Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Relating To Delay the Operative Date of a Rule Change To Exchange Rule 6.3B, 8211-8213 [2013-02485]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 5, 2013 / Notices
The Commission believes that waiving
the 30-day operative delay is consistent
with the protection of investors and the
public interest.13 The Commission notes
the proposal is substantively identical to
proposals that were recently approved
by the Commission, and does not raise
any new regulatory issues.14 For these
reasons, the Commission designates the
proposed rule change as operative upon
filing.
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.
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–BOX–2013–07 on the
subject line.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with 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–BOX–2013–07. 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
commence trading of mini-option contracts until
specific fees for mini-option contracts trading have
been filed with the Commission.
13 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day
operative delay, the Commission has also
considered the proposed rule’s impact on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See
15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
14 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67948
(September 28, 2012), 77 FR 60735 (October 4,
2012) (SR–NYSEArca–2012–64 and SR–ISE–2012–
58).
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:18 Feb 04, 2013
Jkt 229001
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–BOX–
2013–07 and should be submitted on or
before February 26, 2013.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.15
Kevin M. O’Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013–02426 Filed 2–4–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–68770; File No. SR–CBOE–
2013–011]
Self-Regulatory Organizations;
Chicago Board Options Exchange,
Incorporated; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed
Rule Change Relating To Delay the
Operative Date of a Rule Change To
Exchange Rule 6.3B
January 30, 2013.
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 January
28, 2013, Chicago Board Options
Exchange, Incorporated (the ‘‘Exchange’’
or ‘‘CBOE’’) 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
comments on the proposed rule change
from interested persons.
15 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
1 15
PO 00000
Frm 00111
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
8211
I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Terms of Substance of
the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to delay the
operative date of a rule change to
Exchange Rule 6.3B, which provides for
methodology for determining when to
halt trading in all stocks due to
extraordinary market volatility, from the
date of February 4, 2013, until April 8,
2013.
The text of the proposed rule change
is available on the Exchange’s Web site
(https://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/
CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), at
the Exchange’s Office of the Secretary,
and at the Commission [sic].
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
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
1. Purpose
The Exchange proposes to amend
Rule 6.3B, which provides the
methodology for determining when to
halt trading in all stocks due to
extraordinary market volatility,3 to
delay the operative date of the pilot by
which such Rule operates from the
current scheduled date of February 4,
2013, until April 8, 2013, to coincide
with the initial date of operations of the
Regulation NMS Plan to Address
Extraordinary Market Volatility (‘‘LULD
Plan’’).4 As proposed, the pilot period
3 Exchange Rule 6.3B does not currently contain
any reference to the specific levels of decline in the
DJIA that would trigger a market-wide trading halt.
Instead, the rule was amended in 1997 to provide
that a market-wide halt will be triggered on the
Exchange whenever a market-wide halt is in effect
on the New York Stock Exchange LLC (‘‘NYSE’’).
See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 38221
(January 31, 1997), 62 FR 5871 (February 7,
1997)(SR–CBOE–96–78).
4 The Exchange adopted the proposed changes to
the market-wide circuit breakers on a pilot basis for
a period that corresponds to the pilot period for the
LULD Plan so that the impact of the two proposals
can be reviewed together. See Securities Exchange
Act Release No. 67090 (May 31, 2012), 77 FR 33531
Continued
E:\FR\FM\05FEN1.SGM
05FEN1
8212
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 5, 2013 / Notices
will begin and end at the same time [sic]
the pilot period for the LULD Plan. The
current Rule 6.3B would remain in
effect until April 8, 2013. If the pilot is
not either extended or approved
permanently at the end of the pilot
period, the current version of Rule 6.3B
would be in effect.
Level 3 Halt
at any time—trading shall halt and
not resume for the rest of the day.
Unless stocks are halted for the
remainder of the trading day, price
indications are disseminated during a
trading halt for stocks that comprise the
DJIA.
Current Rule 6.3B
Amended Rule 6.3B
The Exchange amended Rule 6.3B to
revise the current methodology for
determining when to halt trading in all
stocks due to extraordinary market
volatility (‘‘market-wide circuit
breakers’’). 7 The Exchange, other
equities, options, and futures markets,
and FINRA amended the market-wide
circuit breakers to take into
consideration the recommendations of
the Joint CFTC–SEC Advisory
Committee on Emerging Regulatory
Issues, and to provide for more
meaningful measures in today’s markets
of when to halt trading in all stocks.
Accordingly, the Exchange amended
Rule 6.3B as follows: (i) replaced the
DJIA with the S&P 500; (ii) replaced the
quarterly calendar recalculation of Rule
6.3B triggers with daily recalculations;
(iii) replaced the 10%, 20%, and 30%
market decline percentages with 7%,
13%, and 20% market decline
percentages; (iv) modified the length of
the trading halts associated with each
market decline level; and (v) modified
the times when a trading halt may be
triggered. The Exchange believes that
these amendments update the rule to
reflect today’s high-speed, highly
electronic trading market while still
meeting the original purpose of Rule
6.3B: to ensure that market participants
have an opportunity to become aware of
and respond to significant price
movements.
The Exchange adopted the proposed
changes to the market-wide circuit
breakers on a pilot basis for a period
that corresponds to the pilot period for
the LULD Plan so that the impact of the
two proposals can be reviewed
together.8 In addition, in order for the
markets and the single plan processors
responsible for the consolidation of
information pursuant to Rule 603(b) of
Regulation NMS under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 to make the
necessary technological changes to
implement both the changes to the
market-wide circuit breakers and the
proposed LULD Plan, the Exchange
established that the implementation
date for the proposed rule changes
form,5
In its current
the rule provides
for Level 1, 2, and 3 declines and
specified trading halts following such
declines. The values of Levels 1, 2 and
3 [sic] are calculated at the beginning of
each calendar quarter, using 10%, 20%
and 30%, respectively, of the average
closing value of the DJIA for the month
prior to the beginning of the quarter.
Each percentage calculation is rounded
to the nearest fifty points to create the
Levels’ trigger points. The NYSE
disseminates the new trigger levels
quarterly to the media and via an
Information Memo and [sic] is available
on NYSE’s Web site.6 The values then
remain in effect until the next quarterly
calculation, notwithstanding whether
the DJIA has moved and a Level 1, 2, or
3 decline is no longer equal to an actual
10%, 20%, or 30% decline in the most
recent closing value of the DJIA.
Once a circuit breaker is in effect,
trading in all stocks halt for the time
periods specified below:
Level 1 Halt
anytime before 2:00 p.m.—one hour;
at or after 2:00 p.m. but before 2:30
p.m.—30 minutes;
at or after 2:30 p.m.—trading shall
continue, unless there is a Level 2 Halt.
Level 2 Halt
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
anytime before 1:00 p.m.—two hours;
at or after 1:00 p.m. but before 2:00
p.m.—one hour;
at or after 2:00 p.m.—trading shall
halt and not resume for the rest of the
day.
(June 6, 2012) (SR–CBOE–2011–087). The Exchange
anticipates that the initial date of LULD Plan
operations will be changed to April 8, 2013. The
proposal would delay the operative date of the
market-wide circuit breakers pilot to April 8, 2013
in order for the implementation date for the marketwide circuit breakers pilot would remain the same
date as for the LULD Plan.
5 The rule was last amended in 1998, when
declines based on specified point drops in the DJIA
were replaced with the current methodology of
using a percentage decline that is recalculated
quarterly. See Securities Exchange Act Release No.
39846 (April 9, 1998), 63 FR 18477 (April 15, 1998)
(SR–NYSE–98–06, SR–Amex–98–09, SR–BSE–98–
06, SR–CHX–98–08, SR–NASD–98–27, and SR–
Phlx–98–15).
6 See e.g., NYSE Regulation Information Memos
11–19 (June 30, 2011) and 11–10 (March 31, 2011).
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:18 Feb 04, 2013
Jkt 229001
7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67090
(May 31, 2012), 77 FR 33531 (June 6, 2012) (SR–
CBOE–2011–087).
8 See id.
PO 00000
Frm 00112
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
should be the same date that the LULD
Plan is implemented. The Exchange
anticipates that the initial date of LULD
Plan operations will be changed to April
8, 2013. For the same reasons as stated
above, the Exchange proposes to delay
the operative date of the market-wide
circuit breakers pilot to April 8, 2013 in
order for the implementation date for
the market-wide circuit breakers pilot
would remain the same date as for the
LULD Plan.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes the proposed
rule change is consistent with the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
‘‘Act’’) and the rules and regulations
thereunder applicable to the Exchange
and, in particular, the requirements of
Section 6(b) of the Act.9 Specifically,
the Exchange believes the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Section
6(b)(5) 10 requirements that the rules of
an exchange be 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 facilitation [sic] 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.
Additionally, the Exchange believes the
proposed rule change is consistent with
the Section 6(b)(5) 11 requirement that
the rules of an exchange not be designed
to permit unfair discrimination between
customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.
In particular, this rule proposal
supports the objectives of perfecting the
mechanism of a free and open market
and the national market system because
it promotes uniformity across markets
concerning when and how to halt
trading in all stocks as a result of
extraordinary market volatility.
Additionally, delaying the operative
date of the market-wide circuit breakers
pilot until the initial date of operations
of the LULD Plan would allow the pilot
to begin and end at the same time of the
LULD Plan so that the Exchange and the
Commission could further assess the
impact of the two pilots on the
marketplace or whether other initiatives
should be adopted in lieu of the pilots,
which contributes to the protection of
investors and the public interest.
9 15
U.S.C. 78f(b).
U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
11 Id.
10 15
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05FEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 5, 2013 / Notices
B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Burden on Competition
CBOE does not believe that the
proposed rule change will impose any
burden on competition that is not
necessary or appropriate in furtherance
of the purposes of the Act. The
proposed changes are being made to
delay the operation of the market-wide
circuit breakers pilot until April 8, 2013
to allow the pilot period to begin and
end at the same time as the LULD Plan,
which contributes to the protection of
investors and the public interest. Other
competing equity exchanges are subject
to the same methodology for
determining when to halt trading in all
stocks due to extraordinary market
volatility and the same requirements
specified in the LULD Plan. Thus, the
proposed changes will not impose any
burden on competition while providing
that the market-wide circuit breakers
pilot period corresponds to the pilot
period for the LULD Plan so that the
impact of the two proposals can be
reviewed together.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From
Members, Participants, or Others
The Exchange neither solicited nor
received comments on the proposed
rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the
Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Because the foregoing proposed rule
change does not significantly affect the
protection of investors or the public
interest, does not impose any significant
burden on competition, and, by its
terms, does not become operative for 30
days from the date on which it was
filed, or such shorter time as the
Commission may designate, it has
become effective pursuant to Section
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 12 and Rule 19b–
4(f)(6) thereunder.13
The Exchange has requested that the
Commission waive the 30-day operative
delay. The Commission believes that
waiving the 30-day operative delay is
consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest. Doing
so will delay the operative date of the
market-wide circuit breakers pilot until
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
12 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 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 Commission
has waived this requirement.
13 17
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17:18 Feb 04, 2013
Jkt 229001
the initial date of operations of the
LULD Plan, thereby allowing the pilot to
run simultaneously with the LULD Plan,
providing an opportunity to properly
assess the impact of the two pilots on
the marketplace and evaluate the pilots’
effectiveness. Therefore, the
Commission designates the proposal
operative upon filing.14
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
under Section 19(b)(2)(B) 15 of the Act to
determine whether the proposed rule
change 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–CBOE–2013–011 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–CBOE–2013–011. 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
14 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day
operative delay, the Commission has considered the
proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition,
and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
15 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
PO 00000
Frm 00113
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
8213
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–CBOE–
2013–011 and should be submitted on
or before February 26, 2013.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.16
Kevin M. O’Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013–02485 Filed 2–4–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–68769; File No. SR–C2–
2013–006]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2
Options Exchange, Incorporated;
Notice of Filing and Immediate
Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule
Change To Delay the Operative Date of
a Rule Change to Exchange Rule
6.32.03
January 30, 2013.
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 January
28, 2013, C2 Options Exchange,
Incorporated (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘C2’’)
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 comments on the proposed rule
change from interested persons.
16 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
1 15
E:\FR\FM\05FEN1.SGM
05FEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 5, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8211-8213]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02485]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-68770; File No. SR-CBOE-2013-011]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange,
Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a
Proposed Rule Change Relating To Delay the Operative Date of a Rule
Change To Exchange Rule 6.3B
January 30, 2013.
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 January 28, 2013, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated
(the ``Exchange'' or ``CBOE'') 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 comments on the
proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to delay the operative date of a rule change
to Exchange Rule 6.3B, which provides for methodology for determining
when to halt trading in all stocks due to extraordinary market
volatility, from the date of February 4, 2013, until April 8, 2013.
The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's
Web site (https://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx),
at the Exchange's Office of the Secretary, and at the Commission [sic].
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
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
1. Purpose
The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 6.3B, which provides the
methodology for determining when to halt trading in all stocks due to
extraordinary market volatility,\3\ to delay the operative date of the
pilot by which such Rule operates from the current scheduled date of
February 4, 2013, until April 8, 2013, to coincide with the initial
date of operations of the Regulation NMS Plan to Address Extraordinary
Market Volatility (``LULD Plan'').\4\ As proposed, the pilot period
[[Page 8212]]
will begin and end at the same time [sic] the pilot period for the LULD
Plan. The current Rule 6.3B would remain in effect until April 8, 2013.
If the pilot is not either extended or approved permanently at the end
of the pilot period, the current version of Rule 6.3B would be in
effect.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ Exchange Rule 6.3B does not currently contain any reference
to the specific levels of decline in the DJIA that would trigger a
market-wide trading halt. Instead, the rule was amended in 1997 to
provide that a market-wide halt will be triggered on the Exchange
whenever a market-wide halt is in effect on the New York Stock
Exchange LLC (``NYSE''). See Securities Exchange Act Release No.
38221 (January 31, 1997), 62 FR 5871 (February 7, 1997)(SR-CBOE-96-
78).
\4\ The Exchange adopted the proposed changes to the market-wide
circuit breakers on a pilot basis for a period that corresponds to
the pilot period for the LULD Plan so that the impact of the two
proposals can be reviewed together. See Securities Exchange Act
Release No. 67090 (May 31, 2012), 77 FR 33531 (June 6, 2012) (SR-
CBOE-2011-087). The Exchange anticipates that the initial date of
LULD Plan operations will be changed to April 8, 2013. The proposal
would delay the operative date of the market-wide circuit breakers
pilot to April 8, 2013 in order for the implementation date for the
market-wide circuit breakers pilot would remain the same date as for
the LULD Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Rule 6.3B
In its current form,\5\ the rule provides for Level 1, 2, and 3
declines and specified trading halts following such declines. The
values of Levels 1, 2 and 3 [sic] are calculated at the beginning of
each calendar quarter, using 10%, 20% and 30%, respectively, of the
average closing value of the DJIA for the month prior to the beginning
of the quarter. Each percentage calculation is rounded to the nearest
fifty points to create the Levels' trigger points. The NYSE
disseminates the new trigger levels quarterly to the media and via an
Information Memo and [sic] is available on NYSE's Web site.\6\ The
values then remain in effect until the next quarterly calculation,
notwithstanding whether the DJIA has moved and a Level 1, 2, or 3
decline is no longer equal to an actual 10%, 20%, or 30% decline in the
most recent closing value of the DJIA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ The rule was last amended in 1998, when declines based on
specified point drops in the DJIA were replaced with the current
methodology of using a percentage decline that is recalculated
quarterly. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 39846 (April 9,
1998), 63 FR 18477 (April 15, 1998) (SR-NYSE-98-06, SR-Amex-98-09,
SR-BSE-98-06, SR-CHX-98-08, SR-NASD-98-27, and SR-Phlx-98-15).
\6\ See e.g., NYSE Regulation Information Memos 11-19 (June 30,
2011) and 11-10 (March 31, 2011).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once a circuit breaker is in effect, trading in all stocks halt for
the time periods specified below:
Level 1 Halt
anytime before 2:00 p.m.--one hour;
at or after 2:00 p.m. but before 2:30 p.m.--30 minutes;
at or after 2:30 p.m.--trading shall continue, unless there is a
Level 2 Halt.
Level 2 Halt
anytime before 1:00 p.m.--two hours;
at or after 1:00 p.m. but before 2:00 p.m.--one hour;
at or after 2:00 p.m.--trading shall halt and not resume for the
rest of the day.
Level 3 Halt
at any time--trading shall halt and not resume for the rest of the
day.
Unless stocks are halted for the remainder of the trading day,
price indications are disseminated during a trading halt for stocks
that comprise the DJIA.
Amended Rule 6.3B
The Exchange amended Rule 6.3B to revise the current methodology
for determining when to halt trading in all stocks due to extraordinary
market volatility (``market-wide circuit breakers''). \7\ The Exchange,
other equities, options, and futures markets, and FINRA amended the
market-wide circuit breakers to take into consideration the
recommendations of the Joint CFTC-SEC Advisory Committee on Emerging
Regulatory Issues, and to provide for more meaningful measures in
today's markets of when to halt trading in all stocks. Accordingly, the
Exchange amended Rule 6.3B as follows: (i) replaced the DJIA with the
S&P 500; (ii) replaced the quarterly calendar recalculation of Rule
6.3B triggers with daily recalculations; (iii) replaced the 10%, 20%,
and 30% market decline percentages with 7%, 13%, and 20% market decline
percentages; (iv) modified the length of the trading halts associated
with each market decline level; and (v) modified the times when a
trading halt may be triggered. The Exchange believes that these
amendments update the rule to reflect today's high-speed, highly
electronic trading market while still meeting the original purpose of
Rule 6.3B: to ensure that market participants have an opportunity to
become aware of and respond to significant price movements.
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\7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67090 (May 31,
2012), 77 FR 33531 (June 6, 2012) (SR-CBOE-2011-087).
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The Exchange adopted the proposed changes to the market-wide
circuit breakers on a pilot basis for a period that corresponds to the
pilot period for the LULD Plan so that the impact of the two proposals
can be reviewed together.\8\ In addition, in order for the markets and
the single plan processors responsible for the consolidation of
information pursuant to Rule 603(b) of Regulation NMS under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to make the necessary technological
changes to implement both the changes to the market-wide circuit
breakers and the proposed LULD Plan, the Exchange established that the
implementation date for the proposed rule changes should be the same
date that the LULD Plan is implemented. The Exchange anticipates that
the initial date of LULD Plan operations will be changed to April 8,
2013. For the same reasons as stated above, the Exchange proposes to
delay the operative date of the market-wide circuit breakers pilot to
April 8, 2013 in order for the implementation date for the market-wide
circuit breakers pilot would remain the same date as for the LULD Plan.
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\8\ See id.
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2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') and the rules and
regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular,
the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\9\ Specifically, the
Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the
Section 6(b)(5) \10\ requirements that the rules of an exchange be
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 facilitation
[sic] 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.
Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is
consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \11\ requirement that the rules of
an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between
customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.
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\9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\10\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
\11\ Id.
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In particular, this rule proposal supports the objectives of
perfecting the mechanism of a free and open market and the national
market system because it promotes uniformity across markets concerning
when and how to halt trading in all stocks as a result of extraordinary
market volatility. Additionally, delaying the operative date of the
market-wide circuit breakers pilot until the initial date of operations
of the LULD Plan would allow the pilot to begin and end at the same
time of the LULD Plan so that the Exchange and the Commission could
further assess the impact of the two pilots on the marketplace or
whether other initiatives should be adopted in lieu of the pilots,
which contributes to the protection of investors and the public
interest.
[[Page 8213]]
B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
CBOE does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any
burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed changes are being
made to delay the operation of the market-wide circuit breakers pilot
until April 8, 2013 to allow the pilot period to begin and end at the
same time as the LULD Plan, which contributes to the protection of
investors and the public interest. Other competing equity exchanges are
subject to the same methodology for determining when to halt trading in
all stocks due to extraordinary market volatility and the same
requirements specified in the LULD Plan. Thus, the proposed changes
will not impose any burden on competition while providing that the
market-wide circuit breakers pilot period corresponds to the pilot
period for the LULD Plan so that the impact of the two proposals can be
reviewed together.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed
Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others
The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the
proposed rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not significantly
affect the protection of investors or the public interest, does not
impose any significant burden on competition, and, by its terms, does
not become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed,
or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \12\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\13\
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\12\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\13\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). 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
Commission has waived this requirement.
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The Exchange has requested that the Commission waive the 30-day
operative delay. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day
operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the
public interest. Doing so will delay the operative date of the market-
wide circuit breakers pilot until the initial date of operations of the
LULD Plan, thereby allowing the pilot to run simultaneously with the
LULD Plan, providing an opportunity to properly assess the impact of
the two pilots on the marketplace and evaluate the pilots'
effectiveness. Therefore, the Commission designates the proposal
operative upon filing.\14\
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\14\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay,
the Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C.
78c(f).
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At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule
change, the Commission 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 under
Section 19(b)(2)(B) \15\ of the Act to determine whether the proposed
rule change should be approved or disapproved.
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\15\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
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IV. Solicitation of Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
Electronic Comments
Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include
File Number SR-CBOE-2013-011 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-CBOE-2013-011. 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-CBOE-2013-011 and should be
submitted on or before February 26, 2013.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\16\
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\16\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013-02485 Filed 2-4-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P