Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending Exchange Rule 15 (Pre-Opening Indications) and Exchange Rule 123C (Market on the Close Policy and Expiration Procedures), 31174-31177 [E8-12075]

Download as PDF 31174 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 105 / Friday, May 30, 2008 / Notices in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(4),12 in particular, in that it is designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among its members and other persons using its facilities. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The proposed rule change does not 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 has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit, comments on this proposed rule change. The Exchange has not received any unsolicited written comments from members or other interested parties. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing proposed rule change has been designated as a fee change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act 13 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2)14 thereunder, because it establishes or changes a due, fee, or other charge imposed on members by ISE. Accordingly, the proposal is effective upon filing with the Commission. 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: Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. [Release No. 34–57862; File No. SR–NYSE– 2008–41] Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of All submissions should refer to File Proposed Rule Change Amending Number SR–ISE–2008–40. This file Exchange Rule 15 (Pre-Opening number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help the Indications) and Exchange Rule 123C (Market on the Close Policy and Commission process and review your Expiration Procedures) comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will May 23, 2008. post all comments on the Commission’s Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ Securities Exchange Act of 1934 rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 submission, all subsequent notice is hereby given that on May 16, amendments, all written statements 2008, the New York Stock Exchange LLC (‘‘NYSE’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with with respect to the proposed rule the Securities and Exchange change that are filed with the Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the Commission, and all written proposed rule change as described in communications relating to the Items I and II below, which Items have proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than been substantially prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange has designated those that may be withheld from the the proposed rule change as a ‘‘nonpublic in accordance with the controversial’’ rule change pursuant to provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 3 and Rule available for inspection and copying in 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder,4 which renders the Commission’s Public Reference the proposed rule change effective upon Room, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, filing with the Commission. The DC 20549, on official business days Commission is publishing this notice to between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. solicit comments on the proposed rule Copies of such filing also will be change from interested persons. available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of comments received will be posted the Proposed Rule Change without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying The Exchange proposes to amend information from submissions. You Exchange Rule 15 (Pre-Opening Indications) and Exchange Rule 123C should submit only information that you wish to make publicly available. All (Market On The Close Policy And Expiration Procedures) to allow submissions should refer to File Number SR–ISE–2008–40 and should be Exchange systems to disseminate a data feed of real-time order imbalances that submitted on or before June 20, 2008. accumulate prior to the opening of For the Commission, by the Division of trading on the Exchange and prior to the Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated close of trading on the Exchange. The authority.15 text of the proposed rule change is J. Lynn Taylor, available at https://www.nyse.com, the Assistant Secretary. Exchange, and the Commission’s Public [FR Doc. E8–12033 Filed 5–29–08; 8:45 am] Reference Room. BILLING CODE 8010–01–P II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, NYSE included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed Electronic Comments sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION • 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–ISE–2008–40 on the subject line. 1 15 12 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). 13 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 14 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:52 May 29, 2008 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 2 17 15 17 Jkt 214001 PO 00000 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Frm 00123 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\30MYN1.SGM 30MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 105 / Friday, May 30, 2008 / Notices rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. NYSE 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 Currently NYSE OpenBook is a packaged suite of data feed products. In addition to the current NYSE OpenBook data feed (‘‘NYSE OpenBook Realtime’’), for no additional charge, the Exchange makes available to NYSE OpenBook recipients a separate data feed containing NYSE quotations (‘‘NYSE BestQuote’’).5 NYSE BestQuote allows customers to see additional market interest that is not displayed in the NYSE limit order book and that, therefore, is not available in NYSE OpenBook. Pursuant to a separate filing, the Exchange intends to add to NYSE OpenBook a new category of information regarding order imbalances prior to the market opening and closing auctions (‘‘Order Imbalance Information’’).6 Order Imbalance Information is a data feed of real-time order imbalances that accumulate prior to the opening of trading on the Exchange and prior to the close of trading on the Exchange. Through this filing, the NYSE seeks to include Order Imbalance Information as supplemental information that may be disseminated by Exchange systems prior to the opening and closing transaction. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Background Publication of Order Imbalance Information Prior to Open and Close On December 20, 2007, the NYSE amended Exchange Rule 15 to reestablish procedures for the publication of pre-opening price information, according to the framework established by the national market system plan (‘‘Linkage Plan’’).7 The rule change was 5 The Exchange added NYSE BestQuote to the NYSE OpenBook Realtime package in October 2006. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 54594 (October 12, 2006), 71 FR 61819 (October 19, 2006) (SR–NYSE–2006–81). 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 57861, (May 23, 2008) (SR–NYSE–2008–42). 7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 57003 (December 20, 2007), 72 FR 73949 (December 28, 2007) (SR–NYSE–2007–112). The Linkage Plan became effective on October 1, 2006 and operated concurrently with the existing Intermarket Trading System (‘‘ITS’’) Plan until March 5, 2007, at which time the ITS Plan terminated and SEC Rule 611 (the Order Protection Rule) of Reg. NMS became operative. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:52 May 29, 2008 Jkt 214001 31175 sought by the Exchange in response to customer and market participant requests for the information. underlying security on the primary foreign market. Exchange Rule 15 Rule 123C 9 (Market on the Close Policy and Expiration Procedures) contains requirements with respect to operation of the Exchange’s market concerning market-on-close (‘‘MOC’’) and limit-on-close (‘‘LOC’’) orders as well as order entry and imbalance publication requirements. Rule 123C defines MOC and LOC orders. A MOC order is a market order that is to be executed in its entirety at the closing price. If not executed due to a trading halt or because of its terms, (e.g., buy minus or sell plus), this type of order will be cancelled. Rule 123C defines a LOC order as one that is entered for execution at the closing price, provided that the closing price is at or within the limit specified. LOC orders are prioritized on the specialist’s book by time of entry and go behind all other orders on the specialist book at that price regardless of when such other orders are received. LOC orders with prices that are better than the closing price in the subject security are guaranteed an execution unless there is a trading halt in the security. LOC orders limited at the closing price are not guaranteed an execution. Rule 123C 10 requires that all MOC and LOC orders be entered by 3:40 p.m. in any stock on any trading day, unless entered to offset a published imbalance, or on either side of the market if a regulatory halt is in effect at 3:40 p.m. or occurs after that time. Floor brokers representing MOC/LOC orders in any stock must communicate their irrevocable MOC/LOC interest to the specialist by 3:40 p.m. In addition, Rule 123C prohibits the cancellation of MOCs and LOCs after 3:40 p.m., except in the case of legitimate error (e.g., side, size, symbol, price, or duplication of an order) or when a regulatory trading halt is in effect at or occurs after 3:40 p.m. Currently, pursuant to Exchange Rule 15 the specialist publishes a preopening price indication whenever the specialist, in arranging the opening transaction in a subject security, anticipates that the price of the opening transaction will be at a price that is different from the previous day’s closing price on the NYSE by more than the ‘‘applicable price change.’’ The applicable price is generally based on the NYSE closing price. Exchange Rule 15 provides five price groupings that establish the applicable price change parameters as follows: Applicable price change (more than) Exchange closing price Under $20.00 .................. $20–$49.99 ..................... $50.00–$99.99 ................ $100–$500 ...................... Above $500 .................... $0.50 1.00 2.00 5.00 1.5% Exchange Rule 15 sets forth a different method for determining pre-opening indications in American Depositary Receipts (‘‘ADRs’’).8 Where the trading day of the underlying security in the primary foreign market concludes after trading on the NYSE for the previous day has ended, the specialists, when arranging an opening transaction on the NYSE, uses the closing price of the primary foreign market of the underlying security to determine whether such opening transaction represents a change of more than the ‘‘applicable price change.’’ In instances where the underlying security of an ADR is still trading on its primary foreign market at the time the specialist is arranging the opening of such ADR on the NYSE, a specialist is required to look at the last sale price of the underlying security in the primary foreign market and issue a pre-opening indication if the anticipated opening price of the ADR is not on parity with the last sale price of the underlying security. The pre-opening indication is based on the change in parity between the anticipated opening price of the ADR and the last sale price of the 51808 (June 9, 2005), 70 FR 37496 (June 29, 2005). The Linkage Plan terminated on June 30, 2007. 8 See the NYSE glossary, which defines an ADR as ‘‘[a] receipt that is issued by a U.S. depository bank which represents shares of a foreign corporation held by the bank. * * * ADRs are quoted in U.S. dollars and trade just like any other stock. * * *’’ PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Exchange Rule 123C 9 The Exchange’s Market-On-Close/Limit-OnClose Policy has been codified as Rule 123C. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 46579 (October 1, 2002), 67 FR 63004 (October 9, 2002) (SR–NYSE– 2002–31). 10 On May 19, 2004 the SEC approved amendments to Exchange Rule 123C subject to technology upgrades to the electronic entry systems for MOC and LOC orders. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 49682 (May 11, 2004), 69 FR 28969 (May 19, 2004); SR–NYSE–2004–09. The approval further provided the Exchange would notify the Commission and Exchange membership of the implementation of such electronic entry systems. Id. To date the technological upgrades required to implement the previously approved amendments to Exchange Rule 123C have not been completed. The Exchange intends to formally submit a revised proposal to the Commission in order to modify its closing procedures. E:\FR\FM\30MYN1.SGM 30MYN1 31176 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 105 / Friday, May 30, 2008 / Notices Between 3:40 and 3:50 p.m., MOC/ LOC orders are irrevocable, except to correct a legitimate error or when a regulatory trading halt is in effect at or occurs after 3:40 p.m. In the case of a regulatory halt, MOC orders may be entered until 3:50 p.m. or until the stock reopens, whichever occurs first, even if an imbalance publication occurred prior to the regulatory halt. Cancellation or reductions in size of MOC/LOC orders after 3:50 p.m. are not permitted for any reason, including in case of legitimate error. Proposed Exchange System Dissemination of Order Imbalance Information The Exchange proposes to include Order Imbalance Information as supplemental information that may be disseminated by Exchange systems prior to opening and closing transactions pursuant to Exchange Rules 15 and 123C respectively. The Exchange plans to distribute the Order Imbalance Information in realtime at specified intervals prior to the opening and closing transactions. The Order Imbalance Information disseminated by the Exchange will include the publication time, imbalance side, imbalance quantity, paired quantity and symbol for each security. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Order Imbalance Information Prior to the Opening Transaction The Order Imbalance Information disseminated prior to the opening transaction will include all interest eligible for execution in the opening transaction of the security in Exchange systems. The previous trading day’s closing price on the NYSE in the security will serve as the reference price for the Order Imbalance Information disseminated prior to the opening transaction. The Order Imbalance Information disseminated prior to the opening transaction indicates to market participants the number of shares that would be required to equalize buy and sell interest (i.e. flat) at the reference. The Exchange plans to distribute the Order Imbalance Information at specified intervals prior to the opening. Order Imbalances disseminated prior to the opening will be disseminated as follows: • Every five minutes between 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (‘‘ET’’) and 9 a.m. ET. • Every minute between 9 a.m. ET and 9:20 a.m. ET. • Every 15 seconds between 9:20 a.m. ET and the opening (or 9:35 a.m. ET if the opening is delayed). VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:52 May 29, 2008 Jkt 214001 Order Imbalance Information Prior to the Closing Transaction The Order Imbalance Information disseminated prior to the closing transaction will include all the same information used in Exchange Rule 123C(5)(Publication of MOC Imbalances).11 Order Imbalance Information disseminated prior to the close will use the last sale in the security on the NYSE prior to dissemination of the Order Imbalance Information as its reference price to indicate the number of shares required to close ‘‘flat.’’ Similar to the dissemination of Order Imbalance Information prior to the open, Order Imbalance Information disseminated prior to the close will be distributed at specified intervals. Order Imbalances disseminated prior to the close will be disseminated as follows: • Every fifteen seconds between 3:40 p.m. ET and 3:50 p.m. ET. • Every five seconds between 3:50 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. ET. On any day that the scheduled close of trading on the NYSE is earlier than 4 p.m. ET, the dissemination of Order Imbalance Information prior to the closing transaction will commence 20 minutes before the scheduled closing time. Order Imbalance Information will be disseminated every fifteen seconds for approximately 10 minutes. Thereafter, the Order Imbalance Information will be disseminated every five seconds until the scheduled closing time. The data feed containing the Order Imbalance Information is in addition to the Publication of MOC Imbalances pursuant Exchange Rule 123C(5) that is disseminated by the specialist in his or her assigned security at 3:40 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. The Order Imbalance Information will be published through OpenBook. The mandatory publications published by the specialist pursuant to NYSE Rule 123C will be included in both the Order Imbalance Information data feed and on the Consolidated Tape. Only mandatory indications published pursuant to 123C control whether a party may enter offsetting interest. Conclusion The Exchange believes that the amendments to NYSE Rules 15 and 11 Exchange Rule 123C(5) provides in pertinent part: Imbalance publications will include MOC orders as well as marketable LOC orders. In that regard, LOC orders to buy at a price higher than the last sale price are to be included with the buy MOC orders; LOC orders to sell at a price lower than the last sale price are to be included with the sell MOC orders. LOC orders with a limit equal to the last sale price would not be included in the imbalance calculation. * * * PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 123C effectively provide useful information to the marketplace especially in situations involving price changes based on order imbalances. 2. Statutory Basis The basis under the Act for this proposed rule change is the requirement under section 6(b)(5) 12 that an Exchange have rules that are designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. This amendment to Exchange Rules 15 and 123C supports the system of a free and open market and serves to protect investors and the public interest by providing market participants with supplemental market information prior to the execution of the opening and closing transactions on the NYSE. 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 not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received. 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 13 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.14 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of filing. However, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) 15 permits the Commission to 12 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 14 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 15 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). In addition, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) requires that a self-regulatory organization submit to the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, 13 15 E:\FR\FM\30MYN1.SGM 30MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 105 / Friday, May 30, 2008 / Notices designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has requested that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay set forth in Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) under the Act, which would make the rule change operative upon filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because such waiver would immediately allow the Exchange to disseminate this supplemental information prior to the execution of the opening and closing transactions on the NYSE. Accordingly, the Commission designates the proposal to be operative upon filing with the Commission.16 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–NYSE–2008–41 on the subject line. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 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–NYSE–2008–41. This file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help the Commission process and review your 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. NYSE has satisfied the pre-filing notice requirement. 16 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay of this proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:52 May 29, 2008 Jkt 214001 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 NYSE. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NYSE–2008–41 and should be submitted on or before June 20, 2008. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.17 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–12075 Filed 5–29–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–57851; File No. SR–Phlx– 2008–38] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to Its Payment for Order Flow Pilot Program May 22, 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 May 19, 2008, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘Phlx’’ 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 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. have been substantially prepared by the Exchange. Phlx has designated this proposal as one establishing or changing a due, fee, or other charge imposed by Phlx under Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) thereunder,4 which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Phlx proposes to extend its payment for order flow pilot program, which is currently in effect until May 27, 2008, for an additional one-year period until May 27, 2009. The Exchange also proposes to make a minor clarifying amendment to the payment for order flow fee section of the Exchange’s fee schedule. Other than extending the date of the pilot program for an additional year and making the minor technical amendment to the Exchange’s fee schedule, no other changes to the Exchange’s current payment for order flow program are being proposed at this time. The text of the proposed rule change is available at the principal office of the Exchange, the Commission’s Public Reference Room, and https:// www.phlx.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. Phlx has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange states that the purpose of extending the Exchange’s payment for order flow program for an additional year is to remain competitive with other 17 17 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00126 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 31177 3 15 4 17 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). E:\FR\FM\30MYN1.SGM 30MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 105 (Friday, May 30, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31174-31177]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-12075]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-57862; File No. SR-NYSE-2008-41]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; 
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change 
Amending Exchange Rule 15 (Pre-Opening Indications) and Exchange Rule 
123C (Market on the Close Policy and Expiration Procedures)

May 23, 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 May 16, 2008, the New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE'' or 
``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and 
II below, which Items have been substantially prepared by the Exchange. 
The Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as a ``non-
controversial'' rule change pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A) 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).
    \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 Exchange Rule 15 (Pre-Opening 
Indications) and Exchange Rule 123C (Market On The Close Policy And 
Expiration Procedures) to allow Exchange systems to disseminate a data 
feed of real-time order imbalances that accumulate prior to the opening 
of trading on the Exchange and prior to the close of trading on the 
Exchange. The text of the proposed rule change is available at https://
www.nyse.com, the Exchange, and 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, NYSE included statements 
concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change and 
discussed any comments it received on the proposed

[[Page 31175]]

rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places 
specified in Item IV below. NYSE 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
    Currently NYSE OpenBook is a packaged suite of data feed products. 
In addition to the current NYSE OpenBook data feed (``NYSE OpenBook 
Realtime''), for no additional charge, the Exchange makes available to 
NYSE OpenBook recipients a separate data feed containing NYSE 
quotations (``NYSE BestQuote'').\5\ NYSE BestQuote allows customers to 
see additional market interest that is not displayed in the NYSE limit 
order book and that, therefore, is not available in NYSE OpenBook.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The Exchange added NYSE BestQuote to the NYSE OpenBook 
Realtime package in October 2006. See Securities Exchange Act 
Release No. 54594 (October 12, 2006), 71 FR 61819 (October 19, 2006) 
(SR-NYSE-2006-81).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to a separate filing, the Exchange intends to add to NYSE 
OpenBook a new category of information regarding order imbalances prior 
to the market opening and closing auctions (``Order Imbalance 
Information'').\6\ Order Imbalance Information is a data feed of real-
time order imbalances that accumulate prior to the opening of trading 
on the Exchange and prior to the close of trading on the Exchange. 
Through this filing, the NYSE seeks to include Order Imbalance 
Information as supplemental information that may be disseminated by 
Exchange systems prior to the opening and closing transaction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 57861, (May 23, 
2008) (SR-NYSE-2008-42).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Background Publication of Order Imbalance Information Prior to Open and 
Close
    On December 20, 2007, the NYSE amended Exchange Rule 15 to re-
establish procedures for the publication of pre-opening price 
information, according to the framework established by the national 
market system plan (``Linkage Plan'').\7\ The rule change was sought by 
the Exchange in response to customer and market participant requests 
for the information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 57003 (December 20, 
2007), 72 FR 73949 (December 28, 2007) (SR-NYSE-2007-112). The 
Linkage Plan became effective on October 1, 2006 and operated 
concurrently with the existing Intermarket Trading System (``ITS'') 
Plan until March 5, 2007, at which time the ITS Plan terminated and 
SEC Rule 611 (the Order Protection Rule) of Reg. NMS became 
operative. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 51808 (June 9, 
2005), 70 FR 37496 (June 29, 2005). The Linkage Plan terminated on 
June 30, 2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exchange Rule 15
    Currently, pursuant to Exchange Rule 15 the specialist publishes a 
pre-opening price indication whenever the specialist, in arranging the 
opening transaction in a subject security, anticipates that the price 
of the opening transaction will be at a price that is different from 
the previous day's closing price on the NYSE by more than the 
``applicable price change.'' The applicable price is generally based on 
the NYSE closing price. Exchange Rule 15 provides five price groupings 
that establish the applicable price change parameters as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Applicable price
                Exchange closing price                   change  (more
                                                             than)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under $20.00.........................................              $0.50
$20-$49.99...........................................               1.00
$50.00-$99.99........................................               2.00
$100-$500............................................               5.00
Above $500...........................................               1.5%
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Exchange Rule 15 sets forth a different method for determining pre-
opening indications in American Depositary Receipts (``ADRs'').\8\ 
Where the trading day of the underlying security in the primary foreign 
market concludes after trading on the NYSE for the previous day has 
ended, the specialists, when arranging an opening transaction on the 
NYSE, uses the closing price of the primary foreign market of the 
underlying security to determine whether such opening transaction 
represents a change of more than the ``applicable price change.'' In 
instances where the underlying security of an ADR is still trading on 
its primary foreign market at the time the specialist is arranging the 
opening of such ADR on the NYSE, a specialist is required to look at 
the last sale price of the underlying security in the primary foreign 
market and issue a pre-opening indication if the anticipated opening 
price of the ADR is not on parity with the last sale price of the 
underlying security. The pre-opening indication is based on the change 
in parity between the anticipated opening price of the ADR and the last 
sale price of the underlying security on the primary foreign market.
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    \8\ See the NYSE glossary, which defines an ADR as ``[a] receipt 
that is issued by a U.S. depository bank which represents shares of 
a foreign corporation held by the bank. * * * ADRs are quoted in 
U.S. dollars and trade just like any other stock. * * *''
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Exchange Rule 123C
    Rule 123C \9\ (Market on the Close Policy and Expiration 
Procedures) contains requirements with respect to operation of the 
Exchange's market concerning market-on-close (``MOC'') and limit-on-
close (``LOC'') orders as well as order entry and imbalance publication 
requirements. Rule 123C defines MOC and LOC orders. A MOC order is a 
market order that is to be executed in its entirety at the closing 
price. If not executed due to a trading halt or because of its terms, 
(e.g., buy minus or sell plus), this type of order will be cancelled.
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    \9\ The Exchange's Market-On-Close/Limit-On-Close Policy has 
been codified as Rule 123C. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 
46579 (October 1, 2002), 67 FR 63004 (October 9, 2002) (SR-NYSE-
2002-31).
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    Rule 123C defines a LOC order as one that is entered for execution 
at the closing price, provided that the closing price is at or within 
the limit specified. LOC orders are prioritized on the specialist's 
book by time of entry and go behind all other orders on the specialist 
book at that price regardless of when such other orders are received. 
LOC orders with prices that are better than the closing price in the 
subject security are guaranteed an execution unless there is a trading 
halt in the security. LOC orders limited at the closing price are not 
guaranteed an execution.
    Rule 123C \10\ requires that all MOC and LOC orders be entered by 
3:40 p.m. in any stock on any trading day, unless entered to offset a 
published imbalance, or on either side of the market if a regulatory 
halt is in effect at 3:40 p.m. or occurs after that time. Floor brokers 
representing MOC/LOC orders in any stock must communicate their 
irrevocable MOC/LOC interest to the specialist by 3:40 p.m. In 
addition, Rule 123C prohibits the cancellation of MOCs and LOCs after 
3:40 p.m., except in the case of legitimate error (e.g., side, size, 
symbol, price, or duplication of an order) or when a regulatory trading 
halt is in effect at or occurs after 3:40 p.m.
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    \10\ On May 19, 2004 the SEC approved amendments to Exchange 
Rule 123C subject to technology upgrades to the electronic entry 
systems for MOC and LOC orders. See Securities Exchange Act Release 
No. 49682 (May 11, 2004), 69 FR 28969 (May 19, 2004); SR-NYSE-2004-
09. The approval further provided the Exchange would notify the 
Commission and Exchange membership of the implementation of such 
electronic entry systems. Id. To date the technological upgrades 
required to implement the previously approved amendments to Exchange 
Rule 123C have not been completed. The Exchange intends to formally 
submit a revised proposal to the Commission in order to modify its 
closing procedures.

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[[Page 31176]]

    Between 3:40 and 3:50 p.m., MOC/LOC orders are irrevocable, except 
to correct a legitimate error or when a regulatory trading halt is in 
effect at or occurs after 3:40 p.m.
    In the case of a regulatory halt, MOC orders may be entered until 
3:50 p.m. or until the stock reopens, whichever occurs first, even if 
an imbalance publication occurred prior to the regulatory halt. 
Cancellation or reductions in size of MOC/LOC orders after 3:50 p.m. 
are not permitted for any reason, including in case of legitimate 
error.
Proposed Exchange System Dissemination of Order Imbalance Information
    The Exchange proposes to include Order Imbalance Information as 
supplemental information that may be disseminated by Exchange systems 
prior to opening and closing transactions pursuant to Exchange Rules 15 
and 123C respectively.
    The Exchange plans to distribute the Order Imbalance Information in 
real-time at specified intervals prior to the opening and closing 
transactions. The Order Imbalance Information disseminated by the 
Exchange will include the publication time, imbalance side, imbalance 
quantity, paired quantity and symbol for each security.
Order Imbalance Information Prior to the Opening Transaction
    The Order Imbalance Information disseminated prior to the opening 
transaction will include all interest eligible for execution in the 
opening transaction of the security in Exchange systems. The previous 
trading day's closing price on the NYSE in the security will serve as 
the reference price for the Order Imbalance Information disseminated 
prior to the opening transaction. The Order Imbalance Information 
disseminated prior to the opening transaction indicates to market 
participants the number of shares that would be required to equalize 
buy and sell interest (i.e. flat) at the reference.
    The Exchange plans to distribute the Order Imbalance Information at 
specified intervals prior to the opening. Order Imbalances disseminated 
prior to the opening will be disseminated as follows:
     Every five minutes between 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (``ET'') 
and 9 a.m. ET.
     Every minute between 9 a.m. ET and 9:20 a.m. ET.
     Every 15 seconds between 9:20 a.m. ET and the opening (or 
9:35 a.m. ET if the opening is delayed).
Order Imbalance Information Prior to the Closing Transaction
    The Order Imbalance Information disseminated prior to the closing 
transaction will include all the same information used in Exchange Rule 
123C(5)(Publication of MOC Imbalances).\11\ Order Imbalance Information 
disseminated prior to the close will use the last sale in the security 
on the NYSE prior to dissemination of the Order Imbalance Information 
as its reference price to indicate the number of shares required to 
close ``flat.''
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    \11\ Exchange Rule 123C(5) provides in pertinent part: Imbalance 
publications will include MOC orders as well as marketable LOC 
orders. In that regard, LOC orders to buy at a price higher than the 
last sale price are to be included with the buy MOC orders; LOC 
orders to sell at a price lower than the last sale price are to be 
included with the sell MOC orders. LOC orders with a limit equal to 
the last sale price would not be included in the imbalance 
calculation. * * *
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    Similar to the dissemination of Order Imbalance Information prior 
to the open, Order Imbalance Information disseminated prior to the 
close will be distributed at specified intervals. Order Imbalances 
disseminated prior to the close will be disseminated as follows:
     Every fifteen seconds between 3:40 p.m. ET and 3:50 p.m. 
ET.
     Every five seconds between 3:50 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. ET.
    On any day that the scheduled close of trading on the NYSE is 
earlier than 4 p.m. ET, the dissemination of Order Imbalance 
Information prior to the closing transaction will commence 20 minutes 
before the scheduled closing time. Order Imbalance Information will be 
disseminated every fifteen seconds for approximately 10 minutes. 
Thereafter, the Order Imbalance Information will be disseminated every 
five seconds until the scheduled closing time.
    The data feed containing the Order Imbalance Information is in 
addition to the Publication of MOC Imbalances pursuant Exchange Rule 
123C(5) that is disseminated by the specialist in his or her assigned 
security at 3:40 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. The Order Imbalance Information 
will be published through OpenBook. The mandatory publications 
published by the specialist pursuant to NYSE Rule 123C will be included 
in both the Order Imbalance Information data feed and on the 
Consolidated Tape. Only mandatory indications published pursuant to 
123C control whether a party may enter offsetting interest.
Conclusion
    The Exchange believes that the amendments to NYSE Rules 15 and 123C 
effectively provide useful information to the marketplace especially in 
situations involving price changes based on order imbalances.
2. Statutory Basis
    The basis under the Act for this proposed rule change is the 
requirement under section 6(b)(5) \12\ that an Exchange have rules that 
are designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to 
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open 
market and a national market system and, in general, to protect 
investors and the public interest. This amendment to Exchange Rules 15 
and 123C supports the system of a free and open market and serves to 
protect investors and the public interest by providing market 
participants with supplemental market information prior to the 
execution of the opening and closing transactions on the NYSE.
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    \12\ 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 not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

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

    Written comments were neither solicited nor received.

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 \13\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
thereunder.\14\
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    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \14\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) normally does 
not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of filing. 
However, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) \15\ permits the Commission to

[[Page 31177]]

designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has 
requested that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay set 
forth in Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) under the Act, which would make the rule 
change operative upon filing.
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    \15\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii). In addition, Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) requires that a self-regulatory organization submit to 
the Commission 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. NYSE has satisfied the pre-filing notice 
requirement.
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    The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest 
because such waiver would immediately allow the Exchange to disseminate 
this supplemental information prior to the execution of the opening and 
closing transactions on the NYSE. Accordingly, the Commission 
designates the proposal to be operative upon filing with the 
Commission.\16\
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    \16\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay of 
this proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule's 
impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
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    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-NYSE-2008-41 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-NYSE-2008-41. 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 NYSE. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSE-2008-41 and should be 
submitted on or before June 20, 2008.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\17\
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    \17\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E8-12075 Filed 5-29-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P
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