is consistent
with Section 11A(a)(1)(C)(iii) of the Act,\16\ 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. Quotations for and last sale information regarding the
Shares are disseminated through the Consolidated Quotation System.
Furthermore, the IOPV calculator updates the IOPV for the Fund every 15
seconds to reflect price changes of the Index components in the
principal foreign markets, and converts such prices into U.S. dollars
based on the current currency exchange rate. When the foreign market or
markets are closed but NYSE is open for trading, the IOPV will be
updated every 15 seconds to reflect changes in currency exchange rates.
Furthermore, NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.34 describes the circumstances
where the Exchange would halt trading when the IOPV or the value of the
underlying Index is not calculated or widely available.
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\16\ 15 U.S.C. 78k-1(a)(1)(C)(iii).
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The Commission notes that, if the Shares should be delisted by the
listing exchange, the Exchange would no longer have authority to trade
the Shares pursuant to this order.
In support of this proposal, the Exchange has made the following
representations:
1. The Exchange's surveillance procedures are adequate to monitor
the trading of the Shares.
2. In connection with the trading of the Shares, the Exchange would
inform ETP Holders in an Information Circular of the special
characteristics and risks associated with trading the Shares.
3. The Information Circular would inform participants of the
prospectus or product delivery requirements applicable to the Shares.
This approval order is conditioned on the Exchange's adherence to
these representations.
The Commission finds good cause for approving this proposal before
the thirtieth day after the publication of notice thereof in the
Federal Register. As noted previously, the Commission previously found
that the listing and trading of the Shares on Amex and subsequently on
NYSE is consistent with the Act. The Commission presently is not aware
of any regulatory issue that should cause it to revisit that earlier
finding or preclude the trading of the Shares on the Exchange pursuant
to UTP. Therefore, accelerating approval of this proposal should
benefit investors by creating, without undue delay, additional
competition in the market for the Shares.
V. Conclusion
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the
Act,\17\ that the proposed rule change (SR-NYSEArca-2006-33) is
approved on an accelerated basis.
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\17\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation,
pursuant to delegated authority.\18\
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\18\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Jill M. Peterson,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6-22445 Filed 12-29-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P