Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq MRX, LLC; Notice of Filing of Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To Introduce the ATR Protection for Orders That Are Routed to Away Markets, 23981-23983 [2018-10980]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2018 / Notices daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange believes that the addition of the Price Improvement Only variation will only boost the attractiveness of the M–ELO among market participants who desire or require additional trading flexibility for the M–ELO as well as those that seek additional opportunities for price improvement. Accordingly, the Exchange expects that its proposal will draw new market participants to Nasdaq and increase the extent to which existing participants utilize M–ELO. To the extent the proposed change is successful in attracting additional market participants, Nasdaq believes that the proposed change will promote competition among trading venues by making Nasdaq a more attractive trading venue for long-term investors and therefore capital formation. In any event, the Exchange notes that it operates in a highly competitive market in which market participants can readily choose between competing venues if they deem participation in Nasdaq’s market is no longer desirable. In such an environment, the Exchange must carefully consider the impact that any change it proposes may have on its participants, understanding that it will likely lose participants to the extent a change is viewed as unfavorable by them. Because competitors are free to modify the incentives and structure of their markets, the Exchange believes that the degree to which modifying the market structure of an individual market may impose any burden on competition is limited. The Exchange also does not believe that its proposal will impose an undue burden on intramarket competition. Just as with an ordinary M–ELOs [sic], the M–ELO with PIO will be available to all Nasdaq members and it will be available on an optional basis. Thus, any member that seeks to avail itself of the benefits of a M–ELO with PIO or avoid its costs can choose accordingly. Although the proposal provides flexibility and price improvement opportunities specifically for investors that select the M–ELO order type, the Exchange believes that all market participants will benefit to the extent that this proposal contributes to a healthy and attractive market that is attentive to the needs of all types of investors. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:33 May 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were either solicited or received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Within 45 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register or within such longer period up to 90 days (i) as the Commission may designate if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will: (A) By order approve or disapprove such proposed rule change, or (B) institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments 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–2018–038 on the subject line. 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–2018–038. 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 website (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 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 available for website 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. Persons submitting comments are cautioned that we do not redact or edit personal identifying information from comment submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NASDAQ–2018–038 and should be submitted on or before June 13, 2018. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.16 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018–10973 Filed 5–22–18; 8:45 am] 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: PO 00000 23981 BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–83280; File No. SR–MRX– 2018–08] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq MRX, LLC; Notice of Filing of Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To Introduce the ATR Protection for Orders That Are Routed to Away Markets May 17, 2018. I. Introduction On February 23, 2018, Nasdaq MRX, LLC (‘‘MRX’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule change to amend Exchange Rule 714 regarding the Acceptable Trade Range (‘‘ATR’’) functionality for orders that are routed to away markets. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on March 14, 2018.3 On April 23, 2018, the Exchange submitted Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change, which replaced and superseded the original filing in its 16 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 82848 (March 9, 2018), 83 FR 11276 (‘‘Notice’’). 1 15 E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1 23982 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2018 / Notices entirety.4 On April 26, 2018, the Commission extended the time period within which to approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the proposed rule change, or institute proceedings to determine whether to disapprove the proposed rule change to June 22, 2018.5 The Commission received no comments on the proposed rule change. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comment on Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change from interested persons and is approving the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, on an accelerated basis. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES II. Description of the Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1 6 The ATR is a functionality designed to prevent the Exchange’s System 7 from experiencing dramatic price swings by preventing the execution of orders beyond set thresholds.8 Pursuant to Exchange Rule 714(b)(1), the System calculates an ATR to limit the range of prices at which an order or quote will be allowed to execute.9 Upon receipt of a new order or quote, the ATR is calculated by taking the reference price, plus or minus a value to be determined by the Exchange, where the reference price is the NBB for sell orders/quotes and the NBO for buy orders/quotes.10 4 See Letter to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission, from Adrian Griffiths, Senior Associate General Counsel, Nasdaq, Inc., dated April 23, 2018 (‘‘Amendment No. 1’’). Amendment No. 1 revises the proposed rule change to: (i) Provide further discussion of the current application of the ATR to orders routed away; (ii) modify the proposed rule text regarding the recalculation of the ATR for orders routed away pursuant to Supplementary Material to Exchange Rule 1901, if the applicable National Best Bid (‘‘NBB’’) or the National Best Offer (‘‘NBO’’) price is improved at the time of routing; (iii) expand the discussion and justification for recalculating the ATR for such orders; and (iv) make other amendments to the proposed rule text to improve the understandability of the current ATR calculation. Amendment No. 1 was also submitted as a comment to the proposed rule change. Amendment No. 1 is available at: https:// www.sec.gov/comments/sr-mrx-2018-08/ mrx201808-3492392-162259.pdf. 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 83116 (April 26, 2018), 83 FR 19369 (May 2, 2018). 6 For a more detailed description of the proposal, see Notice, supra note 3; Amendment No. 1, supra note 4. 7 The term ‘‘System’’ means the electronic system operated by the Exchange that receives and disseminates quotes, executes orders and reports transactions. See Exchange Rule 100(a)(55). 8 See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4. 9 See Exchange Rule 714(b)(1). 10 See Notice, supra note 3, at 11276. For purposes of determining the value that will be added or subtracted from the reference price, there are three categories of options for the ATR: (1) Penny Pilot Options trading in one cent increments for options trading at less than $3.00 and increments of five cents for options trading at $3.00 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:33 May 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 Accordingly, the ATR is: The reference price¥(x) for sell orders/quotes; and the reference price + (x) for buy orders.11 If an order or quote reaches the outer limit of the ATR without being fully executed, then any unexecuted balance will be cancelled.12 The Exchange states that, currently, the System calculates a reference price for an incoming order or quote only when that order or quote rests or trades on the regular order book.13 Accordingly, orders that route to away exchanges do not always receive the ATR. Orders that first trade on the Exchange prior to being routed away receive the ATR, but orders that are routed away upon entry (or otherwise do not rest or trade on the regular order book) are not currently subject to the ATR.14 The Exchange now proposes to amend the ATR to modify how it applies to orders that are routed by the Exchange. First, the Exchange proposes to apply the ATR to orders that are routed to away markets without first trading on the Exchange.15 This means that, unlike today, the System will calculate an ATR for orders even if the order does not rest or trade on the regular order book prior to being routed.16 In addition, the Exchange proposes that, for orders routed to away markets pursuant to the Supplementary Material to Exchange Rule 1901,17 if the applicable NBB or NBO price is improved at the time the order is routed, a new ATR would be calculated based on the reference price at that time.18 The or more, (2) Penny Pilot Options trading in one-cent increments for all prices, and (3) Non-Penny Pilot Options. See id. 11 See Exchange Rule 714(b)(1)(i). 12 See Exchange Rule 714(b)(1)(ii). The ATR is not available for All-or-None Orders. See Notice, supra note 3, at 11276, n.3. 13 See Notice, supra note 3, at 11276. 14 See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4. 15 See Notice, supra note 3, at 11276. 16 See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4. 17 This could occur: (1) if an order is routed to an away market pursuant to Supplementary Material .02 to Rule 1901 (the ‘‘Flash’’ auction) without first trading against any Exchange interest in the ‘‘Flash’’ auction; (2) if an order is a ‘‘Sweep Order’’ as defined in Rule 715(s) and processed pursuant to Supplementary Material .05 to Rule 1901 instead of the ‘‘Flash’’ auction; or (3) if a NonCustomer Order opts out of the ‘‘Flash’’ auction and is processed pursuant to Supplementary Material .04 to Rule 1901. See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4. Supplementary Material .02 to Rule 1901 provides that orders to be routed to away markets may be eligible for a ‘‘Flash’’ auction wherein Exchange members are allowed the opportunity to enter responses to trade with the order prior to routing. See Notice, supra note 3, at 11276. 18 See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4; proposed Exchange Rule 714(b)(1)(ii). In the Notice, the Exchange provides examples of how the ATR will be applied to orders routed to away markets. See Notice, supra note 3, at 11276–77. PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Exchange notes that the NBB or NBO price for a security may change during the ‘‘Flash’’ auction process described in Supplementary Material .02 to Rule 1901, and the proposed rule change would provide additional protection if the reference price was improved at the time the order is routed.19 Similarly, the Exchange represents that other routable orders not subject to the ‘‘Flash’’ auction process must still be processed by the System prior to routing, and during this processing time the market may have moved.20 Under the proposed rule change, if the NBB or NBO price has not improved at the time an order is routed, the ATR that was applied to the order upon entry into the System would apply.21 The Exchange states that it intends to implement the ATR functionality described in the proposed rule change no later than October 31, 2018.22 III. Discussion and Commission Findings After careful review, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange.23 In particular, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,24 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 believes that the ATR is reasonably designed to prevent executions of orders and quotes at 19 See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4. Amendment No. 1, supra note 4. 21 The Exchange states that the ATR is not again recalculated for orders after routing, so orders that are routed but not executed in full by an away market, and subsequently return to trade on the Exchange, would not receive a new ATR. See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4. 22 See Notice, supra note 3, at 11277. The Exchange further states that it will announce the implementation date of this functionality in an Options Trader Alert prior to the launch date. See id. 23 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). 24 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 20 See E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2018 / Notices prices that are significantly worse than the NBBO at the time of an order’s submission and may reduce the potential negative impacts of unanticipated volatility in individual options.25 The Commission notes that the proposed rule change extends the application of the ATR to orders that route away immediately upon entry, thus offering these orders the same protections that the ATR provides to orders that first trade on the Exchange before being routed. The Commission also believes that recalculating the ATR for orders routed to away markets pursuant to the Supplementary Material to Rule 1901, if the applicable NBB or NBO price is improved at the time the order is routed, should help provide such orders with a price protection that better reflects the NBB or NBO. The Commission further believes that the proposed rule change will provide transparency and enhance investors’ understanding of the operation of the ATR. The Commission notes that the Exchange will continue to use the NBB or NBO as the reference price for the ATR. For these reasons, the Commission believes that the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, is consistent with the Act. III. Solicitation of Comments on Amendment No. 1 Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change is consistent with the Exchange 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– MRX–2018–08 on the subject line. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES 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–MRX–2018–08. 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 25 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 81204 (July 25, 2017), 82 FR 35557, 35559–60 (July 31, 2017) (SR–MRX–2017–02) (Order approving, among other things, proposal to establish ATR). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:33 May 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 post all comments on the Commission’s internet website (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 website 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. Persons submitting comments are cautioned that we do not redact or edit personal identifying information from comment submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–MRX–2018–08 and should be submitted on or before June 13, 2018. V. Accelerated Approval of Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1 The Commission finds good cause to approve the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, prior to the 30th day after the date of publication of notice of Amendment No. 1 in the Federal Register. As discussed above, Amendment No. 1 adds detail to the proposal and the proposed rule text regarding the operation of the ATR. Amendment No. 1 revises the proposed rule text to specify that for orders routed to away markets pursuant to the Supplementary Material to Rule 1901, if the applicable NBB or NBO price is improved at the time the order is routed, a new ATR will be calculated based on the reference price at that time. Amendment No. 1 also sets forth additional justification for the proposed rule change. The Commission believes that these revisions provide greater clarity with respect to the current and proposed application of the ATR for routed away orders. Accordingly, the Commission finds good cause, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Exchange Act,26 to approve the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1 on an accelerated basis. 26 15 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). Frm 00100 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 23983 VI. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Exchange Act,27 that the proposed rule change (SR– MRX–2018–08), as modified by Amendment No. 1 thereto, be, and it hereby is, approved on an accelerated basis. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.28 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018–10980 Filed 5–22–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–83268; File No. SR– NYSEArca–2018–34] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the NYSE Arca Equities Fees and Charges May 17, 2018. 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 9, 2018, 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, II, and III 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 the Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to amend the NYSE Arca Equities Fees and Charges (‘‘Fee Schedule’’) to introduce a new pricing tier, Retail Order Step-Up Tier. The Exchange proposes to implement the fee change effective May 9, 2018.4 The proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s website at www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. 27 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 15 U.S.C. 78a. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 4 The Exchange originally filed to amend the Fee Schedule on May 1, 2018 (SR–NYSEArca–2018–30) and withdrew such filing on May 9, 2018. 28 17 E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23981-23983]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10980]


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

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-83280; File No. SR-MRX-2018-08]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq MRX, LLC; Notice of Filing 
of Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a 
Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To Introduce the 
ATR Protection for Orders That Are Routed to Away Markets

May 17, 2018.

I. Introduction

    On February 23, 2018, Nasdaq MRX, LLC (``MRX'' or ``Exchange'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission''), 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ a proposed rule change to 
amend Exchange Rule 714 regarding the Acceptable Trade Range (``ATR'') 
functionality for orders that are routed to away markets. The proposed 
rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on March 
14, 2018.\3\ On April 23, 2018, the Exchange submitted Amendment No. 1 
to the proposed rule change, which replaced and superseded the original 
filing in its

[[Page 23982]]

entirety.\4\ On April 26, 2018, the Commission extended the time period 
within which to approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the 
proposed rule change, or institute proceedings to determine whether to 
disapprove the proposed rule change to June 22, 2018.\5\ The Commission 
received no comments on the proposed rule change. The Commission is 
publishing this notice to solicit comment on Amendment No. 1 to the 
proposed rule change from interested persons and is approving the 
proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, on an accelerated 
basis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 82848 (March 9, 
2018), 83 FR 11276 (``Notice'').
    \4\ See Letter to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission, from 
Adrian Griffiths, Senior Associate General Counsel, Nasdaq, Inc., 
dated April 23, 2018 (``Amendment No. 1''). Amendment No. 1 revises 
the proposed rule change to: (i) Provide further discussion of the 
current application of the ATR to orders routed away; (ii) modify 
the proposed rule text regarding the recalculation of the ATR for 
orders routed away pursuant to Supplementary Material to Exchange 
Rule 1901, if the applicable National Best Bid (``NBB'') or the 
National Best Offer (``NBO'') price is improved at the time of 
routing; (iii) expand the discussion and justification for 
recalculating the ATR for such orders; and (iv) make other 
amendments to the proposed rule text to improve the 
understandability of the current ATR calculation. Amendment No. 1 
was also submitted as a comment to the proposed rule change. 
Amendment No. 1 is available at: https://www.sec.gov/comments/sr-mrx-2018-08/mrx201808-3492392-162259.pdf.
    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 83116 (April 26, 
2018), 83 FR 19369 (May 2, 2018).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Description of the Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment 
No. 1 \6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ For a more detailed description of the proposal, see Notice, 
supra note 3; Amendment No. 1, supra note 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ATR is a functionality designed to prevent the Exchange's 
System \7\ from experiencing dramatic price swings by preventing the 
execution of orders beyond set thresholds.\8\ Pursuant to Exchange Rule 
714(b)(1), the System calculates an ATR to limit the range of prices at 
which an order or quote will be allowed to execute.\9\ Upon receipt of 
a new order or quote, the ATR is calculated by taking the reference 
price, plus or minus a value to be determined by the Exchange, where 
the reference price is the NBB for sell orders/quotes and the NBO for 
buy orders/quotes.\10\ Accordingly, the ATR is: The reference price-(x) 
for sell orders/quotes; and the reference price + (x) for buy 
orders.\11\ If an order or quote reaches the outer limit of the ATR 
without being fully executed, then any unexecuted balance will be 
cancelled.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ The term ``System'' means the electronic system operated by 
the Exchange that receives and disseminates quotes, executes orders 
and reports transactions. See Exchange Rule 100(a)(55).
    \8\ See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4.
    \9\ See Exchange Rule 714(b)(1).
    \10\ See Notice, supra note 3, at 11276. For purposes of 
determining the value that will be added or subtracted from the 
reference price, there are three categories of options for the ATR: 
(1) Penny Pilot Options trading in one cent increments for options 
trading at less than $3.00 and increments of five cents for options 
trading at $3.00 or more, (2) Penny Pilot Options trading in one-
cent increments for all prices, and (3) Non-Penny Pilot Options. See 
id.
    \11\ See Exchange Rule 714(b)(1)(i).
    \12\ See Exchange Rule 714(b)(1)(ii). The ATR is not available 
for All-or-None Orders. See Notice, supra note 3, at 11276, n.3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange states that, currently, the System calculates a 
reference price for an incoming order or quote only when that order or 
quote rests or trades on the regular order book.\13\ Accordingly, 
orders that route to away exchanges do not always receive the ATR. 
Orders that first trade on the Exchange prior to being routed away 
receive the ATR, but orders that are routed away upon entry (or 
otherwise do not rest or trade on the regular order book) are not 
currently subject to the ATR.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ See Notice, supra note 3, at 11276.
    \14\ See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange now proposes to amend the ATR to modify how it applies 
to orders that are routed by the Exchange. First, the Exchange proposes 
to apply the ATR to orders that are routed to away markets without 
first trading on the Exchange.\15\ This means that, unlike today, the 
System will calculate an ATR for orders even if the order does not rest 
or trade on the regular order book prior to being routed.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ See Notice, supra note 3, at 11276.
    \16\ See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the Exchange proposes that, for orders routed to away 
markets pursuant to the Supplementary Material to Exchange Rule 
1901,\17\ if the applicable NBB or NBO price is improved at the time 
the order is routed, a new ATR would be calculated based on the 
reference price at that time.\18\ The Exchange notes that the NBB or 
NBO price for a security may change during the ``Flash'' auction 
process described in Supplementary Material .02 to Rule 1901, and the 
proposed rule change would provide additional protection if the 
reference price was improved at the time the order is routed.\19\ 
Similarly, the Exchange represents that other routable orders not 
subject to the ``Flash'' auction process must still be processed by the 
System prior to routing, and during this processing time the market may 
have moved.\20\ Under the proposed rule change, if the NBB or NBO price 
has not improved at the time an order is routed, the ATR that was 
applied to the order upon entry into the System would apply.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ This could occur: (1) if an order is routed to an away 
market pursuant to Supplementary Material .02 to Rule 1901 (the 
``Flash'' auction) without first trading against any Exchange 
interest in the ``Flash'' auction; (2) if an order is a ``Sweep 
Order'' as defined in Rule 715(s) and processed pursuant to 
Supplementary Material .05 to Rule 1901 instead of the ``Flash'' 
auction; or (3) if a Non-Customer Order opts out of the ``Flash'' 
auction and is processed pursuant to Supplementary Material .04 to 
Rule 1901. See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4.
    Supplementary Material .02 to Rule 1901 provides that orders to 
be routed to away markets may be eligible for a ``Flash'' auction 
wherein Exchange members are allowed the opportunity to enter 
responses to trade with the order prior to routing. See Notice, 
supra note 3, at 11276.
    \18\ See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4; proposed Exchange Rule 
714(b)(1)(ii). In the Notice, the Exchange provides examples of how 
the ATR will be applied to orders routed to away markets. See 
Notice, supra note 3, at 11276-77.
    \19\ See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4.
    \20\ See Amendment No. 1, supra note 4.
    \21\ The Exchange states that the ATR is not again recalculated 
for orders after routing, so orders that are routed but not executed 
in full by an away market, and subsequently return to trade on the 
Exchange, would not receive a new ATR. See Amendment No. 1, supra 
note 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange states that it intends to implement the ATR 
functionality described in the proposed rule change no later than 
October 31, 2018.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ See Notice, supra note 3, at 11277. The Exchange further 
states that it will announce the implementation date of this 
functionality in an Options Trader Alert prior to the launch date. 
See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Discussion and Commission Findings

    After careful review, the Commission finds that the proposed rule 
change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, is consistent with the 
requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder 
applicable to a national securities exchange.\23\ In particular, the 
Commission finds that the proposed rule change, as modified by 
Amendment No. 1, is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\24\ 
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ 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).
    \24\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission believes that the ATR is reasonably designed to 
prevent executions of orders and quotes at

[[Page 23983]]

prices that are significantly worse than the NBBO at the time of an 
order's submission and may reduce the potential negative impacts of 
unanticipated volatility in individual options.\25\ The Commission 
notes that the proposed rule change extends the application of the ATR 
to orders that route away immediately upon entry, thus offering these 
orders the same protections that the ATR provides to orders that first 
trade on the Exchange before being routed. The Commission also believes 
that recalculating the ATR for orders routed to away markets pursuant 
to the Supplementary Material to Rule 1901, if the applicable NBB or 
NBO price is improved at the time the order is routed, should help 
provide such orders with a price protection that better reflects the 
NBB or NBO. The Commission further believes that the proposed rule 
change will provide transparency and enhance investors' understanding 
of the operation of the ATR. The Commission notes that the Exchange 
will continue to use the NBB or NBO as the reference price for the ATR. 
For these reasons, the Commission believes that the proposed rule 
change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, is consistent with the Act.
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    \25\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 81204 (July 25, 
2017), 82 FR 35557, 35559-60 (July 31, 2017) (SR-MRX-2017-02) (Order 
approving, among other things, proposal to establish ATR).
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III. Solicitation of Comments on Amendment No. 1

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether Amendment No. 1 
to the proposed rule change is consistent with the Exchange 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 [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-MRX-2018-08 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-MRX-2018-08. 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 website (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 website 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. Persons submitting comments are 
cautioned that we do not redact or edit personal identifying 
information from comment submissions. You should submit only 
information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions 
should refer to File Number SR-MRX-2018-08 and should be submitted on 
or before June 13, 2018.

V. Accelerated Approval of Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by 
Amendment No. 1

    The Commission finds good cause to approve the proposed rule 
change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, prior to the 30th day after the 
date of publication of notice of Amendment No. 1 in the Federal 
Register. As discussed above, Amendment No. 1 adds detail to the 
proposal and the proposed rule text regarding the operation of the ATR. 
Amendment No. 1 revises the proposed rule text to specify that for 
orders routed to away markets pursuant to the Supplementary Material to 
Rule 1901, if the applicable NBB or NBO price is improved at the time 
the order is routed, a new ATR will be calculated based on the 
reference price at that time. Amendment No. 1 also sets forth 
additional justification for the proposed rule change. The Commission 
believes that these revisions provide greater clarity with respect to 
the current and proposed application of the ATR for routed away orders. 
Accordingly, the Commission finds good cause, pursuant to Section 
19(b)(2) of the Exchange Act,\26\ to approve the proposed rule change, 
as modified by Amendment No. 1 on an accelerated basis.
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    \26\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
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VI. Conclusion

    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the 
Exchange Act,\27\ that the proposed rule change (SR-MRX-2018-08), as 
modified by Amendment No. 1 thereto, be, and it hereby is, approved on 
an accelerated basis.
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    \27\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\28\
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    \28\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2018-10980 Filed 5-22-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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