Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Stock Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Clarify the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the September 4, 2012 Changes to the NSX Fee and Rebate Schedule, 56886-56890 [2012-22641]

Download as PDF 56886 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 179 / Friday, September 14, 2012 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES rebates in place for all other Penny Pilot Options will continue to incentivize NOM Participants to transact business on the Exchange because despite the increase to the fees and the rebate reduction, the pricing for these NonPenny [sic] Pilot Options remains competitive. The Exchange also believes that it is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory to assess the Deleted Symbols the fees and rebates currently assessed and paid all other Penny Pilot Options because the fees and rebates would be the same as those assessed and paid for all other Non-Penny [sic] Pilot Options today. The Exchange would assess and pay fees and rebates for the Deleted Symbols, which are NonPenny [sic] Pilot symbols, the same pricing as is assessed and paid for all other Non-Penny [sic] Pilot symbols options. The Exchange’s proposal to make technical corrections in Chapter XV, Section 2, by replacing ‘‘$0.00’’ with ‘‘N/A’’ for several categories is reasonable, equitable and not unfairly discriminatory because this is not a change to these fees and rebates, but a clarification that in these instances ‘‘N/ A’’ better reflects that a fee is not relevant for this category rather than using ‘‘$0.00’’ which simply reflects that no fee is currently being charged for this category. The Exchange operates in a highly competitive market comprised of ten U.S. options exchanges in which sophisticated and knowledgeable market participants can and do send order flow to competing exchanges if they deem fee levels at a particular exchange to be excessive. The Exchange believes that the proposed amended fee and rebate scheme is competitive and similar to other fees and rebates in place on other exchanges. The Exchange believes that this competitive marketplace materially impacts the fees and rebates present on the Exchange today and substantially influences the proposal set forth above. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition BX 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. To the contrary, BX has designed its fees and rebates to compete effectively for the execution and routing of options contracts and to reduce the overall cost to investors of options trading. The Exchange believes that the proposed fee/rebate pricing structure would attract liquidity to and benefit order interaction at the Exchange to the benefit of all market participants. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:39 Sep 13, 2012 Jkt 226001 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 foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act.16 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend 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. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. 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 rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–BX–2012–060 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–BX–2012–060. 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 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–BX– 2012–060 and should be submitted on or before October 5, 2012. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.17 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2012–22688 Filed 9–13–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–67816; File No. SR–NSX– 2012–14] Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Stock Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Clarify the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the September 4, 2012 Changes to the NSX Fee and Rebate Schedule September 10, 2012. 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 September 4, 2012, National Stock Exchange, Inc. 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 Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comment on the proposed rule change from interested persons. 17 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 16 15 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 179 / Friday, September 14, 2012 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change National Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘NSX®’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) is proposing to amend its Fee and Rebate Schedule (the ‘‘Fee Schedule’’) issued pursuant to Exchange Rule 16.1(a) to introduce different Fee Schedules including liquidity adding rebates and liquidity removal fees. The Exchange proposes to adopt a Fee Schedule which allows Equity Trading Permit (‘‘ETP’’) Holders to choose one of two pricing options which can be applied to shares executed on the Exchange in Automatic Execution Mode 3 for securities quoted at prices equal to or greater than one dollar. ETP Holders can choose between a Variable Fee Schedule, which offers a liquidity adding rebate, a fixed liquidity removal fee along with market data rebates, and a Fixed Fee Schedule which sets forth a fixed liquidity adding rebate and a fixed liquidity removal fee. The proposed rule filing also offers ETP Holders that execute orders using the Order Delivery Mode 4 an alternate fee schedule (‘‘Alternate Fee Schedule’’) for securities quoted at prices equal to or greater than one dollar. The Alternate Fee Schedule may provide these ETP Holders with an incentive to execute additional orders on the Exchange using the Automatic Execution Mode. ETP Holders that are order delivery participants automatically receive the Alternate Fee Schedule upon meeting the minimum ADV threshold of 1,500,000 in Order Delivery Mode and 10,000,000 shares in Automatic Execution Mode. Under the Alternate Fee Schedule, ETP Holders will receive up to an additional $0.0003 liquidity adding rebate over the tiered rebates contained in the Primary Fee Schedule when the tier requirements are met. The Exchange is also proposing to reduce the liquidity adding rebates and increase the number of ADV tiers on the current Primary Fee Schedule (as defined in further detail below). The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at https://www.nsx.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, 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 Purpose The Exchange is proposing to modify the Fee Schedule for securities quoted 3 See 4 See NSX Rule 11.13(b)(1). NSX Rule 11.13(b)(2). VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:39 Sep 13, 2012 Jkt 226001 in prices equal to or greater than one dollar. The Exchange will not change the Fee Schedule for securities priced less than one dollar. First, the Exchange is proposing to introduce a Fixed Fee Schedule which will be the default Fee Schedule for shares executed in Automatic Execution Mode. Second, the Exchange proposes to require ETP Holders to pay a $0.0030 liquidity removal fee under both the Fixed Fee Schedule and the Variable Fee Schedule unless the ETP Holder provides and executes 50,000 shares of liquidity per month on the Exchange in Automatic Execution Mode. ETP Holders that exceed the 50,000 liquidity providing threshold will be charged the liquidity removal rate from the appropriate ADV tier on the default Fixed Fee Schedule or the elected Variable Fee Schedule. Third, the Exchange proposes to reduce the per share liquidity adding rebate and increase the number of ADV tiers for securities quoted at prices equal to or more than one dollar for ETP Holders that use the Order Delivery Mode. Fourth, an Alternate Fee Schedule will be proposed by the Exchange for ETP Holders executing orders using the Order Delivery Mode. Under the Alternate Fee Schedule, shares executed under the Automatic Execution Mode by an ETP Holder that is an order delivery participant will be attributed to the per share average daily volume (‘‘ADV’’) calculation 5 used by the Exchange to determine the tiered rebate applicable to Order Delivery Mode. Fifth, the Exchange is proposing to amend the definition of the ADV used to determine whether the Alternate or Primary Fee Schedule applies to an ETP Holder using Order Delivery Mode. Finally, the Exchange is proposing to clarify the Fee Schedule’s endnotes, and present the fee structure in a table format. 1. Introduction of Fixed Fee Schedule for Automatic Execution Mode The Exchange’s current tiered pricing schedule for ETP Holders executing transactions using the Automatic Execution Mode includes a liquidity 5 See Endnote 4. The Exchange proposes to define the ADV as the average number of shares the ETP Holder has executed on the Exchange in all NMS stocks quoted at prices equal to or greater than a dollar when the Exchange is open for trading (excluding partial trading days) in Auto-Ex Mode or in Order Delivery Mode during the calendar month (or partial month, as applicable 3) [sic]. Shares executed by an ETP Holder in Auto-Ex Mode will only be used by the Exchange to calculate the minimum ADV contained in Section I of the Fee Schedule. Likewise, shares executed by an ETP Holder in Order Delivery Mode as an order delivery participant will only be used by the Exchange to calculate the minimum ADV contained in Section II of the Fee Schedule. PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56887 adding rebate, a liquidity removal fee and a market data revenue rebate which causes variable pricing (‘‘Variable Fee Schedule’’). The Exchange will not change the rates currently contained in the Variable Fee Schedule. The Exchange changed the presentation of the Variable Fee Schedule by representing the liquidity adding rebates, liquidity removal fees and market data revenue rebates in a table format. The proposed rule change introduces a Fixed Fee Schedule applicable to transactions executed by ETP Holders using the Automatic Execution Mode. The Fixed Fee Schedule will be the Exchange’s default pricing for shares executed in Automatic Execution Mode. However, an ETP Holder may elect to apply the Variable Fee Schedule instead of the Fixed Fee Schedule by indicating its preference in an email to the Exchange prior to the first of the month.6 ETP Holders may elect the Variable Fee Schedule following the effectiveness of this rule filing by emailing the Exchange by September 10, 2012.7 The Fixed Fee Schedule provides fixed tier pricing and no market data revenue rebate. ETP Holders will receive a fixed rebate when executing displayed orders that add liquidity, and be charged a fixed fee when executing orders that remove liquidity from the Exchange. Under the Fixed Fee Schedule, a per share liquidity adding rebate will be paid for displayed orders in securities quoted with a price equal to or greater than a dollar at a rate of $0.0024, $0.0030, $0.0031, $0.0032, or $0.0033 per share depending on an ETP Holder’s ADV. An ETP Holder will receive a $0.0024 per share rebate when the ETP Holder’s ADV is less than 500,000 shares; a $0.0030 per share rebate when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 500,000 shares but less than 1,500,000 shares; a $0.0031 per share rebate when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 1,500,000 shares but less than 5,000,000 shares; a $0.0032 per share rebate when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 5,000,000 shares but less than 10,000,000 shares; and a $0.0033 per share rebate when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 10,000,000 shares. In addition, the Fixed Fee Schedule will charge ETP Holders a tiered liquidity removal fee at a rate of $0.0030, $0.0029, $0.0028, or $0.0027 per share depending on an ETP Holder’s 6 See Endnote 3. Endnote 3. ETP Holders may elect to adopt the ‘‘Variable Fee Schedule’’ by sending an email indicating this preference to NSXTrading@NSX.com. 7 See E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 56888 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 179 / Friday, September 14, 2012 / Notices ADV. A $0.0030 per share fee applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is less than 500,000 shares; a $0.0029 per share fee applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 500,000 shares but less than 5,000,000 shares; a $0.0028 per share fee applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 5,000,000 shares but less than 10,000,000 shares; and a $0.0027 per share fee applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 10,000,000 shares. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 2. Tiered Pricing Contingency The proposed rule change will also make the availability of the lower tiered pricing for liquidity removal contained in the Fixed Fee Schedule and the Variable Fee Schedule contingent upon an ETP Holder’s use of the Automatic Execution Mode to execute 50,000 shares per month of displayed orders which add liquidity to the Exchange. 3. Reduction of Per Share Liquidity Rebate for Order Delivery Mode As currently reflected in Section II of the Fee Schedule, ETP Holders that execute orders using the Order Delivery Mode receive a liquidity adding rebate for displayed orders of securities quoted at prices equal to or better than one dollar, and a market data revenue rebate attributable to these orders is available at certain ADV levels. The Exchange currently offers a per share rebate of $0.0008, $0.0024 or $0.0027 per share depending on an ETP Holder’s ADV (‘‘Primary Fee Schedule’’). A current $0.0008 per share rebate (with no market data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is less than 15,000,000 shares; a current $0.0024 per share rebate (with no market data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 15,000,000 shares but less than 25,000,000 shares; a current $0.0027 per share rebate (plus 25% market data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 25,000,000 shares but less than 30,000,000 shares; and a current $0.0027 per share rebate (plus 50% market data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 30,000,000 shares. The Exchange is proposing to reduce the liquidity adding rebates and increase the number of tier sizes offered under the Primary Fee Schedule. The proposed changes include an $0.0008 per share rebate (with no market data revenue sharing) when the ETP Holder’s ADV is less than 10,000,000 shares; a $0.0011 per share rebate (with no market data revenue sharing) when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 10,000,000 shares but less than 12,000,000 shares; a $0.0015 per share rebate (with no market data revenue sharing) when the VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:39 Sep 13, 2012 Jkt 226001 ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 12,000,000 shares but less than 15,000,000 shares; a $0.0021 per share rebate (with no market data revenue sharing) when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 15,000,000 shares but less than 20,000,000; a $0.0021 per share rebate (plus 25% market data revenue sharing) when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 20,000,000 shares but less than 25,000,000; and a $0.0024 per share rebate (plus 25% market data revenue sharing) when the ETP Holder’s ADV is equal to or greater than 25,000,000 shares. An ETP Holder may be eligible for an additional $0.0001 rebate on the Primary Fee Schedule if the ETP Holder executes an ADV of 3,000,000 to 4,999,999 shares using the Automatic Execution Mode in addition to a minimum ADV of 1,500,000 shares in Order Delivery Mode. An ETP Holder may also be eligible for an addition $0.0002 rebate on the Primary Fee Schedule by executing an ADV of 5,000,000 to 9,999,999 shares using the Automatic Execution Mode in addition to a minimum of 1,500,000 shares in Order Delivery Mode. 4. Alternate Fee Schedule The Exchange is also proposing to adopt an ‘‘Alternate Fee Schedule’’ which will automatically apply when an ETP Holder that uses the Order Delivery Mode as an order delivery participant meets the minimum ADV threshold by executing 1,500,000 shares using the Order Delivery Mode and 10,000,000 using the Automatic Execution Mode.8 The Alternate Fee Schedule will be in lieu of the Primary Fee Schedule. ETP Holders that are not order delivery participants will not be subject to this fee schedule. As stated above, an ETP Holder that is an Order Delivery participant will automatically receive the Alternate Fee Schedule by meeting a minimum ADV of 1,500,000 shares in Order Delivery Mode and 10,000,000 shares in Automatic Execution Mode. The Alternate Fee Schedule increases an ETP Holder’s liquidity adding rebates from the tiered liquidity adding rates in the Primary Fee Schedule by $0.0003 per tier. Thus, a $0.0011 per share liquidity adding rebate (with no market data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is less than 10,000,000 shares; a $0.0014 per share liquidity adding rebate (with no market data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 10,000,000 shares but less than 12,000,000 shares; a $0.0018 per share liquidity adding rebate (with no market data revenue 8 See PO 00000 Endnote 9. Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 sharing) applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 12,000,000 shares but less than 15,000,000 shares; a $0.0024 per share liquidity adding rebate (with no market data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 15,000,000 shares but less than 20,000,000; a $0.0024 per share liquidity adding rebate (plus 25% market data revenue sharing, as further described below) applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is at least 20,000,000 shares but less than 25,000,000; and a $0.0027 per share liquidity adding rebate (plus 25% market data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder’s ADV is greater than 25,000,000 shares. The Alternate Fee Schedule attributes the number of shares executed by the ETP Holder using the Automatic Execution Mode in the per share ADV calculation used by the Exchange to determine the applicable tiered rebates available in Order Delivery Mode. 5. Amended ADV Definition for Order Delivery Mode The Exchange proposes a clarification in endnote 8 providing that marketable orders entered by an ETP Holder that is an order delivery participant with a handling instruction other than Post Only through the order delivery session is [sic] subject to the Automatic Execution Mode Fee Schedule. Furthermore, these orders will be counted towards the minimum ADV for Automatic Execution Mode for determining whether the Alternate Fee Schedule will automatically apply. 6. Amended Endnotes and Table Presentation The Exchange also proposes to make certain amendments to the Fee Schedule in order to clarify language used in the endnotes. The Exchange proposes to clarify the definition of (i) Displayed Orders contained in endnote 2, (ii) ADV contained in endnote 4, and (iii) Market Data Revenue (‘‘MDR’’) Rebates contained in endnote 5. These proposed amendments do not represent a substantive change to the current definitions. Also, the Exchange moved endnotes 7 through 10 in the proposed Fee Schedule. Subject to the changes discussed in this filing, there are no additional substantive changes made to endnotes 7 through 10. Finally, the Exchange is proposing to change the presentation of its multiple fee schedules by using tables to set forth the different rebates and fees. 6. [sic] Rationale The Exchange believes these changes are necessary to create incentives for ETP Holders to submit increased E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 179 / Friday, September 14, 2012 / Notices volumes of orders to the Exchange and, ultimately, to increase the revenues of the Exchange for the purpose of continuing to adequately fund its regulatory and general business functions. The Exchange believes that these changes will not impair its ability to carry out its regulatory responsibilities. The proposed modifications are reasonable and equitably allocated to those ETP Holders that opt to submit orders in the Automatic Execution Mode (as liquidity provider or taker) and the Order Delivery Mode, and are not unfairly discriminatory because ETP Holders are free to elect whether or not to send such orders to the Exchange. In addition, the proposed modifications, by providing a market data rebate for displayed orders only (and not Zero Display Reserve Orders), may provide incentives for ETP Holders to submit displayed orders over Zero Display Reserve Orders. Based upon the information above, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Operative Date and Notice The Exchange currently intends to make the proposed modifications, which are effective on filing of this proposed rule, operative as of commencement of trading on September 4, 2012. Pursuant to Exchange Rule 16.1(c), the Exchange will ‘‘provide ETP Holders with notice of all relevant dues, fees, assessments and charges of the Exchange’’ through the issuance of a Regulatory Circular of the changes to the Fee Schedule and will post a copy of the rule filing on the Exchange’s Web site (www.nsx.com). Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule changes are consistent with the provisions of Section 6(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 9 (the ‘‘Act’’), in general, and Section 6(b)(4) of the Act,10 in particular in that each change is designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among its members and other persons using the facilities of the Exchange. The proposed changes that introduce the two different pricing options are equitably allocated and not unfairly discriminatory because all qualified ETP Holders are eligible to choose which Fee Schedule they would like to apply. The adjustments are reasonable methods to incentivize the submission of orders on 9 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). 10 15 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:39 Sep 13, 2012 Jkt 226001 the Exchange. These proposed changes are equitable because they are open to all members on an equal basis. The proposed changes that to [sic] the Automatic Execution Mode Section of the Fee Schedule are equitably allocated and not unfairly discriminatory because all qualified ETP Holders are eligible to submit (or not submit) displayed liquidity providing orders of securities priced at least one dollar in Automatic Execution Mode on the Exchange. The volume adjustments are reasonable methods to incentivize the submission of such orders. All similarly situated members are subject to the same fee structure, and access to the Exchange is offered on terms that are not unfairlydiscriminatory. Volume-based rebates and discounts have been widely adopted in the equities markets, and are equitable because they are open to all members on an equal basis and provide rebates that are reasonably related to the value of an exchange’s market quality associated with the requirements for the favorable pricing tier. The proposed changes to the rebates payable for executions in securities priced at least one dollar in Order Delivery Mode are reasonable because they are in the same range of rebates offered by other comparable exchanges. The proposed changes are equitably allocated and not unfairly discriminatory because all qualified ETP Holders are eligible to submit (or not submit) displayed liquidity providing orders of securities priced at least one dollar in Order Delivery Mode on the Exchange. The volume adjustments are reasonable methods to incentivize the submission of such orders. All similarly situated members are subject to the same fee structure, and access to the Exchange is offered on terms that are not unfairly-discriminatory [sic]. Volume-based rebates and discounts have been widely adopted in the equities markets, and are equitable because they are open to all members on an equal basis and provide rebates that are reasonably related to the value of an exchange’s market quality associated with the requirements for the favorable pricing tier. The proposed visual changes to the Fee Schedule is [sic] reasonable because it allows [sic] Exchange ETP Holders to better understand the different Fee Schedules. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any inappropriate burden on competition. PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56889 C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange has neither solicited nor received written comments on the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act.11 At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend 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. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. 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 rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–NSX–2012–14 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–NSX–2012–14. 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 11 15 E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 14SEN1 56890 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 179 / Friday, September 14, 2012 / Notices 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 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NSX– 2012–14 and should be submitted on or before October 5, 2012. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.12 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2012–22641 Filed 9–13–12; 8:45 am] SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Self-Regulatory Organizations; EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to Amendments to the EDGX Exchange, Inc. Fee Schedule mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES September 10, 2012. 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 August 31, 2012 the EDGX Exchange, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or the ‘‘EDGX’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which items have been prepared by the selfregulatory organization. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. 16:39 Sep 13, 2012 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 these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The self-regulatory organization has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. The Exchange proposes to append Footnote 1 to Flag PI, where Flag PI removes liquidity from the EDGX book against the Midpoint Match. This charge would signal a rate change for Flag PI if the conditions for achieving the Mega Tier 4 are not satisfied. The Exchange also proposes to amend the text of Footnote 1 to add Flags BB and PI to the list of removal flags and to add text to specify that Members that do not meet the thresholds for the Mega Tier in the first paragraph of Footnote 1 will be charged the standard removal rate of $0.0030 per share. The Exchange proposes to assess a fee of $0.0006 per share in lieu of the current rebate of $0.0003 per share for Members who utilize Flag RA to route orders to EDGA Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGA’’) and add liquidity. The Exchange also proposes to offer a rebate of $0.0004 per share in lieu of the current charge of $0.0007 per share for Members who utilize Flag RR to route orders to EDGA using routing strategies IOCX or IOCT on EDGX and remove 3 As defined in Exchange Rule 1.5(n). Mega Tier conditions are discussed below in this filing. 1 15 VerDate Mar<15>2010 II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose [Release No. 34–67818; File No. SR–EDGX– 2012–39] CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. The Exchange proposes to amend its fees and rebates applicable to Members 3 of the Exchange pursuant to EDGX Rule 15.1(a) and (c). All of the changes described herein are applicable to EDGX Members. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Internet Web site at https:// www.directedge.com, at the Exchange’s principal office, and at the Public Reference Room of the Commission. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 12 17 I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change liquidity from EDGA. These proposed changes represent pass-throughs of the Exchange’s rates for routing orders to EDGA via its affiliated routing brokerdealer, Direct Edge ECN LLC d/b/a DE Route (‘‘DE Route’’), and these proposed changes are in response to pricing changes in EDGA’s filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘SEC’’).5 The Exchange proposes to delete Flag RM from the fee schedule. Accordingly, Members that route to the Chicago Stock Exchange (the ‘‘CHX’’) will be assessed the default charge for routing liquidity of $0.0029 per share, as represented by Flag X. The Exchange proposes to increase the rebate and to modify the thresholds associated with the Mega Tier in Footnote 1. The Exchange proposes to offer Members a rebate of $0.0035 per share for all liquidity posted on EDGX where Members add or route at least 2 million shares of average daily volume (‘‘ADV’’) prior to 9:30 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. (includes all flags except 6) and add a minimum of 35 million shares of ADV on EDGX in total, including during both market hours and pre and posttrading hours. Members will continue to also qualify for the Mega Tier but will earn a rebate of $0.0032 per share for all liquidity posted on EDGX if they add or route at least 4 million shares of ADV prior to 9:30 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. (includes all flags except 6) and add a minimum of .20% of the Total Consolidated Volume (‘‘TCV’’) on a daily basis measured monthly, including during both market hours and pre and post-trading hours. The Exchange proposes to discontinue the Tape B tiers described in Footnote 1 on the Exchange’s fee schedule. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to delete the following language from its fee schedule: ‘‘Members can qualify for the Mega Tape B Tier and be provided a $0.0034 rebate per share for liquidity added on EDGX in Tape B securities if the Member on a daily basis, measured monthly: (i) Posts greater than or equal to .10% of the TCV in ADV more than their January 2012 ADV added to EDGX; and (ii) posts greater than or equal to .10% of the TCV in ADV in Tape B securities more than their January 2012 ADV added to EDGX.’’ In addition, the Exchange also proposes to delete the following language from its fee schedule: ‘‘Members can qualify for the Mini Tape B Tier and be provided a $0.0030 rebate per share for liquidity added on EDGX in Tape B securities if the Member on a daily basis, measured 4 The Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 5 See E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM SR–EDGA–2012–39 (August 30, 2012). 14SEN1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 179 (Friday, September 14, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56886-56890]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22641]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-67816; File No. SR-NSX-2012-14]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Stock Exchange, Inc.;
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To
Clarify the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the September 4, 2012
Changes to the NSX Fee and Rebate Schedule

September 10, 2012.
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 September 4, 2012, National Stock Exchange, Inc. 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 Commission is publishing this notice to
solicit comment on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.

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[[Page 56887]]

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change

National Stock Exchange, Inc. (``NSX[supreg]'' or ``Exchange'') is
proposing to amend its Fee and Rebate Schedule (the ``Fee Schedule'')
issued pursuant to Exchange Rule 16.1(a) to introduce different Fee
Schedules including liquidity adding rebates and liquidity removal
fees. The Exchange proposes to adopt a Fee Schedule which allows Equity
Trading Permit (``ETP'') Holders to choose one of two pricing options
which can be applied to shares executed on the Exchange in Automatic
Execution Mode \3\ for securities quoted at prices equal to or greater
than one dollar. ETP Holders can choose between a Variable Fee
Schedule, which offers a liquidity adding rebate, a fixed liquidity
removal fee along with market data rebates, and a Fixed Fee Schedule
which sets forth a fixed liquidity adding rebate and a fixed liquidity
removal fee.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\3\ See NSX Rule 11.13(b)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The proposed rule filing also offers ETP Holders that execute
orders using the Order Delivery Mode \4\ an alternate fee schedule
(``Alternate Fee Schedule'') for securities quoted at prices equal to
or greater than one dollar. The Alternate Fee Schedule may provide
these ETP Holders with an incentive to execute additional orders on the
Exchange using the Automatic Execution Mode. ETP Holders that are order
delivery participants automatically receive the Alternate Fee Schedule
upon meeting the minimum ADV threshold of 1,500,000 in Order Delivery
Mode and 10,000,000 shares in Automatic Execution Mode. Under the
Alternate Fee Schedule, ETP Holders will receive up to an additional
$0.0003 liquidity adding rebate over the tiered rebates contained in
the Primary Fee Schedule when the tier requirements are met. The
Exchange is also proposing to reduce the liquidity adding rebates and
increase the number of ADV tiers on the current Primary Fee Schedule
(as defined in further detail below).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\4\ See NSX Rule 11.13(b)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's
Web site at https://www.nsx.com, at the principal office of the
Exchange, 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

Purpose

The Exchange is proposing to modify the Fee Schedule for securities
quoted in prices equal to or greater than one dollar. The Exchange will
not change the Fee Schedule for securities priced less than one dollar.
First, the Exchange is proposing to introduce a Fixed Fee Schedule
which will be the default Fee Schedule for shares executed in Automatic
Execution Mode. Second, the Exchange proposes to require ETP Holders to
pay a $0.0030 liquidity removal fee under both the Fixed Fee Schedule
and the Variable Fee Schedule unless the ETP Holder provides and
executes 50,000 shares of liquidity per month on the Exchange in
Automatic Execution Mode. ETP Holders that exceed the 50,000 liquidity
providing threshold will be charged the liquidity removal rate from the
appropriate ADV tier on the default Fixed Fee Schedule or the elected
Variable Fee Schedule. Third, the Exchange proposes to reduce the per
share liquidity adding rebate and increase the number of ADV tiers for
securities quoted at prices equal to or more than one dollar for ETP
Holders that use the Order Delivery Mode. Fourth, an Alternate Fee
Schedule will be proposed by the Exchange for ETP Holders executing
orders using the Order Delivery Mode. Under the Alternate Fee Schedule,
shares executed under the Automatic Execution Mode by an ETP Holder
that is an order delivery participant will be attributed to the per
share average daily volume (``ADV'') calculation \5\ used by the
Exchange to determine the tiered rebate applicable to Order Delivery
Mode. Fifth, the Exchange is proposing to amend the definition of the
ADV used to determine whether the Alternate or Primary Fee Schedule
applies to an ETP Holder using Order Delivery Mode. Finally, the
Exchange is proposing to clarify the Fee Schedule's endnotes, and
present the fee structure in a table format.
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\5\ See Endnote 4. The Exchange proposes to define the ADV as
the average number of shares the ETP Holder has executed on the
Exchange in all NMS stocks quoted at prices equal to or greater than
a dollar when the Exchange is open for trading (excluding partial
trading days) in Auto-Ex Mode or in Order Delivery Mode during the
calendar month (or partial month, as applicable \3\) [sic]. Shares
executed by an ETP Holder in Auto-Ex Mode will only be used by the
Exchange to calculate the minimum ADV contained in Section I of the
Fee Schedule. Likewise, shares executed by an ETP Holder in Order
Delivery Mode as an order delivery participant will only be used by
the Exchange to calculate the minimum ADV contained in Section II of
the Fee Schedule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Introduction of Fixed Fee Schedule for Automatic Execution Mode
The Exchange's current tiered pricing schedule for ETP Holders
executing transactions using the Automatic Execution Mode includes a
liquidity adding rebate, a liquidity removal fee and a market data
revenue rebate which causes variable pricing (``Variable Fee
Schedule''). The Exchange will not change the rates currently contained
in the Variable Fee Schedule. The Exchange changed the presentation of
the Variable Fee Schedule by representing the liquidity adding rebates,
liquidity removal fees and market data revenue rebates in a table
format.
The proposed rule change introduces a Fixed Fee Schedule applicable
to transactions executed by ETP Holders using the Automatic Execution
Mode. The Fixed Fee Schedule will be the Exchange's default pricing for
shares executed in Automatic Execution Mode. However, an ETP Holder may
elect to apply the Variable Fee Schedule instead of the Fixed Fee
Schedule by indicating its preference in an email to the Exchange prior
to the first of the month.\6\ ETP Holders may elect the Variable Fee
Schedule following the effectiveness of this rule filing by emailing
the Exchange by September 10, 2012.\7\
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\6\ See Endnote 3.
\7\ See Endnote 3. ETP Holders may elect to adopt the ``Variable
Fee Schedule'' by sending an email indicating this preference to
NSXTrading@NSX.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Fixed Fee Schedule provides fixed tier pricing and no market
data revenue rebate. ETP Holders will receive a fixed rebate when
executing displayed orders that add liquidity, and be charged a fixed
fee when executing orders that remove liquidity from the Exchange.
Under the Fixed Fee Schedule, a per share liquidity adding rebate will
be paid for displayed orders in securities quoted with a price equal to
or greater than a dollar at a rate of $0.0024, $0.0030, $0.0031,
$0.0032, or $0.0033 per share depending on an ETP Holder's ADV. An ETP
Holder will receive a $0.0024 per share rebate when the ETP Holder's
ADV is less than 500,000 shares; a $0.0030 per share rebate when the
ETP Holder's ADV is at least 500,000 shares but less than 1,500,000
shares; a $0.0031 per share rebate when the ETP Holder's ADV is at
least 1,500,000 shares but less than 5,000,000 shares; a $0.0032 per
share rebate when the ETP Holder's ADV is at least 5,000,000 shares but
less than 10,000,000 shares; and a $0.0033 per share rebate when the
ETP Holder's ADV is at least 10,000,000 shares.
In addition, the Fixed Fee Schedule will charge ETP Holders a
tiered liquidity removal fee at a rate of $0.0030, $0.0029, $0.0028, or
$0.0027 per share depending on an ETP Holder's

[[Page 56888]]

ADV. A $0.0030 per share fee applies when the ETP Holder's ADV is less
than 500,000 shares; a $0.0029 per share fee applies when the ETP
Holder's ADV is at least 500,000 shares but less than 5,000,000 shares;
a $0.0028 per share fee applies when the ETP Holder's ADV is at least
5,000,000 shares but less than 10,000,000 shares; and a $0.0027 per
share fee applies when the ETP Holder's ADV is at least 10,000,000
shares.
2. Tiered Pricing Contingency
The proposed rule change will also make the availability of the
lower tiered pricing for liquidity removal contained in the Fixed Fee
Schedule and the Variable Fee Schedule contingent upon an ETP Holder's
use of the Automatic Execution Mode to execute 50,000 shares per month
of displayed orders which add liquidity to the Exchange.
3. Reduction of Per Share Liquidity Rebate for Order Delivery Mode
As currently reflected in Section II of the Fee Schedule, ETP
Holders that execute orders using the Order Delivery Mode receive a
liquidity adding rebate for displayed orders of securities quoted at
prices equal to or better than one dollar, and a market data revenue
rebate attributable to these orders is available at certain ADV levels.
The Exchange currently offers a per share rebate of $0.0008, $0.0024 or
$0.0027 per share depending on an ETP Holder's ADV (``Primary Fee
Schedule''). A current $0.0008 per share rebate (with no market data
revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder's ADV is less than
15,000,000 shares; a current $0.0024 per share rebate (with no market
data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder's ADV is at least
15,000,000 shares but less than 25,000,000 shares; a current $0.0027
per share rebate (plus 25% market data revenue sharing) applies when
the ETP Holder's ADV is at least 25,000,000 shares but less than
30,000,000 shares; and a current $0.0027 per share rebate (plus 50%
market data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder's ADV is at
least 30,000,000 shares.
The Exchange is proposing to reduce the liquidity adding rebates
and increase the number of tier sizes offered under the Primary Fee
Schedule. The proposed changes include an $0.0008 per share rebate
(with no market data revenue sharing) when the ETP Holder's ADV is less
than 10,000,000 shares; a $0.0011 per share rebate (with no market data
revenue sharing) when the ETP Holder's ADV is at least 10,000,000
shares but less than 12,000,000 shares; a $0.0015 per share rebate
(with no market data revenue sharing) when the ETP Holder's ADV is at
least 12,000,000 shares but less than 15,000,000 shares; a $0.0021 per
share rebate (with no market data revenue sharing) when the ETP
Holder's ADV is at least 15,000,000 shares but less than 20,000,000; a
$0.0021 per share rebate (plus 25% market data revenue sharing) when
the ETP Holder's ADV is at least 20,000,000 shares but less than
25,000,000; and a $0.0024 per share rebate (plus 25% market data
revenue sharing) when the ETP Holder's ADV is equal to or greater than
25,000,000 shares.
An ETP Holder may be eligible for an additional $0.0001 rebate on
the Primary Fee Schedule if the ETP Holder executes an ADV of 3,000,000
to 4,999,999 shares using the Automatic Execution Mode in addition to a
minimum ADV of 1,500,000 shares in Order Delivery Mode. An ETP Holder
may also be eligible for an addition $0.0002 rebate on the Primary Fee
Schedule by executing an ADV of 5,000,000 to 9,999,999 shares using the
Automatic Execution Mode in addition to a minimum of 1,500,000 shares
in Order Delivery Mode.
4. Alternate Fee Schedule
The Exchange is also proposing to adopt an ``Alternate Fee
Schedule'' which will automatically apply when an ETP Holder that uses
the Order Delivery Mode as an order delivery participant meets the
minimum ADV threshold by executing 1,500,000 shares using the Order
Delivery Mode and 10,000,000 using the Automatic Execution Mode.\8\ The
Alternate Fee Schedule will be in lieu of the Primary Fee Schedule. ETP
Holders that are not order delivery participants will not be subject to
this fee schedule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\8\ See Endnote 9.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

As stated above, an ETP Holder that is an Order Delivery
participant will automatically receive the Alternate Fee Schedule by
meeting a minimum ADV of 1,500,000 shares in Order Delivery Mode and
10,000,000 shares in Automatic Execution Mode. The Alternate Fee
Schedule increases an ETP Holder's liquidity adding rebates from the
tiered liquidity adding rates in the Primary Fee Schedule by $0.0003
per tier. Thus, a $0.0011 per share liquidity adding rebate (with no
market data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder's ADV is less
than 10,000,000 shares; a $0.0014 per share liquidity adding rebate
(with no market data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder's ADV
is at least 10,000,000 shares but less than 12,000,000 shares; a
$0.0018 per share liquidity adding rebate (with no market data revenue
sharing) applies when the ETP Holder's ADV is at least 12,000,000
shares but less than 15,000,000 shares; a $0.0024 per share liquidity
adding rebate (with no market data revenue sharing) applies when the
ETP Holder's ADV is at least 15,000,000 shares but less than
20,000,000; a $0.0024 per share liquidity adding rebate (plus 25%
market data revenue sharing, as further described below) applies when
the ETP Holder's ADV is at least 20,000,000 shares but less than
25,000,000; and a $0.0027 per share liquidity adding rebate (plus 25%
market data revenue sharing) applies when the ETP Holder's ADV is
greater than 25,000,000 shares. The Alternate Fee Schedule attributes
the number of shares executed by the ETP Holder using the Automatic
Execution Mode in the per share ADV calculation used by the Exchange to
determine the applicable tiered rebates available in Order Delivery
Mode.
5. Amended ADV Definition for Order Delivery Mode
The Exchange proposes a clarification in endnote 8 providing that
marketable orders entered by an ETP Holder that is an order delivery
participant with a handling instruction other than Post Only through
the order delivery session is [sic] subject to the Automatic Execution
Mode Fee Schedule. Furthermore, these orders will be counted towards
the minimum ADV for Automatic Execution Mode for determining whether
the Alternate Fee Schedule will automatically apply.
6. Amended Endnotes and Table Presentation
The Exchange also proposes to make certain amendments to the Fee
Schedule in order to clarify language used in the endnotes. The
Exchange proposes to clarify the definition of (i) Displayed Orders
contained in endnote 2, (ii) ADV contained in endnote 4, and (iii)
Market Data Revenue (``MDR'') Rebates contained in endnote 5. These
proposed amendments do not represent a substantive change to the
current definitions. Also, the Exchange moved endnotes 7 through 10 in
the proposed Fee Schedule. Subject to the changes discussed in this
filing, there are no additional substantive changes made to endnotes 7
through 10. Finally, the Exchange is proposing to change the
presentation of its multiple fee schedules by using tables to set forth
the different rebates and fees.
6. [sic] Rationale
The Exchange believes these changes are necessary to create
incentives for ETP Holders to submit increased

[[Page 56889]]

volumes of orders to the Exchange and, ultimately, to increase the
revenues of the Exchange for the purpose of continuing to adequately
fund its regulatory and general business functions. The Exchange
believes that these changes will not impair its ability to carry out
its regulatory responsibilities. The proposed modifications are
reasonable and equitably allocated to those ETP Holders that opt to
submit orders in the Automatic Execution Mode (as liquidity provider or
taker) and the Order Delivery Mode, and are not unfairly discriminatory
because ETP Holders are free to elect whether or not to send such
orders to the Exchange. In addition, the proposed modifications, by
providing a market data rebate for displayed orders only (and not Zero
Display Reserve Orders), may provide incentives for ETP Holders to
submit displayed orders over Zero Display Reserve Orders. Based upon
the information above, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule
change is consistent with the protection of investors and the public
interest.

Operative Date and Notice

The Exchange currently intends to make the proposed modifications,
which are effective on filing of this proposed rule, operative as of
commencement of trading on September 4, 2012. Pursuant to Exchange Rule
16.1(c), the Exchange will ``provide ETP Holders with notice of all
relevant dues, fees, assessments and charges of the Exchange'' through
the issuance of a Regulatory Circular of the changes to the Fee
Schedule and will post a copy of the rule filing on the Exchange's Web
site (www.nsx.com).

Statutory Basis

The Exchange believes that the proposed rule changes are consistent
with the provisions of Section 6(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 \9\ (the ``Act''), in general, and Section 6(b)(4) of the Act,\10\
in particular in that each change is designed to provide for the
equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among
its members and other persons using the facilities of the Exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\10\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The proposed changes that introduce the two different pricing
options are equitably allocated and not unfairly discriminatory because
all qualified ETP Holders are eligible to choose which Fee Schedule
they would like to apply. The adjustments are reasonable methods to
incentivize the submission of orders on the Exchange. These proposed
changes are equitable because they are open to all members on an equal
basis.
The proposed changes that to [sic] the Automatic Execution Mode
Section of the Fee Schedule are equitably allocated and not unfairly
discriminatory because all qualified ETP Holders are eligible to submit
(or not submit) displayed liquidity providing orders of securities
priced at least one dollar in Automatic Execution Mode on the Exchange.
The volume adjustments are reasonable methods to incentivize the
submission of such orders. All similarly situated members are subject
to the same fee structure, and access to the Exchange is offered on
terms that are not unfairly-discriminatory. Volume-based rebates and
discounts have been widely adopted in the equities markets, and are
equitable because they are open to all members on an equal basis and
provide rebates that are reasonably related to the value of an
exchange's market quality associated with the requirements for the
favorable pricing tier.
The proposed changes to the rebates payable for executions in
securities priced at least one dollar in Order Delivery Mode are
reasonable because they are in the same range of rebates offered by
other comparable exchanges. The proposed changes are equitably
allocated and not unfairly discriminatory because all qualified ETP
Holders are eligible to submit (or not submit) displayed liquidity
providing orders of securities priced at least one dollar in Order
Delivery Mode on the Exchange. The volume adjustments are reasonable
methods to incentivize the submission of such orders. All similarly
situated members are subject to the same fee structure, and access to
the Exchange is offered on terms that are not unfairly-discriminatory
[sic]. Volume-based rebates and discounts have been widely adopted in
the equities markets, and are equitable because they are open to all
members on an equal basis and provide rebates that are reasonably
related to the value of an exchange's market quality associated with
the requirements for the favorable pricing tier.
The proposed visual changes to the Fee Schedule is [sic] reasonable
because it allows [sic] Exchange ETP Holders to better understand the
different Fee Schedules.

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

The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will
impose any inappropriate burden on competition.

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

The Exchange has neither solicited nor received written comments on
the proposed rule change.

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

The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section
19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act.\11\ At any time within 60 days of the
filing of such proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may
temporarily suspend 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. If the Commission takes such action, the
Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the
proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\11\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Number SR-NSX-2012-14 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-NSX-2012-14. 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

[[Page 56890]]

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 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of
the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the
principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted
without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying
information from submissions. You should submit only information that
you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to
File Number SR-NSX-2012-14 and should be submitted on or before October
5, 2012.

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2012-22641 Filed 9-13-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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