Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Immediately Add Two New VIX Option Series Within Five Days of Expiration, 63750-63752 [E8-25538]

Download as PDF 63750 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 208 / Monday, October 27, 2008 / Notices contract, it believes it should have the flexibility to change the minimum size requirement on a class by class basis depending on market conditions and the trading and liquidity in a particular option class and its underlying security. CBOE notes that the minimum quotation size requirement for marketmakers on NYSEArca and the Nasdaq Options Market is only one contract. (See NYSEArca Rule 6.37B and Nasdaq Options Market Rule Section 6(a).) As a result, CBOE believes the proposed rule change is based on and similar to the rules of other options exchanges. CBOE also proposes to make a technical change to Rule 6.2B, Interpretation .03 to delete the reference to RMM, which CBOE previously deleted from its rules. 2. Statutory Basis The proposed rule change would permit the Exchange to set a minimum quotation size requirement on a class by class basis, provided the minimum size is at least one contract. CBOE believes that this flexibility will enable the Exchange to take into consideration market conditions and the trading and liquidity in a particular option class and its underlying security. As a result, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations under the Act applicable to a national securities exchange and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.7 Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) Act 8 requirements that the rules of an exchange be designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES CBOE 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 7 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 8 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:13 Oct 24, 2008 Jkt 217001 Because the foregoing rule does not (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, provided that the selfregulatory organization has given the Commission written notice of its intent to file 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 proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 9 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.10 At any time within 60 days of the filing of such 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 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 submissions should refer to File Number SR–CBOE–2008–107 and should be submitted on or before November 17, 2008. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.11 Florence E. Harmon, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–25537 Filed 10–24–08; 8:45 am] • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–CBOE–2008–107 on the subject line. BILLING CODE 8011–01–P Paper Comments B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the proposal. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Immediately Add Two New VIX Option Series Within Five Days of Expiration • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–CBOE–2008–107. This file 9 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 10 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii) under the Act requires that a selfregulatory 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. The Exchange has satisfied this notice requirement. PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–58829; File No. SR–CBOE– 2008–108] October 21, 2008. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on October 16, 2008, the Chicago Board Options 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\27OCN1.SGM 27OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 208 / Monday, October 27, 2008 / Notices Exchange, Incorporated (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘CBOE’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange filed the proposal as a ‘‘non-controversial’’ proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.4 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 CBOE is seeking to immediately list two new series of CBOE Volatility Index (‘‘VIX’’) options prior to expiration next Wednesday, October 22, 2008, notwithstanding Interpretation and Policy .01(c) to Rule 24.9, Terms of Index Option Contracts. The Exchange is not proposing any rule text changes. Although the proposed rule change would not amend the text of Rule 24.9.01(c), the proposed change would have the effect of permitting the Exchange to immediately add two new series of VIX options within five business days prior to VIX expiration on Wednesday, October 22, 2008. 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 those 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 parts of such statements. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The purpose of this proposed rule change is to allow the Exchange to immediately list two new series of VIX options prior to expiration next Wednesday, October 22, 2008. The Exchange notes the exceptional market circumstances giving rise to this limited request relate only to VIX options. The Exchange states that this 3 15 4 17 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:13 Oct 24, 2008 request will facilitate the functioning of the Exchange’s market and will not harm investors or the public interest. VIX options are a unique product traded only at CBOE and unprecedented market volatility has caused the Exchange to respond to requests from market participants to offer the limited request sought by this proposal. Interpretation and Policy .01(c) to Rule 24.9 provides, ‘‘[n]ew series of index option contracts may be added up to the fifth business day prior to expiration.’’ Under this Rule 24.9.01(c), the last day for the Exchange to add new series of expiring October VIX option was Wednesday, October 15, 2008. However, given the current extraordinary market conditions and considerable market volatility, the Exchange has received user requests to add two new additional VIX option series—110 and 120 strikes expiring next Wednesday, October 22, 2008. The Exchange believes that these requests are reasonable and will allow for more efficient risk management. Specifically, liquidity providers are selling the 100 October 2008 VIX option contracts without the ability to hedge those positions with an option having a higher strike. Currently, the highest strike listed for expiring October 2008 VIX options is 100. In addition, the Exchange believes that because of the recent volatility in the market, the addition of the two VIX option series will help prepare the market in the event there are large shifts in the time remaining until expiration. On the day of this filing, the VIX level reached 81. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements provided under Section 6(b)(5) 5 of the Act, that the rules of an exchange be designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The addition of the two requested VIX option series will facilitate the functioning of the Exchange’s market by allowing for more efficient risk management and will not harm investors or the public interest. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition CBOE does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. 5 15 Jkt 217001 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78(f)(b)(5). Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 63751 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 Because the foregoing rule does not: (1) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (2) impose any significant burden on competition; and (3) become operative for 30 days after the date of this filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 6 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.7 A proposed rule change filed under 19b–4(f)(6) normally may not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of filing.8 However, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) 9 permits the Commission to 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. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because such waiver will allow the Exchange to immediately list the two new VIX option series prior to expiration on Wednesday, October 22, 2008.10 In particular, the addition by the Exchange of these two VIX option series has been necessitated, in the opinion of CBOE, by the current extraordinary market conditions and unusual levels of volatility. Allowing CBOE to immediately offer these new series will allow market participants to efficiently manage their volatility risk in current market conditions and will help market participants prepare for any potential significant movements in the VIX that may occur prior to expiration. 6 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 fulfilled this requirement. 8 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 9 Id. 10 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has also considered the proposed rule’s effect on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 7 17 E:\FR\FM\27OCN1.SGM 27OCN1 63752 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 208 / Monday, October 27, 2008 / Notices At any time within 60 days of the filing of such 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: mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–CBOE–2008–108 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–CBOE–2008–108. 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 submissions should refer to File VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:13 Oct 24, 2008 Jkt 217001 Number SR–CBOE–2008–108 and should be submitted on or before November 17, 2008. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.11 Florence E. Harmon, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–25538 Filed 10–24–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–58818; File No. 4–569] Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to Rule 17d– 2; Order Approving and Declaring Effective a Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Between the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and BATS Exchange, Inc. October 20, 2008. On August 27, 2008, BATS Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BATS’’) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’) (together with BATS, the ‘‘Parties’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to section 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 17d–2 thereunder,2 a plan for the allocation of regulatory responsibilities, dated August 25, 2008 (‘‘17d–2 Plan’’ or the ‘‘Plan’’). The Plan was published for comment on September 24, 2008.3 The Commission received no comments on the Plan. This order approves and declares effective the Plan. I. Introduction Section 19(g)(1) of the Act,4 among other things, requires every selfregulatory organization (‘‘SRO’’) registered as either a national securities exchange or national securities association to examine for, and enforce compliance by, its members and persons associated with its members with the Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the SRO’s own rules, unless the SRO is relieved of this responsibility pursuant to section 17(d) or section 19(g)(2) of the Act.5 Without this relief, the statutory obligation of each individual SRO could result in a 11 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78q(d). 2 17 CFR 240.17d–2. 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58563 (September 17, 2008), 73 FR 55180. 4 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(1). 5 15 U.S.C. 78q(d) and 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(2), respectively. 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 pattern of multiple examinations of broker-dealers that maintain memberships in more than one SRO (‘‘common members’’). Such regulatory duplication would add unnecessary expenses for common members and their SROs. Section 17(d)(1) of the Act 6 was intended, in part, to eliminate unnecessary multiple examinations and regulatory duplication.7 With respect to a common member, section 17(d)(1) authorizes the Commission, by rule or order, to relieve an SRO of the responsibility to receive regulatory reports, to examine for and enforce compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and regulations, or to perform other specified regulatory functions. To implement section 17(d)(1), the Commission adopted two rules: Rule 17d–1 and Rule 17d–2 under the Act.8 Rule 17d–1 authorizes the Commission to name a single SRO as the designated examining authority (‘‘DEA’’) to examine common members for compliance with the financial responsibility requirements imposed by the Act, or by Commission or SRO rules.9 When an SRO has been named as a common member’s DEA, all other SROs to which the common member belongs are relieved of the responsibility to examine the firm for compliance with the applicable financial responsibility rules. On its face, Rule 17d–1 deals only with an SRO’s obligations to enforce member compliance with financial responsibility requirements. Rule 17d–1 does not relieve an SRO from its obligation to examine a common member for compliance with its own rules and provisions of the federal securities laws governing matters other than financial responsibility, including sales practices and trading activities and practices. To address regulatory duplication in these and other areas, the Commission adopted Rule 17d–2 under the Act.10 Rule 17d–2 permits SROs to propose joint plans for the allocation of regulatory responsibilities with respect to their common members. Under paragraph (c) of Rule 17d–2, the Commission may declare such a plan effective if, after providing for appropriate notice and comment, it 6 15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1). Securities Act Amendments of 1975, Report of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to Accompany S. 249, S. Rep. No. 94– 75, 94th Cong., 1st Session 32 (1975). 8 17 CFR 240.17d–1 and 17 CFR 240.17d–2, respectively. 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12352 (April 20, 1976), 41 FR 18808 (May 7, 1976). 10 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12935 (October 28, 1976), 41 FR 49091 (November 8, 1976). 7 See E:\FR\FM\27OCN1.SGM 27OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 208 (Monday, October 27, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63750-63752]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-25538]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-58829; File No. SR-CBOE-2008-108]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, 
Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed 
Rule Change To Immediately Add Two New VIX Option Series Within Five 
Days of Expiration

October 21, 2008.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the ``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given 
that on October 16, 2008, the Chicago Board Options

[[Page 63751]]

Exchange, Incorporated (the ``Exchange'' or ``CBOE'') filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (the ``Commission'') the proposed 
rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been 
prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange filed the proposal as a ``non-
controversial'' proposed rule change pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\4\ 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

    CBOE is seeking to immediately list two new series of CBOE 
Volatility Index (``VIX'') options prior to expiration next Wednesday, 
October 22, 2008, notwithstanding Interpretation and Policy .01(c) to 
Rule 24.9, Terms of Index Option Contracts. The Exchange is not 
proposing any rule text changes. Although the proposed rule change 
would not amend the text of Rule 24.9.01(c), the proposed change would 
have the effect of permitting the Exchange to immediately add two new 
series of VIX options within five business days prior to VIX expiration 
on Wednesday, October 22, 2008.

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 those 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 parts 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 this proposed rule change is to allow the Exchange 
to immediately list two new series of VIX options prior to expiration 
next Wednesday, October 22, 2008.
    The Exchange notes the exceptional market circumstances giving rise 
to this limited request relate only to VIX options. The Exchange states 
that this request will facilitate the functioning of the Exchange's 
market and will not harm investors or the public interest. VIX options 
are a unique product traded only at CBOE and unprecedented market 
volatility has caused the Exchange to respond to requests from market 
participants to offer the limited request sought by this proposal.
    Interpretation and Policy .01(c) to Rule 24.9 provides, ``[n]ew 
series of index option contracts may be added up to the fifth business 
day prior to expiration.'' Under this Rule 24.9.01(c), the last day for 
the Exchange to add new series of expiring October VIX option was 
Wednesday, October 15, 2008.
    However, given the current extraordinary market conditions and 
considerable market volatility, the Exchange has received user requests 
to add two new additional VIX option series--110 and 120 strikes 
expiring next Wednesday, October 22, 2008. The Exchange believes that 
these requests are reasonable and will allow for more efficient risk 
management. Specifically, liquidity providers are selling the 100 
October 2008 VIX option contracts without the ability to hedge those 
positions with an option having a higher strike. Currently, the highest 
strike listed for expiring October 2008 VIX options is 100. In 
addition, the Exchange believes that because of the recent volatility 
in the market, the addition of the two VIX option series will help 
prepare the market in the event there are large shifts in the time 
remaining until expiration. On the day of this filing, the VIX level 
reached 81.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with the requirements provided under Section 6(b)(5) \5\ of the Act, 
that the rules of an exchange be designed to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade, to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and, 
in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The addition 
of the two requested VIX option series will facilitate the functioning 
of the Exchange's market by allowing for more efficient risk management 
and will not harm investors or the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

    CBOE does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any 
burden on competition 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

    Because the foregoing rule does not: (1) Significantly affect the 
protection of investors or the public interest; (2) impose any 
significant burden on competition; and (3) become operative for 30 days 
after the date of this filing, or such shorter time as the Commission 
may designate, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) 
of the Act \6\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \7\ 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 fulfilled this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed under 19b-4(f)(6) normally may not 
become operative prior to 30 days after the date of filing.\8\ However, 
Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) \9\ permits the Commission to 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. The Commission believes that waiving 
the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of 
investors and the public interest because such waiver will allow the 
Exchange to immediately list the two new VIX option series prior to 
expiration on Wednesday, October 22, 2008.\10\ In particular, the 
addition by the Exchange of these two VIX option series has been 
necessitated, in the opinion of CBOE, by the current extraordinary 
market conditions and unusual levels of volatility. Allowing CBOE to 
immediately offer these new series will allow market participants to 
efficiently manage their volatility risk in current market conditions 
and will help market participants prepare for any potential significant 
movements in the VIX that may occur prior to expiration.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \9\ Id.
    \10\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has also considered the proposed rule's effect on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).

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

[[Page 63752]]

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of such 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-CBOE-2008-108 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities 
and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-CBOE-2008-108. 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 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-CBOE-2008-108 and should be 
submitted on or before November 17, 2008.

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

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

Florence E. Harmon,
Acting Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E8-25538 Filed 10-24-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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