Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Order Granting Approval of Proposed Rule Change To List and Trade CBOE Short-Term Volatility Index Options, 17212-17214 [2014-06758]

Download as PDF 17212 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 59 / Thursday, March 27, 2014 / Notices will invest at least 80% of such Portfolio’s net assets in equity securities. (9) Neither the Funds nor the Portfolios will invest in options contracts, futures contracts, or swap agreements. (10) A Portfolio will enter into TBA transactions only with established counterparties (such as major brokerdealers) and the Adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of such counterparties. (11) Each Fund’s investments will be consistent with its investment objective and will not be used to enhance leverage. While the Funds may invest in inverse ETFs, the Funds will not invest in leveraged or inverse leveraged ETFs (e.g., 2X or 3X). (12) A minimum of 100,000 Shares for each Fund will be outstanding at the commencement of trading on the Exchange. This approval order is based on all of the Exchange’s representations, including those set forth above and in the Notice, and the Exchange’s description of the Funds. For the foregoing reasons, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 33 and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange. IV. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,34 that the proposed rule change (SR–NYSEArca– 2014–11) be, and it hereby is, approved. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.35 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2014–06760 Filed 3–26–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–71764; File No. SR–CBOE– 2014–003] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Order Granting Approval of Proposed Rule Change To List and Trade CBOE Short-Term Volatility Index Options March 21, 2014. I. Introduction On January 27, 2014, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘CBOE’’) 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 CBOE Short-Term Volatility Index (‘‘VXST’’). The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on February 6, 2014.3 The Commission received no comments on the proposed rule change. This order grants approval of the proposed rule change. II. Description of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to list and trade A.M. cash-settled, European-style options on the VXST, which will expire every week. According to the Exchange, VXST is designed to measure investors’ consensus view of future (nine day) expected stock market volatility, and VXST options will trade alongside the existing CBOE Volatility Index (‘‘VIX’’) options (which expire on a monthly basis and measure a 30 day period of implied volatility).4 The Exchange states that the calculation of VXST is based on the VIX methodology as applied to option series on the S&P 500 index that expire on every Friday.5 The constituent S&P 500 index options that expire on a Friday (i.e., nine days from the VXST option expiration date, which is typically a Wednesday in the preceding week) may include the following types 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71458 (January 31, 2014), 79 FR 7239 (‘‘Notice’’). 4 According to the Exchange, the VXST index was introduced by CBOE on October 1, 2013 and has been disseminated at least once a day on every trading day since that time. See Notice, supra note 3, at 7239–40. 5 The Exchange states that VXST is calculated in the same manner as other volatility indexes (e.g., VIX). A more detailed explanation of the method used to calculate the VIX may be found on the CBOE’s Web site at https://www.cboe.com/micro/ vix/vixwhite.pdf. See Notice, supra note 3, at 7240. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 2 17 33 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 35 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 34 15 VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:40 Mar 26, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 of options on the S&P 500 index: Standard monthly options, End-of-Week (‘‘EOW’’) expirations, and Quarterly Index (‘‘QIX’’) expirations. According to the Exchange, because some of the constituent options used to calculate VXST are A.M.-settled and some are P.M.-settled, the amount of time covered by a specific contract will vary slightly depending on the type of series used for any given A.M.-settled VXST option.6 Similar to VIX and VIX options, the cash (spot) VXST value will be calculated using premium quotations and the exercise settlement value for VXST options will be calculated using the actual opening premium prices of the constituent S&P 500 index options on the expiration day of the VXST option.7 The Exchange will compute values for VXST on a real-time basis throughout each trading day, from approximately 8:30 a.m. (Chicago time) until approximately 3:15 p.m. (Chicago time).8 VXST levels will be calculated by CBOE and generally disseminated at 15-second intervals to major market data vendors.9 The trading hours for VXST options will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. (Chicago time).10 The Exchange proposes to list up to 12 near-term VXST option expiration weeks, and that new series will be permitted to be added up to and including on the last day of trading for an expiring VXST option contract.11 As proposed, the exercise settlement value for a VXST option will be calculated on the specific date (usually a Wednesday) identified in the option symbol for the series.12 If that 6 For a VXST option contract calculated using A.M.-settled standard S&P 500 index options, the period of implied volatility covered by the contract will be exactly nine days. For a VXST option contract calculated using P.M.-settled EOW or QIX on the S&P 500 index, the period of implied volatility covered by the contract will be nine days, plus 390 minutes. See Notice, supra note 3, at 7240. 7 See id. 8 See id. 9 According to the Exchange, when VIX options and VXST options expire on the same day, as the calculator of volatility indexes, CBOE would not begin disseminating the spot (cash) values for any volatility index that CBOE calculates until the S&P 500 index option series that CBOE will use to calculate the exercise settlement value for VIX options have opened. On all other VXST option expiration days, as the calculator of volatility indexes, CBOE would not begin disseminating the spot (cash) values for any volatility index that CBOE calculates until the S&P 500 index option series that CBOE will use to calculate the exercise settlement value for VXST options have opened. See id., at n. 8. 10 See id., at 7241. 11 See CBOE Rules 24.9(a)(2) and 24.9.01(c). 12 See CBOE Rule 24.9(a)(6). According to the Exchange, option symbols are constructed as follows: Symbol + Expiration Date (Year, Month, Day) + Call or Put + Strike Price (in dollars to three decimal places). See Notice, supra note 3, at n. 14. E:\FR\FM\27MRN1.SGM 27MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 59 / Thursday, March 27, 2014 / Notices Wednesday or the Friday in the business week following that Wednesday (i.e., nine days away) is an Exchange holiday, the exercise settlement value will be calculated on the business day immediately preceding the Wednesday.13 According to the Exchange, on the day the exercise settlement value is calculated for VXST options, modified Hybrid Opening System (‘‘HOSS’’) opening procedures will be used to calculate the exercise settlement value.14 The exercise settlement value of a VXST option will be calculated by the Exchange as a Special Opening Quotation (‘‘SOQ’’) of VXST using the sequence of opening prices of the options that comprise the VXST index.15 The opening price for any series in which there is no trade will be the average of that option’s bid price and ask price as determined at the opening of trading.16 The ‘‘time to expiration’’ used to calculate the SOQ will account for the actual number of days and minutes until expiration for the constituent option series.17 The expiration date of a VXST option will be on the same day that the exercise settlement value of the VXST option is calculated.18 The last trading day for a VXST option will be the business day immediately preceding the expiration date of the VXST option (typically a Tuesday).19 When the last trading day is moved because of an Exchange holiday, the last trading day for an expiring VXST option contract will be the day immediately preceding the last regularly scheduled trading day.20 Exercise will result in delivery of cash on the business day following expiration. The exercise-settlement amount will be equal to the difference between the exercise-settlement value and the exercise price of the option, multiplied by $100. As proposed, VXST options will be quoted in index points and fractions and one point will equal $100.21 The Exchange proposes that the minimum tick size for series trading below $3 will be 0.05 ($5.00) and above $3 will be 0.10 ($10.00).22 The Exchange proposes 13 See CBOE Rule 24.9(a)(6). CBOE Rules 6.2B.01 and 6.2B.08. The Exchange states that the main feature of the modified HOSS opening procedures is the strategy order cut-off time for the constituent option series that will be used to calculate the exercise settlement value of a volatility index. See Notice, supra note 3, at n. 15. 15 See CBOE Rule 24.9(a)(6). 16 See id. 17 See id. 18 See id. 19 See id. 20 See id. 21 See Notice, supra note 3, at 7240. 22 See id., at 7240–41. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 14 See VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:40 Mar 26, 2014 Jkt 232001 to permit $0.50 (or greater) strike price intervals for VXST options where the strike price is less than $75. The Exchange also proposes to permit $1 (or greater) strike price intervals for VXST options where the strike price is $200 or less. Further, the Exchange proposes to permit $5 (or greater) strike price intervals for VXST options where the strike price is greater than $200.23 The Exchange does not propose to establish any position or exercise limits for VXST options.24 In addition, the Exchange proposes that VXST options be margined as ‘‘broad-based index’’ options.25 The Exchange notes that, except as modified by this proposed rule change, Chapters I through XIX and Chapter XXIV of its rules will apply to VXST options.26 The Exchange states that it has analyzed its capacity and represents that it believes the Exchange and the Options Price Reporting Authority (‘‘OPRA’’) have the necessary systems capacity to handle the additional traffic associated with the listing of new series that will result from the introduction of VXST options.27 The Exchange represents that it will use the same surveillance procedures currently utilized for its other index options to monitor trading in VXST options, as well as enhanced surveillance procedures at expiration, several of which would be automated.28 The Exchange further represents that these surveillance procedures will be adequate to monitor trading in VXST options.29 The Exchange states that, for surveillance purposes, it will have complete access to information regarding trading activity in the pertinent underlying securities.30 III. Discussion and Commission Findings The Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with 23 See CBOE Rules 5.5.23 and 24.9.01(i). The Exchange also proposes to make a technical change to CBOE Rule 24.9.12, which permits $0.50 and $1 strike price intervals for index options used to calculate volatility indexes. Specifically, the Exchange notes that it proposes to add ‘‘and $150’’ to the rule text as those two words were inadvertently omitted from the proposed rule text changes to Rule 24.9.12 contained in original rule filing, but were described in detail in the purpose section. See Notice, supra note 3, at 7241 and n. 13. 24 See CBOE Rules 24.4(a) and 24.5. According to the Exchange, VXST options will be subject to the same reporting requirements triggered for other options dealt in on the Exchange. See Notice, supra note 3, at 7242 and CBOE Rule 24.4.03. 25 See CBOE Rules 12.3 and 24.4.04. 26 See Notice, supra note 3, at 7242. 27 See id. 28 See id. 29 See id. 30 See id. PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 17213 the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange.31 Specifically, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,32 which requires, among other things, that the rules of a national securities exchange be designed 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. Specifically, the Commission believes that VXST options will provide investors with an additional trading and hedging mechanism. In addition, the Commission believes that the Exchange’s proposal with respect to position limits, margin, strike price intervals, minimum trading increments, series openings, exercise limits, and other aspects of the proposed rule change are appropriate and consistent with the Act. As a national securities exchange, the Exchange is required, under Section 6(b)(1) of the Act,33 to enforce compliance by its members and persons associated with its members with the provisions of the Act, Commission rules and regulations thereunder, and its own rules. In this regard, the Commission notes that trading of VXST options will be subject to Chapters I through XIX and Chapter XXIV of CBOE rules.34 Moreover, the Exchange has represented that it will use the same surveillance procedures currently utilized for its other index options to monitor trading in VXST options, as well as enhanced surveillance procedures at expiration, several of which would be automated.35 The Exchange has represented that these surveillance procedures will be adequate to monitor trading in VXST options.36 The Exchange also stated that it will have complete access to information regarding trading activity in the pertinent underlying securities.37 In approving the proposed listing and trading of the VXST options, the Commission has also relied on the Exchange’s representation that it and the OPRA have the necessary systems 31 In approving this proposed rule change, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 32 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 33 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(1). 34 See supra note 26 and accompanying text. 35 See supra note 28 and accompanying text. 36 See supra note 29 and accompanying text. 37 See supra note 30 and accompanying text. E:\FR\FM\27MRN1.SGM 27MRN1 17214 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 59 / Thursday, March 27, 2014 / Notices capacity to handle the additional traffic associated with the listing of new series that will result from the introduction of VXST options.38 IV. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,39 that the proposed rule change (SR–CBOE–2014– 003) be, and hereby is, approved. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.40 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2014–06758 Filed 3–26–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–71769; File No. SR–OCC– 2014–05] Self-Regulatory Organizations; the Options Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Reflect the Elimination of a Discount to OCC’s Clearing Fee Schedule March 21, 2014. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that, on March 21, 2014, The Options Clearing Corporation (‘‘OCC’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared primarily by OCC. OCC filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) 3 of the Act and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) 4 thereunder, so that the proposal was effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the rule change from interested parties. I. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES OCC proposes to amend its Schedule of Fees, effective April 1, 2014, to reflect the elimination of a discount to OCC’s clearing fee schedule. 38 See supra note 27 and accompanying text. U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 40 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 39 15 VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:40 Mar 26, 2014 Jkt 232001 II. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, OCC 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. OCC has prepared summaries, set forth in sections (A), (B), and (C) below, of the most significant aspects of these statements. (A) Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The purpose of this proposed rule change is to amend OCC’s Schedule of Fees to reinstate the permanent reduced fee schedule adopted, effective May 1, 2007, for securities options and securities futures.5 In conjunction with adopting this permanent reduced fee schedule, OCC simultaneously discounted the permanent schedule. Effective January 1, 2008, OCC replaced the May 1, 2007, discounted schedule 6 with the discount remaining in effect until further action of by the Board. Implementation of this schedule was premised on the discounts not adversely affecting OCC’s ability to meet its expenses and maintain an acceptable level of retained earnings. Article IX, Section 9 of OCC’s By-Laws permits OCC to establish a fee structure to cover operating expenses, to maintain reserves as are deemed reasonably necessary by the Board to provide facilities for the conduct of OCC’s business and to accumulate such additional surplus as the Board deems advisable to allow OCC to meet its obligations to clearing members and the general public. OCC has determined to reinstate its permanent reduced fee schedule. OCC’s revenues principally are derived from clearing fees charged to clearing members and OCC’s current and projected operating expenses have increased due to current and anticipated regulatory requirements.7 These 5 See Exchange Act Release No. 34–55709 (May 4, 2007), 72 FR 26669 (May 10, 2007) (SR–OCC– 2007–05). This schedule is applied to futures and futures options as well. 6 See Exchange Act Release No. 34–57192 (January 24, 2008), 73 FR 5618 (January 30, 2008) (SR–OCC–2007–17). 7 See Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income in OCC’s 2013 Annual Report available on OCC’s Web site, www.theocc.com. In 2013, clearing fees represented over 90% of OCC’s total revenues. Between 2012 and 2013, OCC annual expenses increased by approximately 9%. OCC’s currently projects a greater increase in expenses in 2014. PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 requirements include those proposed by the Commission at its meeting on March 12, 2014, requiring OCC to be in a position to cover potential general business losses so that it can continue operations if those losses materialize.8 OCC’s current and anticipated operating expenses have also increased as a result of costs associated with the engagement of outside professionals to address various regulatory issues arising under the Dodd-Frank Act, notably additional expectations and requirements arising from OCC’s status as a Systemically Important Financial Market Utility (‘‘SIFMU’’), and OCC’s assessment of and compliance with international standards applicable to clearing agencies. Employee costs additionally are expected to rise further in 2014 as resources are enhanced to meet current and anticipated regulatory obligations, including increased requirements to produce data, analysis and information to the Commission in connection with its exercise of its supervisory authority over OCC. As noted above, the Board unanimously determined to reinstate the permanent reduced fee schedule to compensate for these increased expenses. In making this determination, the Board carefully considered the requirements of Article IX, Section 9 of OCC’s By-Laws as well as the expectations and obligations imposed upon OCC as a SIFMU in the national system for clearance and settlement. The Board further evaluated the potential for a refund of clearing fees in 2014. While no affirmative decision has been made by the Board regarding such refund, the Board recognized that OCC’s current funding, reserve and surplus needs might result in refunds, if any, which are significantly lower in 2014 than in past years.9 OCC will monitor the impact of returning to the permanent reduced fee schedule as well as OCC’s needs to evaluate whether additional action should be taken. For example, changes in revenues as a result of significant fluctuations in cleared volume (upwards or downwards) may 8 See Exchange Act Release No. 34–71699 (March 12, 2014). OCC anticipates that these requirements will need to be met by the end of 2014. The determination to reinstate the permanent reduced fee schedule was based on an analysis of such requirements and such reinstatement being effective April 1, 2014. Implementation thereafter potentially could have required an increase in the fees beyond the reinstatement of the permanent reduced fee schedule. 9 See OCC’s 2013 Annual Report, Footnote 8 to the Notes to the Financial Statements for a description of recent past refunds. Footnote 8 further discusses that OCC’s Board sets clearing fees and determines the amounts of refunds, fee reductions and discounts, if any, based upon OCC’s current funding needs. E:\FR\FM\27MRN1.SGM 27MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 59 (Thursday, March 27, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17212-17214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06758]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-71764; File No. SR-CBOE-2014-003]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, 
Incorporated; Order Granting Approval of Proposed Rule Change To List 
and Trade CBOE Short-Term Volatility Index Options

March 21, 2014.

I. Introduction

    On January 27, 2014, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, 
Incorporated (``Exchange'' or ``CBOE'') 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 CBOE 
Short-Term Volatility Index (``VXST''). The proposed rule change was 
published for comment in the Federal Register on February 6, 2014.\3\ 
The Commission received no comments on the proposed rule change. This 
order grants approval of the proposed rule change.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71458 (January 31, 
2014), 79 FR 7239 (``Notice'').
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II. Description of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to list and trade A.M. cash-settled, 
European-style options on the VXST, which will expire every week. 
According to the Exchange, VXST is designed to measure investors' 
consensus view of future (nine day) expected stock market volatility, 
and VXST options will trade alongside the existing CBOE Volatility 
Index (``VIX'') options (which expire on a monthly basis and measure a 
30 day period of implied volatility).\4\ The Exchange states that the 
calculation of VXST is based on the VIX methodology as applied to 
option series on the S&P 500 index that expire on every Friday.\5\ The 
constituent S&P 500 index options that expire on a Friday (i.e., nine 
days from the VXST option expiration date, which is typically a 
Wednesday in the preceding week) may include the following types of 
options on the S&P 500 index: Standard monthly options, End-of-Week 
(``EOW'') expirations, and Quarterly Index (``QIX'') expirations. 
According to the Exchange, because some of the constituent options used 
to calculate VXST are A.M.-settled and some are P.M.-settled, the 
amount of time covered by a specific contract will vary slightly 
depending on the type of series used for any given A.M.-settled VXST 
option.\6\
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    \4\ According to the Exchange, the VXST index was introduced by 
CBOE on October 1, 2013 and has been disseminated at least once a 
day on every trading day since that time. See Notice, supra note 3, 
at 7239-40.
    \5\ The Exchange states that VXST is calculated in the same 
manner as other volatility indexes (e.g., VIX). A more detailed 
explanation of the method used to calculate the VIX may be found on 
the CBOE's Web site at https://www.cboe.com/micro/vix/vixwhite.pdf. 
See Notice, supra note 3, at 7240.
    \6\ For a VXST option contract calculated using A.M.-settled 
standard S&P 500 index options, the period of implied volatility 
covered by the contract will be exactly nine days. For a VXST option 
contract calculated using P.M.-settled EOW or QIX on the S&P 500 
index, the period of implied volatility covered by the contract will 
be nine days, plus 390 minutes. See Notice, supra note 3, at 7240.
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    Similar to VIX and VIX options, the cash (spot) VXST value will be 
calculated using premium quotations and the exercise settlement value 
for VXST options will be calculated using the actual opening premium 
prices of the constituent S&P 500 index options on the expiration day 
of the VXST option.\7\ The Exchange will compute values for VXST on a 
real-time basis throughout each trading day, from approximately 8:30 
a.m. (Chicago time) until approximately 3:15 p.m. (Chicago time).\8\ 
VXST levels will be calculated by CBOE and generally disseminated at 
15-second intervals to major market data vendors.\9\ The trading hours 
for VXST options will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. (Chicago 
time).\10\
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    \7\ See id.
    \8\ See id.
    \9\ According to the Exchange, when VIX options and VXST options 
expire on the same day, as the calculator of volatility indexes, 
CBOE would not begin disseminating the spot (cash) values for any 
volatility index that CBOE calculates until the S&P 500 index option 
series that CBOE will use to calculate the exercise settlement value 
for VIX options have opened. On all other VXST option expiration 
days, as the calculator of volatility indexes, CBOE would not begin 
disseminating the spot (cash) values for any volatility index that 
CBOE calculates until the S&P 500 index option series that CBOE will 
use to calculate the exercise settlement value for VXST options have 
opened. See id., at n. 8.
    \10\ See id., at 7241.
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    The Exchange proposes to list up to 12 near-term VXST option 
expiration weeks, and that new series will be permitted to be added up 
to and including on the last day of trading for an expiring VXST option 
contract.\11\
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    \11\ See CBOE Rules 24.9(a)(2) and 24.9.01(c).
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    As proposed, the exercise settlement value for a VXST option will 
be calculated on the specific date (usually a Wednesday) identified in 
the option symbol for the series.\12\ If that

[[Page 17213]]

Wednesday or the Friday in the business week following that Wednesday 
(i.e., nine days away) is an Exchange holiday, the exercise settlement 
value will be calculated on the business day immediately preceding the 
Wednesday.\13\ According to the Exchange, on the day the exercise 
settlement value is calculated for VXST options, modified Hybrid 
Opening System (``HOSS'') opening procedures will be used to calculate 
the exercise settlement value.\14\ The exercise settlement value of a 
VXST option will be calculated by the Exchange as a Special Opening 
Quotation (``SOQ'') of VXST using the sequence of opening prices of the 
options that comprise the VXST index.\15\ The opening price for any 
series in which there is no trade will be the average of that option's 
bid price and ask price as determined at the opening of trading.\16\ 
The ``time to expiration'' used to calculate the SOQ will account for 
the actual number of days and minutes until expiration for the 
constituent option series.\17\
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    \12\ See CBOE Rule 24.9(a)(6). According to the Exchange, option 
symbols are constructed as follows: Symbol + Expiration Date (Year, 
Month, Day) + Call or Put + Strike Price (in dollars to three 
decimal places). See Notice, supra note 3, at n. 14.
    \13\ See CBOE Rule 24.9(a)(6).
    \14\ See CBOE Rules 6.2B.01 and 6.2B.08. The Exchange states 
that the main feature of the modified HOSS opening procedures is the 
strategy order cut-off time for the constituent option series that 
will be used to calculate the exercise settlement value of a 
volatility index. See Notice, supra note 3, at n. 15.
    \15\ See CBOE Rule 24.9(a)(6).
    \16\ See id.
    \17\ See id.
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    The expiration date of a VXST option will be on the same day that 
the exercise settlement value of the VXST option is calculated.\18\ The 
last trading day for a VXST option will be the business day immediately 
preceding the expiration date of the VXST option (typically a 
Tuesday).\19\ When the last trading day is moved because of an Exchange 
holiday, the last trading day for an expiring VXST option contract will 
be the day immediately preceding the last regularly scheduled trading 
day.\20\ Exercise will result in delivery of cash on the business day 
following expiration. The exercise-settlement amount will be equal to 
the difference between the exercise-settlement value and the exercise 
price of the option, multiplied by $100.
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    \18\ See id.
    \19\ See id.
    \20\ See id.
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    As proposed, VXST options will be quoted in index points and 
fractions and one point will equal $100.\21\ The Exchange proposes that 
the minimum tick size for series trading below $3 will be 0.05 ($5.00) 
and above $3 will be 0.10 ($10.00).\22\ The Exchange proposes to permit 
$0.50 (or greater) strike price intervals for VXST options where the 
strike price is less than $75. The Exchange also proposes to permit $1 
(or greater) strike price intervals for VXST options where the strike 
price is $200 or less. Further, the Exchange proposes to permit $5 (or 
greater) strike price intervals for VXST options where the strike price 
is greater than $200.\23\
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    \21\ See Notice, supra note 3, at 7240.
    \22\ See id., at 7240-41.
    \23\ See CBOE Rules 5.5.23 and 24.9.01(i). The Exchange also 
proposes to make a technical change to CBOE Rule 24.9.12, which 
permits $0.50 and $1 strike price intervals for index options used 
to calculate volatility indexes. Specifically, the Exchange notes 
that it proposes to add ``and $150'' to the rule text as those two 
words were inadvertently omitted from the proposed rule text changes 
to Rule 24.9.12 contained in original rule filing, but were 
described in detail in the purpose section. See Notice, supra note 
3, at 7241 and n. 13.
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    The Exchange does not propose to establish any position or exercise 
limits for VXST options.\24\ In addition, the Exchange proposes that 
VXST options be margined as ``broad-based index'' options.\25\ The 
Exchange notes that, except as modified by this proposed rule change, 
Chapters I through XIX and Chapter XXIV of its rules will apply to VXST 
options.\26\
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    \24\ See CBOE Rules 24.4(a) and 24.5. According to the Exchange, 
VXST options will be subject to the same reporting requirements 
triggered for other options dealt in on the Exchange. See Notice, 
supra note 3, at 7242 and CBOE Rule 24.4.03.
    \25\ See CBOE Rules 12.3 and 24.4.04.
    \26\ See Notice, supra note 3, at 7242.
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    The Exchange states that it has analyzed its capacity and 
represents that it believes the Exchange and the Options Price 
Reporting Authority (``OPRA'') have the necessary systems capacity to 
handle the additional traffic associated with the listing of new series 
that will result from the introduction of VXST options.\27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ See id.
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    The Exchange represents that it will use the same surveillance 
procedures currently utilized for its other index options to monitor 
trading in VXST options, as well as enhanced surveillance procedures at 
expiration, several of which would be automated.\28\ The Exchange 
further represents that these surveillance procedures will be adequate 
to monitor trading in VXST options.\29\ The Exchange states that, for 
surveillance purposes, it will have complete access to information 
regarding trading activity in the pertinent underlying securities.\30\
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    \28\ See id.
    \29\ See id.
    \30\ See id.
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III. Discussion and Commission Findings

    The Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations 
thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange.\31\ 
Specifically, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is 
consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\32\ which requires, among 
other things, that the rules of a national securities exchange be 
designed 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. Specifically, the Commission believes that VXST options will 
provide investors with an additional trading and hedging mechanism. In 
addition, the Commission believes that the Exchange's proposal with 
respect to position limits, margin, strike price intervals, minimum 
trading increments, series openings, exercise limits, and other aspects 
of the proposed rule change are appropriate and consistent with the 
Act.
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    \31\ In approving this proposed rule change, the Commission has 
considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition, 
and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
    \32\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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    As a national securities exchange, the Exchange is required, under 
Section 6(b)(1) of the Act,\33\ to enforce compliance by its members 
and persons associated with its members with the provisions of the Act, 
Commission rules and regulations thereunder, and its own rules. In this 
regard, the Commission notes that trading of VXST options will be 
subject to Chapters I through XIX and Chapter XXIV of CBOE rules.\34\ 
Moreover, the Exchange has represented that it will use the same 
surveillance procedures currently utilized for its other index options 
to monitor trading in VXST options, as well as enhanced surveillance 
procedures at expiration, several of which would be automated.\35\ The 
Exchange has represented that these surveillance procedures will be 
adequate to monitor trading in VXST options.\36\ The Exchange also 
stated that it will have complete access to information regarding 
trading activity in the pertinent underlying securities.\37\ In 
approving the proposed listing and trading of the VXST options, the 
Commission has also relied on the Exchange's representation that it and 
the OPRA have the necessary systems

[[Page 17214]]

capacity to handle the additional traffic associated with the listing 
of new series that will result from the introduction of VXST 
options.\38\
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    \33\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(1).
    \34\ See supra note 26 and accompanying text.
    \35\ See supra note 28 and accompanying text.
    \36\ See supra note 29 and accompanying text.
    \37\ See supra note 30 and accompanying text.
    \38\ See supra note 27 and accompanying text.
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IV. Conclusion

    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the 
Act,\39\ that the proposed rule change (SR-CBOE-2014-003) be, and 
hereby is, approved.
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    \39\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\40\
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    \40\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2014-06758 Filed 3-26-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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