Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Extending the Pilot Period To Allow Cabinet Trading To Take Place Below $1 per Option Contract, 34108-34110 [2012-13896]

Download as PDF 34108 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 111 / Friday, June 8, 2012 / Notices 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–BX–2012–039. This file number should be included on the subject line if email 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 Web site viewing and printing 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 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–BX– 2012–039, and should be submitted on or before June 29, 2012. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.9 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2012–13963 Filed 6–7–12; 8:45 am] mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–67106; File No. SR–Phlx– 2012–74] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Extending the Pilot Period To Allow Cabinet Trading To Take Place Below $1 per Option Contract June 4, 2012. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on May 29, 2012, NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (‘‘Phlx’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as constituting a noncontroversial rule change under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) under the Act,3 which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange submits this proposed rule change to extend the pilot program in Rule 1059, Accommodation Transactions, to allow cabinet trading to take place below $1 per option contract under specified circumstances (the ‘‘pilot program’’). II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 2 17 9 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:23 Jun 07, 2012 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00106 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to extend the pilot program in Commentary .02 of Exchange Rule 1059, Accommodation Transactions, which sets forth specific procedures for engaging in cabinet trades, to allow the Commission adequate time to consider permanently allowing transactions to take place on the Exchange in open outcry at a price of at least $0 but less than $1 per option contract.4 Prior to the pilot program, Rule 1059 required that all orders placed in the cabinet were assigned priority based upon the sequence in which such orders were received by the specialist. All closing bids and offers would be submitted to the specialist in writing, and the specialist effected all closing cabinet transactions by matching such orders placed with him. Bids or offers on orders to open for the accounts of customer, firm, specialists and ROTs could be made at $1 per option contract, but such orders could not be placed in and must yield to all orders in the cabinet. Specialists effected all cabinet transactions by matching closing purchase or sale orders which were placed in the cabinet or, provided there was no matching closing purchase or sale order in the cabinet, by matching a closing purchase or sale order in the cabinet with an opening purchase or sale order.5 All cabinet transactions were reported to the Exchange following the close of each business day.6 Any (i) Member, (ii) member organization, or (iii) other person who was a nonmember broker or dealer and who directly or indirectly controlled, was controlled by, or was under common control with, a member or member organization (any such other person being referred to as an affiliated person) could effect any transaction as principal in the over-the-counter market in any class of option contracts listed on the Exchange for a premium not in excess of $1.00 per contract. On December 30, 2010, the Exchange filed an immediately effective proposal that established the pilot program being 4 Cabinet or accommodation trading of option contracts is intended to accommodate persons wishing to effect closing transactions in those series of options dealt in on the Exchange for which there is no auction market. 5 Specialists and ROTs are not subject to the requirements of Rule 1014 in respect of orders placed pursuant to this Rule. Also, the provisions of Rule 1033(b) and (c), Rule 1034 and Rule 1038 do not apply to orders placed in the cabinet. Cabinet transactions are not reported on the ticker. 6 See Exchange Rule 1059. E:\FR\FM\08JNN1.SGM 08JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 111 / Friday, June 8, 2012 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES extended by this filing. The pilot program allowed transactions to take place in open outcry at a price of at least $0 but less than $1 per option contract until June 1, 2011.7 These lower priced transactions are traded pursuant to the same procedures applicable to $1 cabinet trades, except that pursuant to the pilot program (i) bids and offers for opening transactions are only permitted to accommodate closing transactions in order to limit use of the procedure to liquidations of existing positions, and (ii) the procedures are also made available for trading in options participating in the Penny Pilot Program.8 On May 31, 2011, the Exchange filed an immediately effective proposal that extended the pilot program until December 1, 2011 to consider whether to seek permanent approval of the temporary procedure.9 On November 30, 2011, the Exchange filed an immediately effective proposal that extended the pilot program until June 1, 2012.10 On April 27, 2012, the Exchange filed for permanent approval of the temporary procedures under the pilot program.11 The Exchange now proposes an extension of the pilot program to allow consideration of the request for permanent approval of the temporary procedures under this program. The Exchange believes that allowing a price of at least $0 but less than $1 will better accommodate the closing of options positions in series that are worthless or not actively traded, particularly due to recent market conditions which have resulted in a significant number of series being outof-the-money. For example, a market participant might have a long position in a call series with a strike price of $100 and the underlying stock might now be trading at $30. In such an instance, there might not otherwise be a market for that person to close-out its 7 PHLX Rule 1059, Commentary .02; See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 63626 (December 30, 2010), 76 FR 812 (January 6, 2011) (SR–PHLX–2010–185). 8 Prior to the pilot, the $1 cabinet trading procedures were limited to options classes traded in $0.05 or $0.10 standard increments. The $1 cabinet trading procedures were not available in Penny Pilot Program classes because in those classes, an option series could trade in a standard increment as low as $0.01 per share (or $1.00 per option contract with a 100 share multiplier). The pilot allows trading below $0.01 per share (or $1.00 per option contract with a 100 share multiplier) in all classes, including those classes participating in the Penny Pilot Program. 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 64571 (May 31, 2011), 76 FR 32385 (June 6, 2011) (SR– Phlx–2011–72). 10 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 65852 (November 30, 2011), 76 FR 76212 (December 6, 2011) (SR–Phlx–2011–156). 11 See SR–Phlx–2012–59 (April 27, 2012). VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:23 Jun 07, 2012 Jkt 226001 position even at the $1 cabinet price (e.g., the series might be quoted no bid). The Exchange hereby seeks to extend the pilot period for such $1 cabinet trading until December 1, 2012, or upon permanent approval of this pilot program by the Commission, whichever occurs first. The Exchange seeks this extension to allow the procedures to continue without interruptions while the Commission considers permanently allowing transactions to take place on the Exchange in open outcry at a price of at least $0 but less than $1 per option contract. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the provisions of Section 6 of the Act,12 in general, and with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,13 in particular, in that the proposal is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. Specifically, the Exchange believes that allowing for liquidations at a price less than $1 per option contract pursuant to the pilot program will better facilitate the closing of options positions that are worthless or not actively trading, especially in Penny Pilot issues where cabinet trades are not otherwise permitted. The Exchange believes the extension is of sufficient length to allow the Commission to assess the impact of the Exchange’s authority to allow transactions to take place in open outcry at a price of at least $0 but less than $1 per option in accordance with its attendant obligations and conditions. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act, as amended. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were either solicited or received. 12 15 13 15 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78f. U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). Frm 00107 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 34109 III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 14 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.15 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 16 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.17 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 18 normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) 19 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the pilot may continue without interruption while the Commission considers making permanent the temporary procedures under this pilot program. The Commission believes that waiving operative delay as of June 1, 2012 is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, as it will allow the pilot program to continue uninterrupted, thereby avoiding the investor confusion that could result from a temporary interruption in the pilot program. For this reason, the Commission designates the proposed rule change to be operative on June 1, 2012.20 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if 14 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 16 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 17 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). In addition, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the Exchange’s 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. 18 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 19 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 20 For purposes only of waiving the operative delay, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 15 17 E:\FR\FM\08JNN1.SGM 08JNN1 34110 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 111 / Friday, June 8, 2012 / Notices For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.21 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. 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: [FR Doc. 2012–13896 Filed 6–7–12; 8:45 am] Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File No. SR–Phlx–2012–74 on the subject line. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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. Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to Strike Price Intervals and Position Limits for OSX, SOX, and HGX 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 No. SR–Phlx–2012–74. This file number should be included on the subject line if email 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 Web site viewing and printing 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 No. SR–Phlx–2012– 74 and should be submitted on or before June 29, 2012. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:23 Jun 07, 2012 Jkt 226001 BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–67105; File No. SR– NASDAQ–2012–065] Specified Indexes to lists of index reporting authorities, European-style indexes, and $2.50-eligible index options. The text of the proposed rule change is available from NASDAQ’s Web site at https://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.com/ Filings/, at NASDAQ’s principal office, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change June 4, 2012. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on May 24, 2012, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (‘‘NASDAQ’’) 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 NASDAQ. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. In its filing with the Commission, NASDAQ included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. NASDAQ has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change NASDAQ is filing with the Commission a proposal for the NASDAQ Options Market (‘‘NOM’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) to amend Chapter XIV (Index Rules), Sections 7 (Position Limits for Industry and Micro NarrowBased Index Options) and 11 (Terms of Index Options Contracts) to copy into NOM rules the established rules of another options exchange regarding strike price intervals and position limits for options on the PHLX Oil Service SectorSM (OSXSM), the PHLX Semiconductor SectorSM (SOXSM), and the PHLX Housing SectorTM (HGXSM) (together the ‘‘Specified Indexes’’).3 The Exchange also proposes to amend Chapter XIV, Sections 2 (Definitions) and 11 to add the names of the 21 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 Options on Specified Indexes that will be listed and traded on NOM subsequent to this proposal will be identical to the same Specified Index options that are listed and traded on NASDAQ OMX Phlx LLC (‘‘Phlx’’). Specified Index options will have the same specifications whether listed on NOM or Phlx. 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1. Purpose The purpose of this proposed rule change is to amend Chapter XIV (Index Rules), Sections 7 and 11 to copy into NOM rules the established rules of another options exchange regarding strike price intervals and position limits for options on OSX, SOX, and HGX. The proposed rule change would allow NOM to list and trade options on these three Specified Indexes.4 The Exchange also proposes to amend Chapter XIV, Sections 2 and 11 to add the names of the Specified Indexes to lists of index reporting authorities, European-style indexes, and $2.50-eligible index options. The rule changes proposed herein in respect of position limits and strike price intervals are based almost verbatim on the established rules of another options market and self regulatory organization (‘‘SRO’’), Phlx. The proposed rule changes are based on Phlx Rules 1001A (Position Limits) and 1101A (Terms of Option Contracts).5 4 The options will be listed pursuant to Rule 19b– 4(e) of the Act. 17 CFR 240.19b–4(e). Rule 19b–4(e) enables an exchange to list an option pursuant to generic listing standards set forth in the rules of such exchange and, within five business days after the commencement of trading of the option, to file Form 19b–4(e) with the Commission to indicate the listing. 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 61590 (February 25, 2010), 75 FR 9988 (March 4, 2010) (SR–Phlx–2009–113) (order approving 54,000, E:\FR\FM\08JNN1.SGM 08JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 111 (Friday, June 8, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34108-34110]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-13896]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-67106; File No. SR-Phlx-2012-74]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Extending 
the Pilot Period To Allow Cabinet Trading To Take Place Below $1 per 
Option Contract

June 4, 2012.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on May 29, 2012, NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (``Phlx'' or the ``Exchange'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the 
proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items 
have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange has designated the 
proposed rule change as constituting a non-controversial rule change 
under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) under the Act,\3\ which renders the proposal 
effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing 
this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from 
interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange submits this proposed rule change to extend the pilot 
program in Rule 1059, Accommodation Transactions, to allow cabinet 
trading to take place below $1 per option contract under specified 
circumstances (the ``pilot program'').

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange proposes to extend the pilot program in Commentary .02 
of Exchange Rule 1059, Accommodation Transactions, which sets forth 
specific procedures for engaging in cabinet trades, to allow the 
Commission adequate time to consider permanently allowing transactions 
to take place on the Exchange in open outcry at a price of at least $0 
but less than $1 per option contract.\4\ Prior to the pilot program, 
Rule 1059 required that all orders placed in the cabinet were assigned 
priority based upon the sequence in which such orders were received by 
the specialist. All closing bids and offers would be submitted to the 
specialist in writing, and the specialist effected all closing cabinet 
transactions by matching such orders placed with him. Bids or offers on 
orders to open for the accounts of customer, firm, specialists and ROTs 
could be made at $1 per option contract, but such orders could not be 
placed in and must yield to all orders in the cabinet. Specialists 
effected all cabinet transactions by matching closing purchase or sale 
orders which were placed in the cabinet or, provided there was no 
matching closing purchase or sale order in the cabinet, by matching a 
closing purchase or sale order in the cabinet with an opening purchase 
or sale order.\5\ All cabinet transactions were reported to the 
Exchange following the close of each business day.\6\ Any (i) Member, 
(ii) member organization, or (iii) other person who was a non-member 
broker or dealer and who directly or indirectly controlled, was 
controlled by, or was under common control with, a member or member 
organization (any such other person being referred to as an affiliated 
person) could effect any transaction as principal in the over-the-
counter market in any class of option contracts listed on the Exchange 
for a premium not in excess of $1.00 per contract.
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    \4\ Cabinet or accommodation trading of option contracts is 
intended to accommodate persons wishing to effect closing 
transactions in those series of options dealt in on the Exchange for 
which there is no auction market.
    \5\ Specialists and ROTs are not subject to the requirements of 
Rule 1014 in respect of orders placed pursuant to this Rule. Also, 
the provisions of Rule 1033(b) and (c), Rule 1034 and Rule 1038 do 
not apply to orders placed in the cabinet. Cabinet transactions are 
not reported on the ticker.
    \6\ See Exchange Rule 1059.
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    On December 30, 2010, the Exchange filed an immediately effective 
proposal that established the pilot program being

[[Page 34109]]

extended by this filing. The pilot program allowed transactions to take 
place in open outcry at a price of at least $0 but less than $1 per 
option contract until June 1, 2011.\7\ These lower priced transactions 
are traded pursuant to the same procedures applicable to $1 cabinet 
trades, except that pursuant to the pilot program (i) bids and offers 
for opening transactions are only permitted to accommodate closing 
transactions in order to limit use of the procedure to liquidations of 
existing positions, and (ii) the procedures are also made available for 
trading in options participating in the Penny Pilot Program.\8\ On May 
31, 2011, the Exchange filed an immediately effective proposal that 
extended the pilot program until December 1, 2011 to consider whether 
to seek permanent approval of the temporary procedure.\9\ On November 
30, 2011, the Exchange filed an immediately effective proposal that 
extended the pilot program until June 1, 2012.\10\ On April 27, 2012, 
the Exchange filed for permanent approval of the temporary procedures 
under the pilot program.\11\ The Exchange now proposes an extension of 
the pilot program to allow consideration of the request for permanent 
approval of the temporary procedures under this program.
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    \7\ PHLX Rule 1059, Commentary .02; See Securities Exchange Act 
Release No. 63626 (December 30, 2010), 76 FR 812 (January 6, 2011) 
(SR-PHLX-2010-185).
    \8\ Prior to the pilot, the $1 cabinet trading procedures were 
limited to options classes traded in $0.05 or $0.10 standard 
increments. The $1 cabinet trading procedures were not available in 
Penny Pilot Program classes because in those classes, an option 
series could trade in a standard increment as low as $0.01 per share 
(or $1.00 per option contract with a 100 share multiplier). The 
pilot allows trading below $0.01 per share (or $1.00 per option 
contract with a 100 share multiplier) in all classes, including 
those classes participating in the Penny Pilot Program.
    \9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 64571 (May 31, 
2011), 76 FR 32385 (June 6, 2011) (SR-Phlx-2011-72).
    \10\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 65852 (November 30, 
2011), 76 FR 76212 (December 6, 2011) (SR-Phlx-2011-156).
    \11\ See SR-Phlx-2012-59 (April 27, 2012).
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    The Exchange believes that allowing a price of at least $0 but less 
than $1 will better accommodate the closing of options positions in 
series that are worthless or not actively traded, particularly due to 
recent market conditions which have resulted in a significant number of 
series being out-of-the-money. For example, a market participant might 
have a long position in a call series with a strike price of $100 and 
the underlying stock might now be trading at $30. In such an instance, 
there might not otherwise be a market for that person to close-out its 
position even at the $1 cabinet price (e.g., the series might be quoted 
no bid).
    The Exchange hereby seeks to extend the pilot period for such $1 
cabinet trading until December 1, 2012, or upon permanent approval of 
this pilot program by the Commission, whichever occurs first. The 
Exchange seeks this extension to allow the procedures to continue 
without interruptions while the Commission considers permanently 
allowing transactions to take place on the Exchange in open outcry at a 
price of at least $0 but less than $1 per option contract.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with the provisions of Section 6 of the Act,\12\ in general, and with 
Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\13\ in particular, in that the proposal is 
designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to 
promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation 
and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, 
settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating 
transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the 
mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, 
in general, to protect investors and the public interest. Specifically, 
the Exchange believes that allowing for liquidations at a price less 
than $1 per option contract pursuant to the pilot program will better 
facilitate the closing of options positions that are worthless or not 
actively trading, especially in Penny Pilot issues where cabinet trades 
are not otherwise permitted. The Exchange believes the extension is of 
sufficient length to allow the Commission to assess the impact of the 
Exchange's authority to allow transactions to take place in open outcry 
at a price of at least $0 but less than $1 per option in accordance 
with its attendant obligations and conditions.
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    \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78f.
    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

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

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

    No written comments were either solicited or received.

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for 
Commission Action

    The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \14\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\15\ 
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 \16\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.\17\
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    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \15\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \17\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii). In addition, Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) requires the Exchange to give the Commission written 
notice of the Exchange's 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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    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \18\ normally 
does not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing. 
However, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) \19\ the Commission may 
designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked 
the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the pilot 
may continue without interruption while the Commission considers making 
permanent the temporary procedures under this pilot program.
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    \18\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \19\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
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    The Commission believes that waiving operative delay as of June 1, 
2012 is consistent with the protection of investors and the public 
interest, as it will allow the pilot program to continue uninterrupted, 
thereby avoiding the investor confusion that could result from a 
temporary interruption in the pilot program. For this reason, the 
Commission designates the proposed rule change to be operative on June 
1, 2012.\20\
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    \20\ For purposes only of waiving the 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 summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if

[[Page 34110]]

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 email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File No. SR-Phlx-2012-74 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 No. SR-Phlx-2012-74. This file 
number should be included on the subject line if email 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 Web site viewing and 
printing 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 No. SR-Phlx-2012-74 and should be 
submitted on or before June 29, 2012.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\21\
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    \21\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2012-13896 Filed 6-7-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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