Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Expand, and Make Permanent, the $1 Strike Program, 3302-3304 [E8-709]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
3302
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 12 / Thursday, January 17, 2008 / Notices
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.10
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8–707 Filed 1–16–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–57130; File No. SR–
NYSEArca–2008–04]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
Rule Change To Expand, and Make
Permanent, the $1 Strike Program
January 10, 2008.
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 January 8,
2008, NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’ or
‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission
(‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
change as described in Items I and II
below, which Items have been
substantially prepared by the Exchange.
NYSE Arca filed the proposal pursuant
to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 3 and
Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder,4 which
renders the proposal effective upon
filing with the Commission. The
Commission is publishing this notice to
solicit comments on the proposed rule
change from interested persons.
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Terms of Substance of
the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to amend its
rules governing the $1 Strike Program
(‘‘Program’’) to expand, and make
permanent, the Program. The text of the
proposed rule change is available at the
Exchange, the Commission’s Public
Reference Room, and https://
www.nyse.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
Exchange included statements
concerning the purpose of, and basis for,
the proposed rule change and discussed
any comments it received on the
proposed rule change. The text of these
statements may be examined at the
places specified in Item IV below. The
10 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
18:30 Jan 16, 2008
A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
1. Purpose
The purpose of the proposed rule
change is to expand the Program and
request permanent approval of the
Program. The Program currently allows
NYSE Arca to select a total of 5
individual stocks 5 on which option
series may be listed at $1 strike price
intervals. In order to be eligible for
selection into the Program, the
underlying stock must close below $20
in its primary market on the previous
trading day. If selected for the Program,
the Exchange may list strike prices at $1
intervals from $3 to $20, but no $1 strike
price may be listed that is greater than
$5 from the underlying stock’s closing
price in its primary market on the
previous day. The Exchange also may
list $1 strikes on any other option class
designated by other securities exchanges
that employ a similar $1 strikes program
under their respective rules. The
Exchange may not list long-term option
series (‘‘LEAPS’’) at $1 strike price
intervals for any class selected for the
Program. The Exchange also is restricted
from listing any series that would result
in strike prices being $0.50 apart.
The Exchange proposes to amend
Commentary .04 to NYSE Arca Rule 6.4
to expand the Program to allow it to
select a total of 10 individual stocks on
which option series may be listed at $1
strike price intervals. Additionally, the
Exchange proposes to expand the price
range on which it may list $1 strikes,
presently from $3 to $20, to now
include stocks priced from $3 to $50.
The existing restrictions on listing $1
strikes will continue, e.g., no $1 strike
price may be listed that is greater than
$5 from the underlying stock’s closing
price in its primary market on the
previous day, and the Exchange is
restricted from listing any series that
would result in strike prices being $0.50
apart. In addition, because it believes
that the Program has been very
successful by allowing investors to
establish equity options positions that
are better tailored to meet their
investment objectives, the Exchange
requests that the Program be approved
on a permanent basis.
5 The Exchange listed five issues for inclusion in
the original Program. In February 2004, according
to the Exchange, Celanese Corp. (CE) was acquired
by another company and was removed from the
Program, bringing the number of issues to four.
1 15
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Exchange has prepared summaries, set
forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of
the most significant aspects of such
statements.
Jkt 214001
PO 00000
Frm 00075
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
As stated in the Commission order
approving NYSE Arca’s Program and in
the subsequent extensions of the
Program,6 the Exchange believes that $1
strike price intervals provide investors
with greater flexibility in the trading of
equity options that overlie lower priced
stocks by allowing investors to establish
equity options positions that are better
tailored to meet their investment
objectives. The Exchange states that its
member firms representing customers
have requested that NYSE Arca seek to
expand the Program, both in terms of
the number of classes which can be
selected and the range in which $1
strikes may be listed.
With regard to the impact on systems
capacities, the Exchange’s analysis of
the Program shows that the impact on
NYSE Arca’s, OPRA’s, and market data
vendors’ respective automated systems
has been minimal. In a previously filed
proposed rule change,7 the Exchange
included an analysis of quoting activity
for all classes selected for the Program
as a percentage of all quoting activity for
all classes being quoted during a
specific number of months. The
Exchange concluded that, for the twomonth period prior to the
implementation of the Program in May
2003, the number of quotes sent to
OPRA in the four classes selected for the
Program represented approximately
0.29% of all quotes sent by the
Exchange. For the two-month period
ending March 31, 2007, the quote share
in the four classes selected for the
Program was 0.26%, slightly below the
May 2003 levels. The Exchange notes
that these quoting statistics may actually
overstate the contribution of $1 strike
prices because these figures also include
quotes for series listed in intervals
higher than $1 (e.g., $2.50 strikes) in the
same option classes. Even with the non$1 strike series quotes included in these
6 The Commission approved the Program on June
17, 2003. See Securities Exchange Act Release No.
48045 (June 17, 2003), 68 FR 37594 (June 24, 2003)
(SR–PCX–2003–28). The Program has subsequently
been extended and is presently due to expire on
June 5, 2008. See Securities Exchange Act Release
Nos. 49818 (June 4, 2004), 69 FR 33440 (June 15,
2004) (SR–PCX–2004–39) (extending the Program
until August 4, 2004); 50152 (August 5, 2004), 69
FR 49931 (August 12, 2004) (SR–PCX–2004–61)
(extending the Program until June 5, 2005); 51767
(May 31, 2005), 70 FR 33244 (June 7, 2005) (SR–
PCX–2005–69) (extending the Program until June 5,
2006); 53807 (May 15, 2006), 71 FR 29373 (May 22,
2006) (SR–NYSEArca–2006–14) (extending the
Program until June 5, 2007); and 55718 (May 7,
2007), 72 FR 27346 (May 15, 2007) (SR–NYSEArca–
2007–42) (extending the Program until June 5,
2008).
7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55718
(May 7, 2007), 72 FR 27346 (May 15, 2007) (SR–
NYSEArca–2007–42).
E:\FR\FM\17JAN1.SGM
17JAN1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 12 / Thursday, January 17, 2008 / Notices
figures, NYSE Arca believes that the
overall impact on capacity is still
minimal. NYSE Arca represents that it
has sufficient capacity to handle an
expansion of the Program, as proposed.
The Exchange believes that the
Program has provided investors with
greater trading opportunities and
flexibility and the ability to more
closely tailor their investment strategies
and decisions to the movement of the
underlying security. Furthermore, the
Exchange has not detected any material
proliferation of illiquid options series
resulting from the narrower strike price
intervals. For these reasons, NYSE Arca
requests that the Program be approved
on a permanent basis.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that $1 strike
prices stimulate customer interest in
options overlying lower-priced stocks
by creating greater trading opportunities
and flexibility. The Exchange believes
that the proposed rule change is
consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,8
in general, and furthers the objectives of
Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,9 in particular,
because it is designed to prevent
fraudulent and manipulative acts and
practices, to promote just and equitable
principles of trade, to foster cooperation
and coordination with persons engaged
in facilitating transactions in securities,
and to remove impediments to and
perfect the mechanism of a free and
open market and a national market
system.
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.
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From
Members, Participants, or Others
The Exchange states that it has neither
solicited nor received written comments
on the proposed rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the
Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Because the foregoing proposed rule
change: (1) Does not significantly affect
the protection of investors or the public
interest; (2) does not impose any
significant burden on competition; and
(3) by its terms does not become
operative for 30 days after the date of
8 15
9 15
U.S.C. 78f(b).
U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:30 Jan 16, 2008
Jkt 214001
this filing, or such shorter time as the
Commission may designate if consistent
with the protection of investors and the
public interest, the proposed rule
change has become effective pursuant to
Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 10 and
Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.11
A proposed rule change filed under
Rule 19b–4(f)(6) normally does not
become operative for 30 days after the
date of filing. However, Rule 19b–
4(f)(6)(iii) permits the Commission to
designate a shorter time if such action
is consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest. The
Exchange requests that the Commission
waive the 30-day operative delay so that
the Exchange can immediately
implement these listing rules, as
proposed, that are similar to those of
other options exchanges 12 and thereby
remain competitive with such
exchanges.
The Commission believes that
waiving the 30-day operative delay is
consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest
because the proposed rule change will
provide the Exchange’s members and
customers with added flexibility in the
trading of equity options and promote,
without undue delay, additional
competition in the market for such
options.13 For these reasons, the
Commission designates the proposed
rule change as operative upon filing.
The Commission expects the Exchange
to continue to monitor for options with
little or no open interest and trading
activity and to act promptly to delist
such options. In addition, the
Commission expects that NYSE Arca
will continue to monitor the trading
volume associated with the additional
options series listed as a result of this
proposal and the effect of these
additional series on market
fragmentation and on the capacity of the
Exchange’s, OPRA’s, and vendors’
automated systems.
10 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b–
4(f)(6)(iii) requires a self-regulatory organization to
provide the Commission with written notice of its
intent to file the proposed rule change, along with
a brief description and text of the proposed rule
change, at least five business days prior to the date
of filing of the proposed rule change, or such
shorter time as designated by the Commission. The
Exchange has fulfilled this requirement.
12 See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No.
57049 (December 27, 2007), 73 FR 528 (January 3,
2008) (SR–CBOE–2007–125) (approving the Chicago
Board Options Exchange, Incorporated’s proposal to
expand and make permanent its equivalent $1
strike program).
13 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day
operative delay, the Commission has also
considered the proposed rule’s impact on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See
15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
11 17
PO 00000
Frm 00076
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
3303
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.
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–NYSEArca–2008–04 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–2008–04. 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, 100 F Street, NE., Washington,
DC 20549, on official business days
between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Copies of the filing also will be available
for inspection and copying at the
principal office of the Exchange. All
comments received will be posted
without change; the Commission does
not edit personal identifying
information from submissions. You
should submit only information that
you wish to make available publicly. All
E:\FR\FM\17JAN1.SGM
17JAN1
3304
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 12 / Thursday, January 17, 2008 / Notices
submissions should refer to File
Number SR–NYSEArca–2008–04 and
should be submitted on or before
February 7, 2008.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.14
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8–709 Filed 1–16–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–57135; File No. SR–
NYSEArca–2006–83]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
Arca, Inc.; Order Granting Approval of
Proposed Rule Changes Relating to
Amendments to NYSE Arca Rules 2.17
and 4.5 Relating to Certain OTP Holder
and OTP Firm Administrative
Procedures
January 11, 2008.
I. Introduction
On November 7, 2006, NYSE Arca,
Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’)
filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘SEC’’),
pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(‘‘Exchange Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4
thereunder,2 a proposal to amend its
Rules 2.17 and 4.5 relating to certain
OTP Holder and OTP Firm
administrative procedures. The
proposed rule change was published for
comment in the Federal Register on July
18, 2007.3 The Commission received no
comments regarding the proposal. This
order approves the proposed rule
changes.
II. Description of the Proposal
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
NYSE Arca Rule 2.17 currently
provides that all Options Trading Permit
(‘‘OTP’’) Firms 4 must file their
formation documents with the
Exchange. The Exchange proposes to
amend NYSE Arca Rule 2.17 in order to
provide that only those OTP Firms for
which the Exchange is the Designated
Examining Authority must submit such
formation documents to the Exchange.
NYSE Arca Rule 4.5(c) currently
requires OTP Holders 5 and OTP Firms
that carry or clear accounts for
14 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56058
(Jul. 12, 2007), 72 FR 39476.
4 See NYSE Arca Rule 1.1(r).
5 See NYSE Arca Rule 1.1(q).
1 15
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:07 Jan 16, 2008
Jkt 214001
customers to file two manually signed
copies of Part II of SEC Form X–17A–
5 with the Exchange on a quarterly
basis. The Exchange proposes to amend
NYSE Arca Rule 4.5(c) to provide that
such reports shall be filed electronically
with the Exchange, rather than
manually, and that the OTP Holder or
OTP Firm, as applicable, shall maintain
original copies of such reports with
manual signatures in accordance with
NYSE Arca Rule 11.16(a).6
NYSE Arca Rule 4.5(d) currently
requires OTP Holders and OTP Firms
that do not carry or clear accounts for
customers to file two manually signed
copies of Part IIA of SEC Form X–17A–
5 with the Exchange on a quarterly
basis. The Exchange proposes to amend
NYSE Arca Rule 4.5(d) to provide that
such reports shall be filed electronically
with the Exchange, rather than
manually, and that the OTP Holder or
OTP Firm, as applicable, shall maintain
original copies of such reports with
manual signatures in accordance with
NYSE Arca Rule 11.16(a).7
The Exchange proposes amending
NYSE Arca Rule 4.5(c) and (d) to codify
procedural changes that have been
implemented by the Exchange and to be
consistent with guidance that has been
provided previously to OTP Holders
and OTP Firms.
III. Discussion
After careful review and based on the
Exchange’s representations, the
Commission finds that the proposed
rule changes are consistent with the Act
and the rules and regulations applicable
to a national securities exchange.8 In
particular, the Commission finds that
the proposed rule changes are consistent
with Section 6(b)(5) 9 which requires,
among other things, that the rules of a
national securities exchange be
designed to prevent fraudulent and
manipulative acts and practices, to
promote just and equitable principles of
trade, to foster cooperation and
coordination with persons engaged in
facilitating transactions in securities,
and to remove impediments to and
perfect the mechanism of a free and
6 NYSE Arca Rule 11.16(a) provides that each
OTP Holder and OTP Firm must make, keep current
and preserve such books and records as the
Exchange may prescribe and as may be prescribed
by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
‘‘Exchange Act’’) and the rules and regulations
thereunder (including any interpretation relating
thereto) as though such OTP Holder or OTP Firm
were a broker or dealer registered with the SEC
pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act.
7 Id.
8 In approving this proposed 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).
9 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
PO 00000
Frm 00077
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
open market and a national market
system.
The Commission believes it is
reasonable and consistent with the Act
for the Exchange to amend NYSE Arca
Rules 2.17 and 4.5(c) and (d) in order to
simplify the administrative procedures
that OTP Holders and OTP Firms must
follow, given the fact that the Exchange
believes that such amendments will not
compromise the Exchange’s ability to
regulate its OTP Holders and OTP
Firms.
IV. Conclusion
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to
Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,10 that the
proposed rule change (SR–NYSEArca–
2006–83), as amended, be, and hereby
is, approved.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.11
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8–736 Filed 1–16–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–57136; File No. SR–
NYSEArca–2006–82]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
Arca, Inc.; Order Granting Approval of
Proposed Rule Changes Relating to
Amendments to NYSE Arca Equities
Rules 2.16 and 4.5 Relating to Certain
ETP Holder Administrative Procedures
January 11, 2008.
I. Introduction
On November 7, 2006, NYSE Arca,
Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’),
through its wholly owned subsidiary
NYSE Arca Equities, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca
Equities’’ or the ‘‘Corporation’’), filed
with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘SEC’’),
pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(‘‘Exchange Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4
thereunder,2 a proposal to amend its
Rules 2.16 and 4.5 relating to certain
ETP Holder administrative procedures.
The proposed rule change was
published for comment in the Federal
Register on July 18, 2007.3 The
Commission received no comments
10 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56057
(Jul. 12, 2007), 72 FR 39477.
11 17
E:\FR\FM\17JAN1.SGM
17JAN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 12 (Thursday, January 17, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3302-3304]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-709]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-57130; File No. SR-NYSEArca-2008-04]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Expand, and Make
Permanent, the $1 Strike Program
January 10, 2008.
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 January 8, 2008, NYSE Arca, Inc. (``NYSE Arca'' or ``Exchange'')
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the
proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items
have been substantially prepared by the Exchange. NYSE Arca filed the
proposal pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder,\4\ which renders the proposal effective upon filing
with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to
solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to amend its rules governing the $1 Strike
Program (``Program'') to expand, and make permanent, the Program. The
text of the proposed rule change is available at the Exchange, the
Commission's Public Reference Room, and https://www.nyse.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 Exchange included statements
concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change and
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in
Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such
statements.
A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
1. Purpose
The purpose of the proposed rule change is to expand the Program
and request permanent approval of the Program. The Program currently
allows NYSE Arca to select a total of 5 individual stocks \5\ on which
option series may be listed at $1 strike price intervals. In order to
be eligible for selection into the Program, the underlying stock must
close below $20 in its primary market on the previous trading day. If
selected for the Program, the Exchange may list strike prices at $1
intervals from $3 to $20, but no $1 strike price may be listed that is
greater than $5 from the underlying stock's closing price in its
primary market on the previous day. The Exchange also may list $1
strikes on any other option class designated by other securities
exchanges that employ a similar $1 strikes program under their
respective rules. The Exchange may not list long-term option series
(``LEAPS'') at $1 strike price intervals for any class selected for the
Program. The Exchange also is restricted from listing any series that
would result in strike prices being $0.50 apart.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ The Exchange listed five issues for inclusion in the
original Program. In February 2004, according to the Exchange,
Celanese Corp. (CE) was acquired by another company and was removed
from the Program, bringing the number of issues to four.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange proposes to amend Commentary .04 to NYSE Arca Rule 6.4
to expand the Program to allow it to select a total of 10 individual
stocks on which option series may be listed at $1 strike price
intervals. Additionally, the Exchange proposes to expand the price
range on which it may list $1 strikes, presently from $3 to $20, to now
include stocks priced from $3 to $50. The existing restrictions on
listing $1 strikes will continue, e.g., no $1 strike price may be
listed that is greater than $5 from the underlying stock's closing
price in its primary market on the previous day, and the Exchange is
restricted from listing any series that would result in strike prices
being $0.50 apart. In addition, because it believes that the Program
has been very successful by allowing investors to establish equity
options positions that are better tailored to meet their investment
objectives, the Exchange requests that the Program be approved on a
permanent basis.
As stated in the Commission order approving NYSE Arca's Program and
in the subsequent extensions of the Program,\6\ the Exchange believes
that $1 strike price intervals provide investors with greater
flexibility in the trading of equity options that overlie lower priced
stocks by allowing investors to establish equity options positions that
are better tailored to meet their investment objectives. The Exchange
states that its member firms representing customers have requested that
NYSE Arca seek to expand the Program, both in terms of the number of
classes which can be selected and the range in which $1 strikes may be
listed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ The Commission approved the Program on June 17, 2003. See
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 48045 (June 17, 2003), 68 FR
37594 (June 24, 2003) (SR-PCX-2003-28). The Program has subsequently
been extended and is presently due to expire on June 5, 2008. See
Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 49818 (June 4, 2004), 69 FR
33440 (June 15, 2004) (SR-PCX-2004-39) (extending the Program until
August 4, 2004); 50152 (August 5, 2004), 69 FR 49931 (August 12,
2004) (SR-PCX-2004-61) (extending the Program until June 5, 2005);
51767 (May 31, 2005), 70 FR 33244 (June 7, 2005) (SR-PCX-2005-69)
(extending the Program until June 5, 2006); 53807 (May 15, 2006), 71
FR 29373 (May 22, 2006) (SR-NYSEArca-2006-14) (extending the Program
until June 5, 2007); and 55718 (May 7, 2007), 72 FR 27346 (May 15,
2007) (SR-NYSEArca-2007-42) (extending the Program until June 5,
2008).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
With regard to the impact on systems capacities, the Exchange's
analysis of the Program shows that the impact on NYSE Arca's, OPRA's,
and market data vendors' respective automated systems has been minimal.
In a previously filed proposed rule change,\7\ the Exchange included an
analysis of quoting activity for all classes selected for the Program
as a percentage of all quoting activity for all classes being quoted
during a specific number of months. The Exchange concluded that, for
the two-month period prior to the implementation of the Program in May
2003, the number of quotes sent to OPRA in the four classes selected
for the Program represented approximately 0.29% of all quotes sent by
the Exchange. For the two-month period ending March 31, 2007, the quote
share in the four classes selected for the Program was 0.26%, slightly
below the May 2003 levels. The Exchange notes that these quoting
statistics may actually overstate the contribution of $1 strike prices
because these figures also include quotes for series listed in
intervals higher than $1 (e.g., $2.50 strikes) in the same option
classes. Even with the non-$1 strike series quotes included in these
[[Page 3303]]
figures, NYSE Arca believes that the overall impact on capacity is
still minimal. NYSE Arca represents that it has sufficient capacity to
handle an expansion of the Program, as proposed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55718 (May 7, 2007),
72 FR 27346 (May 15, 2007) (SR-NYSEArca-2007-42).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange believes that the Program has provided investors with
greater trading opportunities and flexibility and the ability to more
closely tailor their investment strategies and decisions to the
movement of the underlying security. Furthermore, the Exchange has not
detected any material proliferation of illiquid options series
resulting from the narrower strike price intervals. For these reasons,
NYSE Arca requests that the Program be approved on a permanent basis.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that $1 strike prices stimulate customer
interest in options overlying lower-priced stocks by creating greater
trading opportunities and flexibility. The Exchange believes that the
proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,\8\ in
general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\9\
in particular, because it is designed to prevent fraudulent and
manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable
principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with
persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities, and to
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open
market and a national market system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will
impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed
Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others
The Exchange states that it has neither solicited nor received
written comments on the proposed rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Because the foregoing proposed rule change: (1) Does not
significantly affect the protection of investors or the public
interest; (2) does not impose any significant burden on competition;
and (3) by its terms does not become operative for 30 days after the
date of this filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may
designate if consistent with the protection of investors and the public
interest, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to
Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \10\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6)
thereunder.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\11\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii)
requires a self-regulatory organization to provide the Commission
with written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change,
along with a brief description and text of the proposed rule change,
at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the
proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the
Commission. The Exchange has fulfilled this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) normally does
not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing. However,
Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) permits the Commission to designate a shorter
time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and
the public interest. The Exchange requests that the Commission waive
the 30-day operative delay so that the Exchange can immediately
implement these listing rules, as proposed, that are similar to those
of other options exchanges \12\ and thereby remain competitive with
such exchanges.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 57049
(December 27, 2007), 73 FR 528 (January 3, 2008) (SR-CBOE-2007-125)
(approving the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated's
proposal to expand and make permanent its equivalent $1 strike
program).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest
because the proposed rule change will provide the Exchange's members
and customers with added flexibility in the trading of equity options
and promote, without undue delay, additional competition in the market
for such options.\13\ For these reasons, the Commission designates the
proposed rule change as operative upon filing. The Commission expects
the Exchange to continue to monitor for options with little or no open
interest and trading activity and to act promptly to delist such
options. In addition, the Commission expects that NYSE Arca will
continue to monitor the trading volume associated with the additional
options series listed as a result of this proposal and the effect of
these additional series on market fragmentation and on the capacity of
the Exchange's, OPRA's, and vendors' automated systems.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay,
the Commission has also considered the proposed rule's impact on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C.
78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule
change, the Commission 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.
IV. Solicitation of Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
Electronic Comments
Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://
www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
Send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include
File Number SR-NYSEArca-2008-04 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-2008-04. 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, 100 F Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours
of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for
inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All
[[Page 3304]]
submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEArca-2008-04 and should
be submitted on or before February 7, 2008.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\14\
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\14\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[FR Doc. E8-709 Filed 1-16-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
