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, 22479-22482 [2020-08495]

Download as PDF 22479 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 78 / Wednesday, April 22, 2020 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES other investment advisers to act as subadvisers with respect to the Funds (each a ‘‘Sub-Adviser’’). Any Sub-Adviser to a Fund will be registered under the Advisers Act. 3. The Trust will enter into a distribution agreement with one or more distributors. Each distributor will be a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and will act as the distributor and principal underwriter of Shares of the Funds. Applicants request that the requested relief apply to any distributor of Shares, whether affiliated or unaffiliated with the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser. Any distributor will comply with the terms and conditions of the Order. Applicants’ Requested Exemptive Relief 4. Applicants seek the requested Order under section 6(c) of the Act for an exemption from sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and rule 22c–1 under the Act, under sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act. The requested Order would permit applicants to offer Funds that utilize the NYSE Proxy Portfolio Methodology. Because the relief requested is the same as the relief granted by the Commission under the Reference Order and because the Adviser has entered into a licensing agreement with NYSE Group, Inc. in order to offer Funds that utilize the NYSE Proxy Portfolio Methodology,3 the Order would incorporate by reference the terms and conditions of the Reference Order. 5. Applicants request that the Order apply to the Initial Funds and to any other existing or future registered openend management investment company or series thereof that: (a) Is advised by the Adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser (any such entity included in the term ‘‘Adviser’’); (b) offers exchange-traded shares utilizing active management investment strategies as contemplated by the Reference Order; and (c) complies with the terms and conditions of the Order and of the Reference Order, which is incorporated by reference into the Order (each such company or series and any Initial Fund, a ‘‘Fund’’).4 3 The NYSE Proxy Portfolio Methodology (as defined in the Reference Order) is the intellectual property of the NYSE Group, Inc. 4 All entities that currently intend to rely on the Order are named as applicants. Any other entity that relies on the Order in the future will comply VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:59 Apr 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 6. Section 6(c) of the Act provides that the Commission may exempt any person, security or transaction, or any class of persons, securities or transactions, from any provisions of the Act, if and to the extent that such exemption is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the Act. Section 17(b) of the Act authorizes the Commission to exempt a proposed transaction from section 17(a) of the Act if evidence establishes that the terms of the transaction, including the consideration to be paid or received, are reasonable and fair and do not involve overreaching on the part of any person concerned, and the transaction is consistent with the policies of the registered investment company and the general purposes of the Act. Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act provides that the Commission may exempt any person, security, or transaction, or any class of persons, securities or transactions, from any provision of section 12(d)(1) if the exemption is consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors. Applicants submit that for the reasons stated in the Reference Order the requested relief meets the exemptive standards under sections 6(c), 17(b) and 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act. For the Commission, by the Division of Investment Management, pursuant to delegated authority. J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2020–08477 Filed 4–21–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–88674; File No. SR–CBOE– 2020–036] 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 April 16, 2020. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on April 13, 2020, Cboe Exchange, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘Cboe Options’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange with the terms and conditions of the Order and of the Reference Order, which is incorporated by reference into the Order. 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Commission (the ‘‘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 Cboe Exchange, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘Cboe Options’’) 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]) * * * * * Rules of Cboe Exchange, Inc. * * * * * Rule 4.13. Series of Index Options * * * * * Interpretations and Policies .01–.12 No change. .13 In addition to A.M.-settled S&P 500 Stock Index options approved for trading on the Exchange pursuant to Rule 4.13, 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 [May 4]November 2, 2020. * * * * * 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 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 3 15 4 17 E:\FR\FM\22APN1.SGM U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 22APN1 22480 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 78 / Wednesday, April 22, 2020 / Notices 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 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 1. Purpose On February 8, 2013, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) approved 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 Commission approved a rule change that amended the Pilot Program that allows 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 XSP’’) 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 numerous times, which, pursuant to Rule 4.13.13,8 is currently set to expire on the earlier of May 4, 2020 or the date on which the pilot program is approved on a permanent basis.9 The Exchange hereby 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 The Exchange recently relocated prior Rule 24.9, containing the provision which governs the Pilot Program, to current Rule 4.13. See SR–CBOE–2019– 092 (October 4, 2019), which did not make any substantive changes to prior Rule 24.9 and merely relocated it to Rule 4.13. 9 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); 83166 (May 3, 2018), 83 FR 21324 (May 9, 2018) VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:59 Apr 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 proposes to further extend the end date of the pilot period to November 2, 2020. During the course of the Pilot Program and in support of the extensions of the Pilot Program, the Exchange submits reports to the Commission regarding the Pilot Program that detail the Exchange’s experience with the Pilot Program, pursuant to the SPXPM Approval Order 10 and the P.M.-settled XSP Approval Order.11 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’’).12 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–2018–036); 84535 (November 5, 2018), 83 FR 56129 (November 9, 2018) (SR–CBOE–2018– 069); 85688 (April 18, 2019), 84 FR 17214 (April 24, 2019) (SR–CBOE–2019–023); and 87464 (November 5, 2019), 84 FR 61099 (November 12, 2019) (SR– CBOE–2019–107). 10 See supra note 5. 11 See supra note 6. 12 5 U.S.C. 552. PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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.13 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 all data and analyses previously submitted to the Commission under the Pilot Program,14 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 13 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. 14 Available at https://www.cboe.com/aboutcboe/ legal-regulatory/national-market-system-plans/pmsettlement-spxpm-data. E:\FR\FM\22APN1.SGM 22APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 78 / Wednesday, April 22, 2020 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 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 November 2, 2020. 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.15 Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) 16 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) 17 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 15 15 16 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 17 Id. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:59 Apr 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 investors with the opportunity to trade the desirable products of SPXPM and 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, it has become effective pursuant to Section PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 22481 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 18 and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b–4 thereunder.19 A proposed rule change filed pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6) under the Act 20 normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date of its filing. However, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) 21 permits the Commission to 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 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 May 4, 2020, 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. Accordingly, the Commission hereby waives the operative delay and designates the proposed rule change operative upon filing.22 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 change 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. 18 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a brief description and 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. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement. 20 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 21 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 22 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission also has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 19 17 E:\FR\FM\22APN1.SGM 22APN1 22482 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 78 / Wednesday, April 22, 2020 / Notices Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Electronic Comments [Release No. 34–88660; File No. SR–MRX– 2020–09] • 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–2020–036 on the subject line. Paper Comments April 16, 2020. • 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–2020–036. 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–CBOE–2020–036, and should be submitted on or before May 13, 2020. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq MRX, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend Options 3, Section 8 Relating to the Options Opening Process For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.23 J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2020–08495 Filed 4–21–20; 8:45 am] 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 3, 2020, Nasdaq MRX, LLC (‘‘MRX’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) 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 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 amend MRX Rules at Options 3, Section 8, titled ‘‘Options Opening Process.’’ The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s website at https://nasdaqmrx.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 The Exchange proposes to amend MRX Rules at Options 3, Section 8, titled ‘‘Options Opening Process.’’ The BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 1 15 23 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:59 Apr 21, 2020 2 17 Jkt 250001 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. Frm 00090 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 proposal seeks to amend aspects of the current functionality of the Exchange’s System regarding the opening of trading in an option series. Each amendment is described below. Definitions The Exchange proposes to define the term ‘‘imbalance’’ at proposed Options 3, Section 8(a)(10) as the number of unmatched contracts priced through the Potential Opening Price. The Exchange believes that the addition of this defined term will bring greater clarity to the manner in which the term ‘‘imbalance’’ is defined within the System. This description is consistent with the current System operation. This is a nonsubstantive rule change. In conjunction with this rule change, the Exchange proposes to remove the text within Options 3, Section 8(j)(1) which seeks to define an imbalance as an unmatched contracts. The Exchange is proposing a description which is more specific than this rule text and is intended to bring greater clarity to the term ‘‘imbalance.’’ Eligible Interest Options 3, Section 8(b) describes the eligible interest that will be accepted during the Opening Process. This includes Valid Width Quotes, Opening Sweeps and orders. The Exchange proposes to specifically exclude orders with a Time in Force of ‘‘Immediate-orCancel’’ 3 and Add Liquidity Orders 4 from the type of orders that are eligible during the Opening Process. Today, the Exchange does not accept Immediate-or3 An Immediate-or-Cancel order is a limit order that is to be executed in whole or in part upon receipt. Any portion not so executed is to be treated as cancelled. An Immediate-or-Cancel order entered by a Market Maker through the Specialized Quote Feed protocol will not be subject to the Limit Order Price Protection and Size Limitation Protection as defined in MRX Options 3, Section 15(b)(2) and (3). See Options 3, Section 7(b)(3). 4 An Add Liquidity Order is a limit order that is to be executed in whole or in part on the Exchange (i) only after being displayed on the Exchange’s limit order book; and (ii) without routing any portion of the order to another market center. Members may specify whether an Add Liquidity Order shall be cancelled or re-priced to the minimum price variation above the national best bid price (for sell orders) or below the national best offer price (for buy orders) if, at the time of entry, the order (i) is executable on the Exchange; or (ii) the order is not executable on the Exchange, but would lock or cross the national best bid or offer. If at the time of entry, an Add Liquidity Order would lock or cross one or more non-displayed orders on the Exchange, the Add Liquidity Order shall be cancelled or re-priced to the minimum price variation above the best non-displayed bid price (for sell orders) or below the best nondisplayed offer price (for buy orders). An Add Liquidity Order will only be re-priced once and will be executed at the re-priced price. An Add Liquidity Order will be ranked in the Exchange’s limit order book in accordance with Options 3, Section 10. See Options 3, Section 7(n). E:\FR\FM\22APN1.SGM 22APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 78 (Wednesday, April 22, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22479-22482]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08495]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-88674; File No. SR-CBOE-2020-036]


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

April 16, 2020.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the ``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given 
that on April 13, 2020, Cboe Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``Cboe 
Options'') 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 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    Cboe Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``Cboe Options'') 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])

* * * * *

Rules of Cboe Exchange, Inc.

* * * * *

Rule 4.13. Series of Index Options

* * * * *

Interpretations and Policies

    .01-.12 No change.
    .13 In addition to A.M.-settled S&P 500 Stock Index options 
approved for trading on the Exchange pursuant to Rule 4.13, 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 [May 4]November 2, 2020.
* * * * *

    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

[[Page 22480]]

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 Securities and Exchange Commission (the 
``Commission'') approved 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 
Commission approved a rule change that amended the Pilot Program that 
allows 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 XSP'') \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 
numerous times, which, pursuant to Rule 4.13.13,\8\ is currently set to 
expire on the earlier of May 4, 2020 or the date on which the pilot 
program is approved on a permanent basis.\9\ The Exchange hereby 
proposes to further extend the end date of the pilot period to November 
2, 2020.
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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\ The Exchange recently relocated prior Rule 24.9, containing 
the provision which governs the Pilot Program, to current Rule 4.13. 
See SR-CBOE-2019-092 (October 4, 2019), which did not make any 
substantive changes to prior Rule 24.9 and merely relocated it to 
Rule 4.13.
    \9\ 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); 83166 (May 3, 2018), 83 FR 21324 (May 9, 2018) (SR-
CBOE-2018-036); 84535 (November 5, 2018), 83 FR 56129 (November 9, 
2018) (SR-CBOE-2018-069); 85688 (April 18, 2019), 84 FR 17214 (April 
24, 2019) (SR-CBOE-2019-023); and 87464 (November 5, 2019), 84 FR 
61099 (November 12, 2019) (SR-CBOE-2019-107).
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    During the course of the Pilot Program and in support of the 
extensions of the Pilot Program, the Exchange submits reports to the 
Commission regarding the Pilot Program that detail the Exchange's 
experience with the Pilot Program, pursuant to the SPXPM Approval Order 
\10\ and the P.M.-settled XSP Approval Order.\11\ 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'').\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See supra note 5.
    \11\ See supra note 6.
    \12\ 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.\13\ 
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 all data and analyses previously submitted 
to the Commission under the Pilot Program,\14\ and will make public any 
data and analyses it submits to the Commission under the Pilot Program 
in the future.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 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.
    \14\ Available at https://www.cboe.com/aboutcboe/legal-regulatory/national-market-system-plans/pm-settlement-spxpm-data.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange proposes the extension of the Pilot Program in order 
to continue to give the Commission more time to

[[Page 22481]]

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 November 2, 
2020.
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.\15\ Specifically, the 
Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
Section 6(b)(5) \16\ 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) \17\ requirement that the rules of an exchange not be 
designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, 
brokers, or dealers.
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    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \17\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 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, it has become effective pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \18\ and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 
thereunder.\19\
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    \18\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \19\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule19b-4(f)(6)(iii) 
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission 
written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along 
with a brief description and 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. 
The Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6) under the 
Act \20\ normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date 
of its filing. However, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) \21\ permits the 
Commission to 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 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 May 4, 2020, 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. Accordingly, the Commission hereby 
waives the operative delay and designates the proposed rule change 
operative upon filing.\22\
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    \20\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \21\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \22\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission also has considered the proposed rule's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
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    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 change 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.

[[Page 22482]]

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-2020-036 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-2020-036. 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-CBOE-2020-036, and should be submitted 
on or before May 13, 2020.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020-08495 Filed 4-21-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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