Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending Commentary .08 to Rule 6.4 To Modify the Quarterly Option Series Program To Eliminate the Cap on the Number of Additional Series That May Be Listed Per Expiration Month for Each QOS in Exchange-Traded Fund Options, 69493-69496 [2013-27621]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 223 / Tuesday, November 19, 2013 / Notices A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–70855; File No. SR– NYSEArca–2013–120] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending Commentary .08 to Rule 6.4 To Modify the Quarterly Option Series Program To Eliminate the Cap on the Number of Additional Series That May Be Listed Per Expiration Month for Each QOS in Exchange-Traded Fund Options November 13, 2013. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3 notice is hereby given that, on November 5, 2013, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory organization. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to amend Commentary .08 to Rule 6.4 to modify the Quarterly Option Series (‘‘QOS’’) Program to eliminate the cap on the number of additional series that may be listed per expiration month for each QOS in exchange-traded fund (‘‘ETF’’) options. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the self-regulatory organization included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of those statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant parts of such statements. 1 15 U.S.C.78s(b)(1). U.S.C. 78a. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 2 15 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:21 Nov 18, 2013 Jkt 232001 69493 1. Purpose The Exchange is proposing to amend Commentary .08(ii) to Rule 6.4 related to the QOS Program to eliminate the cap on the number of additional series that may be listed per expiration month for each QOS in ETF options.4 As set out in Commentary .08, the Exchange may list QOS for up to five currently listed options classes that are either index options or options on ETFs. The Exchange may also list QOS on any option classes that are selected by other securities exchanges that employ a similar program under their respective rules. Currently, for each QOS in ETF options that has been initially listed on the Exchange, the Exchange may list up to 60 additional series per expiration month. The Exchange is proposing to amend Commentary .08(ii) to make the treatment of QOS in ETF options consistent with the treatment of QOS in index options. NYSE Arca Options Rule 5.19(a)(3)(C) governs the QOS Program in index options. Index options include options on industry/narrow-based indices and options on market/broadbased indices.5 Options on ETFs are similar to index options because ETFs hold securities based on an index or portfolio of securities.6 The requirements and conditions of the QOS Program in index options, moreover, parallel those of the QOS Program in ETF options. For example, like the QOS Program in ETF options, the QOS Program in index options permits QOS in up to five currently-listed options classes; requires the listing of series that expire at the end of the next (as of the listing date) consecutive four quarters, as well as the fourth quarter of the next calendar year; requires the strike price of each QOS to be fixed at a price per share; and establishes parameters for the number of strike prices above and below the underlying index. The QOS Program in index options, however, does not place a cap on the number of additional series that the Exchange may list per expiration month for each QOS in index options. Elimination of the cap set out in Commentary .08(ii), therefore, would result in similar regulatory treatment of similar options products.7 The Exchange believes that the proposed revision to the QOS Program would provide market participants with the ability to better tailor their trading to meet their investment objectives, including hedging securities positions, by permitting the Exchange to list additional QOS in ETF options that meet such objectives. The Exchange has observed that situations arise in which additional strike prices in smaller intervals would be valuable to investors. However, due to the cap on additional QOS series the Exchange cannot always provide these important at-the-money strikes. Elimination of the cap would remedy this issue. Currently, the Exchange lists quarterly expiration options on six ETFs, but the cap restricts the number of strikes on these options, which often results in a lack of strike continuity. For example, the Exchange lists quarterly expiration options on SPDR Gold Trust (‘‘GLD’’). On January 2, 2013, the Exchange initially listed December 31, 2013 quarterly expiration options (‘‘December 2013 Quarterlies’’) on GLD, which closed the previous trading day at $162.02, with initial strikes from $115 to $210, and additional strikes in $1 intervals from $131 to $189. But during 4 A Quarterly Option Series is a series of an option class that is approved for listing and trading on the Exchange in which the series is opened for trading on any business day, and that expires at the close of business on the last business day of a calendar quarter. The Exchange lists series that expire at the end of the next consecutive four (4) calendar quarters, as well as the fourth quarter of the next calendar year. See NYSE Area Options Rules 6.1(b)(42) and 6.4, Commentary .08(i). 5 An ‘‘industry index’’ or ‘‘narrow-based index’’ is ‘‘an index designed to be representative of a particular industry or group of related industries.’’ See NYSE Arca Options Rule 5.10(b)(22). A ‘‘market index’’ or ‘‘broad-based index’’ is ‘‘an index designed to be representative of a stock market as a whole or of a range of companies in unrelated industries.’’ See NYSE Arca Options Rule 5.10(b)(23). 6 NYSE Arca Options Rule 6.1(b)(32) defines ‘‘Exchange-Traded Fund Share’’ as ‘‘Exchangelisted securities representing interests in open-end unit investment trusts or open-end management investment companies that hold securities (including fixed income securities) based on an index or a portfolio of securities.’’ 7 The Exchange notes that Rule 5.19(a)(3)(C)(ii), which governs the addition of new series of Quarterly Options Series on index options, states: ‘‘The Exchange may open additional strike prices of a Quarterly Options Series that are above the value of the underlying index provided that the total number of strike prices above the value of the underlying index is no greater than five. The Exchange may open additional strike prices of a Quarterly Options Series that are below the value of the underlying index provided that the total number of strike prices is below the value of the underlying index is no greater than five. The opening of any new Quarterly Options series shall not affect the series of options of the same class previously opened.’’ In practice, this means that the Exchange may add Quarterly Options Series at strikes above and below the current index value, so long as there are not more than five strikes above, and five strikes below, the current index value after such additions are made. The total number of Quarterly Options Series that can be listed at any one time is, therefore, theoretically unlimited, so long as there are no more than five strikes above (or below) a given index value when new strikes are added. PO 00000 Frm 00132 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\19NON1.SGM 19NON1 69494 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 223 / Tuesday, November 19, 2013 / Notices TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 2013, GLD has closed at a range of $115.94 to $163.67 and is currently trading around $125. As a result of the cap, the Exchange cannot offer December 2013 Quarterlies on GLD in $1 intervals within $10 of the closing price of GLD because the number of strikes would exceed the cap of 60 additional strikes. Consequently, the Exchange is not able to list important atthe-money strikes due to the cap on additional strikes. While the Exchange has the ability to delist strikes with no open interest so that it may list strikes that are closer to the money, delisting is not always possible. If all of the existing strikes have open interest, the Exchange cannot delist strikes so that it may list strikes closer to the money. But the Exchange is not subject to a similar cap on the number of additional weekly or monthly expiration options it can list on ETFs.8 So, for example, the Exchange can list additional weekly expiration options on GLD in $1 and $0.50 intervals within $5 of the closing price of GLD, and additional monthly expiration options in $1 intervals from $85 to $178. Therefore, due to the cap, the Exchange cannot list, and an investor cannot structure, an investment on a quarterly basis with the same granularity that can be achieved on a weekly or monthly basis. Similarly, the Exchange lists quarterly options on SPDR S&P 500 ETF (‘‘SPY’’), which during 2013 closed at a range of $145.55 to $173.05. Again, due to the cap, the Exchange cannot offer quarterly expiration options on SPY in $1 intervals above $170 because the number of additional strikes would exceed the cap of 60. Instead, the Exchange is forced to list quarterly expiration options on SPY at $5 intervals above $170, despite the fact that SPY has recently traded between $165 and $170. As such, if SPY would again increase to $170, then the Exchange would only be able to offer options with a strike price $5 away from the price of the underlying ETF due to the cap on additional strikes. On the other hand, in contrast to the limitations imposed on the Exchange for quarterly expiration options on ETFs, the absence of a similar cap on quarterly 8 For Short Term Options Series (‘‘weekly options’’), commentary .07 to Rule 6.4 sets a maximum number of strikes, but the Exchange can exceed this maximum number of strikes under certain circumstances. Specifically, ‘‘in the event that the underlying security has moved such that there are no series that are at least 10% above or below the current price of the underlying security and all existing series have open interest, the Exchange may list additional series, in excess of the 30 allowed under Commentary .07, that are between 10% and 30% above or below the price of the underlying security.’’ VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:21 Nov 18, 2013 Jkt 232001 expiration options on indexes means that the Exchange can list, and investors can achieve, more granularity in indexbased options. For example, S&P 500 Mini–SPX options (‘‘SPX’’) are options on the S&P 500 index, as opposed to options on SPY, the ETF based on that same S&P 500 index. SPX options are used to hedge SPY positions and are traded at the equivalent of one point and one-half point intervals. The SPX trades at 10 times the value of SPY, so that if SPY trades at $168.70, SPX trades at $1687. Therefore, the strike price for a quarterly expiration option on SPX, that is a hedge for a quarterly expiration option on SPY at $170, would be $1700. The Exchange can offer quarterly expiration options on SPX with strike prices of $1670, $1680, $1690, and $1700 because there is no cap on quarterly expiration index-based options. However, the Exchange cannot similarly offer quarterly expiration options on SPY with similar strike price continuity because of the cap on quarterly expiration ETF-based options. Elimination of the cap would also help market participants meet their investment objectives by providing expanded opportunities to roll ETF options into later quarters. For example, a market participant that holds one or more contracts in a QOS in an ETF put option that has a strike price of $120 and an expiration date of the last day of the third quarter may wish to roll that position into the fourth quarter. That is, the market participant may wish to close out the contracts set to expire at the end of the third quarter and instead establish a position in the same number of contracts in a QOS in a put option on the same ETF with the same strike price of $120, but with an expiration date of the last day of the fourth quarter. Because of the cap on additional QOS in ETF options, however, the Exchange may not be able to list additional QOS in the ETF. Elimination of the cap, though, would allow the Exchange to meet the investment needs of market participants in such situations. The Exchange has sufficient capacity to handle increased quote and trade reporting traffic that might be expected to result from listing additional QOS in ETF options. The Exchange notes that it has purchased capacity from the Options Price Reporting Authority (‘‘OPRA’’) to handle its options quote and trade reporting traffic.9 The Exchange believes that it has acquired sufficient capacity to handle increased 9 See Exchange Act Release No. 48822 (Nov. 21, 2003), 68 FR 66892 (Nov. 28, 2003) (SR–OPRA– 2003–01) (requiring exchanges to acquire options market data transmission capacity independently, rather than jointly). PO 00000 Frm 00133 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 quote and trade reporting traffic that might be expected to result from listing additional QOS in ETF options.10 In the Exchange’s view, it would be inconsistent to prohibit the listing of additional QOS beyond a specified cap when each exchange independently purchases capacity to meet its quote and trade reporting traffic needs. Moreover, the Exchange has in place a quote mitigation plan that helps it maintain sufficient capacity to handle quote traffic. The plan, which has been approved by the Commission, reduces the number of quotations that the Exchange disseminates by limiting disseminated quotes to active options series only.11 To help ensure that only active options series are listed, the Exchange also has in place procedures to delist inactive series. Commentary .08(iii) to Rule 6.4 requires the Exchange to review QOS that are outside of a range of five strikes above and five strikes below the current price of the underlying ETF. Based on that review, the Exchange must delist series with no open interest in both the call and the put series having (i) a strike price higher than the highest price with open interest in the put and/or call series for a given expiration month, and (ii) a strike price lower than the lowest strike price with open interest in the put and/or call series for a given expiration month. The Exchange’s experience with listing additional QOS in ETF options at the end of 2008 also indicates that it has sufficient capacity to handle increased order and quote traffic that might be expected to result from listing additional QOS in ETF options. Commentary .08(iv) to Rule 6.4 established a temporary rule that permitted the Exchange to list up to 100 additional series per expiration month for each QOS in ETF option in the fourth quarter of 2008, and for the new expiration month being added after the December 2008 QOS expiration.12 The 10 The SEC has relied upon an exchange’s representation that it has sufficient capacity to support new options series in approving a rule amendment permitting the listing of additional option series. See Exchange Act Release No. 57410 (Jan. 17 [sic], 2008), 73 FR 12483, 12484 (Mar. 7, 2008) (SR–CBOE–2007–96) (amendments to CBOE Rule 5.5(e)(3)) (‘‘In approving the proposed rule change, the Commission has relied upon the Exchange’s representation that it has the necessary systems capacity to support new options series that will result from this proposal’’). 11 NYSE Arca’s quote mitigation plan is provided for in Commentary .03 to NYSE Arca Rule 6.86, adopted in 2007. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55156 (Jan. 23, 2007), 72 FR 4759 (Feb. 21 [sic], 2007) (SR–NYSEArca–2006–73). 12 See Exchange Act Release No. 59012 (Nov. 24, 2008), 73 FR 73371 (Dec. 2, 2008) (SR–NYSEArca– 2008–131). The Exchange amended Commentary E:\FR\FM\19NON1.SGM 19NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 223 / Tuesday, November 19, 2013 / Notices Exchange did not experience capacity constraints during this temporary increase. Finally, the Exchange is proposing to make a technical amendment to Commentary .08(ii) to Rule 6.4. Currently, the Commentary states that the Exchange may open for trading additional Quarterly Options Series that are more than 30% away from the current index value; however, the provision is meant to reference the price of the underlying ETF. The Exchange is also deleting Commentary .08(iv) to Rule 6.4. As noted, Commentary .08(iv) temporarily increased the number of additional QOS in ETF options that could be added by the Exchange from 60 to 100. Now that the pilot program has expired, there is no need for the continued inclusion of paragraph (iv) in Commentary .08. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,13 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5),14 in particular, in that it is designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is designed to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market because it will expand the investment options available to investors and will allow for more efficient risk management. The Exchange believes that removing the cap on the number of QOS in ETF options permitted to be listed on the Exchange will result in a continuing benefit to investors by giving them more flexibility to closely tailor their investment and hedging decisions to their needs, and therefore, the proposal is designed to protect investors and the public interest. Additionally, by removing the cap, the proposed rule change will make the treatment of QOS in ETF options consistent with the treatment of QOS in index options, thus resulting in similar regulatory treatment for similar options products. While the expansion of the number of QOS in ETF options is expected to generate additional quote traffic, the .08 to add paragraph (iv) during the financial crisis in 2008. The amendment was in response to requests for lower priced strikes on certain ETFs. Other options exchanges amended their rules quarterly options series rules to permit the listing of additional series in ETF options. See, e.g., 73 FR 12483 (amendments to CBOE Rule 5.5(e)(3)). 13 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 14 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:21 Nov 18, 2013 Jkt 232001 Exchange believes that this increased traffic will be manageable and will not present capacity problems. As previously stated, the Exchange has in place a quote mitigation plan that helps it maintain sufficient capacity to handle quote traffic. To help ensure that only active options series are listed, Exchange procedures are designed to delist inactive series, ensuring that any additional quote traffic is a result of interest in active series. The Exchange believes it is appropriate to eliminate obsolete or outof-date rule text from the rule book. Specifically, the technical amendment to Commentary .08(ii) to Rule 6.4 is appropriate as the correction will lessen the likelihood for investor confusion. Further, elimination of Commentary .08(iv) to Rule 6.4 is appropriate as the removal will also lessen the likelihood for investor confusion by deleting rules that no longer are applicable. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. Specifically, the Exchange believes that investors would benefit from the introduction of additional QOS in ETF options by providing investors with more flexibility to closely tailor their investment and hedging decisions to their needs. Additionally, Exchange procedures for delisting inactive series will ensure that only active series with sufficient investor interest will be made available and maintained on the Exchange. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 days after the date of the filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to Section PO 00000 Frm 00134 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 69495 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 15 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) 16 thereunder. 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) 17 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 rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– NYSEArca–2013–120 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–NYSEArca–2013–120. 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 15 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement. 17 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B). 16 17 E:\FR\FM\19NON1.SGM 19NON1 69496 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 223 / Tuesday, November 19, 2013 / Notices 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– NYSEArca–2013–120 and should be submitted on or before December 10, 2013. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.18 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2013–27621 Filed 11–18–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–70858; File No. SR–BOX– 2013–52] Self-Regulatory Organizations; BOX Options Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend the BOX Fee Schedule To Specify the Frequency With Which the Exchange May Change the Options Regulatory Fee TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES November 13, 2013. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on October 31, 2013, BOX Options Exchange LLC (the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act,3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) thereunder,4 which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission. The 18 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 1 15 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:21 Nov 18, 2013 Jkt 232001 Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange is filing with the Commission a proposed rule change to amend the Fee Schedule to specify the frequency with which the Exchange may change the Options Regulatory Fee (‘‘ORF’’) on the BOX Market LLC (‘‘BOX’’) options facility. While changes to the fee schedule pursuant to this proposal will be effective upon filing, the changes will become operative on November 1, 2013. The text of the proposed rule change is available from the principal office of the Exchange, at the Commission’s Public Reference Room and also on the Exchange’s Internet Web site at https:// boxexchange.com. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to amend the Fee Schedule for trading on BOX to specify the frequency with which the Exchange may change the ORF. The Exchange proposes to implement the change effective November 1, 2013. The ORF is assessed by the Exchange on each BOX Options Participant for all options transactions executed or cleared by the BOX Options Participant that are cleared by The Options Clearing Corporation (‘‘OCC’’) in the customer range (i.e., transactions that clear in the customer account of the BOX Options Participant’s clearing firm at OCC) regardless of the exchange on which the transaction occurs. The fee is collected indirectly from BOX Options Participants through their clearing firms by OCC on behalf of the Exchange. The dues and fees paid by BOX Options PO 00000 Frm 00135 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Participants go into the general funds of the Exchange, a portion of which is used to help pay the costs of regulation. In response to feedback from participants requesting greater certainty as to when ORF changes may occur, the Exchange proposes to specify in the Fee Schedule that the Exchange may only increase or decrease the ORF semiannually, and any such fee change will be effective on the first business day of February or August. The Exchange has previously committed to monitor the amount of revenue collected from the ORF so that it, in combination with its other regulatory fees and fines, does not exceed regulatory costs. In addition to submitting a proposed rule change to the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) as required by the Act to increase or decrease the ORF, the Exchange will notify Participants via an Informational Circular of any anticipated change in the amount of the fee at least 30 calendar days prior to the effective date of the change. The Exchange believes that by providing guidance on the timing of any changes to the ORF, the Exchange would make it easier for participants to ensure their systems are configured to properly account for the ORF. The proposed change is not intended to address any other issues, and the Exchange is not aware of any problems that BOX Options Participants would have in complying with the proposed change. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent with the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act, in general, and Section 6(b)(4) and 6(b)(5) of the Act,5 in particular, in that it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among BOX Participants and other persons using its facilities and does not unfairly discriminate between customers, issuers, brokers or dealers. The Exchange believes that the proposed change to limit changes to the ORF to twice a year on specific dates with advance notice is reasonable because it will give participants certainty on the timing of changes, if any, and better enable them to properly account for ORF charges among their customers. The Exchange believes that the proposed change is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory because it will apply in the same manner to all BOX Options Participants that are subject to the ORF and provide them 5 15 E:\FR\FM\19NON1.SGM U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5). 19NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 223 (Tuesday, November 19, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69493-69496]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27621]



[[Page 69493]]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-70855; File No. SR-NYSEArca-2013-120]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing 
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending Commentary 
.08 to Rule 6.4 To Modify the Quarterly Option Series Program To 
Eliminate the Cap on the Number of Additional Series That May Be Listed 
Per Expiration Month for Each QOS in Exchange-Traded Fund Options

November 13, 2013.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 (the ``Act'') \2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby 
given that, on November 5, 2013, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the ``Exchange'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or 
``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II 
below, which Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory 
organization. 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\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 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 amend Commentary .08 to Rule 6.4 to modify 
the Quarterly Option Series (``QOS'') Program to eliminate the cap on 
the number of additional series that may be listed per expiration month 
for each QOS in exchange-traded fund (``ETF'') options. The text of the 
proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site at 
www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the 
Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange is proposing to amend Commentary .08(ii) to Rule 6.4 
related to the QOS Program to eliminate the cap on the number of 
additional series that may be listed per expiration month for each QOS 
in ETF options.\4\ As set out in Commentary .08, the Exchange may list 
QOS for up to five currently listed options classes that are either 
index options or options on ETFs. The Exchange may also list QOS on any 
option classes that are selected by other securities exchanges that 
employ a similar program under their respective rules. Currently, for 
each QOS in ETF options that has been initially listed on the Exchange, 
the Exchange may list up to 60 additional series per expiration month.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ A Quarterly Option Series is a series of an option class 
that is approved for listing and trading on the Exchange in which 
the series is opened for trading on any business day, and that 
expires at the close of business on the last business day of a 
calendar quarter. The Exchange lists series that expire at the end 
of the next consecutive four (4) calendar quarters, as well as the 
fourth quarter of the next calendar year. See NYSE Area Options 
Rules 6.1(b)(42) and 6.4, Commentary .08(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange is proposing to amend Commentary .08(ii) to make the 
treatment of QOS in ETF options consistent with the treatment of QOS in 
index options. NYSE Arca Options Rule 5.19(a)(3)(C) governs the QOS 
Program in index options. Index options include options on industry/
narrow-based indices and options on market/broad-based indices.\5\ 
Options on ETFs are similar to index options because ETFs hold 
securities based on an index or portfolio of securities.\6\ The 
requirements and conditions of the QOS Program in index options, 
moreover, parallel those of the QOS Program in ETF options. For 
example, like the QOS Program in ETF options, the QOS Program in index 
options permits QOS in up to five currently-listed options classes; 
requires the listing of series that expire at the end of the next (as 
of the listing date) consecutive four quarters, as well as the fourth 
quarter of the next calendar year; requires the strike price of each 
QOS to be fixed at a price per share; and establishes parameters for 
the number of strike prices above and below the underlying index. The 
QOS Program in index options, however, does not place a cap on the 
number of additional series that the Exchange may list per expiration 
month for each QOS in index options. Elimination of the cap set out in 
Commentary .08(ii), therefore, would result in similar regulatory 
treatment of similar options products.\7\
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    \5\ An ``industry index'' or ``narrow-based index'' is ``an 
index designed to be representative of a particular industry or 
group of related industries.'' See NYSE Arca Options Rule 
5.10(b)(22). A ``market index'' or ``broad-based index'' is ``an 
index designed to be representative of a stock market as a whole or 
of a range of companies in unrelated industries.'' See NYSE Arca 
Options Rule 5.10(b)(23).
    \6\ NYSE Arca Options Rule 6.1(b)(32) defines ``Exchange-Traded 
Fund Share'' as ``Exchange-listed securities representing interests 
in open-end unit investment trusts or open-end management investment 
companies that hold securities (including fixed income securities) 
based on an index or a portfolio of securities.''
    \7\ The Exchange notes that Rule 5.19(a)(3)(C)(ii), which 
governs the addition of new series of Quarterly Options Series on 
index options, states: ``The Exchange may open additional strike 
prices of a Quarterly Options Series that are above the value of the 
underlying index provided that the total number of strike prices 
above the value of the underlying index is no greater than five. The 
Exchange may open additional strike prices of a Quarterly Options 
Series that are below the value of the underlying index provided 
that the total number of strike prices is below the value of the 
underlying index is no greater than five. The opening of any new 
Quarterly Options series shall not affect the series of options of 
the same class previously opened.'' In practice, this means that the 
Exchange may add Quarterly Options Series at strikes above and below 
the current index value, so long as there are not more than five 
strikes above, and five strikes below, the current index value after 
such additions are made. The total number of Quarterly Options 
Series that can be listed at any one time is, therefore, 
theoretically unlimited, so long as there are no more than five 
strikes above (or below) a given index value when new strikes are 
added.
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    The Exchange believes that the proposed revision to the QOS Program 
would provide market participants with the ability to better tailor 
their trading to meet their investment objectives, including hedging 
securities positions, by permitting the Exchange to list additional QOS 
in ETF options that meet such objectives. The Exchange has observed 
that situations arise in which additional strike prices in smaller 
intervals would be valuable to investors. However, due to the cap on 
additional QOS series the Exchange cannot always provide these 
important at-the-money strikes. Elimination of the cap would remedy 
this issue.
    Currently, the Exchange lists quarterly expiration options on six 
ETFs, but the cap restricts the number of strikes on these options, 
which often results in a lack of strike continuity. For example, the 
Exchange lists quarterly expiration options on SPDR Gold Trust 
(``GLD''). On January 2, 2013, the Exchange initially listed December 
31, 2013 quarterly expiration options (``December 2013 Quarterlies'') 
on GLD, which closed the previous trading day at $162.02, with initial 
strikes from $115 to $210, and additional strikes in $1 intervals from 
$131 to $189. But during

[[Page 69494]]

2013, GLD has closed at a range of $115.94 to $163.67 and is currently 
trading around $125. As a result of the cap, the Exchange cannot offer 
December 2013 Quarterlies on GLD in $1 intervals within $10 of the 
closing price of GLD because the number of strikes would exceed the cap 
of 60 additional strikes. Consequently, the Exchange is not able to 
list important at-the-money strikes due to the cap on additional 
strikes. While the Exchange has the ability to delist strikes with no 
open interest so that it may list strikes that are closer to the money, 
delisting is not always possible. If all of the existing strikes have 
open interest, the Exchange cannot delist strikes so that it may list 
strikes closer to the money.
    But the Exchange is not subject to a similar cap on the number of 
additional weekly or monthly expiration options it can list on ETFs.\8\ 
So, for example, the Exchange can list additional weekly expiration 
options on GLD in $1 and $0.50 intervals within $5 of the closing price 
of GLD, and additional monthly expiration options in $1 intervals from 
$85 to $178. Therefore, due to the cap, the Exchange cannot list, and 
an investor cannot structure, an investment on a quarterly basis with 
the same granularity that can be achieved on a weekly or monthly basis.
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    \8\ For Short Term Options Series (``weekly options''), 
commentary .07 to Rule 6.4 sets a maximum number of strikes, but the 
Exchange can exceed this maximum number of strikes under certain 
circumstances. Specifically, ``in the event that the underlying 
security has moved such that there are no series that are at least 
10% above or below the current price of the underlying security and 
all existing series have open interest, the Exchange may list 
additional series, in excess of the 30 allowed under Commentary .07, 
that are between 10% and 30% above or below the price of the 
underlying security.''
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    Similarly, the Exchange lists quarterly options on SPDR S&P 500 ETF 
(``SPY''), which during 2013 closed at a range of $145.55 to $173.05. 
Again, due to the cap, the Exchange cannot offer quarterly expiration 
options on SPY in $1 intervals above $170 because the number of 
additional strikes would exceed the cap of 60. Instead, the Exchange is 
forced to list quarterly expiration options on SPY at $5 intervals 
above $170, despite the fact that SPY has recently traded between $165 
and $170. As such, if SPY would again increase to $170, then the 
Exchange would only be able to offer options with a strike price $5 
away from the price of the underlying ETF due to the cap on additional 
strikes.
    On the other hand, in contrast to the limitations imposed on the 
Exchange for quarterly expiration options on ETFs, the absence of a 
similar cap on quarterly expiration options on indexes means that the 
Exchange can list, and investors can achieve, more granularity in 
index-based options. For example, S&P 500 Mini-SPX options (``SPX'') 
are options on the S&P 500 index, as opposed to options on SPY, the ETF 
based on that same S&P 500 index. SPX options are used to hedge SPY 
positions and are traded at the equivalent of one point and one-half 
point intervals. The SPX trades at 10 times the value of SPY, so that 
if SPY trades at $168.70, SPX trades at $1687. Therefore, the strike 
price for a quarterly expiration option on SPX, that is a hedge for a 
quarterly expiration option on SPY at $170, would be $1700. The 
Exchange can offer quarterly expiration options on SPX with strike 
prices of $1670, $1680, $1690, and $1700 because there is no cap on 
quarterly expiration index-based options. However, the Exchange cannot 
similarly offer quarterly expiration options on SPY with similar strike 
price continuity because of the cap on quarterly expiration ETF-based 
options.
    Elimination of the cap would also help market participants meet 
their investment objectives by providing expanded opportunities to roll 
ETF options into later quarters. For example, a market participant that 
holds one or more contracts in a QOS in an ETF put option that has a 
strike price of $120 and an expiration date of the last day of the 
third quarter may wish to roll that position into the fourth quarter. 
That is, the market participant may wish to close out the contracts set 
to expire at the end of the third quarter and instead establish a 
position in the same number of contracts in a QOS in a put option on 
the same ETF with the same strike price of $120, but with an expiration 
date of the last day of the fourth quarter. Because of the cap on 
additional QOS in ETF options, however, the Exchange may not be able to 
list additional QOS in the ETF. Elimination of the cap, though, would 
allow the Exchange to meet the investment needs of market participants 
in such situations.
    The Exchange has sufficient capacity to handle increased quote and 
trade reporting traffic that might be expected to result from listing 
additional QOS in ETF options. The Exchange notes that it has purchased 
capacity from the Options Price Reporting Authority (``OPRA'') to 
handle its options quote and trade reporting traffic.\9\ The Exchange 
believes that it has acquired sufficient capacity to handle increased 
quote and trade reporting traffic that might be expected to result from 
listing additional QOS in ETF options.\10\ In the Exchange's view, it 
would be inconsistent to prohibit the listing of additional QOS beyond 
a specified cap when each exchange independently purchases capacity to 
meet its quote and trade reporting traffic needs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See Exchange Act Release No. 48822 (Nov. 21, 2003), 68 FR 
66892 (Nov. 28, 2003) (SR-OPRA-2003-01) (requiring exchanges to 
acquire options market data transmission capacity independently, 
rather than jointly).
    \10\ The SEC has relied upon an exchange's representation that 
it has sufficient capacity to support new options series in 
approving a rule amendment permitting the listing of additional 
option series. See Exchange Act Release No. 57410 (Jan. 17 [sic], 
2008), 73 FR 12483, 12484 (Mar. 7, 2008) (SR-CBOE-2007-96) 
(amendments to CBOE Rule 5.5(e)(3)) (``In approving the proposed 
rule change, the Commission has relied upon the Exchange's 
representation that it has the necessary systems capacity to support 
new options series that will result from this proposal'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Moreover, the Exchange has in place a quote mitigation plan that 
helps it maintain sufficient capacity to handle quote traffic. The 
plan, which has been approved by the Commission, reduces the number of 
quotations that the Exchange disseminates by limiting disseminated 
quotes to active options series only.\11\
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    \11\ NYSE Arca's quote mitigation plan is provided for in 
Commentary .03 to NYSE Arca Rule 6.86, adopted in 2007. See 
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55156 (Jan. 23, 2007), 72 FR 
4759 (Feb. 21 [sic], 2007) (SR-NYSEArca-2006-73).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To help ensure that only active options series are listed, the 
Exchange also has in place procedures to delist inactive series. 
Commentary .08(iii) to Rule 6.4 requires the Exchange to review QOS 
that are outside of a range of five strikes above and five strikes 
below the current price of the underlying ETF. Based on that review, 
the Exchange must delist series with no open interest in both the call 
and the put series having (i) a strike price higher than the highest 
price with open interest in the put and/or call series for a given 
expiration month, and (ii) a strike price lower than the lowest strike 
price with open interest in the put and/or call series for a given 
expiration month.
    The Exchange's experience with listing additional QOS in ETF 
options at the end of 2008 also indicates that it has sufficient 
capacity to handle increased order and quote traffic that might be 
expected to result from listing additional QOS in ETF options. 
Commentary .08(iv) to Rule 6.4 established a temporary rule that 
permitted the Exchange to list up to 100 additional series per 
expiration month for each QOS in ETF option in the fourth quarter of 
2008, and for the new expiration month being added after the December 
2008 QOS expiration.\12\ The

[[Page 69495]]

Exchange did not experience capacity constraints during this temporary 
increase.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ See Exchange Act Release No. 59012 (Nov. 24, 2008), 73 FR 
73371 (Dec. 2, 2008) (SR-NYSEArca-2008-131). The Exchange amended 
Commentary .08 to add paragraph (iv) during the financial crisis in 
2008. The amendment was in response to requests for lower priced 
strikes on certain ETFs. Other options exchanges amended their rules 
quarterly options series rules to permit the listing of additional 
series in ETF options. See, e.g., 73 FR 12483 (amendments to CBOE 
Rule 5.5(e)(3)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, the Exchange is proposing to make a technical amendment to 
Commentary .08(ii) to Rule 6.4. Currently, the Commentary states that 
the Exchange may open for trading additional Quarterly Options Series 
that are more than 30% away from the current index value; however, the 
provision is meant to reference the price of the underlying ETF. The 
Exchange is also deleting Commentary .08(iv) to Rule 6.4. As noted, 
Commentary .08(iv) temporarily increased the number of additional QOS 
in ETF options that could be added by the Exchange from 60 to 100. Now 
that the pilot program has expired, there is no need for the continued 
inclusion of paragraph (iv) in Commentary .08.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent with Section 
6(b) of the Act,\13\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 
6(b)(5),\14\ in particular, in that it is designed to promote just and 
equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to, and perfect 
the mechanism of a free and open market and, in general, to protect 
investors and the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is designed to 
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open 
market because it will expand the investment options available to 
investors and will allow for more efficient risk management. The 
Exchange believes that removing the cap on the number of QOS in ETF 
options permitted to be listed on the Exchange will result in a 
continuing benefit to investors by giving them more flexibility to 
closely tailor their investment and hedging decisions to their needs, 
and therefore, the proposal is designed to protect investors and the 
public interest. Additionally, by removing the cap, the proposed rule 
change will make the treatment of QOS in ETF options consistent with 
the treatment of QOS in index options, thus resulting in similar 
regulatory treatment for similar options products.
    While the expansion of the number of QOS in ETF options is expected 
to generate additional quote traffic, the Exchange believes that this 
increased traffic will be manageable and will not present capacity 
problems. As previously stated, the Exchange has in place a quote 
mitigation plan that helps it maintain sufficient capacity to handle 
quote traffic. To help ensure that only active options series are 
listed, Exchange procedures are designed to delist inactive series, 
ensuring that any additional quote traffic is a result of interest in 
active series.
    The Exchange believes it is appropriate to eliminate obsolete or 
out-of-date rule text from the rule book. Specifically, the technical 
amendment to Commentary .08(ii) to Rule 6.4 is appropriate as the 
correction will lessen the likelihood for investor confusion. Further, 
elimination of Commentary .08(iv) to Rule 6.4 is appropriate as the 
removal will also lessen the likelihood for investor confusion by 
deleting rules that no longer are applicable.

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. Specifically, the Exchange 
believes that investors would benefit from the introduction of 
additional QOS in ETF options by providing investors with more 
flexibility to closely tailor their investment and hedging decisions to 
their needs. Additionally, Exchange procedures for delisting inactive 
series will ensure that only active series with sufficient investor 
interest will be made available and maintained on the Exchange.

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

    No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the 
proposed rule change.

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

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) 
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) 
become operative for 30 days after the date of the filing, or such 
shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \15\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
\16\ thereunder.
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    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \16\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission 
written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at 
least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed 
rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. 
The Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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) \17\ of the Act to determine whether the proposed 
rule change should be approved or disapproved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-NYSEArca-2013-120 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-NYSEArca-2013-120. 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

[[Page 69496]]

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-NYSEArca-2013-120 and should be submitted on or before 
December 10, 2013.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013-27621 Filed 11-18-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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