Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Pilot Period for the Retail Price Improvement Program, Which Currently Is Set To Expire on March 28, 2014, for an Additional Six Months, 18597-18599 [2014-07357]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 63 / Wednesday, April 2, 2014 / Notices The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, as it will allow the clearly erroneous pilot program to continue uninterrupted while the industry gains further experience operating under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan, and avoid any investor confusion that could result from a temporary interruption in the pilot program. For this reason, the Commission designates the proposed rule change to be operative upon filing.13 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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– NYSEMKT–2014–28 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NYSEMKT–2014–28. 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/ 13 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has also considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:35 Apr 01, 2014 Jkt 232001 rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR– NYSEMKT–2014–28 and should be submitted on or before April 23, 2014. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.14 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2014–07285 Filed 4–1–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–71826; File No. SR– NASDAQ–2014–030] Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Pilot Period for the Retail Price Improvement Program, Which Currently Is Set To Expire on March 28, 2014, for an Additional Six Months March 28, 2014. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on March 26, 2014, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (‘‘NASDAQ’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The 14 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 18597 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 proposes to extend the pilot period for the Exchange’s Retail Price Improvement (‘‘RPI’’) Program, which is set to expire on March 28, 2014, for six months, to expire on September 30, 2014. The text of the proposed rule change is available at NASDAQ’s principal office, 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 III 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 purpose of this filing is to extend the pilot period of the RPI Program,3 currently scheduled to expire on March 28, 2014, for an additional six months, until September 30, 2014. Background In February 2013, the Commission approved the RPI Program on a pilot basis.4 The Program is designed to attract retail order flow to the Exchange, and allow such order flow to receive potential price improvement. The Program is currently limited to trades occurring at prices equal to or greater than $1.00 per share. Under the Program, a new class of market participant called a Retail Member Organization (‘‘RMO’’) is eligible to submit certain retail order flow (‘‘Retail Orders’’) 5 to the Exchange. NASDAQ 3 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68937 (February 15, 2013), 78 FR 12397 (February 22, 2013) (‘‘RPI Approval Order’’) (SR–NASDAQ–2012– 129). 4 See id. 5 A ‘‘Retail Order’’ is defined in NASDAQ Rule 4780(a)(2), in part, as ‘‘an agency or riskless Continued E:\FR\FM\02APN1.SGM 02APN1 18598 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 63 / Wednesday, April 2, 2014 / Notices members (‘‘Members’’) are permitted to provide potential price improvement for Retail Orders in the form of nondisplayed interest that is priced more aggressively than the Protected National Best Bid or Offer (‘‘Protected NBBO’’).6 The Program was approved by the Commission on a pilot basis running one-year from the date of implementation.7 The Commission approved the Program on February 15, 2013.8 The Exchange implemented the Program on March 28, 2013.9 Thus, the pilot period for the Program is scheduled to end on March 28, 2014. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Proposal To Extend the Operation of the Program The Exchange established the RPI Program in an attempt to attract retail order flow to the Exchange by potentially providing price improvement to such order flow. The Exchange believes that the Program promotes competition for retail order flow by allowing Exchange members to submit Retail Price Improvement Orders (‘‘RPI Orders’’) 10 to interact with Retail Orders. Such competition has the ability to promote efficiency by facilitating the price discovery process and generating additional investor interest in trading securities, thereby promoting capital formation. The Exchange believes that extending the pilot is appropriate because it will allow the Exchange and the Commission additional time to analyze data regarding the Program that the Exchange has committed to provide.11 As such, the Exchange believes that it is appropriate to extend principal order that originates from a natural person and is submitted to Nasdaq by a Retail Member Organization, provided that no change is made to the terms of the order with respect to price (except in the case that a market order is changed to a marketable limit order) or side of market and the order does not originate from a trading algorithm or any other computerized methodology.’’ 6 The term Protected Quotation is defined in Chapter XII, Sec. 1(19) and has the same meaning as is set forth in Regulation NMS Rule 600(b)(58). The Protected NBBO is the best-priced protected bid and offer. Generally, the Protected NBBO and the national best bid and offer (‘‘NBBO’’) will be the same. However, a market center is not required to route to the NBBO if that market center is subject to an exception under Regulation NMS Rule 611(b)(1) or if such NBBO is otherwise not available for an automatic execution. In such case, the Protected NBBO would be the best-priced protected bid or offer to which a market center must route interest pursuant to Regulation NMS Rule 611. 7 See RPI Approval Order, supra note 3 at 12397. 8 Id. 9 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 69308 (April 4, 2013), 78 FR 21663 (April 11, 2013) (SR– NASDAQ–2013–057). 10 A Retail Price Improvement Order is defined in NASDAQ Rule 4780(a)(3), in part, as consisting of ‘‘non-displayed liquidity on NASDAQ that is priced better than the Protected NBBO by at least $0.001 and that is identified as such.’’ 11 See RPI Approval Order, supra note 3 at 12401. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:01 Apr 01, 2014 Jkt 232001 the current operation of the Program.12 Through this filing, the Exchange seeks to extend the current pilot period of the Program until September 30, 2014. 2. Statutory Basis NASDAQ believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the provisions of Section 6 of the Act,13 in general, and with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,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 a national market system, and, in general to protect investors and the public interest. The Exchange believes that extending the pilot period for the RPI Program is consistent with these principles because the Program is reasonably designed to attract retail order flow to the exchange environment, while helping to ensure that retail investors benefit from the better price that liquidity providers are willing to give their orders. Additionally, as previously stated, the competition promoted by the Program may facilitate the price discovery process and potentially generate additional investor interest in trading securities. The extension of the pilot period will allow the Commission and the Exchange to continue to monitor the Program for its potential effects on public price discovery, and on the broader market structure. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act, as amended. The proposed rule change extends an established pilot program for six months, thus allowing the RPI Program to enhance competition for retail order flow and contribute to the public price discovery process. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received. 12 Concurrently with this filing, the Exchange has submitted a request for an extension of the exemption under Regulation NMS Rule 612 previously granted by the Commission that permits it to accept and rank the RPI orders in sub-penny increments. See Letter from John Yetter, Deputy General Counsel, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission dated March 24, 2014. 13 15 U.S.C. 78f. 14 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 15 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.16 Because the 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 prior to 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder. A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 17 normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),18 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because such waiver would allow the pilot program to continue uninterrupted. Accordingly, the Commission hereby grants the Exchange’s request and designates the proposal operative upon filing.19 At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. 15 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the Exchange’s intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Commission has waived this requirement in this case. 17 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 18 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 19 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 16 17 E:\FR\FM\02APN1.SGM 02APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 63 / Wednesday, April 2, 2014 / Notices 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: [FR Doc. 2014–07357 Filed 4–1–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 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– NASDAQ–2014–030 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.20 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NASDAQ–2014–030. This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission’s Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such 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 publicly available. All submissions should refer to File Number SR– NASDAQ–2014–030 and should be submitted on or before April 23, 2014. [Release No. 34–71818; File No. SR– NYSEARCA–2014–27] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending Rule 6.62 To Specifically Address the Number and Size of Contra-Parties To a Qualified Contingent Cross Order 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 March 19, 2014, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘NYSE Arca’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘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. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 6.62 (Certain Types of Orders Defined) to specifically address the number and size of contra-parties to a Qualified Contingent Cross Order (‘‘QCC Order’’). 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. 20 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 15 U.S.C. 78a. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:01 Apr 01, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 18599 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 purpose of this rule filing is to amend Rule 6.62 to specifically address the number and size of contra-parties to a QCC Order. The proposed rule change, which mirrors a recently adopted rule by the International Securities Exchange (‘‘ISE’’),4 is intended to accommodate multiple contra-parties, so long as each contra-side order meets the minimum size requirements as discussed below. The Exchange adopted the QCC Order type on March 17, 2011.5 Under current Rule 6.62(bb), a QCC Order must be comprised of an order to buy or sell at least 1,000 contracts 6 that is identified as being part of a qualified contingent trade,7 coupled with a contra-side order to buy or sell an equal number of contracts. As Qualified Contingent Crosses, QCC Orders are automatically executed upon entry provided that the execution (i) is not at the same price as a Customer Order in the Consolidated Book and (ii) is at or between the NBBO.8 In addition, QCC Orders that cannot be executed when entered will automatically cancel.9 Finally, QCC 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71182 (December, 24, 2013), 78 FR 79721 (December 31, 2013) (SR–ISE–2013–71). 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 64086 (March 17, 2011), 76 FR 16021 (March 22, 2011) (SR–NYSEArca–2011–09). 6 In the case of mini options, the minimum size is 10,000 contracts. 7 A ‘‘qualified contingent trade’’ must meet the following conditions: (i) At least one component must be an NMS Stock; (ii) all the components must be effected with a product price contingency that either has been agreed to by all the respective counterparties or arranged for by a broker-dealer as principal or agent; (iii) the execution of one component must be contingent upon the execution of all other components at or near the same time; (iv) the specific relationship between the component orders (e.g., the spread between the prices of the component orders) must be determined by the time the contingent order is placed; (v) the component orders must bear a derivative relationship to one another, represent different classes of shares of the same issuer, or involve the securities of participants in mergers or with intentions to merge that have been announced or cancelled; and (vi) the transaction must be fully hedged (without regard to any prior existing position) as a result of other components of the contingent trade. In addition, ATP Holders must demonstrate that the transaction is fully hedged using reasonable risk-valuation methodologies. See supra n.5 (citing Securities Exchange Act Release No. 57620 (April 4, 2008), 73 FR 19271 (April 9, 2008)). 8 See Rule 6.90 (Qualified Contingent Crosses). 9 Id. E:\FR\FM\02APN1.SGM 02APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 2, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18597-18599]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-07357]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-71826; File No. SR-NASDAQ-2014-030]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; 
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To 
Extend the Pilot Period for the Retail Price Improvement Program, Which 
Currently Is Set To Expire on March 28, 2014, for an Additional Six 
Months

March 28, 2014.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the ``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given 
that on March 26, 2014, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (``NASDAQ'' or 
``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and 
II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The 
Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the 
proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

    The Exchange proposes to extend the pilot period for the Exchange's 
Retail Price Improvement (``RPI'') Program, which is set to expire on 
March 28, 2014, for six months, to expire on September 30, 2014.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available at NASDAQ's 
principal office, 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 III 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 purpose of this filing is to extend the pilot period of the RPI 
Program,\3\ currently scheduled to expire on March 28, 2014, for an 
additional six months, until September 30, 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68937 (February 15, 
2013), 78 FR 12397 (February 22, 2013) (``RPI Approval Order'') (SR-
NASDAQ-2012-129).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Background
    In February 2013, the Commission approved the RPI Program on a 
pilot basis.\4\ The Program is designed to attract retail order flow to 
the Exchange, and allow such order flow to receive potential price 
improvement. The Program is currently limited to trades occurring at 
prices equal to or greater than $1.00 per share. Under the Program, a 
new class of market participant called a Retail Member Organization 
(``RMO'') is eligible to submit certain retail order flow (``Retail 
Orders'') \5\ to the Exchange. NASDAQ

[[Page 18598]]

members (``Members'') are permitted to provide potential price 
improvement for Retail Orders in the form of non-displayed interest 
that is priced more aggressively than the Protected National Best Bid 
or Offer (``Protected NBBO'').\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See id.
    \5\ A ``Retail Order'' is defined in NASDAQ Rule 4780(a)(2), in 
part, as ``an agency or riskless principal order that originates 
from a natural person and is submitted to Nasdaq by a Retail Member 
Organization, provided that no change is made to the terms of the 
order with respect to price (except in the case that a market order 
is changed to a marketable limit order) or side of market and the 
order does not originate from a trading algorithm or any other 
computerized methodology.''
    \6\ The term Protected Quotation is defined in Chapter XII, Sec. 
1(19) and has the same meaning as is set forth in Regulation NMS 
Rule 600(b)(58). The Protected NBBO is the best-priced protected bid 
and offer. Generally, the Protected NBBO and the national best bid 
and offer (``NBBO'') will be the same. However, a market center is 
not required to route to the NBBO if that market center is subject 
to an exception under Regulation NMS Rule 611(b)(1) or if such NBBO 
is otherwise not available for an automatic execution. In such case, 
the Protected NBBO would be the best-priced protected bid or offer 
to which a market center must route interest pursuant to Regulation 
NMS Rule 611.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Program was approved by the Commission on a pilot basis running 
one-year from the date of implementation.\7\ The Commission approved 
the Program on February 15, 2013.\8\ The Exchange implemented the 
Program on March 28, 2013.\9\ Thus, the pilot period for the Program is 
scheduled to end on March 28, 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See RPI Approval Order, supra note 3 at 12397.
    \8\ Id.
    \9\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 69308 (April 4, 2013), 
78 FR 21663 (April 11, 2013) (SR-NASDAQ-2013-057).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Proposal To Extend the Operation of the Program
    The Exchange established the RPI Program in an attempt to attract 
retail order flow to the Exchange by potentially providing price 
improvement to such order flow. The Exchange believes that the Program 
promotes competition for retail order flow by allowing Exchange members 
to submit Retail Price Improvement Orders (``RPI Orders'') \10\ to 
interact with Retail Orders. Such competition has the ability to 
promote efficiency by facilitating the price discovery process and 
generating additional investor interest in trading securities, thereby 
promoting capital formation. The Exchange believes that extending the 
pilot is appropriate because it will allow the Exchange and the 
Commission additional time to analyze data regarding the Program that 
the Exchange has committed to provide.\11\ As such, the Exchange 
believes that it is appropriate to extend the current operation of the 
Program.\12\ Through this filing, the Exchange seeks to extend the 
current pilot period of the Program until September 30, 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ A Retail Price Improvement Order is defined in NASDAQ Rule 
4780(a)(3), in part, as consisting of ``non-displayed liquidity on 
NASDAQ that is priced better than the Protected NBBO by at least 
$0.001 and that is identified as such.''
    \11\ See RPI Approval Order, supra note 3 at 12401.
    \12\ Concurrently with this filing, the Exchange has submitted a 
request for an extension of the exemption under Regulation NMS Rule 
612 previously granted by the Commission that permits it to accept 
and rank the RPI orders in sub-penny increments. See Letter from 
John Yetter, Deputy General Counsel, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC to 
Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission 
dated March 24, 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    NASDAQ believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the provisions of Section 6 of the Act,\13\ in general, and with 
Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\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 
a national market system, and, in general to protect investors and the 
public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange believes that extending the pilot period for the RPI 
Program is consistent with these principles because the Program is 
reasonably designed to attract retail order flow to the exchange 
environment, while helping to ensure that retail investors benefit from 
the better price that liquidity providers are willing to give their 
orders. Additionally, as previously stated, the competition promoted by 
the Program may facilitate the price discovery process and potentially 
generate additional investor interest in trading securities. The 
extension of the pilot period will allow the Commission and the 
Exchange to continue to monitor the Program for its potential effects 
on public price discovery, and on the broader market structure.

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or 
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act, as amended. The 
proposed rule change extends an established pilot program for six 
months, thus allowing the RPI Program to enhance competition for retail 
order flow and contribute to the public price discovery process.

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

    Written comments were neither solicited nor received.

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

    The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \15\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\16\ 
Because the 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 prior to 
30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as 
the Commission may designate, if consistent with the protection of 
investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become 
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \16\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the 
Exchange's intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a 
brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at least 
five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule 
change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The 
Commission has waived this requirement in this case.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \17\ normally 
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the 
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),\18\ the Commission 
may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked 
the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal 
may become operative immediately upon filing. The Commission believes 
that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest because such waiver 
would allow the pilot program to continue uninterrupted. Accordingly, 
the Commission hereby grants the Exchange's request and designates the 
proposal operative upon filing.\19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \18\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \19\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

[[Page 18599]]

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-NASDAQ-2014-030 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities 
and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NASDAQ-2014-030. This 
file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To 
help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, 
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on 
the Commission's Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all 
written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are 
filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to 
the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other 
than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and 
printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such 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 publicly available. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-NASDAQ-2014-030 and should 
be submitted on or before April 23, 2014.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\20\
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    \20\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2014-07357 Filed 4-1-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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