Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Operation of its SPXPM Pilot Program, 56129-56131 [2018-24528]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 218 / Friday, November 9, 2018 / Notices Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NASDAQ–2018–081. 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 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change. 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–2018–081, and should be submitted on or before November 30, 2018. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.18 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018–24525 Filed 11–8–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES [Release No. 34–84535; File No. SR–CBOE– 2018–069] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Operation of its SPXPM Pilot Program November 5, 2018. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 18 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Nov 08, 2018 Jkt 247001 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on November 2, 2018, Cboe Exchange, Inc. (‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘Cboe Options’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange filed the proposal as a ‘‘noncontroversial’’ proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.4 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 extend the operation of its SPXPM pilot program. The text of the proposed rule change is provided below. (additions are italicized; deletions are [bracketed]) * * * * * Cboe Exchange, Inc. Rules [sic] * * * * * Rule 24.9. Terms of Index Option Contracts (No change). . . . Interpretations and Policies: .01–.13 (No change). .14 In addition to A.M.-settled Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index options approved for trading on the Exchange pursuant to Rule 24.9, the Exchange may also list options on the S&P 500 Index whose exercise settlement value is derived from closing prices on the last trading day prior to expiration (P.M.-settled third Friday-ofthe-month SPX options series). The Exchange may also list options on the Mini-SPX Index (‘‘XSP’’) whose exercise settlement value is derived from closing prices on the last trading day prior to expiration (‘‘P.M.-settled’’). P.M.-settled third Friday-of-the-month SPX options series and P.M.-settled XSP options will be listed for trading for a pilot period ending [November 5, 2018] May 6, 2019. * * * * * The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the Exchange’s website (https://www.cboe.com/ AboutCBOE/CBOELegal RegulatoryHome.aspx), at the Exchange’s Office of the Secretary, and 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 2 17 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56129 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. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose On February 8, 2013, the Exchange received approval of a rule change that established a Pilot Program that allows the Exchange to list options on the S&P 500 Index whose exercise settlement value is derived from closing prices on the last trading day prior to expiration (‘‘SPXPM’’).5 On July 31, 2013, the Exchange received approval of a rule change that amended the Pilot Program to allow the Exchange to list options on the Mini-SPX Index (‘‘XSP’’) whose exercise settlement value is derived from closing prices on the last trading day prior to expiration (‘‘P.M.-settled’’) 6 (together, SPXPM and P.M.-settled XSP to be referred to herein as the ‘‘Pilot Products’’).7 The Exchange has extended the pilot period five times, which is currently set to expire on the earlier of November 5, 2018 or the date on which the pilot program is approved on a permanent basis.8 The Exchange 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68888 (February 8, 2013), 78 FR 10668 (February 14, 2013) (SR–CBOE–2012–120) (the ‘‘SPXPM Approval Order’’). Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Release No. 80060 (February 17, 2017), 82 FR 11673 (February 24, 2017) (SR–CBOE–2016–091), the Exchange moved third-Friday P.M.-settled options into the S&P 500 Index options class, and as a result, the trading symbol for P.M.-settled S&P 500 Index options that have standard third Friday-ofthe-month expirations changed from ‘‘SPXPM’’ to ‘‘SPXW.’’ This change went into effect on May 1, 2017, pursuant to Cboe Options Regulatory Circular RG17–054. 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 70087 (July 31, 2013), 78 FR 47809 (August 6, 2013) (SR– CBOE–2013–055) (the ‘‘P.M.-settled XSP Approval Order’’). 7 For more information on the Pilot Products or the Pilot Program, see the SPXPM Approval Order and the P.M.-settled XSP Approval Order. 8 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 71424 (January 28, 2014), 79 FR 6249 (February 3, 2014) Continued E:\FR\FM\09NON1.SGM 09NON1 khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES 56130 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 218 / Friday, November 9, 2018 / Notices hereby proposes to further extend the end date of the pilot period to May 6, 2019. During the course of the Pilot Program and in support of the extensions of the Pilot Program, the Exchange submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) reports regarding the Pilot Program that detail the Exchange’s experience with the Pilot Program, pursuant to the SPXPM Approval Order and the P.M.settled XSP Approval Order. Specifically, the Exchange submits annual Pilot Program reports to the Commission that contain an analysis of volume, open interest, and trading patterns. The analysis examines trading in Pilot Products as well as trading in the securities that comprise the underlying index. Additionally, for series that exceed certain minimum open interest parameters, the annual reports provide analysis of index price volatility and share trading activity. The Exchange also submits periodic interim reports that contain some, but not all, of the information contained in the annual reports. In providing the annual and periodic interim reports (the ‘‘pilot reports’’) to the Commission, the Exchange has previously requested confidential treatment of the pilot reports under the Freedom of Information Act (‘‘FOIA’’).9 The pilot reports both contain the following volume and open interest data: (1) Monthly volume aggregated for all trades; (2) monthly volume aggregated by expiration date; (3) monthly volume for each individual series; (4) month-end open interest aggregated for all series; (5) month-end open interest for all series aggregated by expiration date; and (6) month-end open interest for each individual series. The annual reports also contain the information noted in Items (1) through (6) above for Expiration Friday, A.M.settled, S&P 500 index options traded on Cboe Options, as well as the following analysis of trading patterns in the Pilot Products options series in the Pilot Program: (1) A time series analysis of open interest; and (2) an analysis of the distribution of trade sizes. (SR–CBOE–2014–004); 73338 (October 10, 2014), 79 FR 62502 (October 17, 2014) (SR–CBOE–2014–076); 77573 (April 8, 2016), 81 FR 22148 (April 14, 2016) (SR–CBOE–2016–036); 80386 (April 6, 2017), 82 FR 17704 (April 12, 2017) (SR–CBOE–2017–025); and 83166 (May 3, 2018), 83 FR 21324 (May 9, 2018) (SR–CBOE–2018–036). 9 5 U.S.C. 552. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Nov 08, 2018 Jkt 247001 Finally, for series that exceed certain minimum parameters, the annual reports contain the following analysis related to index price changes and underlying share trading volume at the close on Expiration Fridays: (1) A comparison of index price changes at the close of trading on a given Expiration Friday with comparable price changes from a control sample. The data includes a calculation of percentage price changes for various time intervals and compare that information to the respective control sample. Raw percentage price change data as well as percentage price change data normalized for prevailing market volatility, as measured by the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), is provided; and (2) a calculation of share volume for a sample set of the component securities representing an upper limit on share trading that could be attributable to expiring in-the-money series. The data includes a comparison of the calculated share volume for securities in the sample set to the average daily trading volumes of those securities over a sample period. The minimum open interest parameters, control sample, time intervals, method for randomly selecting the component securities, and sample periods are determined by the Exchange and the Commission. In proposing to extend the Pilot Program, the Exchange will continue to abide by the reporting requirements described herein, as well as in the SPXPM Approval Order and the P.M.-settled XSP Approval Order.10 Additionally, the Exchange will provide the Commission with any additional data or analyses the Commission requests because it deems such data or analyses necessary to determine whether the Pilot Program is consistent with the Exchange Act. The Exchange is in the process of making public on its website data and analyses previously submitted to the Commission under the Pilot Program, which it expects to complete in the fourth quarter of 2018, and will make public any data and analyses it submits to the Commission under the Pilot Program in the future. The Exchange proposes the extension of the Pilot Program in order to continue to give the Commission more time to consider the impact of the Pilot Program. To this point, Cboe Options 10 Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75914 (September 14, 2015), 80 FR 56522 (September 18, 2015) (SR–CBOE–2015–079), the Exchange added SPXPM and P.M.-settled XSP options to the list of products approved for trading during Extended Trading Hours (‘‘ETH’’). The Exchange will also include the applicable information regarding SPXPM and P.M.-settled XSP options that trade during ETH in its annual and interim reports. PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 believes that the Pilot Program has been well-received by its Trading Permit Holders and the investing public, and the Exchange would like to continue to provide investors with the ability to trade SPXPM and P.M.-settled XSP options. All terms regarding the trading of the Pilot Products shall continue to operate as described in the SPXPM Approval Order and the P.M.-settled XSP Approval Order. The Exchange merely proposes herein to extend the term of the Pilot Program to May 6, 2019. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.11 Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) 12 requirements that the rules of an 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 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. Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) 13 requirement that the rules of an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers. In particular, the Exchange believes that the proposed extension of the Pilot Program will continue to provide greater opportunities for investors. Further, the Exchange believes that it has not experienced any adverse effects or meaningful regulatory concerns from the operation of the Pilot Program. As such, the Exchange believes that the extension of the Pilot Program does not raise any unique or prohibitive regulatory concerns. Also, the Exchange believes that such trading has not, and will not, adversely impact fair and orderly markets on Expiration Fridays for the underlying stocks comprising the S&P 500 index. The extension of the Pilot Program will continue to provide investors with the opportunity to trade the desirable products of SPXPM and 11 15 12 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 13 Id. E:\FR\FM\09NON1.SGM 09NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 218 / Friday, November 9, 2018 / Notices P.M.-settled XSP, while also providing the Commission further opportunity to observe such trading of the Pilot Products. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition Cboe Options 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 Exchange does not believe the continuation of the Pilot Program will impose any unnecessary or inappropriate burden on intramarket competition because it will continue to apply equally to all Cboe Options market participants, and the Pilot Products will be available to all Cboe Options market participants. The Exchange believes there is sufficient investor interest and demand in the Pilot Program to warrant its extension. The Exchange believes that, for the period that the Pilot Program has been in operation, it has provided investors with desirable products with which to trade. Furthermore, the Exchange believes that it has not experienced any adverse market effects or regulatory concerns with respect to the Pilot Program. The Exchange further does not believe that the proposed extension of the Pilot Program will impose any burden on intermarket competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act because it only applies to trading on Cboe Options. To the extent that the continued trading of the Pilot Products may make Cboe Options a more attractive marketplace to market participants at other exchanges, such market participants may elect to become Cboe Options market participants. khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the proposed rule change. 17:36 Nov 08, 2018 Jkt 247001 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– CBOE–2018–069 on the subject line. Paper Comments III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Because the proposed rule change does not (i) significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 14 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.15 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 states that waiver of the 30-day operative delay will allow it to extend the Pilot Program prior to its expiration on November 5, 2018, and maintain the status quo, thereby reducing market disruption. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, as it will allow the Pilot Program to continue uninterrupted, thereby avoiding investor confusion that could result from a temporary interruption in the Pilot Program. For this reason, the Commission designates the proposed rule change to be operative upon filing.16 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549–1090. 14 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). As required under Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii), the Exchange provided the Commission with written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a brief description and the text of the proposed rule change, at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. 16 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). 15 17 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56131 All submissions should refer to File Number SR–CBOE–2018–069. 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 a.m. and 3 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–CBOE– 2018–069, and should be submitted on or before November 30, 2018. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.17 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018–24528 Filed 11–8–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #15688 and #15689; MINNESOTA Disaster Number MN–00063] Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of MINNESOTA U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 1. AGENCY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of MINNESOTA (FEMA–4390– DR), dated 09/05/2018. SUMMARY: 17 17 E:\FR\FM\09NON1.SGM CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 09NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 218 (Friday, November 9, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56129-56131]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24528]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-84535; File No. SR-CBOE-2018-069]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Extend 
the Operation of its SPXPM Pilot Program

November 5, 2018.
    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 November 2, 2018, Cboe Exchange, Inc. (``Exchange'' or ``Cboe 
Options'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and 
II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange 
filed the proposal as a ``non-controversial'' proposed rule change 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\4\ The Commission is publishing this notice to 
solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to extend the operation of its SPXPM pilot 
program.
    The text of the proposed rule change is provided below.
(additions are italicized; deletions are [bracketed])
* * * * *

Cboe Exchange, Inc. Rules [sic]

* * * * *
Rule 24.9. Terms of Index Option Contracts
    (No change).
    . . . Interpretations and Policies:
    .01-.13 (No change).
    .14 In addition to A.M.-settled Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index 
options approved for trading on the Exchange pursuant to Rule 24.9, the 
Exchange may also list options on the S&P 500 Index whose exercise 
settlement value is derived from closing prices on the last trading day 
prior to expiration (P.M.-settled third Friday-of-the-month SPX options 
series). The Exchange may also list options on the Mini-SPX Index 
(``XSP'') whose exercise settlement value is derived from closing 
prices on the last trading day prior to expiration (``P.M.-settled''). 
P.M.-settled third Friday-of-the-month SPX options series and P.M.-
settled XSP options will be listed for trading for a pilot period 
ending [November 5, 2018] May 6, 2019.
* * * * *
    The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the 
Exchange's website (https://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), at the Exchange's Office of the 
Secretary, 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.

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

1. Purpose
    On February 8, 2013, the Exchange received approval of a rule 
change that established a Pilot Program that allows the Exchange to 
list options on the S&P 500 Index whose exercise settlement value is 
derived from closing prices on the last trading day prior to expiration 
(``SPXPM'').\5\ On July 31, 2013, the Exchange received approval of a 
rule change that amended the Pilot Program to allow the Exchange to 
list options on the Mini-SPX Index (``XSP'') whose exercise settlement 
value is derived from closing prices on the last trading day prior to 
expiration (``P.M.-settled'') \6\ (together, SPXPM and P.M.-settled XSP 
to be referred to herein as the ``Pilot Products'').\7\ The Exchange 
has extended the pilot period five times, which is currently set to 
expire on the earlier of November 5, 2018 or the date on which the 
pilot program is approved on a permanent basis.\8\ The Exchange

[[Page 56130]]

hereby proposes to further extend the end date of the pilot period to 
May 6, 2019.
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    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68888 (February 8, 
2013), 78 FR 10668 (February 14, 2013) (SR-CBOE-2012-120) (the 
``SPXPM Approval Order''). Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act 
Release No. 80060 (February 17, 2017), 82 FR 11673 (February 24, 
2017) (SR-CBOE-2016-091), the Exchange moved third-Friday P.M.-
settled options into the S&P 500 Index options class, and as a 
result, the trading symbol for P.M.-settled S&P 500 Index options 
that have standard third Friday-of-the-month expirations changed 
from ``SPXPM'' to ``SPXW.'' This change went into effect on May 1, 
2017, pursuant to Cboe Options Regulatory Circular RG17-054.
    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 70087 (July 31, 
2013), 78 FR 47809 (August 6, 2013) (SR-CBOE-2013-055) (the ``P.M.-
settled XSP Approval Order'').
    \7\ For more information on the Pilot Products or the Pilot 
Program, see the SPXPM Approval Order and the P.M.-settled XSP 
Approval Order.
    \8\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 71424 (January 28, 
2014), 79 FR 6249 (February 3, 2014) (SR-CBOE-2014-004); 73338 
(October 10, 2014), 79 FR 62502 (October 17, 2014) (SR-CBOE-2014-
076); 77573 (April 8, 2016), 81 FR 22148 (April 14, 2016) (SR-CBOE-
2016-036); 80386 (April 6, 2017), 82 FR 17704 (April 12, 2017) (SR-
CBOE-2017-025); and 83166 (May 3, 2018), 83 FR 21324 (May 9, 2018) 
(SR-CBOE-2018-036).
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    During the course of the Pilot Program and in support of the 
extensions of the Pilot Program, the Exchange submits to the Securities 
and Exchange Commission (the ``Commission'') reports regarding the 
Pilot Program that detail the Exchange's experience with the Pilot 
Program, pursuant to the SPXPM Approval Order and the P.M.-settled XSP 
Approval Order. Specifically, the Exchange submits annual Pilot Program 
reports to the Commission that contain an analysis of volume, open 
interest, and trading patterns. The analysis examines trading in Pilot 
Products as well as trading in the securities that comprise the 
underlying index. Additionally, for series that exceed certain minimum 
open interest parameters, the annual reports provide analysis of index 
price volatility and share trading activity. The Exchange also submits 
periodic interim reports that contain some, but not all, of the 
information contained in the annual reports. In providing the annual 
and periodic interim reports (the ``pilot reports'') to the Commission, 
the Exchange has previously requested confidential treatment of the 
pilot reports under the Freedom of Information Act (``FOIA'').\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ 5 U.S.C. 552.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The pilot reports both contain the following volume and open 
interest data:
    (1) Monthly volume aggregated for all trades;
    (2) monthly volume aggregated by expiration date;
    (3) monthly volume for each individual series;
    (4) month-end open interest aggregated for all series;
    (5) month-end open interest for all series aggregated by expiration 
date; and
    (6) month-end open interest for each individual series.
    The annual reports also contain the information noted in Items (1) 
through (6) above for Expiration Friday, A.M.-settled, S&P 500 index 
options traded on Cboe Options, as well as the following analysis of 
trading patterns in the Pilot Products options series in the Pilot 
Program:
    (1) A time series analysis of open interest; and
    (2) an analysis of the distribution of trade sizes.
    Finally, for series that exceed certain minimum parameters, the 
annual reports contain the following analysis related to index price 
changes and underlying share trading volume at the close on Expiration 
Fridays:
    (1) A comparison of index price changes at the close of trading on 
a given Expiration Friday with comparable price changes from a control 
sample. The data includes a calculation of percentage price changes for 
various time intervals and compare that information to the respective 
control sample. Raw percentage price change data as well as percentage 
price change data normalized for prevailing market volatility, as 
measured by the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), is provided; and
    (2) a calculation of share volume for a sample set of the component 
securities representing an upper limit on share trading that could be 
attributable to expiring in-the-money series. The data includes a 
comparison of the calculated share volume for securities in the sample 
set to the average daily trading volumes of those securities over a 
sample period.
    The minimum open interest parameters, control sample, time 
intervals, method for randomly selecting the component securities, and 
sample periods are determined by the Exchange and the Commission. In 
proposing to extend the Pilot Program, the Exchange will continue to 
abide by the reporting requirements described herein, as well as in the 
SPXPM Approval Order and the P.M.-settled XSP Approval Order.\10\ 
Additionally, the Exchange will provide the Commission with any 
additional data or analyses the Commission requests because it deems 
such data or analyses necessary to determine whether the Pilot Program 
is consistent with the Exchange Act. The Exchange is in the process of 
making public on its website data and analyses previously submitted to 
the Commission under the Pilot Program, which it expects to complete in 
the fourth quarter of 2018, and will make public any data and analyses 
it submits to the Commission under the Pilot Program in the future.
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    \10\ Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75914 
(September 14, 2015), 80 FR 56522 (September 18, 2015) (SR-CBOE-
2015-079), the Exchange added SPXPM and P.M.-settled XSP options to 
the list of products approved for trading during Extended Trading 
Hours (``ETH''). The Exchange will also include the applicable 
information regarding SPXPM and P.M.-settled XSP options that trade 
during ETH in its annual and interim reports.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange proposes the extension of the Pilot Program in order 
to continue to give the Commission more time to consider the impact of 
the Pilot Program. To this point, Cboe Options believes that the Pilot 
Program has been well-received by its Trading Permit Holders and the 
investing public, and the Exchange would like to continue to provide 
investors with the ability to trade SPXPM and P.M.-settled XSP options. 
All terms regarding the trading of the Pilot Products shall continue to 
operate as described in the SPXPM Approval Order and the P.M.-settled 
XSP Approval Order. The Exchange merely proposes herein to extend the 
term of the Pilot Program to May 6, 2019.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') and the rules and 
regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, 
the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\11\ Specifically, the 
Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
Section 6(b)(5) \12\ requirements that the rules of an 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 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. Additionally, 
the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
Section 6(b)(5) \13\ requirement that the rules of an exchange not be 
designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, 
brokers, or dealers.
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    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \13\ Id.
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    In particular, the Exchange believes that the proposed extension of 
the Pilot Program will continue to provide greater opportunities for 
investors. Further, the Exchange believes that it has not experienced 
any adverse effects or meaningful regulatory concerns from the 
operation of the Pilot Program. As such, the Exchange believes that the 
extension of the Pilot Program does not raise any unique or prohibitive 
regulatory concerns. Also, the Exchange believes that such trading has 
not, and will not, adversely impact fair and orderly markets on 
Expiration Fridays for the underlying stocks comprising the S&P 500 
index. The extension of the Pilot Program will continue to provide 
investors with the opportunity to trade the desirable products of SPXPM 
and

[[Page 56131]]

P.M.-settled XSP, while also providing the Commission further 
opportunity to observe such trading of the Pilot Products.

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

    Cboe Options 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 Exchange does not 
believe the continuation of the Pilot Program will impose any 
unnecessary or inappropriate burden on intramarket competition because 
it will continue to apply equally to all Cboe Options market 
participants, and the Pilot Products will be available to all Cboe 
Options market participants. The Exchange believes there is sufficient 
investor interest and demand in the Pilot Program to warrant its 
extension. The Exchange believes that, for the period that the Pilot 
Program has been in operation, it has provided investors with desirable 
products with which to trade. Furthermore, the Exchange believes that 
it has not experienced any adverse market effects or regulatory 
concerns with respect to the Pilot Program. The Exchange further does 
not believe that the proposed extension of the Pilot Program will 
impose any burden on intermarket competition that is not necessary or 
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act because it only 
applies to trading on Cboe Options. To the extent that the continued 
trading of the Pilot Products may make Cboe Options a more attractive 
marketplace to market participants at other exchanges, such market 
participants may elect to become Cboe Options market participants.

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

    The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the 
proposed rule change.

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

    Because the proposed rule change does not (i) significantly affect 
the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any 
significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative 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 \14\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.\15\
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    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \15\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii). As required under Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii), the Exchange provided the Commission with written 
notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a 
brief description and the text of the proposed rule change, at least 
five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule 
change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission.
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    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 states that waiver of the 30-day operative delay 
will allow it to extend the Pilot Program prior to its expiration on 
November 5, 2018, and maintain the status quo, thereby reducing market 
disruption. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative 
delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public 
interest, as it will allow the Pilot Program to continue uninterrupted, 
thereby avoiding investor confusion that could result from a temporary 
interruption in the Pilot Program. For this reason, the Commission 
designates the proposed rule change to be operative upon filing.\16\
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    \16\ 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 summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

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 [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-CBOE-2018-069 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-CBOE-2018-069. 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 a.m. and 3 
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-CBOE-2018-069, and should be submitted 
on or before November 30, 2018.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\17\
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    \17\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2018-24528 Filed 11-8-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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