Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by New York Stock Exchange LLC Amending Exchange Rule 104T To Make Certain Technical Amendments to the Rule To Conform it to the Exchange's Recently Instituted New Market Model Pilot, 71070-71072 [E8-27833]
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71070
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 227 / Monday, November 24, 2008 / Notices
Copies of such filing also will be
available for inspection and copying at
the principal offices 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–NYSE–2008–120 and
should be submitted on or before
December 15, 2008.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.4
Florence E. Harmon,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8–27795 Filed 11–21–08; 8:45 am]
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–58971; File No. SR–NYSE–
2008–115]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice
of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness
of Proposed Rule Change by New York
Stock Exchange LLC Amending
Exchange Rule 104T To Make Certain
Technical Amendments to the Rule To
Conform it to the Exchange’s Recently
Instituted New Market Model Pilot
November 17, 2008.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
‘‘Act’’),2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3
notice is hereby given that on November
4, 2008, New York Stock Exchange LLC
(‘‘NYSE’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) 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 self-regulatory
organization. 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 proposes to amend
Rule 104T (Dealings by DMMs) to make
certain technical amendments to the
rule to conform it to the Exchange’s
recently instituted New Market Model
Pilot.
The text of the proposed rule change
is available at https://www.nyse.com,
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 15 U.S.C. 78a.
3 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
1 15
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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
self-regulatory organization 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
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
4 17
NYSE’s principal office, and the
Commission’s Public Reference Room.
1. Purpose
The Exchange seeks to make certain
technical amendments to: (i) NYSE Rule
104T (Dealings by DMMs) to include
rule language governing DMM quoting
requirements that was inadvertently not
included in the rule text; (ii) conform
the rule language of NYSE Rule 104T
governing price improvement with
changes approved by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or
‘‘Commission’’) in a separate filing; and
(iii) clarify the rule text of NYSE Rules
70, 104T and 104 as it pertains to Floor
brokers and DMMs reserve
functionality.
On October 24, 2008, the Commission
approved the operation of a pilot for the
Exchange’s New Market Model.4 As part
of this new model the functions
formerly carried out by specialists on
the Exchange will be replaced by a new
market participant, to be known as a
Designated Market Maker (‘‘DMM’’).
While there are some similarities in the
manner in which DMMs will operate,
there are some major differences as well.
For example, DMMs will continue to be
assigned individual NYE-listed [sic]
securities as they were under the
specialist system, and have an
affirmative obligation with respect to
maintaining a fair and orderly market
for trading those assigned securities.
Unlike the specialist system, each DMM
will also have a minimum quoting
requirement 5 in its assigned securities
4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58845
(October 24, 2008), 73 FR 64379 (October 29, 2008)
(SR–NYSE–2008–46) (approving certain rules to
operate as a pilot scheduled to end October 1,
2009).
5 DMMs will be required to maintain displayed
bids and offers at the National Best Bid or Offer
(‘‘NBBO’’) for a certain percentage of the trading
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Sfmt 4703
but will no longer have a negative
obligation.
The implementation of these changes
required the Exchange to amend its
previous rule governing specialist
conduct, former NYSE Rule 104
(Dealings by Specialists). As approved,
the New Market Model will be phased 6
into the Exchange’s marketplace to
allow for the careful monitoring of
technological and trading pattern
changes that are the core of its
operation. The Exchange therefore
created transitional NYSE Rule 104T in
order to govern DMM conduct during
the first phase of the pilot. DMMs were
subject to the quoting requirement upon
implementation of the Pilot; however,
the language imposing the quoting
requirement was inadvertently not
included in NYSE Rule 104T. Through
this filing the Exchange seeks to correct
that oversight and add subparagraph
‘‘k’’ to Rule 104T which will read as
follows:
With respect to maintaining a continuous
two-sided quote with reasonable size, DMM
units must maintain a bid or an offer at the
National Best Bid and National Best Offer
(‘‘inside’’) at least 10% of the trading day for
securities in which the DMM unit is
registered with an average daily volume on
the Exchange of less than one million shares,
and at least 5% for securities in which the
DMM unit is registered with an average daily
trading volume equal to or greater than one
million shares. Time at the inside is
calculated as the average of the percentage of
time the DMM unit has a bid or offer at the
inside. In calculating whether a DMM is
day in assigned securities. Specifically, with respect
to maintaining a continuous two-sided quote with
reasonable size, DMMs must maintain a bid or offer
at the NBBO (‘‘inside’’) for securities in which the
DMM is registered at a prescribed level based on the
average daily volume of the security. Securities that
have a consolidated average daily volume of less
than one million shares per calendar month are
defined as Less Active Securities and securities that
have a consolidated average daily volume of equal
to or greater than one million shares per calendar
month are defined as More Active Securities.
For Less Active Securities, a specialist unit must
maintain a bid or an offer at the NBBO for at least
10% of the trading day during a calendar month.
For More Active Securities, a specialist unit must
maintain a bid or an offer at the NBBO for at least
5% or more of the trading day during a calendar
month. DMMs will be expected to satisfy the
quoting requirement for both volume categories in
their assigned securities.
6 Pursuant to the implementation schedule, no
later than five weeks after Commission approval,
DMMs will still receive information about orders
that are at or between the Exchange quote. DMMs
must continue to abide by their affirmative
obligations, meeting his or her requirements to
maintain displayed bids and offers at the NBBO and
re-enter liquidity pursuant to NYSE Rule 104T
(‘‘Phase 1’’). After the fifth week of the operation
of the Pilot, Phase 1 will be completed and NYSE
Rule 104T will cease operation. Once NYSE Rule
104T ceases operation, DMMs will be subject to
new NYSE Rule 104 (Dealings and Responsibilities
of DMMs) in Phase 2.
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sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
meeting the 10% and 5% measure, credit
will be given for executions for the liquidity
provided by the DMM. Reserve or other
hidden orders entered by the DMM will not
be included in the inside quote calculations.
The Exchange further seeks to amend
Exchange Rule 104T(e) to remove legacy
language related to a requirement that
specialists be represented in the quote
in a ‘‘meaningful amount’’ before they
can send a trading message that will
provide price improvement to arriving
marketable orders (i.e., those orders
capable of trading in the current market
upon arrival).
On September 11, 2008, the
Commission approved the amendment
of former NYSE Rule 104(e) to remove
the requirement that specialists be
represented in the quote in a
‘‘meaningful amount’’ before he or she
may send a trading message that will
provide price improvement to arriving
marketable orders (i.e., those orders
capable of trading in the current market
upon arrival).7 Pursuant to that
amendment specialists were able to
provide algorithmically-generated price
improvement to all or part of a
marketable incoming order provided
that the price improvement to be
supplied by the specialist is at least one
cent. NYSE Rule 104T was not updated
to reflect this change and the Exchange
seeks to update the language to reflect
that amendment through this filing.
Pursuant to the changes approved in
the New Market Model, Floor brokers
and DMMs may maintain reserve
interest consistent with the Exchange
Rules governing Reserve Orders.8 NYSE
Rule 104T(d)(1) was not conformed to
reflect this language. NYSE Rules
70(b)(ii) and 104(c) have language to
express this concept; however, the
language in the two rules is
inconsistent. Specifically, NYSE Rule 70
states in pertinent part, ‘‘A Floor broker
shall have the ability to maintain
undisplayed reserve interest consistent
with Exchange rules governing Reserve
Orders.’’ NYSE Rule 104 states, ‘‘A
DMM unit may maintain non displayed
reserve interest consistent with
Exchange Rules governing Reserve
Orders.’’ The Exchange seeks to revise
the rule language of NYSE Rules
70(b)(ii), 104T(d)(1) and 104(c) to make
them consistent and to clarify that Floor
brokers and DMMs may maintain
reserve interest consistent with
Exchange rules governing Reserve
Orders.
7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58517
(September 11, 2008), 73 FR 53914 (September 17,
2008) (SR–NYSE–2008–61).
8 See NYSE Rule 13.
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The Exchange further seeks to amend
typographic errors in NYSE Rules 123A,
123B and 1000. Specifically, in NYSE
Rule 123A Supplementary Material.32,
the NYSE deleted the word ‘‘specialist’’
from the first sentence and did not
insert ‘‘DMM’’ in its place. Additionally,
the Exchange did not delete the word
‘‘specialist’’ from the last paragraph of
the same section and insert ‘‘DMM.’’
The Exchange now proposes to insert
‘‘DMM’’ in the first sentence of NYSE
Rule 123A Supplementary Material.32
so that it will read, ‘‘If a report has not
been received from a DMM on an order
which he or she should have executed,
the DMM is responsible for any loss
which may be sustained up to and
including the next opening price.’’ The
Exchange further seeks to amend the
last sentence of the last paragraph to
read, ‘‘In no case where it is deemed
that a DMM did not send out a report
shall the liability of the DMM extend
beyond the closing price on the business
day following the day of the
transaction.’’
Finally, NYSE Rule 123B as approved
in the New Market Model, contains two
subparagraphs lettered ‘‘d’’. The
Exchange seeks to change the second
subparagraph ‘‘d’’ to ‘‘e’’ in order to
correct the lettering. Similarly, NYSE
Rule 1000, as approved in the New
Market Model deleted the provisions of
subparagraph (e)(ii)(D) and did not
change the letter of the subsequent
subparagraph (e)(ii)(E) to ‘‘(D)’’. As such
NYSE Rule subparagraph (e)(ii) is
lettered ‘‘A’’ through E without a ‘‘D’’
letter designation. The Exchange
therefore seeks to change the current
letter ‘‘E’’ of that provision to ‘‘D’’ to
allow for accurate consecutive lettering
of the rule.
2. Statutory Basis
The bases under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘1934 Act’’)
for this proposed rule change are the
requirements under Section 6(b)(5) that
the rules of an exchange be 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. The
Exchange believes that the instant
proposal is consistent with the above
principals [sic] in that it conforms the
rule language to the approved New
Market model which the Exchange
anticipates will enhance the liquidity in
the market and foster increased
competition among Exchange market
participants thus providing Exchange
customers with additional opportunities
for price improvement.
PO 00000
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71071
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
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
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 9 and Rule
19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.10
A proposed rule change filed under
Rule 19b–4(f)(6) normally does not
become operative for 30 days after the
date of filing.11 However, Rule 19b–
4(f)(6)(iii) permits the Commission to
designate a shorter time if such action
is consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest. NYSE
requested that the Commission waive
the 30-day operative delay, as specified
in Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),12 which would
make the rule change effective and
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 it will conform the rule text to
what was previously approved by the
Commission in prior Exchange
proposed rule changes.13 Waiving the
operative delay will ensure that the rule
text of the Exchange is accurate and will
avoid potential confusion by
9 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
11 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). In addition, Rule
19b–4(f)(6)(iii) requires the self-regulatory
organization to give the Commission 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 this requirement.
12 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).
13 See supra notes 4 and 7.
10 17
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71072
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 227 / Monday, November 24, 2008 / Notices
eliminating technical errors.14
Accordingly, the Commission
designates the proposed rule change
effective and operative upon filing with
the Commission.
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.15
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–2008–115 and
should be submitted on or before
December 15, 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,
NYSE Arca included statements
concerning the purpose of, and basis for,
the proposed rule change. The text of
these statements may be examined at
the places specified in Item IV below.
NYSE Arca has prepared summaries, set
forth in sections A, B, and C below, of
the most significant aspects of such
statements.
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:
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.16
Florence E. Harmon,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8–27833 Filed 11–21–08; 8:45 am]
A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
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–2008–115 on the
subject line.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
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–NYSE–2008–115. 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
14 For purposes only of waiving the operative
delay for this proposal, the Commission has
considered the proposed rule’s impact on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See
15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
15 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(C).
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BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–58945; File No. SR–
NYSEArca–2008–118]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed
Rule Change Amending Its Schedule of
Fees and Charges for Exchange
Services
November 13, 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 November
3, 2008, NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’
or ‘‘Exchange’’), filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or
‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
change as described in Items I, II, and
III below, which Items have been
prepared by the Exchange. 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 proposes to amend its
Schedule of Fees and Charges for
Exchange Services. A copy of the new
Schedule, showing changes pursuant to
this filing is available on the Exchange’s
Web site at https://www.nyse.com, at the
Exchange’s principal office and at the
Commission’s Public Reference Room.
16 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
1 15
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Sfmt 4703
1. Purpose
The purpose of this filing is to amend
the existing Schedule in order to
include foreign currency options
(‘‘FCO’’) in the Linkage Fees rates that
are currently applied only to issues
included in the Penny Pilot.
The Exchange has recently proposed
an amendment to its rules that will
enable the Exchange to list and trade
FCOs.3 In addition to the issues
included in the Penny Pilot, FCOs will
also be quoted and traded in one cent
increments. Presently, the Exchange
charges $0.45 for all electronically
executed Linkage Orders in Penny Pilot
issues.4 Pursuant to the proposed
change, the Exchange will also charge
$0.45 for all electronically executed
Linkage Orders in FCO’s. Upon
approval, the Exchange intends to apply
this reduced fee (as compared to fees
charged for Linkage Orders executed in
non-eligible issues).
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that the
proposed rule change is consistent with
section 6(b) 5 of the Act, in general, and
section 6(b)(4),6 in particular, in that it
provides for the equitable allocation of
reasonable dues, fees and other charges
among its members and other persons
using its facilities for the purpose of
executing Linkage orders that are routed
to the Exchange from other market
centers. In most instances, this proposal
decreases the applicable fees for Users.
3 See Securities and Exchange Commission
Release No. 34–58800, October 16, 2008, (notice of
immediate effectiveness of SR–NYSEArca–2008–
109).
4 The Exchange may trade option contracts in one
cent increments in certain approved issues as part
of the Penny Pilot, through March 27, 2009. See
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34–56568
(September 27, 2007), 72 FR 56422 (October 3,
2007).
5 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
6 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 227 (Monday, November 24, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71070-71072]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-27833]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-58971; File No. SR-NYSE-2008-115]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate
Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by New York Stock Exchange LLC
Amending Exchange Rule 104T To Make Certain Technical Amendments to the
Rule To Conform it to the Exchange's Recently Instituted New Market
Model Pilot
November 17, 2008.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (the ``Act''),\2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby
given that on November 4, 2008, New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE''
or the ``Exchange'') 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 self-regulatory
organization. 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\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
\3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 104T (Dealings by DMMs) to make
certain technical amendments to the rule to conform it to the
Exchange's recently instituted New Market Model Pilot.
The text of the proposed rule change is available at https://www.nyse.com, NYSE's principal office, 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, the self-regulatory organization
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 Exchange seeks to make certain technical amendments to: (i)
NYSE Rule 104T (Dealings by DMMs) to include rule language governing
DMM quoting requirements that was inadvertently not included in the
rule text; (ii) conform the rule language of NYSE Rule 104T governing
price improvement with changes approved by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission'') in a separate filing; and (iii)
clarify the rule text of NYSE Rules 70, 104T and 104 as it pertains to
Floor brokers and DMMs reserve functionality.
On October 24, 2008, the Commission approved the operation of a
pilot for the Exchange's New Market Model.\4\ As part of this new model
the functions formerly carried out by specialists on the Exchange will
be replaced by a new market participant, to be known as a Designated
Market Maker (``DMM''). While there are some similarities in the manner
in which DMMs will operate, there are some major differences as well.
For example, DMMs will continue to be assigned individual NYE-listed
[sic] securities as they were under the specialist system, and have an
affirmative obligation with respect to maintaining a fair and orderly
market for trading those assigned securities. Unlike the specialist
system, each DMM will also have a minimum quoting requirement \5\ in
its assigned securities but will no longer have a negative obligation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58845 (October 24,
2008), 73 FR 64379 (October 29, 2008) (SR-NYSE-2008-46) (approving
certain rules to operate as a pilot scheduled to end October 1,
2009).
\5\ DMMs will be required to maintain displayed bids and offers
at the National Best Bid or Offer (``NBBO'') for a certain
percentage of the trading day in assigned securities. Specifically,
with respect to maintaining a continuous two-sided quote with
reasonable size, DMMs must maintain a bid or offer at the NBBO
(``inside'') for securities in which the DMM is registered at a
prescribed level based on the average daily volume of the security.
Securities that have a consolidated average daily volume of less
than one million shares per calendar month are defined as Less
Active Securities and securities that have a consolidated average
daily volume of equal to or greater than one million shares per
calendar month are defined as More Active Securities.
For Less Active Securities, a specialist unit must maintain a
bid or an offer at the NBBO for at least 10% of the trading day
during a calendar month. For More Active Securities, a specialist
unit must maintain a bid or an offer at the NBBO for at least 5% or
more of the trading day during a calendar month. DMMs will be
expected to satisfy the quoting requirement for both volume
categories in their assigned securities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The implementation of these changes required the Exchange to amend
its previous rule governing specialist conduct, former NYSE Rule 104
(Dealings by Specialists). As approved, the New Market Model will be
phased \6\ into the Exchange's marketplace to allow for the careful
monitoring of technological and trading pattern changes that are the
core of its operation. The Exchange therefore created transitional NYSE
Rule 104T in order to govern DMM conduct during the first phase of the
pilot. DMMs were subject to the quoting requirement upon implementation
of the Pilot; however, the language imposing the quoting requirement
was inadvertently not included in NYSE Rule 104T. Through this filing
the Exchange seeks to correct that oversight and add subparagraph ``k''
to Rule 104T which will read as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ Pursuant to the implementation schedule, no later than five
weeks after Commission approval, DMMs will still receive information
about orders that are at or between the Exchange quote. DMMs must
continue to abide by their affirmative obligations, meeting his or
her requirements to maintain displayed bids and offers at the NBBO
and re-enter liquidity pursuant to NYSE Rule 104T (``Phase 1'').
After the fifth week of the operation of the Pilot, Phase 1 will be
completed and NYSE Rule 104T will cease operation. Once NYSE Rule
104T ceases operation, DMMs will be subject to new NYSE Rule 104
(Dealings and Responsibilities of DMMs) in Phase 2.
With respect to maintaining a continuous two-sided quote with
reasonable size, DMM units must maintain a bid or an offer at the
National Best Bid and National Best Offer (``inside'') at least 10%
of the trading day for securities in which the DMM unit is
registered with an average daily volume on the Exchange of less than
one million shares, and at least 5% for securities in which the DMM
unit is registered with an average daily trading volume equal to or
greater than one million shares. Time at the inside is calculated as
the average of the percentage of time the DMM unit has a bid or
offer at the inside. In calculating whether a DMM is
[[Page 71071]]
meeting the 10% and 5% measure, credit will be given for executions
for the liquidity provided by the DMM. Reserve or other hidden
orders entered by the DMM will not be included in the inside quote
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calculations.
The Exchange further seeks to amend Exchange Rule 104T(e) to remove
legacy language related to a requirement that specialists be
represented in the quote in a ``meaningful amount'' before they can
send a trading message that will provide price improvement to arriving
marketable orders (i.e., those orders capable of trading in the current
market upon arrival).
On September 11, 2008, the Commission approved the amendment of
former NYSE Rule 104(e) to remove the requirement that specialists be
represented in the quote in a ``meaningful amount'' before he or she
may send a trading message that will provide price improvement to
arriving marketable orders (i.e., those orders capable of trading in
the current market upon arrival).\7\ Pursuant to that amendment
specialists were able to provide algorithmically-generated price
improvement to all or part of a marketable incoming order provided that
the price improvement to be supplied by the specialist is at least one
cent. NYSE Rule 104T was not updated to reflect this change and the
Exchange seeks to update the language to reflect that amendment through
this filing.
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\7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58517 (September 11,
2008), 73 FR 53914 (September 17, 2008) (SR-NYSE-2008-61).
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Pursuant to the changes approved in the New Market Model, Floor
brokers and DMMs may maintain reserve interest consistent with the
Exchange Rules governing Reserve Orders.\8\ NYSE Rule 104T(d)(1) was
not conformed to reflect this language. NYSE Rules 70(b)(ii) and 104(c)
have language to express this concept; however, the language in the two
rules is inconsistent. Specifically, NYSE Rule 70 states in pertinent
part, ``A Floor broker shall have the ability to maintain undisplayed
reserve interest consistent with Exchange rules governing Reserve
Orders.'' NYSE Rule 104 states, ``A DMM unit may maintain non displayed
reserve interest consistent with Exchange Rules governing Reserve
Orders.'' The Exchange seeks to revise the rule language of NYSE Rules
70(b)(ii), 104T(d)(1) and 104(c) to make them consistent and to clarify
that Floor brokers and DMMs may maintain reserve interest consistent
with Exchange rules governing Reserve Orders.
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\8\ See NYSE Rule 13.
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The Exchange further seeks to amend typographic errors in NYSE
Rules 123A, 123B and 1000. Specifically, in NYSE Rule 123A
Supplementary Material.32, the NYSE deleted the word ``specialist''
from the first sentence and did not insert ``DMM'' in its place.
Additionally, the Exchange did not delete the word ``specialist'' from
the last paragraph of the same section and insert ``DMM.'' The Exchange
now proposes to insert ``DMM'' in the first sentence of NYSE Rule 123A
Supplementary Material.32 so that it will read, ``If a report has not
been received from a DMM on an order which he or she should have
executed, the DMM is responsible for any loss which may be sustained up
to and including the next opening price.'' The Exchange further seeks
to amend the last sentence of the last paragraph to read, ``In no case
where it is deemed that a DMM did not send out a report shall the
liability of the DMM extend beyond the closing price on the business
day following the day of the transaction.''
Finally, NYSE Rule 123B as approved in the New Market Model,
contains two subparagraphs lettered ``d''. The Exchange seeks to change
the second subparagraph ``d'' to ``e'' in order to correct the
lettering. Similarly, NYSE Rule 1000, as approved in the New Market
Model deleted the provisions of subparagraph (e)(ii)(D) and did not
change the letter of the subsequent subparagraph (e)(ii)(E) to ``(D)''.
As such NYSE Rule subparagraph (e)(ii) is lettered ``A'' through E
without a ``D'' letter designation. The Exchange therefore seeks to
change the current letter ``E'' of that provision to ``D'' to allow for
accurate consecutive lettering of the rule.
2. Statutory Basis
The bases under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``1934
Act'') for this proposed rule change are the requirements under Section
6(b)(5) that the rules of an exchange be 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. The
Exchange believes that the instant proposal is consistent with the
above principals [sic] in that it conforms the rule language to the
approved New Market model which the Exchange anticipates will enhance
the liquidity in the market and foster increased competition among
Exchange market participants thus providing Exchange customers with
additional opportunities for price improvement.
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
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 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 \9\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\10\
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\9\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\10\ 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 for 30 days after the date of filing.\11\ However,
Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) permits the Commission to designate a shorter
time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and
the public interest. NYSE requested that the Commission waive the 30-
day operative delay, as specified in Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\12\ which
would make the rule change effective and operative upon filing.
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\11\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii). In addition, Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) requires the self-regulatory organization to give the
Commission 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 this requirement.
\12\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
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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 it will conform the rule text to what was previously approved
by the Commission in prior Exchange proposed rule changes.\13\ Waiving
the operative delay will ensure that the rule text of the Exchange is
accurate and will avoid potential confusion by
[[Page 71072]]
eliminating technical errors.\14\ Accordingly, the Commission
designates the proposed rule change effective and operative upon filing
with the Commission.
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\13\ See supra notes 4 and 7.
\14\ For purposes only of waiving the operative delay for this
proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact
on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C.
78c(f).
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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.\15\
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\15\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(C).
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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-2008-115 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-NYSE-2008-115. 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-2008-115 and should be
submitted on or before December 15, 2008.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\16\
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\16\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Florence E. Harmon,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-27833 Filed 11-21-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P