Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To List for Trading Options on Commodity Pool Units, 19993-19997 [E7-7494]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 76 / Friday, April 20, 2007 / Notices above would allow for access to such opportunities if readily available. Moreover, a member would need to conduct best execution evaluations on a regular basis, at a minimum quarterly, that include its use of any router incorporating the features described above. 2. Statutory Basis The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act 8 in general and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(4) of the Act 9 in particular in that it is designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among CBOE members and other persons using its facilities. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition CBOE does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of 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 Because the foregoing rule change establishes or changes a due, fee, or other charge imposed by the Exchange, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 10 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) 11 thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 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: U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). 10 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 11 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 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–2007–34 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. Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.12 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–7493 Filed 4–19–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P [Release No. 34–55630; File No. SR–CBOE– 2007–21] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To List for Trading Options on Commodity Pool Units April 13, 2007. 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 CBOE included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change. The text of these 1 15 9 15 18:52 Apr 19, 2007 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 2 thereunder, All submissions should refer to File notice is hereby given that on February Number SR–CBOE–2007–34. This file 22, 2007, the Chicago Board Options number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help the Exchange, Incorporated (‘‘CBOE’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities Commission process and review your and Exchange Commission comments more efficiently, please use (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule only one method. The Commission will change as described in Items I and II post all comments on the Commission’s below, which Items have been Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ substantially prepared by the Exchange. rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the On March 26, 2007, CBOE filed submission, all subsequent Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule amendments, all written statements change.3 This order provides notice of with respect to the proposed rule the proposed rule change as modified by change that are filed with the Amendment No. 1 and approves the Commission, and all written proposed rule change on an accelerated communications relating to the basis. proposed rule change between the I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Commission and any person, other than Statement of the Terms of Substance of those that may be withheld from the the Proposed Rule Change public in accordance with the The Exchange proposes to amend provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be CBOE Rules 4.18 Interpretation and available for inspection and copying in Policy .01, 5.3 Interpretation and Policy the Commission’s Public Reference Room. Copies of such filing also will be .06, 5.4 Interpretation and Policy .08, 8.9, and 15.1 Interpretation and Policy available for inspection and copying at .04 to permit the listing and trading of the principal office of CBOE. All options on securities issued by Trust comments received will be posted Issued Receipts (‘‘TIRs’’), partnership without change; the Commission does units (‘‘Partnership Units’’), and other not edit personal identifying entities whose value is based on information from submissions. You underlying commodity interests should submit only information that (referred to collectively herein as you wish to make available publicly. All ‘‘Commodity Pool Units’’). submissions should refer to File The text of the proposed rule change Number SR–CBOE–2007–34 and should is available at the CBOE, the be submitted on or before May 11, 2007. Commission’s Public Reference Room, and https://www.cboe.com. For the Commission, by the Division of 8 15 VerDate Aug<31>2005 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 Amendment No. 1 replaces and supersedes the original filing in its entirety. 2 17 12 17 Jkt 211001 19993 PO 00000 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Frm 00118 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\20APN1.SGM 20APN1 19994 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 76 / Friday, April 20, 2007 / Notices statements may be examined at the places specified in Item III below. The CBOE 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 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 1. Purpose The CBOE states that the proposed rule change is based on a proposal by the American Stock Exchange LLC (‘‘Amex’’).4 The purpose of this proposed rule change is to enable the listing and trading on the Exchange of options on Commodity Pool Units that trade, directly or indirectly, in commodity futures products. Commodity Pool Units may hold or trade in one or more types of investments that may include any combination of securities, commodity futures contracts, options on commodity futures contracts, swaps and forward contracts. The shares of the Commodity Pool Units are securities registered with the Commission and the offer and sale of those shares are subject to the Commission’s regulatory oversight. The investments held, directly or indirectly, within the Commodity Pool Units are subject to the Commodity Exchange Act (‘‘CEA’’) due to their status as a ‘‘commodity pool.’’ 5 Therefore, the trading of the assets and/or investment (e.g., futures and options on futures) held within the Commodity Pool Units is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (‘‘CFTC’’).6 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55547 (March 28, 2007), 72 FR 16388 (April 4, 2007) (SR– Amex–2006–110) (approving listing criteria covering options on securities issued by entities holding commodity derivatives). CBOE’s proposed rule text includes a definition of ‘‘Partnership Units’’ that parallels the definition in Amex’s rules. See Interpretation and Policy .10 to CBOE Rule 5.4. CBOE notes that, although the proposed definition of ‘‘Partnership Units’’ includes a broad universe of securities, including those of entities that invest in physical commodities. The current filing, like the Amex proposal, proposes to list and trade options only on Commodity Pool Units that invest in a combination of commodity derivative products, and not in physical commodities. 5 The term ‘‘[commodity] pool means any investment trust, syndicate or similar form of enterprise operated for the purpose of trading commodity interests.’’ 17 CFR 4.10(d)(1). A commodity interest is ‘‘(1) Any contract for the purchase or sale of a commodity for future delivery; and (2) Any contract, agreement or transaction subject to Commission regulation under Section 4c or 19 of the [Commodity Exchange] Act.’’ 17 CFR 4.10(a). 6 The manager or operator of a ‘‘commodity pool’’ is required to register, unless applicable exclusions apply, as a commodity pool operator (‘‘CPO’’) and as a commodity trading advisor (‘‘CTA’’) with the CFTC and become a member of the National Futures Association (‘‘NFA’’). VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:52 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 211001 Currently, CBOE Rule 5.3 Interpretation and Policy .06 provides that securities deemed appropriate for options trading shall include shares or other securities (‘‘Units’’) that are principally traded on a national securities exchange or through the facilities of a national securities association and reported as a NMS security, and that (i) Represent interests in registered investment companies (or series thereof) organized as open-end management investment companies, unit investment trusts or similar entities that hold portfolios of securities comprising or otherwise based on or representing investments in indexes or portfolios of securities (or that hold securities in one or more other registered investment companies that themselves hold such portfolios of securities); or (ii) represent interests in a trust that holds a specified non-U.S. currency deposited with the trust when aggregated in some specified minimum number may be surrendered to the trust by the beneficial owner to receive the specified non-U.S. currency and pays the beneficial owner to receive the specified non-U.S. currency and pays the beneficial owner interest and other distributions on deposited non-U.S. currency, if any, declared and paid by the trust. The Exchange proposes to amend Interpretation and Policy .06 to its Rule 5.3 to expand the type of options to include the listing and trading of options based on Commodity Pool Units that may hold or invest, directly or indirectly, in commodity futures products, including, but not limited to, commodity futures contracts, options on commodity futures contracts, swaps and forward contracts. As part of this revision to Rule 5.3 Interpretation and Policy .06, the Exchange proposes to add paragraph (ii)(F) requiring for Commodity Pool Units that a comprehensive surveillance sharing agreement be in place with the marketplace or marketplaces with last sale reporting that represent(s) the highest volume in such commodity futures contracts and/or options on commodity futures contracts on the specified commodities or non-U.S. currency, which are utilized by the national securities exchange where the underlying Commodity Pool Units are listed and traded. As set forth in the proposed amendment to Interpretation and Policy .06 to CBOE Rule 5.3, Commodity Pool Units must be traded on a national securities exchange or through the facilities of a national securities association and must be an ‘‘NMS stock’’ as defined under Rule 600 of PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Regulation NMS. In addition, Commodity Pool Units must meet either (i) the criteria and guidelines under CBOE Rule 5.3 and Interpretation and Policy .01; or (ii) be available for creation or redemption each business day from or through the issuing trust, investment company, commodity pool or other issuer in cash or in kind at a price related to net asset value. In addition, the issuing trust, investment company, commodity pools or other issuer is obligated to issue Units in a specified aggregate number even if some or all of the investment assets required to be deposited have not been received by the issuing trust, investment company, commodity pool or other issuer, subject to the condition that the person obligated to deposit the investment assets has undertaken to deliver the investment assets as soon as possible and such undertaking is secured by the delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash or cash equivalents satisfactory to the issuer of Units which underlie the option as described in the Units’ prospectus. Under the applicable continued listing criteria in Interpretation and Policy .08 to CBOE Rule 5.4, the Exchange shall not open for trading any additional series of option contracts on Units that were initially approved for options trading pursuant to Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 5.3 if such Units either (i) Cease to be an ‘‘NMS stock’’ as provided in paragraph (f) of Interpretation and Policy .01 of Rule 5.4 (an ‘‘NMS stock’’ is defined in Rule 600 of Regulation NMS of the Act); or (ii) are halted from trading in their primary market. In addition, the Exchange shall consider the suspension of opening transactions in any series of options of the class covering Units in the following circumstances: (1) Following the initial twelve-month period beginning upon the commencement of trading in the Units on a national securities exchange or through the facilities of a national securities association and are defined as an ‘‘NMS stock’’ under Rule 600 of Regulation NMS, there are fewer than 50 record and/or beneficial holders of such Units for 30 or more consecutive trading days; or (2) the value of the index or portfolio of securities, non-U.S. currency, or portfolio of commodities including commodity futures contracts, options on commodity futures contracts, swaps, forward contracts and/or options on physical commodities on which the Units are based is no longer calculated or available. In addition, the Exchange is proposing to amend Rule 5.4 Interpretation and Policy .08, by adding E:\FR\FM\20APN1.SGM 20APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 76 / Friday, April 20, 2007 / Notices sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES new paragraph (d), which provides the Exchange with the ability to determine that it will not open additional series of options on Units if such events occur or conditions exist that in the opinion of the Exchange make further dealing in such options on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange notes that this proposed paragraph is based on a parallel provision in Commentary .07(4) to Amex Rule 916. The Exchange is also proposing to amend Interpretation and Policy .01 to its Rule 4.18 to require members to establish, maintain and enforce written policies and procedures to prevent the misuse of material, nonpublic information it might have or receive in a related security, option or derivative or in the applicable related commodity, commodity futures or options on commodity futures or any other related commodity derivatives. The Exchange is further proposing to amend CBOE Rule 8.9 to require that Market-Makers for options in Commodity Pool Units file with the Exchange upon request a list identifying all accounts for, among other things, physical commodities, physical commodity options, commodity futures contracts, options on commodity futures contracts, any other derivatives based on such commodity in which the Market-Maker may have directly or indirectly engaged in trading activities or over which he exercises investment discretion.7 In addition, the proposed revision to Rule 8.9 further requires that no Market-Maker shall engage in trading in, among other things, physical commodities, physical commodity options, commodity futures contracts, options on commodity futures contracts, any other derivatives based on such commodity in an account which has not been reported in a manner prescribed by the Exchange.8 In addition, the Exchange proposes to amend Interpretation and Policy .04 to CBOE Rule 15.1 to require MarketMakers to make available to the Exchange such books and records or other information pertaining to transactions in the applicable physical commodity, physical commodity options, commodity futures contracts, options on commodity futures contracts, or any other derivatives on such commodity, as may be requested by the Exchange. 7 The Exchange is proposing to add the phrase ‘‘for options on’’ in two places in the first sentence of CBOE Rule 8.9(a) to clarify that Rule 8.9(a) governs Market-Makers in options on Units (versus Market-Markets in the Unit underlying the option). 8 The Exchange is proposing to add the phrase ‘‘trading in’’ to the last sentence of CBOE Rule 8.9(a) to clarify the conduct governed by the rule. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:42 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 211001 The Exchange represents that it has an adequate surveillance program in place for options based on Commodity Pool Units. The Exchange may obtain trading information via the Intermarket Surveillance Group (‘‘ISG’’) from other exchanges who are members or affiliates of the ISG and has entered into numerous comprehensive surveillancesharing agreements with various commodity futures exchanges worldwide. Prior to listing and trading options on Commodity Pool Units, the Exchange represents that it would either have the ability to obtain specific trading information via ISG or through a comprehensive surveillance sharing agreement with the primary exchange or exchanges where the particular commodity futures and/or options on commodity futures are traded. The addition of Commodity Pool Units would not have any effect on the rules pertaining to position and exercise limits.9 The Exchange also represents that the margin requirements for options on Commodity Pools Units would be evaluated for each product the Exchange anticipates listing. Any new margin rules deemed necessary will be filed separately with the Commission. This proposal is necessary to enable the Exchange to list and trade options on an expanding range of Commodity Pool Units that the Commission has approved for trading, including the DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (the ‘‘DBC Fund’’), the United States Oil Fund, L.P. (the ‘‘Oil Fund’’) and the PowerCommodity Pool ETFs DB G10 Currency Harvest Fund (the ‘‘DBV Fund’’).10 The DBC Fund is a Commodity TIR 11 and tracks the performance of the Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity IndexTM—Excess Return while the Oil Fund is a Partnership Unit and tracks the spot price of West Texas Intermediate light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma. The DBC Fund is a ‘‘feeder fund’’ that invests substantially all of its assets in the DB Commodity Index Tracking Master Fund, and the Master Fund in turn maintains a portfolio of exchange9 See CBOE Rules 4.11 and 4.12. Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 53105 (January 11, 2006), 71 FR 3129 (January 19, 2006) (approving the listing and trading of the DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund); 53582 (March 31, 2006), 71 FR 17510 (April 6, 2006) (approving the listing and trading of Units of the United States Oil Fund, L.P.); and 54450 (September 14, 2006), 71 FR 51245 (September 21, 2006) (approving the listing and trading of the PowerShares DB G10 Currency Harvest Fund). 11 The offering of DBC Fund shares is registered with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and its most recent Form 10–Q was filed with the Commission on November 14, 2006. 10 See PO 00000 Frm 00120 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 19995 traded futures on aluminum, gold, corn, wheat, heating oil and light, sweet crude oil. The Index is derived from the prices of those futures contracts. The Master Fund’s portfolio is managed on an ongoing basis by DB Commodity Services LLC, a registered CPO and CTA, so that the value of the portfolio closely tracks the value of the Index over time. The DBV Fund is also a Commodity TIR 12 and a ‘‘feeder fund’’ that invests substantially all of its assets in the PowerCommodity Pool ETFs DB G10 Currency Harvest Master Fund, and the Master Fund in turn maintains a portfolio of exchange-traded futures on foreign currencies that comprise the G– 10 countries. The Index is derived from the prices of those futures contracts. The Master Fund’s portfolio is managed on an ongoing basis by DB Commodity Services LLC, a registered CPO and CTA, so that the value of the portfolio closely tracks the value of the Index over time. Unlike the DBC and DBV Funds, the Oil Fund 13 does not invest through a master-feeder structure but rather trades directly in futures on crude and heating oil, natural gas, gasoline and other petroleum-based fuels, options on such futures contracts, forward contracts on oil and other over-the-counter derivatives based on the price of oil, other petroleum-based fuels, the futures contracts described above, and the indexes based on any of the foregoing. The Oil Fund’s portfolio is managed by Victoria Bay Asset Management LLC with the aim of tracking the West Texas Intermediate light, sweet crude oil futures contract listed and traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (‘‘NYMEX’’). The Exchange believes that it is reasonable to expect that other types of Commodity Pool Units will be introduced for trading in the near future. The proposed amendment to the Exchange’s listing criteria for options on Commodity TIRs and Partnership Units is necessary to ensure that the Exchange will be able to list options on Commodity Pool Units that have been recently launched as well as any other similar Commodity Pool Units that may be listed and traded in the future. 12 The offering of DBV Fund shares is registered with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and its most recent Form 10–Q was filed with the Commission on November 14, 2006. 13 The offering of Oil Fund shares is registered with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and its most recent Form S–1 was filed with the Commission on January 19, 2007. E:\FR\FM\20APN1.SGM 20APN1 19996 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 76 / Friday, April 20, 2007 / Notices 2. Statutory Basis Paper Comments The Exchange believes that, with the commencement of trading of Commodity Pool Units on the Exchange, amending its rules to accommodate the listing and trading of options on publicly traded shares of other securities that hold and/or manage portfolios or baskets of commodity futures contracts, options on commodity futures contracts, swaps, forward contracts, options on physical commodities, options on non-U.S. currency, and/or securities will benefit investors by providing them with the same valuable risk management tool that is currently available with respect to other publicly traded Units (or Exchange Traded Funds) whose investment assets consist of securities. Accordingly, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act 14 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5),15 of the Act in particular, in that it would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market in a manner consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. • Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. 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 The Exchange states that no written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. 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: sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 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–2007–21 on the subject line. 14 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 15 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:52 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 211001 system and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. Surveillance The Commission notes that Exchange has represented that it has an adequate surveillance program in place for options based on Commodity Pool All submissions should refer to File Units. The Exchange may obtain trading Number SR–CBOE–2007–21. This file information via the ISG from other number should be included on the exchanges who are members or affiliates subject line if e-mail is used. To help the of the ISG and has entered into Commission process and review your numerous comprehensive surveillance comments more efficiently, please use sharing agreements with various only one method. The Commission will commodity futures exchanges post all comments on the Commission’s worldwide. Prior to listing and trading Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ options on Commodity Pool Units, the rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the Exchange represented that it will either submission, all subsequent have the ability to obtain specific amendments, all written statements trading information via ISG or through with respect to the proposed rule a comprehensive surveillance sharing change that are filed with the agreement with the exchange or Commission, and all written exchanges where the particular communications relating to the commodity futures and/or options on proposed rule change between the commodity futures are traded. In Commission and any person, other than addition, the Exchange represented that those that may be withheld from the the addition of Commodity Pool Unit public in accordance with the options will not have any effect on the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be rules pertaining to position and exercise available for inspection and copying in limits 19 or margin. the Commission’s Public Reference Listing and Trading of Options on Room. Copies of the filing also will be Commodity Pool Units available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the CBOE. All The Commission notes that, pursuant to the proposed rule change, a comments received will be posted Commodity Pool Unit will be subject to without change; the Commission does the provisions of CBOE Rules 5.3 and not edit personal identifying 5.4, and the Interpretation and Policy information from submissions. You thereto, as applicable. These provisions should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All include requirements regarding initial and continued listing standards, the submissions should refer to File Number SR–CBOE–2007–21 and should creation/redemption process for be submitted on or before May 11, 2007. Commodity Pool Units, and trading halts. All Commodity Pool Units must IV. Commission Findings and be traded through a national securities Accelerated Approval exchange or through the facilities of a national securities association, and must After careful consideration, the be ‘‘NMS stock’’ as defined under Rule Commission finds that the proposed 600 of Regulation NMS.20 rule change is consistent with the The Commission believes that this requirements of the Act and the rules proposal is necessary to enable the and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange 16 and, in Exchange to list and trade options on an expanding range of Commodity Pool particular, the requirements of Section 6 Units currently approved for trading of the Act.17 Specifically, the and that it is reasonable to expect other Commission finds that the proposed types of Commodity Pool Units to be rule change is consistent with Section introduced for trading in the future. 18 which requires, 6(b)(5) of the Act, This proposal would help ensure that among other things, that the rules of a the Exchange will be able to list options national securities exchange be on Commodity Pool Units that have designed to remove impediments to and been recently launched as well as any perfect the mechanism of a free and other similar Commodity Pool Units open market and a national market that may be listed and traded in the future 21 thereby offering investors 16 In approving this proposed rule change, the greater option choices. Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 17 15 U.S.C. 78f. 18 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). PO 00000 Frm 00121 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 19 See CBOE Rules 4.11 and 4.12. CFR 242.600(b)(47). 21 17 CFR 240.19b–4(e). 20 17 E:\FR\FM\20APN1.SGM 20APN1 19997 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 76 / Friday, April 20, 2007 / Notices The Commission finds good cause, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,22 for approving the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, prior to the thirtieth day after the date of publication of notice in the Federal Register. The Commission notes that the proposal is consistent with the Exchange’s listing and trading standards in CBOE Rules 5.3 and 5.4, and the Commission has recently approved a similar proposal, after publishing it for a full comment period and receiving no comments.23 Therefore, the Commission does not believe that the proposed rule change, as amended, raises novel regulatory issues. Consequently, the Commission believes that it is appropriate to permit investors to benefit from the flexibility afforded by trading these products without delay. Accordingly, the Commission finds that there is good cause, consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,24 to approve the proposal, as amended, on an accelerated basis. V. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,25 that the proposed rule change (SR–CBOE–2007– 21), as modified by Amendment No. 1, be, and is hereby approved on an accelerated basis. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.26 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–7494 Filed 4–19–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–55637; File No. SR–CBOE– 2007–35] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Increase the Class Quoting Limit in Several Option Classes April 16, 2007. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 22 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55547 (March 28, 2007), 72 FR 16388 (April 4, 2007) (SR– Amex–2006–110). 24 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(5). 25 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 26 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 23 See VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:52 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 211001 notice is hereby given that on April 10, 2007, 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, II, and III below, which Items have been substantially prepared by the CBOE. The Exchange has designated this proposal as one constituting a stated policy, practice, or interpretation with respect to the meaning, administration, or enforcement of an existing rule under Section 19(b)(3)(A)(i) of the Act,3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(1) 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. 40, depending on the trading activity of the particular product. Rule 8.3A, Interpretation .01(c) provides a procedure by which the President of the Exchange may increase the CQL for a particular product. In this regard, the President of the Exchange may increase the CQL in exceptional circumstances, which are defined in the rule as ‘‘substantial trading volume, whether actual or expected.’’ 6 The effect of an increase in the CQL is procompetitive in that it increases the number of market participants that may quote electronically in a product. The purpose of this filing is to increase the CQL in the following option classes as described below: I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change American Home Mortgage Investment Corp. (AHM) .............. Dendreon Corporation (DNDN) ..................... Imergent Inc. (IIG) ........ Accredited Home Lenders Holding (LEND) ... Novastar Financial, Inc. (NFI) .......................... Neurochem, Inc. (NRMX) ..................... CBOE proposes to increase the class quoting limit in several option classes. The text of the proposed rule change is available on CBOE’s Web site (https:// www.cboe.com), at the CBOE’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, CBOE 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 CBOE 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 8.3A, Maximum Number of Market Participants Quoting Electronically per Product, establishes class quoting limits (‘‘CQLs’’) for each class traded on the Hybrid Trading System.5 A CQL is the maximum number of quoters that may quote electronically in a given product and the current levels are established from 25– 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(i). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(1). 5 See Rule 8.3A.01. 4 17 PO 00000 Frm 00122 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Option class Current CQL New CQL 25 30 25 25 40 30 35 45 30 40 25 35 The trading volume in these option classes recently has increased substantially. Increasing the CQL in these classes will enable the Exchange to enhance the liquidity offered, thereby offering deeper and more liquid markets. 2. Statutory Basis Accordingly, CBOE believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act and the rules and regulations under the Act applicable to a national securities exchange and, in particular, the requirements of section 6(b) of the Act.7 Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) 8 requirements that the rules of an exchange be designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition CBOE does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any 6 ‘‘Any actions taken by the President of the Exchange pursuant to this paragraph will be submitted to the SEC in a rule filing pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Exchange Act.’’ Rule 8.3A.01(c). 7 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 8 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). E:\FR\FM\20APN1.SGM 20APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 76 (Friday, April 20, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19993-19997]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7494]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-55630; File No. SR-CBOE-2007-21]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, 
Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval 
of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To List for 
Trading Options on Commodity Pool Units

April 13, 2007.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 \2\ thereunder, notice is hereby given 
that on February 22, 2007, 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 substantially 
prepared by the Exchange. On March 26, 2007, CBOE filed Amendment No. 1 
to the proposed rule change.\3\ This order provides notice of the 
proposed rule change as modified by Amendment No. 1 and approves the 
proposed rule change on an accelerated basis.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ Amendment No. 1 replaces and supersedes the original filing 
in its entirety.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to amend CBOE Rules 4.18 Interpretation and 
Policy .01, 5.3 Interpretation and Policy .06, 5.4 Interpretation and 
Policy .08, 8.9, and 15.1 Interpretation and Policy .04 to permit the 
listing and trading of options on securities issued by Trust Issued 
Receipts (``TIRs''), partnership units (``Partnership Units''), and 
other entities whose value is based on underlying commodity interests 
(referred to collectively herein as ``Commodity Pool Units'').
    The text of the proposed rule change is available at the CBOE, the 
Commission's Public Reference Room, and https://www.cboe.com.

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 CBOE included statements 
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change. The 
text of these

[[Page 19994]]

statements may be examined at the places specified in Item III below. 
The CBOE 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 CBOE states that the proposed rule change is based on a 
proposal by the American Stock Exchange LLC (``Amex'').\4\
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    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55547 (March 28, 
2007), 72 FR 16388 (April 4, 2007) (SR-Amex-2006-110) (approving 
listing criteria covering options on securities issued by entities 
holding commodity derivatives). CBOE's proposed rule text includes a 
definition of ``Partnership Units'' that parallels the definition in 
Amex's rules. See Interpretation and Policy .10 to CBOE Rule 5.4. 
CBOE notes that, although the proposed definition of ``Partnership 
Units'' includes a broad universe of securities, including those of 
entities that invest in physical commodities. The current filing, 
like the Amex proposal, proposes to list and trade options only on 
Commodity Pool Units that invest in a combination of commodity 
derivative products, and not in physical commodities.
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    The purpose of this proposed rule change is to enable the listing 
and trading on the Exchange of options on Commodity Pool Units that 
trade, directly or indirectly, in commodity futures products. Commodity 
Pool Units may hold or trade in one or more types of investments that 
may include any combination of securities, commodity futures contracts, 
options on commodity futures contracts, swaps and forward contracts. 
The shares of the Commodity Pool Units are securities registered with 
the Commission and the offer and sale of those shares are subject to 
the Commission's regulatory oversight. The investments held, directly 
or indirectly, within the Commodity Pool Units are subject to the 
Commodity Exchange Act (``CEA'') due to their status as a ``commodity 
pool.'' \5\ Therefore, the trading of the assets and/or investment 
(e.g., futures and options on futures) held within the Commodity Pool 
Units is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission 
(``CFTC'').\6\
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    \5\ The term ``[commodity] pool means any investment trust, 
syndicate or similar form of enterprise operated for the purpose of 
trading commodity interests.'' 17 CFR 4.10(d)(1). A commodity 
interest is ``(1) Any contract for the purchase or sale of a 
commodity for future delivery; and (2) Any contract, agreement or 
transaction subject to Commission regulation under Section 4c or 19 
of the [Commodity Exchange] Act.'' 17 CFR 4.10(a).
    \6\ The manager or operator of a ``commodity pool'' is required 
to register, unless applicable exclusions apply, as a commodity pool 
operator (``CPO'') and as a commodity trading advisor (``CTA'') with 
the CFTC and become a member of the National Futures Association 
(``NFA'').
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    Currently, CBOE Rule 5.3 Interpretation and Policy .06 provides 
that securities deemed appropriate for options trading shall include 
shares or other securities (``Units'') that are principally traded on a 
national securities exchange or through the facilities of a national 
securities association and reported as a NMS security, and that (i) 
Represent interests in registered investment companies (or series 
thereof) organized as open-end management investment companies, unit 
investment trusts or similar entities that hold portfolios of 
securities comprising or otherwise based on or representing investments 
in indexes or portfolios of securities (or that hold securities in one 
or more other registered investment companies that themselves hold such 
portfolios of securities); or (ii) represent interests in a trust that 
holds a specified non-U.S. currency deposited with the trust when 
aggregated in some specified minimum number may be surrendered to the 
trust by the beneficial owner to receive the specified non-U.S. 
currency and pays the beneficial owner to receive the specified non-
U.S. currency and pays the beneficial owner interest and other 
distributions on deposited non-U.S. currency, if any, declared and paid 
by the trust.
    The Exchange proposes to amend Interpretation and Policy .06 to its 
Rule 5.3 to expand the type of options to include the listing and 
trading of options based on Commodity Pool Units that may hold or 
invest, directly or indirectly, in commodity futures products, 
including, but not limited to, commodity futures contracts, options on 
commodity futures contracts, swaps and forward contracts. As part of 
this revision to Rule 5.3 Interpretation and Policy .06, the Exchange 
proposes to add paragraph (ii)(F) requiring for Commodity Pool Units 
that a comprehensive surveillance sharing agreement be in place with 
the marketplace or marketplaces with last sale reporting that 
represent(s) the highest volume in such commodity futures contracts 
and/or options on commodity futures contracts on the specified 
commodities or non-U.S. currency, which are utilized by the national 
securities exchange where the underlying Commodity Pool Units are 
listed and traded.
    As set forth in the proposed amendment to Interpretation and Policy 
.06 to CBOE Rule 5.3, Commodity Pool Units must be traded on a national 
securities exchange or through the facilities of a national securities 
association and must be an ``NMS stock'' as defined under Rule 600 of 
Regulation NMS. In addition, Commodity Pool Units must meet either (i) 
the criteria and guidelines under CBOE Rule 5.3 and Interpretation and 
Policy .01; or (ii) be available for creation or redemption each 
business day from or through the issuing trust, investment company, 
commodity pool or other issuer in cash or in kind at a price related to 
net asset value. In addition, the issuing trust, investment company, 
commodity pools or other issuer is obligated to issue Units in a 
specified aggregate number even if some or all of the investment assets 
required to be deposited have not been received by the issuing trust, 
investment company, commodity pool or other issuer, subject to the 
condition that the person obligated to deposit the investment assets 
has undertaken to deliver the investment assets as soon as possible and 
such undertaking is secured by the delivery and maintenance of 
collateral consisting of cash or cash equivalents satisfactory to the 
issuer of Units which underlie the option as described in the Units' 
prospectus.
    Under the applicable continued listing criteria in Interpretation 
and Policy .08 to CBOE Rule 5.4, the Exchange shall not open for 
trading any additional series of option contracts on Units that were 
initially approved for options trading pursuant to Interpretation and 
Policy .06 to Rule 5.3 if such Units either (i) Cease to be an ``NMS 
stock'' as provided in paragraph (f) of Interpretation and Policy .01 
of Rule 5.4 (an ``NMS stock'' is defined in Rule 600 of Regulation NMS 
of the Act); or (ii) are halted from trading in their primary market.
    In addition, the Exchange shall consider the suspension of opening 
transactions in any series of options of the class covering Units in 
the following circumstances: (1) Following the initial twelve-month 
period beginning upon the commencement of trading in the Units on a 
national securities exchange or through the facilities of a national 
securities association and are defined as an ``NMS stock'' under Rule 
600 of Regulation NMS, there are fewer than 50 record and/or beneficial 
holders of such Units for 30 or more consecutive trading days; or (2) 
the value of the index or portfolio of securities, non-U.S. currency, 
or portfolio of commodities including commodity futures contracts, 
options on commodity futures contracts, swaps, forward contracts and/or 
options on physical commodities on which the Units are based is no 
longer calculated or available. In addition, the Exchange is proposing 
to amend Rule 5.4 Interpretation and Policy .08, by adding

[[Page 19995]]

new paragraph (d), which provides the Exchange with the ability to 
determine that it will not open additional series of options on Units 
if such events occur or conditions exist that in the opinion of the 
Exchange make further dealing in such options on the Exchange 
inadvisable. The Exchange notes that this proposed paragraph is based 
on a parallel provision in Commentary .07(4) to Amex Rule 916.
    The Exchange is also proposing to amend Interpretation and Policy 
.01 to its Rule 4.18 to require members to establish, maintain and 
enforce written policies and procedures to prevent the misuse of 
material, nonpublic information it might have or receive in a related 
security, option or derivative or in the applicable related commodity, 
commodity futures or options on commodity futures or any other related 
commodity derivatives.
    The Exchange is further proposing to amend CBOE Rule 8.9 to require 
that Market-Makers for options in Commodity Pool Units file with the 
Exchange upon request a list identifying all accounts for, among other 
things, physical commodities, physical commodity options, commodity 
futures contracts, options on commodity futures contracts, any other 
derivatives based on such commodity in which the Market-Maker may have 
directly or indirectly engaged in trading activities or over which he 
exercises investment discretion.\7\ In addition, the proposed revision 
to Rule 8.9 further requires that no Market-Maker shall engage in 
trading in, among other things, physical commodities, physical 
commodity options, commodity futures contracts, options on commodity 
futures contracts, any other derivatives based on such commodity in an 
account which has not been reported in a manner prescribed by the 
Exchange.\8\
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    \7\ The Exchange is proposing to add the phrase ``for options 
on'' in two places in the first sentence of CBOE Rule 8.9(a) to 
clarify that Rule 8.9(a) governs Market-Makers in options on Units 
(versus Market-Markets in the Unit underlying the option).
    \8\ The Exchange is proposing to add the phrase ``trading in'' 
to the last sentence of CBOE Rule 8.9(a) to clarify the conduct 
governed by the rule.
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    In addition, the Exchange proposes to amend Interpretation and 
Policy .04 to CBOE Rule 15.1 to require Market-Makers to make available 
to the Exchange such books and records or other information pertaining 
to transactions in the applicable physical commodity, physical 
commodity options, commodity futures contracts, options on commodity 
futures contracts, or any other derivatives on such commodity, as may 
be requested by the Exchange.
    The Exchange represents that it has an adequate surveillance 
program in place for options based on Commodity Pool Units. The 
Exchange may obtain trading information via the Intermarket 
Surveillance Group (``ISG'') from other exchanges who are members or 
affiliates of the ISG and has entered into numerous comprehensive 
surveillance-sharing agreements with various commodity futures 
exchanges worldwide. Prior to listing and trading options on Commodity 
Pool Units, the Exchange represents that it would either have the 
ability to obtain specific trading information via ISG or through a 
comprehensive surveillance sharing agreement with the primary exchange 
or exchanges where the particular commodity futures and/or options on 
commodity futures are traded.
    The addition of Commodity Pool Units would not have any effect on 
the rules pertaining to position and exercise limits.\9\ The Exchange 
also represents that the margin requirements for options on Commodity 
Pools Units would be evaluated for each product the Exchange 
anticipates listing. Any new margin rules deemed necessary will be 
filed separately with the Commission.
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    \9\ See CBOE Rules 4.11 and 4.12.
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    This proposal is necessary to enable the Exchange to list and trade 
options on an expanding range of Commodity Pool Units that the 
Commission has approved for trading, including the DB Commodity Index 
Tracking Fund (the ``DBC Fund''), the United States Oil Fund, L.P. (the 
``Oil Fund'') and the PowerCommodity Pool ETFs DB G10 Currency Harvest 
Fund (the ``DBV Fund'').\10\
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    \10\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 53105 (January 11, 
2006), 71 FR 3129 (January 19, 2006) (approving the listing and 
trading of the DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund); 53582 (March 31, 
2006), 71 FR 17510 (April 6, 2006) (approving the listing and 
trading of Units of the United States Oil Fund, L.P.); and 54450 
(September 14, 2006), 71 FR 51245 (September 21, 2006) (approving 
the listing and trading of the PowerShares DB G10 Currency Harvest 
Fund).
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    The DBC Fund is a Commodity TIR \11\ and tracks the performance of 
the Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity IndexTM--Excess Return 
while the Oil Fund is a Partnership Unit and tracks the spot price of 
West Texas Intermediate light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, 
Oklahoma.
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    \11\ The offering of DBC Fund shares is registered with the 
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and its most recent Form 
10-Q was filed with the Commission on November 14, 2006.
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    The DBC Fund is a ``feeder fund'' that invests substantially all of 
its assets in the DB Commodity Index Tracking Master Fund, and the 
Master Fund in turn maintains a portfolio of exchange-traded futures on 
aluminum, gold, corn, wheat, heating oil and light, sweet crude oil. 
The Index is derived from the prices of those futures contracts. The 
Master Fund's portfolio is managed on an ongoing basis by DB Commodity 
Services LLC, a registered CPO and CTA, so that the value of the 
portfolio closely tracks the value of the Index over time.
    The DBV Fund is also a Commodity TIR \12\ and a ``feeder fund'' 
that invests substantially all of its assets in the PowerCommodity Pool 
ETFs DB G10 Currency Harvest Master Fund, and the Master Fund in turn 
maintains a portfolio of exchange-traded futures on foreign currencies 
that comprise the G-10 countries. The Index is derived from the prices 
of those futures contracts. The Master Fund's portfolio is managed on 
an ongoing basis by DB Commodity Services LLC, a registered CPO and 
CTA, so that the value of the portfolio closely tracks the value of the 
Index over time.
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    \12\ The offering of DBV Fund shares is registered with the 
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and its most recent Form 
10-Q was filed with the Commission on November 14, 2006.
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    Unlike the DBC and DBV Funds, the Oil Fund \13\ does not invest 
through a master-feeder structure but rather trades directly in futures 
on crude and heating oil, natural gas, gasoline and other petroleum-
based fuels, options on such futures contracts, forward contracts on 
oil and other over-the-counter derivatives based on the price of oil, 
other petroleum-based fuels, the futures contracts described above, and 
the indexes based on any of the foregoing. The Oil Fund's portfolio is 
managed by Victoria Bay Asset Management LLC with the aim of tracking 
the West Texas Intermediate light, sweet crude oil futures contract 
listed and traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (``NYMEX'').
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    \13\ The offering of Oil Fund shares is registered with the 
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and its most recent Form 
S-1 was filed with the Commission on January 19, 2007.
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    The Exchange believes that it is reasonable to expect that other 
types of Commodity Pool Units will be introduced for trading in the 
near future. The proposed amendment to the Exchange's listing criteria 
for options on Commodity TIRs and Partnership Units is necessary to 
ensure that the Exchange will be able to list options on Commodity Pool 
Units that have been recently launched as well as any other similar 
Commodity Pool Units that may be listed and traded in the future.

[[Page 19996]]

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that, with the commencement of trading of 
Commodity Pool Units on the Exchange, amending its rules to accommodate 
the listing and trading of options on publicly traded shares of other 
securities that hold and/or manage portfolios or baskets of commodity 
futures contracts, options on commodity futures contracts, swaps, 
forward contracts, options on physical commodities, options on non-U.S. 
currency, and/or securities will benefit investors by providing them 
with the same valuable risk management tool that is currently available 
with respect to other publicly traded Units (or Exchange Traded Funds) 
whose investment assets consist of securities. Accordingly, the 
Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act \14\ in general, and furthers 
the objectives of Section 6(b)(5),\15\ of the Act in particular, in 
that it would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free 
and open market in a manner consistent with the protection of investors 
and the public interest.
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    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(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 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 states that no written comments were solicited or 
received with respect to the proposed rule change.

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-CBOE-2007-21 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-CBOE-2007-21. 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 CBOE. 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-CBOE-2007-21 and should be submitted on or before May 11, 2007.

IV. Commission Findings and Accelerated Approval

    After careful consideration, 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 \16\ and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6 of the 
Act.\17\ Specifically, the Commission finds that the proposed rule 
change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\18\ which 
requires, among other things, that the rules of a national securities 
exchange be designed 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.
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    \16\ In approving this proposed rule change, the Commission has 
considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition, 
and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f.
    \18\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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Surveillance

    The Commission notes that Exchange has represented that it has an 
adequate surveillance program in place for options based on Commodity 
Pool Units. The Exchange may obtain trading information via the ISG 
from other exchanges who are members or affiliates of the ISG and has 
entered into numerous comprehensive surveillance sharing agreements 
with various commodity futures exchanges worldwide. Prior to listing 
and trading options on Commodity Pool Units, the Exchange represented 
that it will either have the ability to obtain specific trading 
information via ISG or through a comprehensive surveillance sharing 
agreement with the exchange or exchanges where the particular commodity 
futures and/or options on commodity futures are traded. In addition, 
the Exchange represented that the addition of Commodity Pool Unit 
options will not have any effect on the rules pertaining to position 
and exercise limits \19\ or margin.
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    \19\ See CBOE Rules 4.11 and 4.12.
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Listing and Trading of Options on Commodity Pool Units

    The Commission notes that, pursuant to the proposed rule change, a 
Commodity Pool Unit will be subject to the provisions of CBOE Rules 5.3 
and 5.4, and the Interpretation and Policy thereto, as applicable. 
These provisions include requirements regarding initial and continued 
listing standards, the creation/redemption process for Commodity Pool 
Units, and trading halts. All Commodity Pool Units must be traded 
through a national securities exchange or through the facilities of a 
national securities association, and must be ``NMS stock'' as defined 
under Rule 600 of Regulation NMS.\20\
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    \20\ 17 CFR 242.600(b)(47).
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    The Commission believes that this proposal is necessary to enable 
the Exchange to list and trade options on an expanding range of 
Commodity Pool Units currently approved for trading and that it is 
reasonable to expect other types of Commodity Pool Units to be 
introduced for trading in the future. This proposal would help ensure 
that the Exchange will be able to list options on Commodity Pool Units 
that have been recently launched as well as any other similar Commodity 
Pool Units that may be listed and traded in the future \21\ thereby 
offering investors greater option choices.
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    \21\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(e).

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[[Page 19997]]

    The Commission finds good cause, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of 
the Act,\22\ for approving the proposed rule change, as modified by 
Amendment No. 1, prior to the thirtieth day after the date of 
publication of notice in the Federal Register. The Commission notes 
that the proposal is consistent with the Exchange's listing and trading 
standards in CBOE Rules 5.3 and 5.4, and the Commission has recently 
approved a similar proposal, after publishing it for a full comment 
period and receiving no comments.\23\ Therefore, the Commission does 
not believe that the proposed rule change, as amended, raises novel 
regulatory issues. Consequently, the Commission believes that it is 
appropriate to permit investors to benefit from the flexibility 
afforded by trading these products without delay.
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    \22\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
    \23\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55547 (March 28, 
2007), 72 FR 16388 (April 4, 2007) (SR-Amex-2006-110).
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    Accordingly, the Commission finds that there is good cause, 
consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\24\ to approve the 
proposal, as amended, on an accelerated basis.
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    \24\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(5).
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V. Conclusion

    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the 
Act,\25\ that the proposed rule change (SR-CBOE-2007-21), as modified 
by Amendment No. 1, be, and is hereby approved on an accelerated basis.
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    \25\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\26\
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    \26\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E7-7494 Filed 4-19-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P
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