Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Amex LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Extending the Length of Time That Exchange Systems Transmit Odd-Lot Order-by-Order Information to the DMM Unit Algorithm Prior to the Opening Transaction From August 31, 2009 to October 31, 2009, 45506-45508 [E9-21137]
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45506
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 169 / Wednesday, September 2, 2009 / Notices
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.13
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9–21162 Filed 9–1–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–60574; File No. SR–
NYSEAmex–2009–58]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
Amex LLC; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
Rule Change Extending the Length of
Time That Exchange Systems Transmit
Odd-Lot Order-by-Order Information to
the DMM Unit Algorithm Prior to the
Opening Transaction From August 31,
2009 to October 31, 2009
August 26, 2009.
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 August
21, 2009, NYSE Amex LLC (‘‘Exchange’’
or ‘‘NYSE Amex’’) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission
(‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
change as described in Items I and II
below, which Items have been prepared
by the self-regulatory organization. The
Exchange designated the proposal
eligible for immediate effectiveness
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) 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.
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES
I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Terms of Substance of
the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to extend the
length of time that Exchange systems
transmit odd-lot order-by-order
information to the DMM unit algorithm
prior to the opening transaction from
August 31, 2009 to October 31, 2009.
The text of the proposed rule change is
available at the Exchange, the
Commission’s Public Reference Room,
and https://www.nyse.com.
13 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
1 15
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16:56 Sep 01, 2009
Jkt 217001
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 the
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
1. Purpose
NYSE Amex LLC (‘‘NYSE Amex’’ or
the ‘‘Exchange’’), formerly the American
Stock Exchange LLC, proposes to extend
the length of time that Exchange
systems transmit odd-lot order-by-order
information to the DMM unit algorithm
prior to the opening transaction from
August 31, 2009 to October 31, 2009.
The Exchange notes that parallel
changes are proposed to be made to the
rules of New York Stock Exchange LLC
(‘‘NYSE’’).5
Background
As described more fully in a related
rule filing, 6 NYSE Euronext acquired
The Amex Membership Corporation
(‘‘AMC’’) pursuant to an Agreement and
Plan of Merger, dated January 17, 2008
(the ‘‘Merger’’). In connection with the
Merger, the Exchange’s predecessor, the
American Stock Exchange LLC
(‘‘Amex’’), a subsidiary of AMC, became
a subsidiary of NYSE Euronext called
NYSE Alternext US LLC, 7 later renamed
NYSE Amex LLC (hereinafter referred to
as ‘‘NYSE Amex’’) and continues to
operate as a national securities exchange
registered under Section 6 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the ‘‘Act’’).8 The effective
date of the Merger was October 1, 2008.
In connection with the Merger, on
December 1, 2008, the Exchange
relocated all equities trading conducted
on the Exchange legacy trading systems
and facilities located at 86 Trinity Place,
5 See
SR–NYSE–2009–86.
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58673
(September 29, 2008), 73 FR 57707 (October 3,
2008) (SR–NYSE–2008–60 and SR–Amex–2008–62)
(approving the Merger).
7 NYSE Alternext US LLC was subsequently
renamed NYSE Amex LLC. See Securities Exchange
Act Release No. 59575 (March 13, 2009), 74 FR
11803 (March 19, 2009) (SR–NYSEALTR–2009–24).
8 15 U.S.C. 78f.
6 See
PO 00000
Frm 00095
Fmt 4703
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New York, New York, to trading systems
and facilities located at 11 Wall Street,
New York, New York (the ‘‘Equities
Relocation’’). The Exchange’s equity
trading systems and facilities at 11 Wall
Street (the ‘‘NYSE Amex Trading
Systems’’) are operated by the NYSE on
behalf of the Exchange.9
As part of the Equities Relocation, the
Exchange adopted NYSE Rules 1–1004,
subject to such changes as necessary to
apply the Rules to the Exchange, as the
NYSE Alternext Equities Rules, now
renamed NYSE Amex Equities Rules, to
govern trading on the NYSE Amex
Trading Systems.10 The NYSE Amex
Equities Rules, which became operative
on December 1, 2008, are substantially
identical to the current NYSE Rules 1–
1004 and the Exchange continues to
update the NYSE Amex Equities Rules
as necessary to conform with rule
changes to corresponding NYSE Rules
filed by the NYSE.
Included in the adoption of the NYSE
Rules was the adoption and operation of
the NYSE’s New Market Model Pilot
(‘‘Pilot’’) approved by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC or
‘‘Commission’’) on October 24, 2008.11
As part of the original Pilot filing, the
NYSE explained that although the
Designated Market Maker (‘‘DMM’’)
would no longer receive order-by-order
information, there would continue to be
certain times when human interaction
was essential to market quality and
maintaining a fair and orderly market.
Currently the DMM is responsible for
facilitating the opening transaction and
ultimately determines the price,12 and
9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58705
(October 1, 2008), 73 FR 58995 (October 8, 2008)
(SR–Amex 2008–63) (approving the Equities
Relocation).
10 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58705
(October 1, 2008), 73 FR 58995 (October 8, 2008)
(SR–Amex 2008–63) (approving the Equities
Relocation); Securities Exchange Act Release No.
58833 (October 22, 2008), 73 FR 64642 (October 30,
2008) (SR–NYSE–2008–106) and Securities
Exchange Act Release No. 58839 (October 23, 2008),
73 FR 64645 (October 30, 2008) (SR–NYSEALTR–
2008–03) (together, implementing the Bonds
Relocation); Securities Exchange Act Release No.
59022 (November 26, 2008), 73 FR 73683
(December 3, 2008) (SR–NYSEALTR–2008–10)
(adopting amendments to NYSE Alternext Equities
Rules to track changes to corresponding NYSE
Rules); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59027
(November 28, 2008), 73 FR 73681 (December 3,
2008) (SR–NYSEALTR–2008–11) (adopting
amendments to Rule 62—NYSE Alternext Equities
to track changes to corresponding NYSE Rule 62).
11 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.)
12 In an opening and reopening trade, the Display
Book® (‘‘Display Book’’) will verify that all interest
that must be executed in the opening or reopening
can be executed at the price chosen by the DMM.
If all the interest that must be executed in the
E:\FR\FM\02SEN1.SGM
02SEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 169 / Wednesday, September 2, 2009 / Notices
executes the orders at that price to open
the trading in his or her assigned
securities. In order to effect a fair and
orderly opening transaction, the
individual DMM is provided aggregate
order information.13 DMMs have access
to aggregate order information as it
pertains to round-lot and odd-lot orders;
however, the DMM unit algorithm
receives odd-lot information on an
order-by-order basis prior to the opening
transaction. In order for the DMM unit
algorithm to effectively facilitate an
opening transaction, the DMM unit
algorithm is provided odd-lot
information prior to the opening.
Constraints inherent to the Odd-lot
System require that odd-lot information
be transmitted to the DMM unit
algorithm on an order-by-order basis
prior to the opening. As such, prior to
the opening, Exchange systems transmit
to the DMM unit algorithm odd-lot
order information 14 excluding e-Quote
odd-lots, odd-lot cancellations, Stop
odd-lot orders and Good ‘til Cancel oddlot orders.15 Once the security is
opened, Exchange systems do not
provide any order-by-order odd-lot
information to the DMM unit algorithm.
Proposed Amendment to NYSE Amex
Equities Rule 104
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES
The Exchange anticipated that the
work required to modify its systems to
transmit aggregate odd-lot information
to DMM unit algorithms would have
been completed by August 31, 2009;
however, after the completion of several
system modifications it is clear that the
Exchange will require an extension to
transaction cannot be executed at that price, the
Display Book will block the execution. In addition,
when executing blocks (10,000 shares or more or
value of $200,000 or more), trading out of a gap
quote situation or an Liquidity Replenishment Point
(‘‘LRP’’) that locks or crossed the market, the
Display Book may adjust the execution price if
there is enough interest on the Display Book to
complete the transaction at a better price.
The Display Book® is an order management and
execution facility. The Display Book receives and
displays orders to the DMM, contains order
information, and provides a mechanism to execute
and report transactions and publish the results to
the Consolidated Tape. The Display Book is
connected to a number of other Exchange systems
for the purposes of comparison, surveillance, and
reporting information to customers and other
market data and national market systems.
13 See proposed NYSE Amex Equities Rule
104(a)(2).
14 See NYSE Amex Equities Rule 104
Supplementary Material .05.
15 Odd-lot cancellations and GTC odd-lot orders
are not included because of system constraints.
Stop odd-lot orders are elected by the opening
transaction which in turn commences the execution
of orders in the Odd-lot System. The Stop odd-lot
orders elected by the opening transaction are
executed in the Odd-lot system pursuant to the rule
governing odd-lot executions. See NYSE Amex
Equities Rule 124(e).
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16:56 Sep 01, 2009
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October 31, 2009, in order to complete
these particular enhancements.
Since the commencement of the Pilot,
the Exchange has completed several
modifications to remove and enhance
legacy systems. These enhancements are
necessary to provide the foundation
needed for Exchange systems to
transmit aggregate odd-lot information
to the DMM unit algorithm prior to the
opening transaction.16 The Exchange
continues to enhance its systems to
create a strong platform for
technological growth that offers its
customers the most comprehensive set
of trading technology solutions to meet
their needs and expectations. In
furtherance of this goal, the Exchange
must either upgrade or replace in its
entirety legacy systems that accept,
manage, execute and report executions.
The extensive nature of the
modifications requires the Exchange to
progressively implement these systemic
changes on a security by security basis
as it gains experience with the new
technology until the new technology is
operative in all securities traded on the
Floor. Consequently, the modifications
have progressed at a slower pace than
initially anticipated. The next Exchange
technology release will modify
Exchange systems such that odd-lot
information will be provided to the
Display Book in aggregate prior to the
opening transaction. Display Book in
turn will provide aggregate order
information to the DMM unit algorithm
prior to the opening transaction to
facilitate the ability of the DMM unit
algorithm to electronically open trading
in certain securities. It is anticipated
that these modifications will be
completed no later than October 31,
2009.
Given the above, the Exchange
requests an extension to October 31,
2009, to complete the system
modifications required to transmit
aggregate odd-lot information to the
DMM unit algorithms prior to the
opening transaction.
2. Statutory Basis
The basis under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 17 for
these proposed rule changes is the
requirement under Section 6(b)(5) 18
that an Exchange have rules that are
16 See Securities and Exchange Act Release No
59592 (March 17, 2009), 74 FR 12417 (March 24,
2009) (SR–NYSE–2009–29) (Filing to, among other
things, replace references to specific NYSE systems
that perform particular functions and replace it
with the phrase ‘‘Exchange systems’’ in order to
keep pace with the enhancements to its
technology).
17 15 U.S.C. 78a.
18 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
PO 00000
Frm 00096
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Sfmt 4703
45507
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 proposed rule
change supports these principles and
serves to protect the investor and the
public interest. in that it seeks to
continue providing DMM unit
algorithms with the order by order oddlot information required to facilitate the
timely opening of securities on the
Exchange until Exchange systems can be
modified to provide such information in
an aggregated format.
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 proposed rule change
does not: (i) Significantly affect the
protection of investors or the public
interest; (ii) impose any significant
burden on competition; and (iii) become
operative prior to 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, the
proposed rule change has become
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)
of the Act 19 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)
thereunder.20
The Exchange has requested the
Commission to waive the 30-day
operative delay so that the proposal may
become operative immediately 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 will allow the
19 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b–
4(f)(6)(iii) requires the self-regulatory organization
to 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 requirement.
20 17
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02SEN1
45508
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 169 / Wednesday, September 2, 2009 / Notices
Exchange to provide the DMM unit
algorithms with order-by-order odd-lot
information prior to the opening
transaction without interruption until
October 31, 2009, when the Exchange
anticipates necessary modifications to
its systems will be completed.
Therefore, the Commission designates
the proposal operative upon filing.21
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.
available for inspection and copying in
the Commission’s Public Reference
Room, 100 F Street, NE., Washington,
DC 20549, on official business days
between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Copies of such filing also will be
available for inspection and copying at
the principal office of the Exchange. All
comments received will be posted
without change; the Commission does
not edit personal identifying
information from submissions. You
should submit only information that
you wish to make available publicly. All
submissions should refer to File
Number SR–NYSEAmex–2009–58 and
should be submitted on or before
September 23, 2009.
IV. Solicitation of Comments
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.22
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9–21137 Filed 9–1–09; 8:45 am]
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
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
• 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–NYSEAmex–2009–58 on
the subject line.
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES
BILLING CODE 8010–01–P
Agency Information Collection
Activities: Proposed Request and
Comment Request
The Social Security Administration
(SSA) publishes a list of information
collection packages requiring clearance
by the Office of Management and
Paper Comments
Budget (OMB) in compliance with
• Send paper comments in triplicate
Public Law (Pub. L.) 104–13, the
to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary,
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,
Securities and Exchange Commission,
effective October 1, 1995. This notice
100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC
includes revisions and extensions of
20549–1090.
OMB-approved information collections.
All submissions should refer to File
SSA is soliciting comments on the
Number SR–NYSEAmex–2009–58. This accuracy of the agency’s burden
file number should be included on the
estimate; the need for the information;
subject line if e-mail is used. To help the its practical utility; ways to enhance its
Commission process and review your
quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to
comments more efficiently, please use
minimize the burden on respondents,
only one method. The Commission will including the use of automated
post all comments on the Commission’s collection techniques or other forms of
Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/
information technology. Mail, e-mail, or
rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the
fax your comments and
submission, all subsequent
recommendations on the information
amendments, all written statements
collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer
with respect to the proposed rule
and the SSA Director for Reports
change that are filed with the
Clearance to the addresses or fax
Commission, and all written
numbers shown below.
communications relating to the
(OMB), Office of Management and
proposed rule change between the
Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA.
Commission and any person, other than
Fax: 202–395–6974. E-mail address:
those that may be withheld from the
OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov.
public in accordance with the
(SSA), Social Security Administration,
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be
DCBFM, Attn: Director, Center for
Reports Clearance, 1333 Annex
21 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day
Building, 6401 Security Blvd.,
operative delay, the Commission has considered the
proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition,
and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
VerDate Nov<24>2008
16:56 Sep 01, 2009
Jkt 217001
22 17
PO 00000
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
Frm 00097
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Baltimore, MD 21235. Fax: 410–965–
0454. E-mail address:
OPLM.RCO@ssa.gov.
The information collections below are
pending at SSA. SSA will submit them
to OMB within 60 days from the date of
this notice. To be sure we consider your
comments, we must receive them no
later than November 2, 2009.
Individuals can obtain copies of the
collection instruments by calling the
SSA Director for Reports Clearance at
410–965–0454 or by writing to the email address we list above.
1. Blood Donor Locator Service
(BDLS)—20 CFR 401.200—0960–0501.
This regulation stipulates that when
blood donor facilities identify blood
donations as Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV)-positive, the overseeing
State agency must provide the names
and Social Security Numbers of the
affected donors to SSA’s Blood Donor
Locator Service. SSA uses this
information to furnish the State agencies
with the blood donors’ address
information to notify the blood donors.
Respondents are State agencies acting
on behalf of blood donor facilities.
Type of Request: Extension of an
OMB-approved information collection.
Number of Respondents: 10.
Frequency of Response: 5.
Average Burden per Response: 15
minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 13 hours.
2. Continuation of SSI Benefits for the
Temporarily Institutionalized—
Certification of Period and Need to
Maintain Home—20 CFR
416.212(b)(1)—0960–0516. When
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
recipients: (1) Enter a public institution,
or (2) enter a private medical institution
with Medicaid paying more than 50% of
expenses, their SSI payments are
reduced to a nominal sum. However, if
this institutionalization is temporary
(defined as a maximum of 3 months),
SSA may waive the reduction of
benefits.
Before SSA can waive the benefit
reduction, the agency must receive the
following documentation: (1) A
physician’s certification that the
beneficiary will only be
institutionalized for a maximum of 3
months, and (2) certification from the
beneficiary, beneficiary’s family, or
beneficiary’s friend confirming that SSI
benefits are needed to maintain the
living arrangements to which the
beneficiary will return postinstitutionalization. The respondents
are doctors of SSI beneficiaries and the
beneficiaries or their family/friends.
Type of Request: Extension of an
OMB-approved information collection.
E:\FR\FM\02SEN1.SGM
02SEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 169 (Wednesday, September 2, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45506-45508]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-21137]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-60574; File No. SR-NYSEAmex-2009-58]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Amex LLC; Notice of Filing
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Extending the
Length of Time That Exchange Systems Transmit Odd-Lot Order-by-Order
Information to the DMM Unit Algorithm Prior to the Opening Transaction
From August 31, 2009 to October 31, 2009
August 26, 2009.
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 August 21, 2009, NYSE Amex LLC (``Exchange'' or ``NYSE Amex'') filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the
proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items
have been prepared by the self-regulatory organization. The Exchange
designated the proposal eligible for immediate effectiveness pursuant
to Section 19(b)(3)(A) 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).
\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 extend the length of time that Exchange
systems transmit odd-lot order-by-order information to the DMM unit
algorithm prior to the opening transaction from August 31, 2009 to
October 31, 2009. The text of the proposed rule change is available at
the Exchange, the Commission's Public Reference Room, and https://www.nyse.com.
II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission, the 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 the
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
1. Purpose
NYSE Amex LLC (``NYSE Amex'' or the ``Exchange''), formerly the
American Stock Exchange LLC, proposes to extend the length of time that
Exchange systems transmit odd-lot order-by-order information to the DMM
unit algorithm prior to the opening transaction from August 31, 2009 to
October 31, 2009.
The Exchange notes that parallel changes are proposed to be made to
the rules of New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE'').\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ See SR-NYSE-2009-86.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background
As described more fully in a related rule filing, \6\ NYSE Euronext
acquired The Amex Membership Corporation (``AMC'') pursuant to an
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated January 17, 2008 (the ``Merger'').
In connection with the Merger, the Exchange's predecessor, the American
Stock Exchange LLC (``Amex''), a subsidiary of AMC, became a subsidiary
of NYSE Euronext called NYSE Alternext US LLC, \7\ later renamed NYSE
Amex LLC (hereinafter referred to as ``NYSE Amex'') and continues to
operate as a national securities exchange registered under Section 6 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ``Act'').\8\ The
effective date of the Merger was October 1, 2008.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58673 (September 29,
2008), 73 FR 57707 (October 3, 2008) (SR-NYSE-2008-60 and SR-Amex-
2008-62) (approving the Merger).
\7\ NYSE Alternext US LLC was subsequently renamed NYSE Amex
LLC. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59575 (March 13, 2009),
74 FR 11803 (March 19, 2009) (SR-NYSEALTR-2009-24).
\8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In connection with the Merger, on December 1, 2008, the Exchange
relocated all equities trading conducted on the Exchange legacy trading
systems and facilities located at 86 Trinity Place, New York, New York,
to trading systems and facilities located at 11 Wall Street, New York,
New York (the ``Equities Relocation''). The Exchange's equity trading
systems and facilities at 11 Wall Street (the ``NYSE Amex Trading
Systems'') are operated by the NYSE on behalf of the Exchange.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58705 (October 1,
2008), 73 FR 58995 (October 8, 2008) (SR-Amex 2008-63) (approving
the Equities Relocation).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As part of the Equities Relocation, the Exchange adopted NYSE Rules
1-1004, subject to such changes as necessary to apply the Rules to the
Exchange, as the NYSE Alternext Equities Rules, now renamed NYSE Amex
Equities Rules, to govern trading on the NYSE Amex Trading Systems.\10\
The NYSE Amex Equities Rules, which became operative on December 1,
2008, are substantially identical to the current NYSE Rules 1-1004 and
the Exchange continues to update the NYSE Amex Equities Rules as
necessary to conform with rule changes to corresponding NYSE Rules
filed by the NYSE.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58705 (October 1,
2008), 73 FR 58995 (October 8, 2008) (SR-Amex 2008-63) (approving
the Equities Relocation); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58833
(October 22, 2008), 73 FR 64642 (October 30, 2008) (SR-NYSE-2008-
106) and Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58839 (October 23,
2008), 73 FR 64645 (October 30, 2008) (SR-NYSEALTR-2008-03)
(together, implementing the Bonds Relocation); Securities Exchange
Act Release No. 59022 (November 26, 2008), 73 FR 73683 (December 3,
2008) (SR-NYSEALTR-2008-10) (adopting amendments to NYSE Alternext
Equities Rules to track changes to corresponding NYSE Rules);
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59027 (November 28, 2008), 73 FR
73681 (December 3, 2008) (SR-NYSEALTR-2008-11) (adopting amendments
to Rule 62--NYSE Alternext Equities to track changes to
corresponding NYSE Rule 62).
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Included in the adoption of the NYSE Rules was the adoption and
operation of the NYSE's New Market Model Pilot (``Pilot'') approved by
the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC or ``Commission'') on
October 24, 2008.\11\ As part of the original Pilot filing, the NYSE
explained that although the Designated Market Maker (``DMM'') would no
longer receive order-by-order information, there would continue to be
certain times when human interaction was essential to market quality
and maintaining a fair and orderly market.
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\11\ 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.)
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Currently the DMM is responsible for facilitating the opening
transaction and ultimately determines the price,\12\ and
[[Page 45507]]
executes the orders at that price to open the trading in his or her
assigned securities. In order to effect a fair and orderly opening
transaction, the individual DMM is provided aggregate order
information.\13\ DMMs have access to aggregate order information as it
pertains to round-lot and odd-lot orders; however, the DMM unit
algorithm receives odd-lot information on an order-by-order basis prior
to the opening transaction. In order for the DMM unit algorithm to
effectively facilitate an opening transaction, the DMM unit algorithm
is provided odd-lot information prior to the opening. Constraints
inherent to the Odd-lot System require that odd-lot information be
transmitted to the DMM unit algorithm on an order-by-order basis prior
to the opening. As such, prior to the opening, Exchange systems
transmit to the DMM unit algorithm odd-lot order information \14\
excluding e-Quote odd-lots, odd-lot cancellations, Stop odd-lot orders
and Good `til Cancel odd-lot orders.\15\ Once the security is opened,
Exchange systems do not provide any order-by-order odd-lot information
to the DMM unit algorithm.
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\12\ In an opening and reopening trade, the Display Book[supreg]
(``Display Book'') will verify that all interest that must be
executed in the opening or reopening can be executed at the price
chosen by the DMM. If all the interest that must be executed in the
transaction cannot be executed at that price, the Display Book will
block the execution. In addition, when executing blocks (10,000
shares or more or value of $200,000 or more), trading out of a gap
quote situation or an Liquidity Replenishment Point (``LRP'') that
locks or crossed the market, the Display Book may adjust the
execution price if there is enough interest on the Display Book to
complete the transaction at a better price.
The Display Book[supreg] is an order management and execution
facility. The Display Book receives and displays orders to the DMM,
contains order information, and provides a mechanism to execute and
report transactions and publish the results to the Consolidated
Tape. The Display Book is connected to a number of other Exchange
systems for the purposes of comparison, surveillance, and reporting
information to customers and other market data and national market
systems.
\13\ See proposed NYSE Amex Equities Rule 104(a)(2).
\14\ See NYSE Amex Equities Rule 104 Supplementary Material .05.
\15\ Odd-lot cancellations and GTC odd-lot orders are not
included because of system constraints. Stop odd-lot orders are
elected by the opening transaction which in turn commences the
execution of orders in the Odd-lot System. The Stop odd-lot orders
elected by the opening transaction are executed in the Odd-lot
system pursuant to the rule governing odd-lot executions. See NYSE
Amex Equities Rule 124(e).
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Proposed Amendment to NYSE Amex Equities Rule 104
The Exchange anticipated that the work required to modify its
systems to transmit aggregate odd-lot information to DMM unit
algorithms would have been completed by August 31, 2009; however, after
the completion of several system modifications it is clear that the
Exchange will require an extension to October 31, 2009, in order to
complete these particular enhancements.
Since the commencement of the Pilot, the Exchange has completed
several modifications to remove and enhance legacy systems. These
enhancements are necessary to provide the foundation needed for
Exchange systems to transmit aggregate odd-lot information to the DMM
unit algorithm prior to the opening transaction.\16\ The Exchange
continues to enhance its systems to create a strong platform for
technological growth that offers its customers the most comprehensive
set of trading technology solutions to meet their needs and
expectations. In furtherance of this goal, the Exchange must either
upgrade or replace in its entirety legacy systems that accept, manage,
execute and report executions.
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\16\ See Securities and Exchange Act Release No 59592 (March 17,
2009), 74 FR 12417 (March 24, 2009) (SR-NYSE-2009-29) (Filing to,
among other things, replace references to specific NYSE systems that
perform particular functions and replace it with the phrase
``Exchange systems'' in order to keep pace with the enhancements to
its technology).
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The extensive nature of the modifications requires the Exchange to
progressively implement these systemic changes on a security by
security basis as it gains experience with the new technology until the
new technology is operative in all securities traded on the Floor.
Consequently, the modifications have progressed at a slower pace than
initially anticipated. The next Exchange technology release will modify
Exchange systems such that odd-lot information will be provided to the
Display Book in aggregate prior to the opening transaction. Display
Book in turn will provide aggregate order information to the DMM unit
algorithm prior to the opening transaction to facilitate the ability of
the DMM unit algorithm to electronically open trading in certain
securities. It is anticipated that these modifications will be
completed no later than October 31, 2009.
Given the above, the Exchange requests an extension to October 31,
2009, to complete the system modifications required to transmit
aggregate odd-lot information to the DMM unit algorithms prior to the
opening transaction.
2. Statutory Basis
The basis under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'')
\17\ for these proposed rule changes is the requirement under Section
6(b)(5) \18\ 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.
The proposed rule change supports these principles and serves to
protect the investor and the public interest. in that it seeks to
continue providing DMM unit algorithms with the order by order odd-lot
information required to facilitate the timely opening of securities on
the Exchange until Exchange systems can be modified to provide such
information in an aggregated format.
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\17\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
\18\ 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 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 proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect
the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any
significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative prior to
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, the proposed rule change has become
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \19\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\20\
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\19\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\20\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii)
requires the self-regulatory organization to 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 requirement.
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The Exchange has requested the Commission to waive the 30-day
operative delay so that the proposal may become operative immediately
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 will allow the
[[Page 45508]]
Exchange to provide the DMM unit algorithms with order-by-order odd-lot
information prior to the opening transaction without interruption until
October 31, 2009, when the Exchange anticipates necessary modifications
to its systems will be completed. Therefore, the Commission designates
the proposal operative upon filing.\21\
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\21\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay,
the Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C.
78c(f).
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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-NYSEAmex-2009-58 on the subject line.
Paper Comments
Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy,
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20549-1090.
All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEAmex-2009-58. This
file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used.
To help the Commission process and review your comments more
efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all
comments on the Commission's Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments,
all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that
are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating
to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person,
other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance
with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection
and copying in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours
of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for
inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All
submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEAmex-2009-58 and should
be submitted on or before September 23, 2009.
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\22\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\22\
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9-21137 Filed 9-1-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P