Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE American LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Pilot Related to Rule 7.12E, Trading Halts Due to Extraordinary Market Volatility, 15269-15271 [2019-07373]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 72 / Monday, April 15, 2019 / Notices factors and analysis that led to the Commission’s approval of the comparable Nasdaq rule change are applicable to IEX’s proposed rule change. Consequently, the Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change raises any new or novel issues. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition IEX does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed rule change is designed to promote consistent and fair regulation, rather than for any competitive purpose. The proposed rule change would revise requirements that could burden issuers by unnecessarily limiting the circumstances where they can sell securities without shareholder approval. With respect to intramarket competition, all listed companies would be affected in the same manner by these changes. With respect to intermarket competition, the Exchange does not believe that the proposed change will result in a burden on competition since other listing exchanges have comparable rules and listed companies have a choice of where to list. As such, these changes are neither intended to, nor expected to, impose any burden on competition. amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with NOTICES C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 23 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder.24 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, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder.25 23 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 25 In addition, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) requires a selfregulatory 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 24 17 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:16 Apr 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. 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– IEX–2019–03 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–IEX–2019–03. 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 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–IEX–2019–03, and should be submitted on or before May 6, 2019. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.26 Jill M. Peterson, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–07370 Filed 4–12–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–85564; File No. SR– NYSEAMER–2019–14] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE American LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Pilot Related to Rule 7.12E, Trading Halts Due to Extraordinary Market Volatility April 9, 2019. 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 April 5, 2019, NYSE American LLC (‘‘NYSE American’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) 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 extend the pilot related to Rule 7.12E, Trading Halts Due to Extraordinary Market Volatility, to the close of business on October 18, 2019. 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. 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 26 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 15 U.S.C. 78a. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement. PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15269 E:\FR\FM\15APN1.SGM 15APN1 15270 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 72 / Monday, April 15, 2019 / Notices 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 Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with NOTICES 1. Purpose Rule 7.12E provides a methodology for determining when to halt trading in all stocks due to extraordinary market volatility, i.e., market-wide circuit breakers. The market-wide circuit breaker mechanism under Rule 7.12E was approved by the Commission to operate on a pilot basis, the term of which was to coincide with the pilot period for the Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility Pursuant to Rule 608 of Regulation NMS (the ’’ LULD Plan’’),4 including any extensions to the pilot period for the LULD Plan.5 The Commission published an amendment to the LULD Plan for it to operate on a permanent, rather than pilot, basis.6 The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 7.12E to untie the pilot’s effectiveness from that of the LULD Plan and to extend the pilot’s effectiveness to the close of business on October 18, 2019. The Exchange does not propose any additional changes to Rule 7.12E. Market-wide circuit breakers under Rule 7.12E provide an important, automatic mechanism that is invoked to promote stability and investor confidence during a period of significant stress when securities markets experience extreme broad-based declines. All U.S. equity exchanges have rules relating to market-wide circuit breakers, which are designed to slow the effects of extreme price movement through coordinated trading halts across securities markets when severe price declines reach levels that may exhaust market liquidity. Market-wide circuit 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67091 (May 31, 2012), 77 FR 33498 (June 6, 2012) (the ‘‘Limit Up-Limit Down Release’’). 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 67090 (May 31, 2012), 77 FR 33531 (June 6, 2012) (SR– NYSEAmex–2011–73) (Approval Order); and 68787 (January 31, 2013), 78 FR 8615 (February 6, 2013) (SR–NYSEMKT–2013–08) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Delaying the Operative Date of Rule 7.12E to April 8, 2013). 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 84843 (December 18, 2018), 83 FR 66464 (December 26, 2018) (Amendment No. 18 Proposing Release). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:16 Apr 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 breakers provide for trading halts in all equities and options markets during a severe market decline as measured by a single-day decline in the S&P 500 Index. Pursuant to Rule 7.12E, a market-wide trading halt will be triggered if the S&P 500 Index declines in price by specified percentages from the prior day’s closing price of that index. Currently, the triggers are set at three circuit breaker thresholds: 7% (Level 1), 13% (Level 2) and 20% (Level 3). A market decline that triggers a Level 1 or Level 2 circuit breaker after 9:30 a.m. ET and before 3:25 p.m. ET would halt market-wide trading for 15 minutes, while a similar market decline at or after 3:25 p.m. ET would not halt market-wide trading. A market decline that triggers a Level 3 circuit breaker, at any time during the trading day, would halt market-wide trading for the remainder of the trading day. The Exchange intends to file a separate proposed rule change with the Commission to operate Rule 7.12E on a permanent, rather than pilot, basis. Extending the effectiveness of Rule 7.12E to the close of business on October 18, 2019 should provide the Commission adequate time to consider whether to approve the Exchange’s separate proposal to operate the marketwide circuit breaker mechanism under Rule 7.12E on a permanent basis. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with the requirements of Sections 6(b) 7 and 6(b)(5) of the Act,8 in particular, because it would promote just and equitable principles of trade, remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market system. The Exchange also believes that the proposed rule change promotes just and equitable principles of trade in that it promotes transparency and uniformity across markets concerning when and how to halt trading in all stocks as a result of extraordinary market volatility. Extending the market-wide circuit breaker pilot under Rule 7.12E an additional six months would ensure the continued, uninterrupted operation of a consistent mechanism to halt trading across the U.S. markets while the Commission considers whether to approve the pilot on a permanent basis. The proposed rule change would thus promote fair and orderly markets and the protection of investors and the public interest. Based on the foregoing, the Exchange believes the benefits to market participants from the marketwide circuit breaker mechanism under Rule 7.12E should continue on a pilot basis while the Commission considers whether to permanently approve Rule 7.12E. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change implicates any competitive issues because the proposal would ensure the continued, uninterrupted operation of a consistent mechanism to halt trading across the U.S. markets while the Commission considers whether to permanently approve the market-wide circuit breaker mechanism under Rule 7.12E. Further, the Exchange understands that FINRA and other national securities exchanges will file similar proposals to extend their rules regarding the market-wide circuit breaker pilot so that the marketwide circuit breaker mechanism may continue uninterrupted while the Commission considers whether to approve its operation on a permanent basis. 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, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 9 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder.10 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 11 normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),12 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal may become operative upon filing. Extending the pilot for an 9 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 11 Id. 12 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(g)(iii). 10 17 7 15 8 15 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\15APN1.SGM 15APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 72 / Monday, April 15, 2019 / Notices additional six months will allow the uninterrupted operation of the existing pilot to halt trading across the U.S. markets while the Commission considers whether to approve the pilot on a permanent basis. The extension simply maintains the status quo. Therefore, the Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Commission hereby designates the proposed rule change to be operative upon filing.13 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with NOTICES Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– NYSEAMER–2019–14 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–NYSEAMER–2019–14. 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 13 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has also considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:16 Apr 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 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–NYSEAMER–2019–14, and should be submitted on or before May 6, 2019. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.14 Jill M. Peterson, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–07373 Filed 4–12–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–85578; File No. SR– NASDAQ–2019–027] Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Pilot Related to Rule 4121, Trading Halts Due to Extraordinary Market Volatility April 9, 2019. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on April 8, 2019, The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (‘‘Nasdaq’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to 14 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15271 solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to extend the pilot related to Rule 4121, Trading Halts Due to Extraordinary Market Volatility, to the close of business on October 18, 2019. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s website at https://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose Rule 4121 provides a methodology for determining when to halt trading in all stocks due to extraordinary market volatility, i.e., market-wide circuit breakers. The market-wide circuit breaker mechanism under Rule 4121 was approved by the Commission to operate on a pilot basis, the term of which was to coincide with the pilot period for the Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility Pursuant to Rule 608 of Regulation NMS (the ‘‘LULD Plan’’),3 including any extensions to the pilot period for the LULD Plan.4 The Commission published an amendment to the LULD 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67091 (May 31, 2012), 77 FR 33498 (June 6, 2012) (the ‘‘Limit Up-Limit Down Release’’). 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 67090 (May 31, 2012), 77 FR 33531 (June 6, 2012) (SR– NASDAQ–2011–131) (Approval Order); and 68786 (January 31, 2013), 78 FR 8666 (February 6, 2013) (SR–NASDAQ–2013–021) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change to Delay the Operative Date of a Rule Change to Nasdaq Rule 4121). E:\FR\FM\15APN1.SGM 15APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 72 (Monday, April 15, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15269-15271]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-07373]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-85564; File No. SR-NYSEAMER-2019-14]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE American LLC; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend 
the Pilot Related to Rule 7.12E, Trading Halts Due to Extraordinary 
Market Volatility

April 9, 2019.
    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 April 5, 2019, NYSE American LLC (``NYSE American'' or 
the ``Exchange'') 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 extend the pilot related to Rule 7.12E, 
Trading Halts Due to Extraordinary Market Volatility, to the close of 
business on October 18, 2019. 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.

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

[[Page 15270]]

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 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
    Rule 7.12E provides a methodology for determining when to halt 
trading in all stocks due to extraordinary market volatility, i.e., 
market-wide circuit breakers. The market-wide circuit breaker mechanism 
under Rule 7.12E was approved by the Commission to operate on a pilot 
basis, the term of which was to coincide with the pilot period for the 
Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility Pursuant to Rule 608 of 
Regulation NMS (the '' LULD Plan''),\4\ including any extensions to the 
pilot period for the LULD Plan.\5\ The Commission published an 
amendment to the LULD Plan for it to operate on a permanent, rather 
than pilot, basis.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67091 (May 31, 
2012), 77 FR 33498 (June 6, 2012) (the ``Limit Up-Limit Down 
Release'').
    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 67090 (May 31, 
2012), 77 FR 33531 (June 6, 2012) (SR-NYSEAmex-2011-73) (Approval 
Order); and 68787 (January 31, 2013), 78 FR 8615 (February 6, 2013) 
(SR-NYSEMKT-2013-08) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness 
of Proposed Rule Change Delaying the Operative Date of Rule 7.12E to 
April 8, 2013).
    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 84843 (December 18, 
2018), 83 FR 66464 (December 26, 2018) (Amendment No. 18 Proposing 
Release).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 7.12E to untie the pilot's 
effectiveness from that of the LULD Plan and to extend the pilot's 
effectiveness to the close of business on October 18, 2019. The 
Exchange does not propose any additional changes to Rule 7.12E.
    Market-wide circuit breakers under Rule 7.12E provide an important, 
automatic mechanism that is invoked to promote stability and investor 
confidence during a period of significant stress when securities 
markets experience extreme broad-based declines. All U.S. equity 
exchanges have rules relating to market-wide circuit breakers, which 
are designed to slow the effects of extreme price movement through 
coordinated trading halts across securities markets when severe price 
declines reach levels that may exhaust market liquidity. Market-wide 
circuit breakers provide for trading halts in all equities and options 
markets during a severe market decline as measured by a single-day 
decline in the S&P 500 Index.
    Pursuant to Rule 7.12E, a market-wide trading halt will be 
triggered if the S&P 500 Index declines in price by specified 
percentages from the prior day's closing price of that index. 
Currently, the triggers are set at three circuit breaker thresholds: 7% 
(Level 1), 13% (Level 2) and 20% (Level 3). A market decline that 
triggers a Level 1 or Level 2 circuit breaker after 9:30 a.m. ET and 
before 3:25 p.m. ET would halt market-wide trading for 15 minutes, 
while a similar market decline at or after 3:25 p.m. ET would not halt 
market-wide trading. A market decline that triggers a Level 3 circuit 
breaker, at any time during the trading day, would halt market-wide 
trading for the remainder of the trading day.
    The Exchange intends to file a separate proposed rule change with 
the Commission to operate Rule 7.12E on a permanent, rather than pilot, 
basis. Extending the effectiveness of Rule 7.12E to the close of 
business on October 18, 2019 should provide the Commission adequate 
time to consider whether to approve the Exchange's separate proposal to 
operate the market-wide circuit breaker mechanism under Rule 7.12E on a 
permanent basis.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with the 
requirements of Sections 6(b) \7\ and 6(b)(5) of the Act,\8\ in 
particular, because it would promote just and equitable principles of 
trade, remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a free and 
open market and a national market system. The Exchange also believes 
that the proposed rule change promotes just and equitable principles of 
trade in that it promotes transparency and uniformity across markets 
concerning when and how to halt trading in all stocks as a result of 
extraordinary market volatility. Extending the market-wide circuit 
breaker pilot under Rule 7.12E an additional six months would ensure 
the continued, uninterrupted operation of a consistent mechanism to 
halt trading across the U.S. markets while the Commission considers 
whether to approve the pilot on a permanent basis. The proposed rule 
change would thus promote fair and orderly markets and the protection 
of investors and the public interest. Based on the foregoing, the 
Exchange believes the benefits to market participants from the market-
wide circuit breaker mechanism under Rule 7.12E should continue on a 
pilot basis while the Commission considers whether to permanently 
approve Rule 7.12E.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change 
implicates any competitive issues because the proposal would ensure the 
continued, uninterrupted operation of a consistent mechanism to halt 
trading across the U.S. markets while the Commission considers whether 
to permanently approve the market-wide circuit breaker mechanism under 
Rule 7.12E. Further, the Exchange understands that FINRA and other 
national securities exchanges will file similar proposals to extend 
their rules regarding the market-wide circuit breaker pilot so that the 
market-wide circuit breaker mechanism may continue uninterrupted while 
the Commission considers whether to approve its operation on a 
permanent basis.

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, it has become 
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \9\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \10\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \11\ normally 
does not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing. 
However, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\12\ the Commission may 
designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked 
the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal 
may become operative upon filing. Extending the pilot for an

[[Page 15271]]

additional six months will allow the uninterrupted operation of the 
existing pilot to halt trading across the U.S. markets while the 
Commission considers whether to approve the pilot on a permanent basis. 
The extension simply maintains the status quo. Therefore, the 
Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. 
The Commission hereby designates the proposed rule change to be 
operative upon filing.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ Id.
    \12\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(g)(iii).
    \13\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has also considered the proposed rule's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission 
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to 
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule 
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of 
the following methods:

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-NYSEAMER-2019-14 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-NYSEAMER-2019-14. 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-NYSEAMER-2019-14, and should be 
submitted on or before May 6, 2019.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\14\
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    \14\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Jill M. Peterson,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2019-07373 Filed 4-12-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


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