Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Postpone Implementation of Changes to Rules 4751(h) and 4754(b) Relating to the Closing Process, 23839-23841 [2015-09917]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 82 / Wednesday, April 29, 2015 / Notices purposes of determining the best ranked displayed order(s) on the Exchange for dissemination on the public data feeds, the Exchange handles non-marketable odd-lot orders that are priced better than the best-priced round lot interest at the Exchange.25 Specifically, proposed Rule 7.36(c) would be amended to explain the current Exchange functionality where non-marketable odd-lot sized orders that can be aggregated to equal at least a round lot are displayed as the best ranked displayed orders to sell (buy) at the least aggressive price at which such odd-lot sized orders can be aggregated to equal at least a round lot.26 Proposed Rule 7.37 would be amended to make conforming and other non-substantive, technical changes.27 Proposed Rule 7.38(a)(1) would be amended to specify the order types that cannot be entered as odd-lots, namely Reserve Orders, MPL–IOC Orders, Tracking Orders, and Q Orders.28 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES III. Discussion and Commission Findings After careful review, 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.29 In particular, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,30 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 foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The Commission notes that the proposed rule change reflects the Exchange’s continued efforts to review and clarify its rules governing order types.31 In addition, the Commission notes that the Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act because it provides greater specificity, clarity and transparency with regard to the 25 See Notice, 80 FR at 12540–41. Exchange’s order handling processes and functionalities, including how otherwise non-marketable odd-lot sized orders are aggregated for purposes of determining the best bid or offer for display on the public data feeds.32 According to the Exchange, these amendments, both clarifying and technical, should remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market, and are consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest.33 The Exchange believes that this proposal should help reduce the potential for investor confusion and facilitate a better understanding of the Exchange’s order handling operations and navigation of its rulebook.34 The Commission notes that the proposal reduces the number of order types that will be accepted by the Exchange. The Commission also notes that the proposal provides additional detail regarding certain order type and modifier functionality that remain available on the Exchange. The Commission further notes that the Exchange has restructured and reorganized proposed Rule 7.31 such that order types with similar functionality are grouped together by subsection. The Commission believes that these proposed changes should provide greater specificity, clarity and transparency with respect to the order type and modifier functionality available on the Exchange, as well as the Exchange’s methodology for handling certain order types. Accordingly, the Commission believes that the proposal should help to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, promote just and equitable principles of trade, remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, protect investors and the public interest. IV. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,35 that the proposed rule change (SR–NYSEArca2015–08) be, and it hereby is, approved. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.36 Brent J. Fields, Secretary. 26 Id. [FR Doc. 2015–09918 Filed 4–28–15; 8:45 am] 27 See BILLING CODE 8011–01–P Notice, 80 FR at 12540. 28 See Notice, 80 FR at 12541. 29 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). 30 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 31 See Notice, 80 FR at 12537. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:18 Apr 28, 2015 Jkt 235001 32 See Notice, 80 FR at 12541. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–74795; File No. SR– NASDAQ–2015–038] Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Postpone Implementation of Changes to Rules 4751(h) and 4754(b) Relating to the Closing Process April 23, 2015. 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 April 13, 2015, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (‘‘NASDAQ’’ or ‘‘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 Exchange. 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 the Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to postpone implementation of changes to Rules 4751(h) and 4754(b) relating to the closing process. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at https://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.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 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. 33 Id. 34 Id. 35 15 36 17 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 23839 1 15 2 17 E:\FR\FM\29APN1.SGM U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 29APN1 23840 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 82 / Wednesday, April 29, 2015 / Notices A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose NASDAQ is proposing to delay implementation of changes to Rules 4751(h) and 4754(b) relating to the closing process, which are effective but not yet implemented. On December 16, 2014, the Exchange filed an immediately effective filing 3 to amend the processing of the Closing Cross under Rule 4754(b) to adopt a ‘‘Lockdown Period,’’ the point at which NASDAQ will close the order book for participation in the Closing Cross. The Exchange also amended Rule 4751(h) to harmonize the processing of Market Hours Day orders 4 and Good-til-market close orders 5 upon initiation of the Lockdown Period. The Exchange had originally anticipated implementing the changes in mid-February 2015, after the expiration of the 30-day operative delay provided by Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) under the Act.6 The Exchange subsequently extended the period for implementation to Monday, April 13, 2015.7 Based upon the Exchange’s final internal pre-implementation testing, however, the Exchange has determined not to proceed with the scheduled implementation. Out of an abundance of caution, the Exchange will instead conduct an additional industry-wide User Acceptance Test to ensure the proper function of the proposed changes. Upon successful completion of that test, the Exchange will determine a new implementation date and provide notice of the new date to the industry. 2. Statutory Basis NASDAQ believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the provisions of Section 6 of the Act,8 in general, and with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,9 in particular, because it is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 3 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 73943 (December 24, 2014), 80 FR 69 (January 2, 2015) (SR–NASDAQ–2014–123). 4 See Rule 4751(h)(6). 5 See Rule 4751(h)(8). 6 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 7 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 74342 (February 20, 2015), 81 FR 10562 (February 26, 2015) (SR–NASDAQ–2015–14 [sic]). 8 15 U.S.C. 78f. 9 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:18 Apr 28, 2015 Jkt 235001 facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest; and is not designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers. The Exchange believes that the changes NASDAQ is making to Rules 4751(h) and 4754(b) promote consistency and transparency in the process for handling orders in the closing process. Delaying implementation of the changes for brief period so that NASDAQ may implement the changes to its systems necessary to ensure that the Lockdown Period and processing of Market Hours Day and Good-til-market close orders are handled in the Closing Cross operate as planned promotes fair and orderly markets, the protection of investors and the public interest. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition NASDAQ 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.10 The Exchange believes that the proposal is irrelevant to competition because it is not driven by, and will have no impact on, competition. Specifically, the proposal is representative of the Exchange’s efforts to harmonize and simplify the processing of orders during the closing 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 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 from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 11 and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b–4 thereunder.12 10 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8). U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(a)(iii). 12 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 11 15 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 13 normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),14 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 NASDAQ may implement the proposed rule change immediately. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because it will allow NASDAQ the opportunity to conduct further testing to ensure the proper function of the proposed changes before implementing them. Therefore, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates the proposed rule change to be operative upon filing with the Commission.15 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: (i) Necessary or appropriate in the public interest; (ii) for the protection of investors; or (iii) 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: 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–2015–038 on the subject line. prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange did not satisfy this requirement. Nonetheless, the Commission has waived the pre-filing requirement. 13 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 14 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 15 For purposes only of waiving the operative delay for this proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). E:\FR\FM\29APN1.SGM 29APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 82 / Wednesday, April 29, 2015 / Notices Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NASDAQ–2015–038. 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 offices 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– NASDAQ–2015–038, and should be submitted on or before May 20, 2015. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.16 Brent J. Fields, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–09917 Filed 4–28–15; 8:45 am] mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–74801; File No. SR–Phlx– 2015–35] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Delete Outdated Rule Language Contained in Rule 1019 and Options Floor Procedures Advices April 23, 2015. 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 April 16, 2015, NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (‘‘Phlx’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III 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. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of the Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to delete outdated rule language contained in (i) Rule 1019, Precedence Accorded To Orders Entrusted To Specialists, and (ii) Options Floor Procedures Advices (‘‘Advices’’) A–2, A–13, D–1, D–2, F–3, F–7 and F–21, as explained further below. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at https:// nasdaqomxphlx.cchwallstreet.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 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. 1 15 16 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:18 Apr 28, 2015 2 17 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 23841 A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The purpose of the proposed rule change is to update the Exchange’s rules by deleting eight obsolete rules, including Rule 1019 as well as and Advices A–2, A–13, D–1, D–2, F–3, F– 7 and F–21. These rules are now obsolete for various reasons explained below. Historically, Advices replicated the provisions of the Exchange’s rule that were most pertinent for the trading floor community to keep handy, in lieu of the large, unwieldy rulebook; the Exchange adopted, for many years, both rules and Advices that contained nearly identical language where the Advice was the subject of a fine schedule under the Exchange’s minor rule plan 3 in order for the trading floor to have easy access to these provisions (which the Exchange printed and distributed) and in order for those persons who administered fines to have easy access to consult the applicable fine schedules. Most of the Advices which the Phlx is proposing to delete contain similar information to Rule 1019, which, as stated below, is also obsolete. Several provisions pertaining to Specialists 4 are obsolete, because Specialists no longer manually handle or execute others’ orders due to the migration to a new electronic trading system (‘‘Phlx XL II’’) in 2009.5 Of 3 Many of these Advices contain a fine schedule which is administered pursuant to the Phlx’s minor rule violation enforcement and reporting plan (‘‘Minor Rule Plan’’), and therefore the proposal necessarily amends the Exchange’s Minor Rule Plan. The Phlx’s Minor Rule Plan, codified in Phlx Rule 970, ‘‘Floor Procedure Advices: Violations, Penalties, and Procedures,’’ contains Advices with accompanying fine schedules. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 23296 (June 4, 1986), 51 FR 21430 (June 12, 1986) (SR–Phlx–86–11). Pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 19d–1 under the Act, a self-regulatory organization (‘‘SRO’’) is required to file promptly with the Commission notice of any ‘‘final’’ disciplinary action taken by the SRO. Pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of Rule 19d– 1, any disciplinary action taken by the SRO for violation of an SRO rule that has been designated a minor rule violation pursuant to the plan shall not be considered ‘‘final’’ for purposes of Section 19(d)(1) of the Act if the sanction imposed consists of a fine not exceeding $2500 and the sanctioned person has not sought an adjudication, including a hearing, or otherwise exhausted his or her administrative remedies. By deeming unadjudicated minor violations as not final, the Commission permits the SRO to report violations on a periodic (quarterly), as opposed to immediate, basis. 4 See Rule 1020. 5 In May 2009, the Exchange enhanced the options trading system and adopted corresponding rules referring to it as ‘‘Phlx XL II.’’ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59995 (May 28, 2009), 74 Continued Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\29APN1.SGM 29APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 82 (Wednesday, April 29, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23839-23841]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09917]


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

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-74795; File No. SR-NASDAQ-2015-038]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; 
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To 
Postpone Implementation of Changes to Rules 4751(h) and 4754(b) 
Relating to the Closing Process

April 23, 2015.
    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 April 13, 2015, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (``NASDAQ'' or 
``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 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 the 
Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to postpone implementation of changes to 
Rules 4751(h) and 4754(b) relating to the closing process.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
Web site at https://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.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 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.

[[Page 23840]]

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

1. Purpose
    NASDAQ is proposing to delay implementation of changes to Rules 
4751(h) and 4754(b) relating to the closing process, which are 
effective but not yet implemented. On December 16, 2014, the Exchange 
filed an immediately effective filing \3\ to amend the processing of 
the Closing Cross under Rule 4754(b) to adopt a ``Lockdown Period,'' 
the point at which NASDAQ will close the order book for participation 
in the Closing Cross. The Exchange also amended Rule 4751(h) to 
harmonize the processing of Market Hours Day orders \4\ and Good-til-
market close orders \5\ upon initiation of the Lockdown Period.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 73943 (December 24, 
2014), 80 FR 69 (January 2, 2015) (SR-NASDAQ-2014-123).
    \4\ See Rule 4751(h)(6).
    \5\ See Rule 4751(h)(8).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange had originally anticipated implementing the changes in 
mid-February 2015, after the expiration of the 30-day operative delay 
provided by Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) under the Act.\6\ The Exchange 
subsequently extended the period for implementation to Monday, April 
13, 2015.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \7\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 74342 (February 20, 
2015), 81 FR 10562 (February 26, 2015) (SR-NASDAQ-2015-14 [sic]).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based upon the Exchange's final internal pre-implementation 
testing, however, the Exchange has determined not to proceed with the 
scheduled implementation. Out of an abundance of caution, the Exchange 
will instead conduct an additional industry-wide User Acceptance Test 
to ensure the proper function of the proposed changes. Upon successful 
completion of that test, the Exchange will determine a new 
implementation date and provide notice of the new date to the industry.
2. Statutory Basis
    NASDAQ believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the provisions of Section 6 of the Act,\8\ in general, and with Section 
6(b)(5) of the Act,\9\ in particular, because it is designed to prevent 
fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and 
equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination 
with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing 
information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in 
securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a 
free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to 
protect investors and the public interest; and is not designed to 
permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or 
dealers. The Exchange believes that the changes NASDAQ is making to 
Rules 4751(h) and 4754(b) promote consistency and transparency in the 
process for handling orders in the closing process. Delaying 
implementation of the changes for brief period so that NASDAQ may 
implement the changes to its systems necessary to ensure that the 
Lockdown Period and processing of Market Hours Day and Good-til-market 
close orders are handled in the Closing Cross operate as planned 
promotes fair and orderly markets, the protection of investors and the 
public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f.
    \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    NASDAQ 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.\10\ The Exchange 
believes that the proposal is irrelevant to competition because it is 
not driven by, and will have no impact on, competition. Specifically, 
the proposal is representative of the Exchange's efforts to harmonize 
and simplify the processing of orders during the closing process.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    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 from the date on which it was filed, or 
such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become 
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \11\ and 
subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 thereunder.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(a)(iii).
    \12\ 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 did not satisfy this requirement. Nonetheless, the 
Commission has waived the pre-filing requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \13\ normally 
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the 
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\14\ 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 NASDAQ may 
implement the proposed rule change immediately. The Commission believes 
that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest because it will allow 
NASDAQ the opportunity to conduct further testing to ensure the proper 
function of the proposed changes before implementing them. Therefore, 
the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates 
the proposed rule change to be operative upon filing with the 
Commission.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \14\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \15\ For purposes only of waiving the operative delay for this 
proposal, 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 the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is: (i) 
Necessary or appropriate in the public interest; (ii) for the 
protection of investors; or (iii) 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:

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-2015-038 on the subject line.

[[Page 23841]]

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NASDAQ-2015-038. 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 offices 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-NASDAQ-2015-
038, and should be submitted on or before May 20, 2015.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-09917 Filed 4-28-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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