Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Extending the Pilot Program for Expanded Position Limits for Options on the iShares® Russell 2000® Index Fund, 4655-4656 [E8-1265]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 17 / Friday, January 25, 2008 / Notices jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES intervals provide investors with greater trading opportunities and flexibility by allowing investors to establish equity options positions that are better tailored to meet their investment objectives and that its member firms representing customers have repeatedly requested that ISE seek to expand the Program, both in terms of the number of classes on which an option series may be listed at $1 strike price intervals and the range in which $1 strikes may be listed. The Exchange further stated that it has not detected any material proliferation of illiquid options series resulting from the narrower strike price intervals. For the foregoing reasons, ISE requested that the Program be approved on a permanent basis. III. Commission’s Findings and Order Granting Approval of the Proposed Rule Change After careful review and based on the Exchange’s representations, 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.5 In particular, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 6 in that it is designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. Specifically, the Commission believes that the proposed expansion to permit the Exchange to select a total of 10 individual underlying stocks trading at less than $50 on which option series may be listed at $1 strike price intervals, and the request to make the Program permanent, should provide investors with added flexibility in the trading of equity options and further the public interest by allowing investors to establish equity options positions that are better tailored to meet their investment objectives. The Commission also believes that the proposal strikes a reasonable balance between the Exchange’s desire to accommodate market participants by offering a wider array of investment opportunities and the need to avoid unnecessary 5 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). 6 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:59 Jan 24, 2008 Jkt 214001 proliferation of options series and the corresponding increase in quotes. The Commission notes that the existing restrictions on listing $1 strike price intervals will continue to apply, e.g., no $1 strike price may be listed (a) that is greater than $5 from the underlying stock’s closing price in its primary market on the previous day, or (b) that would result in strike prices being $0.50 apart. 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 ISE 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. IV. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,7 that the proposed rule change (SR–ISE–2007– 110) be, and it hereby is, approved. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.8 Nancy M. Morris, Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–1254 Filed 1–24–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Release No. 34–57174; File No. SR– NYSEArca–2008–07] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Extending the Pilot Program for Expanded Position Limits for Options on the iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund January 18, 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 14, 2008, NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘NYSE Arca’’) 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. 7 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. 8 17 PO 00000 Frm 00140 Fmt 4703 4655 The Exchange has designated this proposal as non-controversial under Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder,4 which renders the proposed rule change effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange is proposing to amend Rule 6.8 in order to extend the pilot program (the ‘‘IWM Pilot Program’’) that allows for increased position and exercise limits on options overlying the iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund (‘‘IWM’’) traded on the Exchange. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site (https://www.nyse.com), at the Exchange’s principal office, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The IWM Pilot Program provides for increased position and exercise limits for IWM options traded on NYSE Arca.5 Specifically, the IWM Pilot Program increases the position and exercise limits for IWM options from 250,000 contracts to 500,000 contracts.6 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 5 The proposal that established the IWM Pilot Program was designated by the Commission to be effective upon filing. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55185 (January 29, 2007), 72 FR 5481 (February 6, 2007) (SR–NYSEArca–2007–10). The IWM Pilot Program was subsequently extended and is due to expire on January 18, 2008. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56021 (July 6, 2007), 72 FR 38115 (July 12, 2007) (SR–NYSEArca–2007–58). 6 Pursuant to Commentary .03 of NYSE Arca Rule 6.9, the exercise limit established under Rule 6.9 for 4 17 Continued Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25JAN1.SGM 25JAN1 4656 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 17 / Friday, January 25, 2008 / Notices The purpose of this rule change is to extend the IWM Pilot Program through March 1, 2008. The Exchange is not proposing any other changes to the IWM Pilot Program at this time. The Exchange believes that maintaining the increased position and exercise limits for IWM options will lead to a more liquid and competitive market environment for IWM options that will benefit all investors interested in trading this product. As a result, the Exchange believes that the above stated reasons justify the IWM Pilot Program and requests that the Commission extend the IWM Pilot Program through March 1, 2008. NYSE Arca represents that it has not encountered any problems or difficulties relating to the IWM Pilot Program since its inception. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 7 in that it is designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanisms of a free and open market and a national market system and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as one that: (1) Does not significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (2) does not impose any significant burden on competition; and (3) does not become operative for 30 days from the date of filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate if consistent with the IWM options shall be equivalent to the position limit prescribed for IWM options in Commentary .06 under Rule 6.8. The increased exercise limits would only be in effect during the IWM Pilot Program. 7 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:59 Jan 24, 2008 Jkt 214001 protection of investors and the public interest. Therefore, the foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 8 and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b–4 thereunder.9 The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the operative delay to permit the IWM Pilot Program extension to become effective prior to the 30th day after filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because it will allow the benefits of the IWM Pilot Program to continue without interruption.10 Therefore, the Commission designates the proposal operative upon filing. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate the rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File No. SR–NYSEArca–2008–07 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–2008–07. 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 such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NYSEArca–2008–07 and should be submitted on or before February 15, 2008. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.11 Nancy M. Morris, Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–1265 Filed 1–24–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–57167; File No. SR– NYSEArca–2008–10] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to the Closing Time for Options on Exchange-Traded Funds 8 15 January 17, 2008. 9 17 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 16, 2008, NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’), through its wholly owned subsidiary, NYSE Arca 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. 10 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). PO 00000 Frm 00141 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 11 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 E:\FR\FM\25JAN1.SGM 25JAN1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 17 (Friday, January 25, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4655-4656]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-1265]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Release No. 34-57174; File No. SR-NYSEArca-2008-07]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing 
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Extending the Pilot 
Program for Expanded Position Limits for Options on the iShares[supreg] 
Russell 2000[supreg] Index Fund

January 18, 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 14, 2008, NYSE Arca, Inc. (``Exchange'' or ``NYSE Arca'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the 
proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items 
have been substantially prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange has 
designated this proposal as non-controversial under Section 
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder,\4\ 
which renders the proposed rule change effective upon filing with the 
Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit 
comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \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 is proposing to amend Rule 6.8 in order to extend the 
pilot program (the ``IWM Pilot Program'') that allows for increased 
position and exercise limits on options overlying the iShares[supreg] 
Russell 2000[supreg] Index Fund (``IWM'') traded on the Exchange. The 
text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web 
site (https://www.nyse.com), at the Exchange's principal office, and at 
the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

    In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements 
concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change and 
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The 
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in 
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in 
Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such 
statements.

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

1. Purpose
    The IWM Pilot Program provides for increased position and exercise 
limits for IWM options traded on NYSE Arca.\5\ Specifically, the IWM 
Pilot Program increases the position and exercise limits for IWM 
options from 250,000 contracts to 500,000 contracts.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The proposal that established the IWM Pilot Program was 
designated by the Commission to be effective upon filing. See 
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55185 (January 29, 2007), 72 FR 
5481 (February 6, 2007) (SR-NYSEArca-2007-10). The IWM Pilot Program 
was subsequently extended and is due to expire on January 18, 2008. 
See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56021 (July 6, 2007), 72 FR 
38115 (July 12, 2007) (SR-NYSEArca-2007-58).
    \6\ Pursuant to Commentary .03 of NYSE Arca Rule 6.9, the 
exercise limit established under Rule 6.9 for IWM options shall be 
equivalent to the position limit prescribed for IWM options in 
Commentary .06 under Rule 6.8. The increased exercise limits would 
only be in effect during the IWM Pilot Program.

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

[[Page 4656]]

    The purpose of this rule change is to extend the IWM Pilot Program 
through March 1, 2008. The Exchange is not proposing any other changes 
to the IWM Pilot Program at this time.
    The Exchange believes that maintaining the increased position and 
exercise limits for IWM options will lead to a more liquid and 
competitive market environment for IWM options that will benefit all 
investors interested in trading this product. As a result, the Exchange 
believes that the above stated reasons justify the IWM Pilot Program 
and requests that the Commission extend the IWM Pilot Program through 
March 1, 2008.
    NYSE Arca represents that it has not encountered any problems or 
difficulties relating to the IWM Pilot Program since its inception.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act \7\ in 
that it is designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, 
to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanisms of a free and open 
market and a national market system and, in general, to protect 
investors and the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate 
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed 
Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others

    No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the 
proposed rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for 
Commission Action
    The Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as one that: 
(1) Does not significantly affect the protection of investors or the 
public interest; (2) does not impose any significant burden on 
competition; and (3) does not become operative for 30 days from the 
date of filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate if 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. 
Therefore, the foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to 
Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \8\ and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-
4 thereunder.\9\ The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 
operative delay to permit the IWM Pilot Program extension to become 
effective prior to the 30th day after filing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \9\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest 
because it will allow the benefits of the IWM Pilot Program to continue 
without interruption.\10\ Therefore, the Commission designates the 
proposal operative upon filing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. 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 the rule change if it 
appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate 
in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise 
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule 
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of 
the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://
www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File No. SR-NYSEArca-2008-07 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-2008-07. 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 such filing also will be available for 
inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEArca-2008-07 and should 
be submitted on or before February 15, 2008.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nancy M. Morris,
Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E8-1265 Filed 1-24-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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