Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, LLC; Order Instituting Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or Disapprove a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To List Options on the Nations VolDex Index, 66798-66801 [2013-26552]

Download as PDF 66798 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 215 / Wednesday, November 6, 2013 / Notices 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–MIAX– 2013–50 and should be submitted on or before November 27, 2013 For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.8 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2013–26553 Filed 11–5–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–70787; File No. SR–ISE– 2013–42] Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, LLC; Order Instituting Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or Disapprove a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To List Options on the Nations VolDex Index October 31, 2013. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES I. Introduction On July 17, 2013, the International Securities Exchange, LLC (‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘ISE’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule change to list options on the Nations VolDex Index (‘‘Index’’). The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on August 2, 2013.3 The Commission received one comment letter on the proposed rule change.4 On September 10, 2013, the Commission extended the time period for Commission action to October 31, 8 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 70059 (July 29, 2013), 78 FR 47041 (‘‘Notice’’). 4 See letter to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Commission, from Edward T. Tilly, Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (‘‘CBOE’’), dated August 23, 2013 (‘‘CBOE Letter’’). 1 15 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:25 Nov 05, 2013 Jkt 232001 2013.5 On October 29, 2013, ISE submitted a response to the comment letter.6 On October 30, 2013, ISE submitted Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change. This order institutes proceedings under Section 19(b)(2)(B) of the Act 7 to determine whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1. II. Description of the Proposal The Exchange proposes to list and trade cash-settled, European-style options on the Index, which measures changes in implied volatility of the SPDR S&P 500 Exchange-Traded Fund (‘‘SPY’’).8 The Index is calculated using a methodology developed by NationsShares, which uses published real-time bid/ask quotes of SPY options.9 The Index will be calculated and maintained by a calculation agent acting on behalf of NationsShares. The Index will be updated on a real-time basis on each trading day beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 4:15 p.m. (New York time).10 Values of the Index also will be disseminated every 15 seconds during the Exchange’s regular trading hours to market information vendors such as Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters. In the event the Index ceases to be maintained or calculated, or its values are not disseminated every 15 seconds by a widely available source, the Exchange will not list any additional 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 70362, 78 FR 56955 (September 16, 2013). 6 See letter to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Commission, from Michael J. Simon, Secretary and General Counsel, ISE, dated October 29, 2013 (‘‘ISE Letter’’). 7 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B). 8 According to the Exchange, SPY is historically the largest and most actively-traded exchangetraded fund in the United States as measured by its assets under management and the value of shares traded. Specifically, the Exchange states that, according to State Street Global Advisor, the Trustee of SPY, as of June 20, 2013, the net assets under management in SPY was approximately $106.8 billion; the weighted average market capitalization of the portfolio components was approximately $106 billion; the smallest market capitalization was approximately $2.1 billion (Apollo Group Inc., ticker: APOL), and the largest was approximately $395.9 billion (ExxonMobil, ticker: XOM). Further, according to the Exchange, for the three months ending on June 20, 2013, the average daily volume in SPY shares was 137 million, and the average value of shares traded was $22.1 billion. According to the Exchange, for the same period, the average daily volume in SPY options was approximately 2.8 million contracts and open interest in SPY options was approximately 25.2 million contracts. See Notice, supra note 3, at 47042. 9 See id. (describing in more detail the calculation methodology for the Index). 10 If the current published value of a component is not available, the last published value will be used in the calculation. PO 00000 Frm 00118 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 series for trading and will limit all transactions in such options to closing transactions only for the purpose of maintaining a fair and orderly market and protecting investors. The Exchange proposes that the standard trading hours for index options (9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., New York time) will apply to options on the Index. Options on the Index will expire on the Wednesday that is thirty days prior to the third Friday of the calendar month immediately following the expiration month. Trading in expiring options on the Index will normally cease at 4:15 p.m. (New York time) on the Tuesday preceding an expiration Wednesday. The exercise and settlement value will be calculated on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. (New York time) using the mid-point of the NBBO for the SPY options used in the calculation of the Index at that time. The exercise-settlement amount is equal to the difference between the settlement value and the exercise price of the option, multiplied by $100. Exercise will result in the delivery of cash on the business day following expiration. In Amendment No. 1, the Exchange expresses its view that manipulation of the Index would be very difficult, particularly around the time when the settlement value is determined. According to the Exchange, the Index options will be settled using a calculation based on the mid-point NBBO of the input components, a methodology unlike how other index settlement values are determined, as most of those are calculated based on transaction prices of the individual index components. The Exchange believes that manipulating the Index settlement value will be difficult based on the dynamics of a quote-based calculation methodology as opposed to a single transaction price and because the option prices themselves would make such an endeavor cost prohibitive. Further, according to the Exchange, the vast liquidity of SPY options as well as the underlying SPY shares ensures a multitude of market participants at any given time—at least 19 market makers actively traded SPY options on ISE during September 2013 on any given day, and there are now 12 options exchanges that list SPY options. Due to the high level of participation among market makers that can enter quotes in SPY options series, the Exchange believes it would be very difficult for a single participant to alter the NBBO width across multiple series in any significant way without exposing the would-be manipulator to regulatory scrutiny and financial costs. The Exchange proposes to adopt minimum trading increments for E:\FR\FM\06NON1.SGM 06NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 215 / Wednesday, November 6, 2013 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES options on the Index to be $0.05 for series trading below $3, and $0.10 for series trading at or above $3. The Exchange also proposes to set the minimum strike price interval for options on the Index at $1 or greater when the strike price is $200 or less, and $5 or greater when the strike price is greater than $200. Currently, when new series of index options with a new expiration date are opened for trading, or when additional series of index options in an existing expiration date are opened for trading as the current value of the underlying index moves substantially from the exercise prices of series already opened, the exercise prices of such new or additional series must be reasonably related to the current value of the underlying index at the time such series are first opened for trading.11 The Exchange, however, proposes to eliminate this range limitation that would otherwise limit the number of $1 strikes that may be listed in options on the Index. The Exchange’s proposal to eliminate this range limitation is identical to strike price intervals adopted by CBOE for the CBOE Volatility Index (‘‘VIX’’).12 The Exchange proposes to list options on the Index in the three consecutive near-term expiration months plus up to three successive expiration months in the March cycle.13 In addition, longterm option series having up to sixty months to expiration,14 Short Term Option Series,15 and Quarterly Options Series 16 may also be traded. Options on the Index will be quoted and traded in U.S. dollars.17 The Exchange believes that the Index is a broad-based index, as that term is defined in ISE Rule 2001(k).18 The Exchange proposes that the Index should be treated as a broad-based index for purposes of position limits, exercise limits, and margin requirements. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes no position or exercise limits for options on 11 See ISE Rule 2009(c)(3). The term ‘‘reasonably related to the current index value of the underlying index’’ means that the exercise price is within thirty percent of the current index value. See ISE Rule 2009(c)(4). 12 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 63155 (October 21, 2010), 75 FR 66402 (October 28, 2010) (SR–CBOE–2010–096). 13 See ISE Rule 2009(a)(3). 14 See ISE Rule 2009(b)(1). 15 See ISE Rule 2009, Supplementary Material .01. 16 See ISE Rule 2009, Supplementary Material .02. 17 See ISE Rule 2009(a)(1). 18 ISE Rule 2001(k) defines the terms ‘‘market index’’ and ‘‘broad-based index’’ to mean an index designed to be representative of a stock market as a whole or of a range of companies in unrelated industries. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:25 Nov 05, 2013 Jkt 232001 the Index 19 and the Exchange proposes to apply margin requirements that are identical to those applied for its other broad-based index options. In addition, the Exchange proposes that the trading of options on the Index will be subject to the same rules that currently govern the trading of Exchange index options, including sales practice rules and trading rules. Trading of options on the Index will also be subject to the trading halt procedures applicable to other index options traded on the Exchange.20 Further, Chapter 6 of the Exchange’s rules, which is designed to protect public customer trading, will apply to trading in options on the Index.21 A trading license issued by the Exchange will also be required for all market makers to effect transactions as market makers in the Index options in accordance with ISE Rule 2013. The Exchange represents that it has an adequate surveillance program in place for options on the Index and intends to apply those same program procedures that it applies to the Exchange’s other options products. Further, in Amendment No. 1, the Exchange states that it will monitor for any potential manipulation of the Index settlement value both according to its current procedures and additional surveillance 19 The Exchange believes that because the Index will settle using published quotes of SPY options and there are currently no position limits for SPY options, it is appropriate not to impose position or exercise limits for options on the Index. The Exchange notes that because the size of the market underlying SPY options is so large, it should dispel concerns regarding market manipulation. The Exchange believes that the same reasoning applies to options on the Index since the value of options on the Index is derived from the volatility of SPY, as implied by SPY options. The Exchange also notes that VIX options are not subject to any position or exercise limits. See Notice, supra note 3, at 47043. 20 See ISE Rule 2008(c). 21 The Exchange notes that ISE Rules 608(a) and (b) prohibit Members from accepting a customer order to purchase or write an option, including options on the Index, unless such customer’s account has been approved in writing by a designated Options Principal of the Member. In addition, ISE’s Rule 610, regarding suitability, is designed to ensure that options, including options on the Index, are only sold to customers capable of evaluating and bearing the risks associated with trading in this instrument. Further, ISE Rule 611 permits members to exercise discretionary power with respect to trading options, including options on the Index, in a customer’s account only if the Member has received prior written authorization from the customer and the account had been accepted in writing by a designated Options Principal. According to the Exchange, ISE Rule 611 also requires designated Options Principals or Representatives of a Member to approve and initial each discretionary order, including discretionary orders for options on the Index, on the day the discretionary order is entered. Finally, ISE Rule 609, Supervision of Accounts, Rule 612, Confirmation to Customers, and Rule 616, Delivery of Current Options Disclosure Documents and Prospectus, will also apply to trading in options on the Index. See Notice, supra note 3, at 47043–44. PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 66799 measures.22 Additionally, the Exchange notes that it is a member of the Intermarket Surveillance Group, through which it can coordinate surveillance and investigative information sharing in the stock and options markets with all of the U.S. registered stock and options markets. The Exchange also represents that it has the necessary system capacity to support additional quotations and messages that will result from the listing and trading of options on the Index. III. Comment Letters As noted above, the Commission received one comment letter regarding the proposed rule change.23 In its comment letter, CBOE argues that the Index should not be treated as a broadbased security index for regulatory purposes.24 Specifically, CBOE notes that the spot calculation of the Index would be comprised of a total of four component SPY put options and that the settlement value for the Index option would be calculated using the opening NBBO quotations of those component options.25 CBOE states that the component weights of the four put options used to calculate the Index can become highly concentrated in just one or two component options, depending on the time to expiration and the relationship of the forward SPY price to the strike prices of the component options.26 In this regard, CBOE questions the Exchange’s proposal not to impose position limits for options on the Index.27 In particular, CBOE asserts that, although the Commission has permitted some broad-based security index options to have no position limits, the same rationale should not apply to the proposed Index options because they are not options on a broad-based security index.28 CBOE argues that the more analogous comparison for position limit treatment is the Alpha Index 22 The Exchange represents that it will review the opening ISE BBO (‘‘IBBO’’) for the input options components to determine if the IBBO had an effect on the NBBO for these options series. If it did, the Exchange can determine which member entered the IBBO quote and review the member’s position and quoting activity to determine if the quote may have been entered to impact the NBBO. The Exchange also represents that it will compare the Index settlement value to the subsequent disseminated value. If the difference between these two values is significant, the Exchange will review the opening quotes used in the calculation of the Index across all marketplaces to determine which exchange(s) contributed to opening NBBO quote(s) and contact the exchange(s) that entered the quote(s). 23 See CBOE Letter, supra note 4. 24 See id., at 1–2. 25 See id., at 1. 26 See id. 27 See id., at 2–3. 28 See id., at 2. E:\FR\FM\06NON1.SGM 06NON1 66800 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 215 / Wednesday, November 6, 2013 / Notices options that trade on NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (‘‘Phlx’’).29 According to CBOE, Alpha Index options are cashsettled index options that measure the relative performance of two securities (a target component and a benchmark component), and all approved Alpha Index pairs include SPY as the benchmark component.30 CBOE notes that Alpha Index options where the target component is an exchange-traded fund have a position limit of 15,000 contracts, and Alpha Index options where the target component is a single stock have a position limit of 60,000 contracts.31 In its response letter, ISE draws an analogy between the Index and the VIX.32 ISE argues that, as with the VIX, designating the Index as a broad-based index should not be based only on the number of components that the index contains, but rather, on the economic exposure that the underlying reference seeks to provide.33 ISE states that, according to CBOE, the VIX is a key measure of the market expectations of near-term volatility conveyed by options on the S&P 500 Index.34 ISE asserts that the Index provides a similar economic exposure as exposure to the VIX because it measures changes in implied volatility of SPY, which is a broad-based exchange-traded fund based on the price and yield of the stocks held in the SPY portfolio.35 ISE therefore concludes that the Index should similarly be treated as broad-based by looking through to the exposure provided by the underlying reference.36 In its response letter, ISE also argues that the proposed Index options are not analogous to Alpha Index options.37 In particular, ISE points out that Phlx’s Alpha Index options involve the pairing of a single equity security or an exchange-traded fund that has a position limit against the SPY that has no position limit.38 ISE believes that, because the pairing includes one security that has position limits, it does not follow that the combined new index should have no position limits.39 In contrast, ISE believes that its proposal to apply no position limits to the Index 29 See id. id. 31 See id. 32 ISE notes that CBOE sought to designate the VIX as a broad-based index. See ISE Letter, supra note 6, at 1. 33 See id., at 2. 34 See id. 35 See id. 36 See id. 37 See id. 38 See id. 39 See id. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 30 See VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:25 Nov 05, 2013 Jkt 232001 options is appropriate.40 Further, as discussed above, in Amendment No. 1, the Exchange provides additional information regarding the potential for manipulation of the settlement value of the Index and the additional surveillance measures that the Exchange will undertake with respect to the Index options. IV. Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or Disapprove SR–ISE– 2013–42 and Grounds for Disapproval Under Consideration The Commission is instituting proceedings pursuant to Section 19(b)(2)(B) 41 of the Act to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved. Institution of such proceedings is appropriate at this time in view of the legal and policy issues raised by the proposed rule change. Institution of proceedings does not indicate that the Commission has reached any conclusions with respect to any of the issues involved. Rather, as described in greater detail below, the Commission seeks and encourages interested persons to provide additional comment on the proposed rule change to inform the Commission’s analysis of whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule change. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(2)(B),42 the Commission is providing notice of the grounds for disapproval under consideration. The section of the Act applicable to the proposed rule change that provides the grounds for the disapproval (or approval) under consideration is Section 6(b)(5),43 which requires that the rules of an exchange be designed, among other things, to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. As discussed above, the proposed rule change would allow ISE to list and trade 40 See id., at 2–3. See also supra note 19. In its response letter, ISE also states that ISE members are bound by the initial and maintenance margin requirements of either CBOE or the New York Stock Exchange. See ISE Letter, supra note 6, at 3. ISE clarifies that although CBOE has margin rules designed for individual stock- or ETF-based volatility index options, its proposal intends to require compliance with CBOE’s margin rules applicable to broad-based index options rather than its specialized rules adopted for specified individual stock- or ETF-based volatility index options. See id. See also text accompanying supra note 19. 41 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B). 42 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B). 43 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). PO 00000 Frm 00120 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 cash-settled, European-style options on the Index, which measures changes in implied volatility of the SPY. As proposed, the Index options would be treated as broad-based index options for purposes of position limits, exercise limits, and margin. Accordingly, ISE proposes no position or exercise limits for the Index options. In addition, the exercise and settlement value will be calculated on expiration Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. using the mid-point of the NBBO for the SPY options that compose the Index, a methodology that ISE states is unlike how other index settlement values are determined, as most of those are calculated based on transaction prices of the individual index components.44 In Amendment No. 1, ISE asserts that manipulation of the Index would be very difficult, particularly around the time when the settlement value is determined.45 The Exchange believes that manipulating the Index settlement value will be difficult based on the dynamics of a quote-based calculation methodology as opposed to a single transaction price and because the option prices themselves would make such an endeavor cost prohibitive. In addition, the Exchange contends that its surveillance procedures currently in place, coupled with the additional measures proposed in Amendment No. 1, would allow for adequate surveillance for any potential manipulation in the trading of the Index options.46 The Commission believes that questions remain as to whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act, including whether the proposed rules to allow the listing and trading of the Index options are designed to protect investors and the public interest and to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices. Thus, the Commission believes the issues raised by the proposed rule change can benefit from additional consideration and evaluation in light of the requirements of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act. V. Procedure: Request for Written Comments The Commission requests that interested persons provide written submissions of their views, data, and arguments with respect to the issues identified above, as well as any others they may have identified with the proposal. In particular, the Commission invites the written views of interested 44 See Amendment No. 1. id. 46 See id. 45 See E:\FR\FM\06NON1.SGM 06NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 215 / Wednesday, November 6, 2013 / Notices persons concerning whether the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) or any other provision of the Act, or the rules and regulations thereunder. Although there do not appear to be any issues relevant to approval or disapproval which would be facilitated by an oral presentation of views, data, and arguments, the Commission will consider, pursuant to Rule 19b–4, any request for an opportunity to make an oral presentation.47 Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments regarding whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved by November 27, 2013. Any person who wishes to file a rebuttal to any other person’s submission must file that rebuttal by December 11, 2013. The Commission is asking that commenters address the merit of ISE’s statements in support of the proposal. Specifically, the Commission is requesting comment on the following: • What are commenters’ views regarding whether the terms of the proposal sufficiently mitigate concerns about potential manipulation and potential market disruption to support trading this product without position limits? • What are commenters’ views regarding the settlement methodology for the Index options and the additional information the Exchange has provided to support its contention that manipulation of the Index would be very difficult, particularly around the time when the settlement value is determined? 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– ISE–2013–42 on the subject line. Paper Comments mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES • Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 47 Section 19(b)(2) of the Act, as amended by the Securities Acts Amendments of 1975, Public Law 94–29, 89 Stat. 97 (1975), grants the Commission flexibility to determine what type of proceeding— either oral or notice and opportunity for written comments—is appropriate for consideration of a particular proposal by a self-regulatory organization. See Securities Acts Amendments of 1975, Report of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs to Accompany S. 249, S. Rep. No. 75, 94th Cong., 1st Sess. 30 (1975). VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:25 Nov 05, 2013 Jkt 232001 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–ISE–2013–42. 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–ISE– 2013–42 and should be submitted on or before November 27, 2013. Rebuttal comments should be submitted by December 11, 2013. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.48 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. 66801 FMCSA announces the charter renewal of the MCSAC, a Federal Advisory Committee that provides the Agency with advice and recommendations on motor carrier safety programs and motor carrier safety regulations through a consensus process. This charter renewal will took effect on October 1, 2013, and will expire after 2 years. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Shannon L. Watson, Senior Advisor to the Associate Administrator for Policy, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, (202) 385–2395, mcsac@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92– 463), FMCSA is giving notice of the charter renewal for the MCSAC. The MCSAC was established to provide FMCSA with advice and recommendations on motor carrier safety programs and motor carrier safety regulations. The MCSAC is composed of 20 voting representatives from safety advocacy, safety enforcement, labor, and industry stakeholders of motor carrier safety. The diversity of the Committee ensures the requisite range of views and expertise necessary to discharge its responsibilities. The Committee operates as a discretionary committee under the authority of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), established in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. See FMCSA’s MCSAC Web site for additional information about the committees activities at https://mcsac.fmcsa.dot.gov/. SUMMARY: [FR Doc. 2013–26552 Filed 11–5–13; 8:45 am] Issued on: October 31, 2013. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. BILLING CODE 8011–01–P [FR Doc. 2013–26545 Filed 11–5–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FMCSA–2006–26367] [Docket No. AB 290 (Sub-No. 349X)] Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee; Charter Renewal Norfolk Southern Railway Company— Abandonment Exemption—in St. Joseph County, Ind. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Announcement of advisory committee charter renewal. AGENCY: 48 17 PO 00000 CFR 200.30–3(a)(57). Frm 00121 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 subpart F–Exempt Abandonments to abandon a total of approximately 1.5 miles of rail line located in the City of E:\FR\FM\06NON1.SGM 06NON1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 215 (Wednesday, November 6, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66798-66801]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26552]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-70787; File No. SR-ISE-2013-42]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange,
LLC; Order Instituting Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or
Disapprove a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To
List Options on the Nations VolDex Index

October 31, 2013.

I. Introduction

On July 17, 2013, the International Securities Exchange, LLC
(``Exchange'' or ``ISE'') filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (``Commission''), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4
thereunder,\2\ a proposed rule change to list options on the Nations
VolDex Index (``Index''). The proposed rule change was published for
comment in the Federal Register on August 2, 2013.\3\ The Commission
received one comment letter on the proposed rule change.\4\ On
September 10, 2013, the Commission extended the time period for
Commission action to October 31, 2013.\5\ On October 29, 2013, ISE
submitted a response to the comment letter.\6\ On October 30, 2013, ISE
submitted Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change. This order
institutes proceedings under Section 19(b)(2)(B) of the Act \7\ to
determine whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule change, as
modified by Amendment No. 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
\3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 70059 (July 29,
2013), 78 FR 47041 (``Notice'').
\4\ See letter to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Commission,
from Edward T. Tilly, Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Board Options
Exchange, Incorporated (``CBOE''), dated August 23, 2013 (``CBOE
Letter'').
\5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 70362, 78 FR 56955
(September 16, 2013).
\6\ See letter to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Commission,
from Michael J. Simon, Secretary and General Counsel, ISE, dated
October 29, 2013 (``ISE Letter'').
\7\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
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II. Description of the Proposal

The Exchange proposes to list and trade cash-settled, European-
style options on the Index, which measures changes in implied
volatility of the SPDR S&P 500 Exchange-Traded Fund (``SPY'').\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\8\ According to the Exchange, SPY is historically the largest
and most actively-traded exchange-traded fund in the United States
as measured by its assets under management and the value of shares
traded. Specifically, the Exchange states that, according to State
Street Global Advisor, the Trustee of SPY, as of June 20, 2013, the
net assets under management in SPY was approximately $106.8 billion;
the weighted average market capitalization of the portfolio
components was approximately $106 billion; the smallest market
capitalization was approximately $2.1 billion (Apollo Group Inc.,
ticker: APOL), and the largest was approximately $395.9 billion
(ExxonMobil, ticker: XOM). Further, according to the Exchange, for
the three months ending on June 20, 2013, the average daily volume
in SPY shares was 137 million, and the average value of shares
traded was $22.1 billion. According to the Exchange, for the same
period, the average daily volume in SPY options was approximately
2.8 million contracts and open interest in SPY options was
approximately 25.2 million contracts. See Notice, supra note 3, at
47042.
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The Index is calculated using a methodology developed by
NationsShares, which uses published real-time bid/ask quotes of SPY
options.\9\ The Index will be calculated and maintained by a
calculation agent acting on behalf of NationsShares. The Index will be
updated on a real-time basis on each trading day beginning at 9:30 a.m.
and ending at 4:15 p.m. (New York time).\10\ Values of the Index also
will be disseminated every 15 seconds during the Exchange's regular
trading hours to market information vendors such as Bloomberg and
Thomson Reuters. In the event the Index ceases to be maintained or
calculated, or its values are not disseminated every 15 seconds by a
widely available source, the Exchange will not list any additional
series for trading and will limit all transactions in such options to
closing transactions only for the purpose of maintaining a fair and
orderly market and protecting investors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\9\ See id. (describing in more detail the calculation
methodology for the Index).
\10\ If the current published value of a component is not
available, the last published value will be used in the calculation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Exchange proposes that the standard trading hours for index
options (9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., New York time) will apply to options
on the Index. Options on the Index will expire on the Wednesday that is
thirty days prior to the third Friday of the calendar month immediately
following the expiration month. Trading in expiring options on the
Index will normally cease at 4:15 p.m. (New York time) on the Tuesday
preceding an expiration Wednesday. The exercise and settlement value
will be calculated on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. (New York time) using the
mid-point of the NBBO for the SPY options used in the calculation of
the Index at that time. The exercise-settlement amount is equal to the
difference between the settlement value and the exercise price of the
option, multiplied by $100. Exercise will result in the delivery of
cash on the business day following expiration.
In Amendment No. 1, the Exchange expresses its view that
manipulation of the Index would be very difficult, particularly around
the time when the settlement value is determined. According to the
Exchange, the Index options will be settled using a calculation based
on the mid-point NBBO of the input components, a methodology unlike how
other index settlement values are determined, as most of those are
calculated based on transaction prices of the individual index
components. The Exchange believes that manipulating the Index
settlement value will be difficult based on the dynamics of a quote-
based calculation methodology as opposed to a single transaction price
and because the option prices themselves would make such an endeavor
cost prohibitive. Further, according to the Exchange, the vast
liquidity of SPY options as well as the underlying SPY shares ensures a
multitude of market participants at any given time--at least 19 market
makers actively traded SPY options on ISE during September 2013 on any
given day, and there are now 12 options exchanges that list SPY
options. Due to the high level of participation among market makers
that can enter quotes in SPY options series, the Exchange believes it
would be very difficult for a single participant to alter the NBBO
width across multiple series in any significant way without exposing
the would-be manipulator to regulatory scrutiny and financial costs.
The Exchange proposes to adopt minimum trading increments for

[[Page 66799]]

options on the Index to be $0.05 for series trading below $3, and $0.10
for series trading at or above $3. The Exchange also proposes to set
the minimum strike price interval for options on the Index at $1 or
greater when the strike price is $200 or less, and $5 or greater when
the strike price is greater than $200. Currently, when new series of
index options with a new expiration date are opened for trading, or
when additional series of index options in an existing expiration date
are opened for trading as the current value of the underlying index
moves substantially from the exercise prices of series already opened,
the exercise prices of such new or additional series must be reasonably
related to the current value of the underlying index at the time such
series are first opened for trading.\11\ The Exchange, however,
proposes to eliminate this range limitation that would otherwise limit
the number of $1 strikes that may be listed in options on the Index.
The Exchange's proposal to eliminate this range limitation is identical
to strike price intervals adopted by CBOE for the CBOE Volatility Index
(``VIX'').\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\11\ See ISE Rule 2009(c)(3). The term ``reasonably related to
the current index value of the underlying index'' means that the
exercise price is within thirty percent of the current index value.
See ISE Rule 2009(c)(4).
\12\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 63155 (October 21,
2010), 75 FR 66402 (October 28, 2010) (SR-CBOE-2010-096).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Exchange proposes to list options on the Index in the three
consecutive near-term expiration months plus up to three successive
expiration months in the March cycle.\13\ In addition, long-term option
series having up to sixty months to expiration,\14\ Short Term Option
Series,\15\ and Quarterly Options Series \16\ may also be traded.
Options on the Index will be quoted and traded in U.S. dollars.\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\13\ See ISE Rule 2009(a)(3).
\14\ See ISE Rule 2009(b)(1).
\15\ See ISE Rule 2009, Supplementary Material .01.
\16\ See ISE Rule 2009, Supplementary Material .02.
\17\ See ISE Rule 2009(a)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Exchange believes that the Index is a broad-based index, as
that term is defined in ISE Rule 2001(k).\18\ The Exchange proposes
that the Index should be treated as a broad-based index for purposes of
position limits, exercise limits, and margin requirements. Accordingly,
the Exchange proposes no position or exercise limits for options on the
Index \19\ and the Exchange proposes to apply margin requirements that
are identical to those applied for its other broad-based index options.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\18\ ISE Rule 2001(k) defines the terms ``market index'' and
``broad-based index'' to mean an index designed to be representative
of a stock market as a whole or of a range of companies in unrelated
industries.
\19\ The Exchange believes that because the Index will settle
using published quotes of SPY options and there are currently no
position limits for SPY options, it is appropriate not to impose
position or exercise limits for options on the Index. The Exchange
notes that because the size of the market underlying SPY options is
so large, it should dispel concerns regarding market manipulation.
The Exchange believes that the same reasoning applies to options on
the Index since the value of options on the Index is derived from
the volatility of SPY, as implied by SPY options. The Exchange also
notes that VIX options are not subject to any position or exercise
limits. See Notice, supra note 3, at 47043.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition, the Exchange proposes that the trading of options on
the Index will be subject to the same rules that currently govern the
trading of Exchange index options, including sales practice rules and
trading rules. Trading of options on the Index will also be subject to
the trading halt procedures applicable to other index options traded on
the Exchange.\20\ Further, Chapter 6 of the Exchange's rules, which is
designed to protect public customer trading, will apply to trading in
options on the Index.\21\ A trading license issued by the Exchange will
also be required for all market makers to effect transactions as market
makers in the Index options in accordance with ISE Rule 2013.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\20\ See ISE Rule 2008(c).
\21\ The Exchange notes that ISE Rules 608(a) and (b) prohibit
Members from accepting a customer order to purchase or write an
option, including options on the Index, unless such customer's
account has been approved in writing by a designated Options
Principal of the Member. In addition, ISE's Rule 610, regarding
suitability, is designed to ensure that options, including options
on the Index, are only sold to customers capable of evaluating and
bearing the risks associated with trading in this instrument.
Further, ISE Rule 611 permits members to exercise discretionary
power with respect to trading options, including options on the
Index, in a customer's account only if the Member has received prior
written authorization from the customer and the account had been
accepted in writing by a designated Options Principal. According to
the Exchange, ISE Rule 611 also requires designated Options
Principals or Representatives of a Member to approve and initial
each discretionary order, including discretionary orders for options
on the Index, on the day the discretionary order is entered.
Finally, ISE Rule 609, Supervision of Accounts, Rule 612,
Confirmation to Customers, and Rule 616, Delivery of Current Options
Disclosure Documents and Prospectus, will also apply to trading in
options on the Index. See Notice, supra note 3, at 47043-44.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Exchange represents that it has an adequate surveillance
program in place for options on the Index and intends to apply those
same program procedures that it applies to the Exchange's other options
products. Further, in Amendment No. 1, the Exchange states that it will
monitor for any potential manipulation of the Index settlement value
both according to its current procedures and additional surveillance
measures.\22\ Additionally, the Exchange notes that it is a member of
the Intermarket Surveillance Group, through which it can coordinate
surveillance and investigative information sharing in the stock and
options markets with all of the U.S. registered stock and options
markets. The Exchange also represents that it has the necessary system
capacity to support additional quotations and messages that will result
from the listing and trading of options on the Index.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\22\ The Exchange represents that it will review the opening ISE
BBO (``IBBO'') for the input options components to determine if the
IBBO had an effect on the NBBO for these options series. If it did,
the Exchange can determine which member entered the IBBO quote and
review the member's position and quoting activity to determine if
the quote may have been entered to impact the NBBO. The Exchange
also represents that it will compare the Index settlement value to
the subsequent disseminated value. If the difference between these
two values is significant, the Exchange will review the opening
quotes used in the calculation of the Index across all marketplaces
to determine which exchange(s) contributed to opening NBBO quote(s)
and contact the exchange(s) that entered the quote(s).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Comment Letters

As noted above, the Commission received one comment letter
regarding the proposed rule change.\23\ In its comment letter, CBOE
argues that the Index should not be treated as a broad-based security
index for regulatory purposes.\24\ Specifically, CBOE notes that the
spot calculation of the Index would be comprised of a total of four
component SPY put options and that the settlement value for the Index
option would be calculated using the opening NBBO quotations of those
component options.\25\ CBOE states that the component weights of the
four put options used to calculate the Index can become highly
concentrated in just one or two component options, depending on the
time to expiration and the relationship of the forward SPY price to the
strike prices of the component options.\26\ In this regard, CBOE
questions the Exchange's proposal not to impose position limits for
options on the Index.\27\ In particular, CBOE asserts that, although
the Commission has permitted some broad-based security index options to
have no position limits, the same rationale should not apply to the
proposed Index options because they are not options on a broad-based
security index.\28\ CBOE argues that the more analogous comparison for
position limit treatment is the Alpha Index

[[Page 66800]]

options that trade on NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (``Phlx'').\29\ According to
CBOE, Alpha Index options are cash-settled index options that measure
the relative performance of two securities (a target component and a
benchmark component), and all approved Alpha Index pairs include SPY as
the benchmark component.\30\ CBOE notes that Alpha Index options where
the target component is an exchange-traded fund have a position limit
of 15,000 contracts, and Alpha Index options where the target component
is a single stock have a position limit of 60,000 contracts.\31\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\23\ See CBOE Letter, supra note 4.
\24\ See id., at 1-2.
\25\ See id., at 1.
\26\ See id.
\27\ See id., at 2-3.
\28\ See id., at 2.
\29\ See id.
\30\ See id.
\31\ See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In its response letter, ISE draws an analogy between the Index and
the VIX.\32\ ISE argues that, as with the VIX, designating the Index as
a broad-based index should not be based only on the number of
components that the index contains, but rather, on the economic
exposure that the underlying reference seeks to provide.\33\ ISE states
that, according to CBOE, the VIX is a key measure of the market
expectations of near-term volatility conveyed by options on the S&P 500
Index.\34\ ISE asserts that the Index provides a similar economic
exposure as exposure to the VIX because it measures changes in implied
volatility of SPY, which is a broad-based exchange-traded fund based on
the price and yield of the stocks held in the SPY portfolio.\35\ ISE
therefore concludes that the Index should similarly be treated as
broad-based by looking through to the exposure provided by the
underlying reference.\36\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\32\ ISE notes that CBOE sought to designate the VIX as a broad-
based index. See ISE Letter, supra note 6, at 1.
\33\ See id., at 2.
\34\ See id.
\35\ See id.
\36\ See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In its response letter, ISE also argues that the proposed Index
options are not analogous to Alpha Index options.\37\ In particular,
ISE points out that Phlx's Alpha Index options involve the pairing of a
single equity security or an exchange-traded fund that has a position
limit against the SPY that has no position limit.\38\ ISE believes
that, because the pairing includes one security that has position
limits, it does not follow that the combined new index should have no
position limits.\39\ In contrast, ISE believes that its proposal to
apply no position limits to the Index options is appropriate.\40\
Further, as discussed above, in Amendment No. 1, the Exchange provides
additional information regarding the potential for manipulation of the
settlement value of the Index and the additional surveillance measures
that the Exchange will undertake with respect to the Index options.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\37\ See id.
\38\ See id.
\39\ See id.
\40\ See id., at 2-3. See also supra note 19. In its response
letter, ISE also states that ISE members are bound by the initial
and maintenance margin requirements of either CBOE or the New York
Stock Exchange. See ISE Letter, supra note 6, at 3. ISE clarifies
that although CBOE has margin rules designed for individual stock-
or ETF-based volatility index options, its proposal intends to
require compliance with CBOE's margin rules applicable to broad-
based index options rather than its specialized rules adopted for
specified individual stock- or ETF-based volatility index options.
See id. See also text accompanying supra note 19.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or Disapprove SR-ISE-
2013-42 and Grounds for Disapproval Under Consideration

The Commission is instituting proceedings pursuant to Section
19(b)(2)(B) \41\ of the Act to determine whether the proposed rule
change should be approved or disapproved. Institution of such
proceedings is appropriate at this time in view of the legal and policy
issues raised by the proposed rule change. Institution of proceedings
does not indicate that the Commission has reached any conclusions with
respect to any of the issues involved. Rather, as described in greater
detail below, the Commission seeks and encourages interested persons to
provide additional comment on the proposed rule change to inform the
Commission's analysis of whether to approve or disapprove the proposed
rule change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\41\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pursuant to Section 19(b)(2)(B),\42\ the Commission is providing
notice of the grounds for disapproval under consideration. The section
of the Act applicable to the proposed rule change that provides the
grounds for the disapproval (or approval) under consideration is
Section 6(b)(5),\43\ which requires that the rules of an exchange be
designed, among other things, to prevent fraudulent and manipulative
acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade,
to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open
market and a national market system and, in general, to protect
investors and the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\42\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
\43\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

As discussed above, the proposed rule change would allow ISE to
list and trade cash-settled, European-style options on the Index, which
measures changes in implied volatility of the SPY. As proposed, the
Index options would be treated as broad-based index options for
purposes of position limits, exercise limits, and margin. Accordingly,
ISE proposes no position or exercise limits for the Index options. In
addition, the exercise and settlement value will be calculated on
expiration Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. using the mid-point of the NBBO for
the SPY options that compose the Index, a methodology that ISE states
is unlike how other index settlement values are determined, as most of
those are calculated based on transaction prices of the individual
index components.\44\ In Amendment No. 1, ISE asserts that manipulation
of the Index would be very difficult, particularly around the time when
the settlement value is determined.\45\ The Exchange believes that
manipulating the Index settlement value will be difficult based on the
dynamics of a quote-based calculation methodology as opposed to a
single transaction price and because the option prices themselves would
make such an endeavor cost prohibitive. In addition, the Exchange
contends that its surveillance procedures currently in place, coupled
with the additional measures proposed in Amendment No. 1, would allow
for adequate surveillance for any potential manipulation in the trading
of the Index options.\46\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\44\ See Amendment No. 1.
\45\ See id.
\46\ See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Commission believes that questions remain as to whether the
proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of Section
6(b)(5) of the Act, including whether the proposed rules to allow the
listing and trading of the Index options are designed to protect
investors and the public interest and to prevent fraudulent and
manipulative acts and practices. Thus, the Commission believes the
issues raised by the proposed rule change can benefit from additional
consideration and evaluation in light of the requirements of Section
6(b)(5) of the Act.

V. Procedure: Request for Written Comments

The Commission requests that interested persons provide written
submissions of their views, data, and arguments with respect to the
issues identified above, as well as any others they may have identified
with the proposal. In particular, the Commission invites the written
views of interested

[[Page 66801]]

persons concerning whether the proposed rule change is consistent with
Section 6(b)(5) or any other provision of the Act, or the rules and
regulations thereunder. Although there do not appear to be any issues
relevant to approval or disapproval which would be facilitated by an
oral presentation of views, data, and arguments, the Commission will
consider, pursuant to Rule 19b-4, any request for an opportunity to
make an oral presentation.\47\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\47\ Section 19(b)(2) of the Act, as amended by the Securities
Acts Amendments of 1975, Public Law 94-29, 89 Stat. 97 (1975),
grants the Commission flexibility to determine what type of
proceeding--either oral or notice and opportunity for written
comments--is appropriate for consideration of a particular proposal
by a self-regulatory organization. See Securities Acts Amendments of
1975, Report of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban
Affairs to Accompany S. 249, S. Rep. No. 75, 94th Cong., 1st Sess.
30 (1975).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
arguments regarding whether the proposed rule change should be approved
or disapproved by November 27, 2013. Any person who wishes to file a
rebuttal to any other person's submission must file that rebuttal by
December 11, 2013.
The Commission is asking that commenters address the merit of ISE's
statements in support of the proposal. Specifically, the Commission is
requesting comment on the following:
What are commenters' views regarding whether the terms of
the proposal sufficiently mitigate concerns about potential
manipulation and potential market disruption to support trading this
product without position limits?
What are commenters' views regarding the settlement
methodology for the Index options and the additional information the
Exchange has provided to support its contention that manipulation of
the Index would be very difficult, particularly around the time when
the settlement value is determined?
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-ISE-2013-42 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-ISE-2013-42. 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-ISE-2013-42 and should be
submitted on or before November 27, 2013. Rebuttal comments should be
submitted by December 11, 2013.

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\48\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\48\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(57).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013-26552 Filed 11-5-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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