Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Reflecting a Change to the Means of Achieving the Investment Objective With Respect to the AdvisorShares EquityPro ETF, 33299-33301 [2016-12239]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 101 / Wednesday, May 25, 2016 / Notices
Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
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–
NYSEArca–2016–67 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.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
All submissions should refer to File
Number SR–NYSEArca–2016–67. This
file number should be included on the
subject line if email is used. To help the
Commission process and review your
comments more efficiently, please use
only one method. The Commission will
post all comments on the Commission’s
Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the
submission, all subsequent
amendments, all written statements
with respect to the proposed rule
change that are filed with the
Commission, and all written
communications relating to the
proposed rule change between the
Commission and any person, other than
those that may be withheld from the
public in accordance with the
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be
available for Web site viewing and
printing in the Commission’s Public
Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,
Washington, DC 20549, on official
business days between the hours of
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the
filing also will be available for
inspection and copying at the principal
offices of the Exchange and on its
Internet Web site at www.nyse.com. All
comments received will be posted
without change; the Commission does
not edit personal identifying
information from submissions. You
should submit only information that
you wish to make available publicly. All
submissions should refer to File
Number SR–NYSEArca–2016–67, and
should be submitted on or before June
15, 2016.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.24
Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[Release No. 34–77858; File No. SR–
NYSEArca–2016–66]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
Rule Change Reflecting a Change to
the Means of Achieving the Investment
Objective With Respect to the
AdvisorShares EquityPro ETF
May 19, 2016.
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 May 5,
2016, 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 reflect a
change to the means of achieving the
investment objective with respect to the
AdvisorShares EquityPro ETF. Shares of
the AdvisorShares EquityPro ETF are
currently listed and traded on the
Exchange. The proposed rule change is
available on the Exchange’s Web site at
www.nyse.com, at the principal office of
the Exchange, and at the Commission’s
Public Reference Room.
II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
In its filing with the Commission, the
self-regulatory organization included
statements concerning the purpose of,
and basis for, the proposed rule change
and discussed any comments it received
on the proposed rule change. The text
of those statements may be examined at
the places specified in Item IV below.
The Exchange has prepared summaries,
set forth in sections A, B, and C below,
of the most significant parts of such
statements.
[FR Doc. 2016–12242 Filed 5–24–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
1 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
U.S.C. 78a.
3 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
2 15
24 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
20:19 May 24, 2016
Jkt 238001
PO 00000
Frm 00102
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
33299
A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and the
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
1. Purpose
The Commission has approved listing
and trading on the Exchange of shares
(‘‘Shares’’) of the AdvisorShares
EquityPro ETF (formerly, the Global
Alpha & Beta ETF) (‘‘Fund’’), a series of
AdvisorShares Trust (‘‘Trust’’) 4 under
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.600, which
governs the listing and trading of
Managed Fund Shares. Shares of the
Fund are currently listed and traded on
the Exchange.
The Shares are offered by the Trust,
which is registered with the
Commission as an open-end
management investment company.5 The
investment advisor to the Fund is
AdvisorShares Investments, LLC (the
‘‘Adviser’’). The sub-adviser for the
Fund is Elements Financial, PLC (the
‘‘Sub-Adviser’’). Neither the Adviser nor
the Sub-Adviser is a registered brokerdealer or is affiliated with a brokerdealer.
In this proposed rule change, the
Exchange proposes to reflect a change to
the means the Adviser will utilize to
implement the Fund’s investment
objective to permit investments in U.S.
exchange-traded futures contracts, as
described below.
The First Prior Release stated that the
Fund’s investment objective is longterm capital growth. The First Prior
Release further stated that the Fund will
not invest in options contracts, futures
contracts, or swap agreements. The
Second Prior Release stated that the
Fund may invest up to 10% of the
Fund’s net assets in the following types
of options: U.S. exchange-listed index
4 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 67277
(June 27, 2012), 77 FR 39554 (July 3, 2012) (SR–
NYSEArca–2012–39) (‘‘Prior Order’’); 66973 (May
11, 2012), 77 FR 29429 (May 17, 2012) (SR–
NYSEArca–2012–39) (‘‘Prior Notice,’’ and together
with the Prior Order, the ‘‘First Prior Release’’). See
also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 72436
(June 19, 2014), 79 FR 36118 (June 25, 2014) (SR–
NYSEArca–2014–70) (‘‘Second Prior Release’’)
(notice of effectiveness of proposed rule change
regarding the Fund’s use of certain U.S. exchangelisted options).
5 The Trust is registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a–1). On
November 1, 2015, the Trust filed with the
Commission an amendment to its registration
statement on Form N–1A under the Securities Act
of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a), and under the 1940 Act
relating to the Fund (File Nos. 333–157876 and
811–22110) (‘‘Registration Statement’’). The
description of the operation of the Trust and the
Fund herein is based, in part, on the Registration
Statement. In addition, the Commission has issued
an order granting certain exemptive relief to the
Trust under the 1940 Act. See Investment Company
Act Release No. 29291) (May 28, 2010) (File No.
812–13677) (‘‘Exemptive Order’’).
E:\FR\FM\25MYN1.SGM
25MYN1
33300
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 101 / Wednesday, May 25, 2016 / Notices
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
options; U.S. exchange-listed individual
stock options; or U.S. exchange-listed
exchange-traded fund (‘‘ETF’’) options.
Going forward, the Adviser wishes to
revise the representations in the First
Prior Release and the Second Prior
Release to state that the Fund, in
addition to investments in U.S.
exchange-listed options, as described
above, may invest up to 10% of the
Fund’s net assets in U.S. exchangetraded stock index futures on broad
based indexes, such as futures on the
S&P 500 Index. All futures contracts in
which the Fund may invest will be
traded on U.S. futures exchanges. Such
futures contracts will be traded only on
futures exchanges that are members of
the Intermarket Surveillance Group
(‘‘ISG’’). The Fund may seek to invest in
futures contracts in order to gain market
exposure and/or to hedge against a
market decline.6
The Exchange represents that trading
in the Shares will be subject to the
existing trading surveillances,
administered by the Exchange or the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
(‘‘FINRA’’) on behalf of the Exchange,
which are designed to detect violations
of Exchange rules and applicable federal
securities laws.7 The Exchange
represents that these procedures are
adequate to properly monitor Exchange
trading of the Shares in all trading
sessions and to deter and detect
violations of Exchange rules and federal
securities laws applicable to trading on
the Exchange. The Fund’s investment in
futures will not be used to enhance
leverage.
The Exchange or FINRA, on behalf of
the Exchange, will communicate as
needed regarding trading in futures (in
addition to the exchange-traded assets
referenced in the First Prior Release and
Second Prior Release) with other
markets and other entities that are
members of the ISG,8 and the Exchange
and FINRA, on behalf of the Exchange,
may obtain trading information
regarding trading in futures (in addition
to the exchange-traded assets referenced
in the First Prior Release and Second
6 The changes described herein will be effective
contingent upon effectiveness of an amendment to
the Trust’s Registration Statement. See supra, note
5. The Adviser represents that the Adviser and the
Sub-Adviser have managed and will continue to
manage the Fund in the manner described in the
First Prior Release and the Second Prior Release,
and the Fund will not implement the proposed
amendment described herein until the instant
proposed rule change is operative.
7 FINRA conducts cross-market surveillances on
behalf of the Exchange pursuant to a regulatory
services agreement. The Exchange is responsible for
FINRA’s performance under this regulatory services
agreement.
8 For a list of the current members of ISG, see
www.isgportal.org.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
20:19 May 24, 2016
Jkt 238001
Prior Release) from such markets and
other entities. In addition, the Exchange
may obtain information regarding
trading in futures (in addition to the
exchange-traded assets referenced in the
First Prior Release and Second Prior
Release) from markets and other entities
that are members of ISG or with which
the Exchange has in place a
comprehensive surveillance sharing
agreement.
For purposes of calculating net asset
value (‘‘NAV’’) of Shares of the Fund,
futures contracts will generally be
valued at the settlement price of the
relevant exchange on the day of
valuation. Quotation and last sale
information for futures contracts will be
available from the exchanges on which
they trade or from major market data
vendors.
The Adviser represents that there is
no change to the Fund’s investment
objective. The Fund will continue to
comply with all initial and continued
listing requirements under NYSE Arca
Equities Rule 8.600.
Except for the changes noted above,
all other facts presented and
representations made in the First Prior
Release and Second Prior Release
remain unchanged.
All terms referenced but not defined
herein are defined in the First Prior
Release and Second Prior Release.
The Exchange notes that the
Commission has previously approved
for listing other actively-managed
exchange-traded funds that invest in
U.S. exchange-traded futures.9
2. Statutory Basis
The basis under the Act for this
proposed rule change is the requirement
under Section 6(b)(5) 10 that an
exchange have rules that are 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, in general, to protect investors and
the public interest. The Adviser
represents that there is no change to the
Fund’s investment objective. The Fund
will continue to comply with all initial
and continued listing requirements
under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.600.
All futures in which the Fund will
invest will be traded on U.S. futures
9 See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No.
67552 (August 1, 2012), 77 FR 47131 (August 7,
2012) (SR–NYSEArca–2012–55) (order approving
listing and trading on the Exchange of the STAR
Global Buy-Write ETF under NYSE Arca Equities
Rule 8.600).
10 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
PO 00000
Frm 00103
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
exchanges, all of which are members of
ISG.
The Exchange believes that the
proposed rule change is designed to
prevent fraudulent and manipulative
acts and practices, and is designed to
promote just and equitable principles of
trade and to protect investors and the
public interest, in that the Adviser
represents that there is no change to the
Fund’s investment objective. All futures
in which the Fund will invest will be
traded on a U.S futures exchange. The
Fund’s investment in futures will not be
used to enhance leverage. The Exchange
or FINRA, on behalf of the Exchange,
will communicate as needed regarding
trading in futures (in addition to the
exchange-traded assets referenced in the
First Prior Release and Second Prior
Release) with other markets and other
entities that are members of the ISG, and
the Exchange or FINRA, on behalf of the
Exchange, may obtain trading
information regarding trading in futures
(in addition to the exchange-traded
assets referenced in the First Prior
Release and Second Prior Release) from
such markets and other entities. In
addition, the Exchange may obtain
information regarding trading in futures
(in addition to the exchange-traded
assets referenced in the First Prior
Release and Second Prior Release) from
markets and other entities that are
members of ISG or with which the
Exchange has in place a comprehensive
surveillance sharing agreement.
The proposed rule change is designed
to perfect the mechanism of a free and
open market and, in general, to protect
investors and the public interest in that
the Fund will continue to comply with
all initial and continued listing
requirements under NYSE Arca Equities
Rule 8.600. The Adviser represents that
there is no change to the Fund’s
investment objective. Except for the
changes noted above, all other
representations made in the First Prior
Release and Second Prior Release
remain unchanged.
B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that
the proposed rule change will impose
any burden on competition that is not
necessary or appropriate in furtherance
of the purposes of the Act. The
proposed changes will accommodate
continued listing and trading of an issue
of Managed Fund Shares that, under
normal conditions, principally holds
large-capitalization, U.S. exchangelisted equities.
E:\FR\FM\25MYN1.SGM
25MYN1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 101 / Wednesday, May 25, 2016 / Notices
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From
Members, Participants, or Others
No written comments were solicited
or received with respect to the proposed
rule change.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
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, 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 11 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)
thereunder.12
The Exchange has asked the
Commission to waive the 30-day
operative delay so that the proposal may
become operative immediately upon
filing. The Exchange argues that waiver
of this requirement is consistent with
the protection of investors and the
public interest because the proposed
change will permit the Fund to more
efficiently implement its risk strategy,
and, depending on market conditions, to
hedge market risk or to provide an
opportunity for enhanced returns,
which may be to the benefit of investors.
The Commission notes that, other than
the change proposed herein, no other
changes are being made with respect to
the Fund, and all other representations
made in the First Prior Release and
Second Prior Release remain
unchanged. The proposal would: (1)
Permit the Fund to invest in U.S.
exchange-traded stock index futures on
broad based indexes, such as futures on
the S&P 500 Index; (2) confine all
futures contracts in which the Fund
may invest to be traded only on U.S.
futures exchanges that are members of
the ISG; and (3) limit the Fund’s
investments in futures contracts to 10%
of the Fund’s net assets. The
Commission believes that the proposed
change raises no new or novel
regulatory issues and would allow the
Fund to employ an additional strategy
11 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b–
4(f)(6) requires a self-regulatory organization to give
the Commission written notice of its intent to file
the proposed rule change at least five business days
prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule
change, or such shorter time as designated by the
Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this
requirement.
12 17
VerDate Sep<11>2014
20:19 May 24, 2016
Jkt 238001
that would be consistent with the
strategy of other Managed Fund Shares
without undue delay.13 Thus, the
Commission believes that waiver of the
30-day operative delay with respect to
the proposed change to the Fund is
consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest. The
Commission hereby waives the 30-day
operative delay and designates the
proposed rule change to be operative
upon filing.14
At any time within 60 days of the
filing of the proposed rule change, the
Commission 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:
Electronic Comments
• Use the Commission’s Internet
comment form (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml); or
• Send an email to rule-comments@
sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–
NYSEArca–2016–66 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–NYSEArca–2016–66. 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 See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No.
77620 (April 14, 2016), 81 FR 23339 (April 20,
2016) (SR–BATS–2015–124) (order approving
listing and trading of the REX VolMAXX Long VIX
Weekly Futures Strategy ETF and the REX
VolMAXX Inverse VIX Weekly Futures Strategy
ETF of the Exchange Traded Concepts Trust) and
supra, note 9.
14 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).
PO 00000
Frm 00104
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
33301
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 will also be available for
inspection and copying at the principal
office of the Exchange. All comments
received will be posted without change;
the Commission does not edit personal
identifying information from
submissions. You should submit only
information that you wish to make
available publicly. All submissions
should refer to File Number SR–
NYSEArca–2016–66 and should be
submitted on or before June 15, 2016.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.15
Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016–12239 Filed 5–24–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–77853; File No. SR–MIAX–
2016–11]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Miami
International Securities Exchange LLC;
Notice of Filing and Immediate
Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule
Change To Amend Exchange Rule 100
Concerning Professional Customers
May 19, 2016.
Pursuant to the provisions of 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 May 6, 2016, Miami International
Securities Exchange LLC (‘‘MIAX’’ or
‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission
(‘‘Commission’’) a 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
15 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
1 15
E:\FR\FM\25MYN1.SGM
25MYN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 101 (Wednesday, May 25, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33299-33301]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-12239]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-77858; File No. SR-NYSEArca-2016-66]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Reflecting a Change
to the Means of Achieving the Investment Objective With Respect to the
AdvisorShares EquityPro ETF
May 19, 2016.
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 May 5, 2016, 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
\3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to reflect a change to the means of achieving
the investment objective with respect to the AdvisorShares EquityPro
ETF. Shares of the AdvisorShares EquityPro ETF are currently listed and
traded on the Exchange. The proposed rule change is available on the
Exchange's Web site at www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the
Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.
II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission, the self-regulatory organization
included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the
proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the
proposed rule change. The text of those statements may be examined at
the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared
summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most
significant parts of such statements.
A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and the
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
1. Purpose
The Commission has approved listing and trading on the Exchange of
shares (``Shares'') of the AdvisorShares EquityPro ETF (formerly, the
Global Alpha & Beta ETF) (``Fund''), a series of AdvisorShares Trust
(``Trust'') \4\ under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.600, which governs the
listing and trading of Managed Fund Shares. Shares of the Fund are
currently listed and traded on the Exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 67277 (June 27,
2012), 77 FR 39554 (July 3, 2012) (SR-NYSEArca-2012-39) (``Prior
Order''); 66973 (May 11, 2012), 77 FR 29429 (May 17, 2012) (SR-
NYSEArca-2012-39) (``Prior Notice,'' and together with the Prior
Order, the ``First Prior Release''). See also Securities Exchange
Act Release No. 72436 (June 19, 2014), 79 FR 36118 (June 25, 2014)
(SR-NYSEArca-2014-70) (``Second Prior Release'') (notice of
effectiveness of proposed rule change regarding the Fund's use of
certain U.S. exchange-listed options).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Shares are offered by the Trust, which is registered with the
Commission as an open-end management investment company.\5\ The
investment advisor to the Fund is AdvisorShares Investments, LLC (the
``Adviser''). The sub-adviser for the Fund is Elements Financial, PLC
(the ``Sub-Adviser''). Neither the Adviser nor the Sub-Adviser is a
registered broker-dealer or is affiliated with a broker-dealer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ The Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-1). On November 1, 2015, the Trust filed with
the Commission an amendment to its registration statement on Form N-
1A under the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a), and under the
1940 Act relating to the Fund (File Nos. 333-157876 and 811-22110)
(``Registration Statement''). The description of the operation of
the Trust and the Fund herein is based, in part, on the Registration
Statement. In addition, the Commission has issued an order granting
certain exemptive relief to the Trust under the 1940 Act. See
Investment Company Act Release No. 29291) (May 28, 2010) (File No.
812-13677) (``Exemptive Order'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this proposed rule change, the Exchange proposes to reflect a
change to the means the Adviser will utilize to implement the Fund's
investment objective to permit investments in U.S. exchange-traded
futures contracts, as described below.
The First Prior Release stated that the Fund's investment objective
is long-term capital growth. The First Prior Release further stated
that the Fund will not invest in options contracts, futures contracts,
or swap agreements. The Second Prior Release stated that the Fund may
invest up to 10% of the Fund's net assets in the following types of
options: U.S. exchange-listed index
[[Page 33300]]
options; U.S. exchange-listed individual stock options; or U.S.
exchange-listed exchange-traded fund (``ETF'') options.
Going forward, the Adviser wishes to revise the representations in
the First Prior Release and the Second Prior Release to state that the
Fund, in addition to investments in U.S. exchange-listed options, as
described above, may invest up to 10% of the Fund's net assets in U.S.
exchange-traded stock index futures on broad based indexes, such as
futures on the S&P 500 Index. All futures contracts in which the Fund
may invest will be traded on U.S. futures exchanges. Such futures
contracts will be traded only on futures exchanges that are members of
the Intermarket Surveillance Group (``ISG''). The Fund may seek to
invest in futures contracts in order to gain market exposure and/or to
hedge against a market decline.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ The changes described herein will be effective contingent
upon effectiveness of an amendment to the Trust's Registration
Statement. See supra, note 5. The Adviser represents that the
Adviser and the Sub-Adviser have managed and will continue to manage
the Fund in the manner described in the First Prior Release and the
Second Prior Release, and the Fund will not implement the proposed
amendment described herein until the instant proposed rule change is
operative.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange represents that trading in the Shares will be subject
to the existing trading surveillances, administered by the Exchange or
the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (``FINRA'') on behalf of
the Exchange, which are designed to detect violations of Exchange rules
and applicable federal securities laws.\7\ The Exchange represents that
these procedures are adequate to properly monitor Exchange trading of
the Shares in all trading sessions and to deter and detect violations
of Exchange rules and federal securities laws applicable to trading on
the Exchange. The Fund's investment in futures will not be used to
enhance leverage.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ FINRA conducts cross-market surveillances on behalf of the
Exchange pursuant to a regulatory services agreement. The Exchange
is responsible for FINRA's performance under this regulatory
services agreement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange or FINRA, on behalf of the Exchange, will communicate
as needed regarding trading in futures (in addition to the exchange-
traded assets referenced in the First Prior Release and Second Prior
Release) with other markets and other entities that are members of the
ISG,\8\ and the Exchange and FINRA, on behalf of the Exchange, may
obtain trading information regarding trading in futures (in addition to
the exchange-traded assets referenced in the First Prior Release and
Second Prior Release) from such markets and other entities. In
addition, the Exchange may obtain information regarding trading in
futures (in addition to the exchange-traded assets referenced in the
First Prior Release and Second Prior Release) from markets and other
entities that are members of ISG or with which the Exchange has in
place a comprehensive surveillance sharing agreement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ For a list of the current members of ISG, see
www.isgportal.org.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For purposes of calculating net asset value (``NAV'') of Shares of
the Fund, futures contracts will generally be valued at the settlement
price of the relevant exchange on the day of valuation. Quotation and
last sale information for futures contracts will be available from the
exchanges on which they trade or from major market data vendors.
The Adviser represents that there is no change to the Fund's
investment objective. The Fund will continue to comply with all initial
and continued listing requirements under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.600.
Except for the changes noted above, all other facts presented and
representations made in the First Prior Release and Second Prior
Release remain unchanged.
All terms referenced but not defined herein are defined in the
First Prior Release and Second Prior Release.
The Exchange notes that the Commission has previously approved for
listing other actively-managed exchange-traded funds that invest in
U.S. exchange-traded futures.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67552 (August
1, 2012), 77 FR 47131 (August 7, 2012) (SR-NYSEArca-2012-55) (order
approving listing and trading on the Exchange of the STAR Global
Buy-Write ETF under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.600).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Statutory Basis
The basis under the Act for this proposed rule change is the
requirement under Section 6(b)(5) \10\ that an exchange have rules that
are 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, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The
Adviser represents that there is no change to the Fund's investment
objective. The Fund will continue to comply with all initial and
continued listing requirements under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.600. All
futures in which the Fund will invest will be traded on U.S. futures
exchanges, all of which are members of ISG.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is designed to
prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, and is designed
to promote just and equitable principles of trade and to protect
investors and the public interest, in that the Adviser represents that
there is no change to the Fund's investment objective. All futures in
which the Fund will invest will be traded on a U.S futures exchange.
The Fund's investment in futures will not be used to enhance leverage.
The Exchange or FINRA, on behalf of the Exchange, will communicate as
needed regarding trading in futures (in addition to the exchange-traded
assets referenced in the First Prior Release and Second Prior Release)
with other markets and other entities that are members of the ISG, and
the Exchange or FINRA, on behalf of the Exchange, may obtain trading
information regarding trading in futures (in addition to the exchange-
traded assets referenced in the First Prior Release and Second Prior
Release) from such markets and other entities. In addition, the
Exchange may obtain information regarding trading in futures (in
addition to the exchange-traded assets referenced in the First Prior
Release and Second Prior Release) from markets and other entities that
are members of ISG or with which the Exchange has in place a
comprehensive surveillance sharing agreement.
The proposed rule change is designed to perfect the mechanism of a
free and open market and, in general, to protect investors and the
public interest in that the Fund will continue to comply with all
initial and continued listing requirements under NYSE Arca Equities
Rule 8.600. The Adviser represents that there is no change to the
Fund's investment objective. Except for the changes noted above, all
other representations made in the First Prior Release and Second Prior
Release remain unchanged.
B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will
impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed changes will
accommodate continued listing and trading of an issue of Managed Fund
Shares that, under normal conditions, principally holds large-
capitalization, U.S. exchange-listed equities.
[[Page 33301]]
C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed
Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others
No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the
proposed rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i)
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii)
become operative for 30 days 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
\11\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\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 has satisfied this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative
delay so that the proposal may become operative immediately upon
filing. The Exchange argues that waiver of this requirement is
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest
because the proposed change will permit the Fund to more efficiently
implement its risk strategy, and, depending on market conditions, to
hedge market risk or to provide an opportunity for enhanced returns,
which may be to the benefit of investors. The Commission notes that,
other than the change proposed herein, no other changes are being made
with respect to the Fund, and all other representations made in the
First Prior Release and Second Prior Release remain unchanged. The
proposal would: (1) Permit the Fund to invest in U.S. exchange-traded
stock index futures on broad based indexes, such as futures on the S&P
500 Index; (2) confine all futures contracts in which the Fund may
invest to be traded only on U.S. futures exchanges that are members of
the ISG; and (3) limit the Fund's investments in futures contracts to
10% of the Fund's net assets. The Commission believes that the proposed
change raises no new or novel regulatory issues and would allow the
Fund to employ an additional strategy that would be consistent with the
strategy of other Managed Fund Shares without undue delay.\13\ Thus,
the Commission believes that waiver of the 30-day operative delay with
respect to the proposed change to the Fund is consistent with the
protection of investors and the public interest. The Commission hereby
waives the 30-day operative delay and designates the proposed rule
change to be operative upon filing.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 77620 (April
14, 2016), 81 FR 23339 (April 20, 2016) (SR-BATS-2015-124) (order
approving listing and trading of the REX VolMAXX Long VIX Weekly
Futures Strategy ETF and the REX VolMAXX Inverse VIX Weekly Futures
Strategy ETF of the Exchange Traded Concepts Trust) and supra, note
9.
\14\ 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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule
change, the Commission 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:
Electronic Comments
Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include
File Number SR-NYSEArca-2016-66 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-NYSEArca-2016-66. 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 will also be available
for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All
submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEArca-2016-66 and should
be submitted on or before June 15, 2016.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\15\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-12239 Filed 5-24-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P