Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Reflect an Amendment to the Application and Exemptive Order Governing the Fidelity Women's Leadership ETF and Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF, 53993-53995 [2021-21110]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 29, 2021 / Notices
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From
Members, Participants, or Others
No written comments were either
solicited or received.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the
Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of
the Act,8 the Exchange has designated
this proposal as establishing or changing
a due, fee, or other charge imposed by
the self-regulatory organization on any
person, whether or not the person is a
member of the self-regulatory
organization, which renders the
proposed rule change effective upon
filing.
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: (i) Necessary or appropriate in
the public interest; (ii) for the protection
of investors; or (iii) 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:
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Electronic Comments
• Use the Commission’s internet
comment form (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml); or
• Send an email to rule-comments@
sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–
NASDAQ–2021–072 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–NASDAQ–2021–072. 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
8 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
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18:22 Sep 28, 2021
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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–NASDAQ–2021–072 and
should be submitted on or before
October 20, 2021.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.9
J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021–21111 Filed 9–28–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–93108; File No. SR–
NYSEArca–2021–81]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
Rule Change To Reflect an
Amendment to the Application and
Exemptive Order Governing the
Fidelity Women’s Leadership ETF and
Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF
September 23, 2021.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3
notice is hereby given that, on
September 13, 2021, NYSE Arca, Inc.
(‘‘NYSE Arca’’ 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
9 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
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Frm 00052
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53993
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 to reflect an
amendment to the Application and
Exemptive Order governing the Fidelity
Women’s Leadership ETF and Fidelity
Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF that are
listed and traded on the Exchange under
NYSE Arca Rule 8.601–E. 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
statements concerning the purpose of,
and basis for, the proposed rule change
and discussed any comments it received
on the proposed rule change. The text
of those statements may be examined at
the places specified in Item IV below.
The Exchange has prepared summaries,
set forth in sections A, B, and C below,
of the most significant parts of such
statements.
A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and the
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
1. Purpose
The Exchange adopted NYSE Arca
Rule 8.601–E for the purpose of
permitting the listing and trading, or
trading pursuant to unlisted trading
privileges (‘‘UTP’’), of Active Proxy
Portfolio Shares, which are securities
issued by an actively managed open-end
investment management company.4
4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 89185
(June 29, 2020), 85 FR 40328 (July 6, 2020) (SR–
NYSEArca–2019–95). Rule 8.601–E(c)(1) provides
that ‘‘[t]he term ‘‘Active Proxy Portfolio Share’’
means a security that (a) is issued by a investment
company registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 (‘‘Investment Company’’) organized as
an open-end management investment company that
invests in a portfolio of securities selected by the
Investment Company’s investment adviser
consistent with the Investment Company’s
investment objectives and policies; (b) is issued in
a specified minimum number of shares, or
multiples thereof, in return for a deposit by the
purchaser of the Proxy Portfolio and/or cash with
a value equal to the next determined net asset value
(‘‘NAV’’); (c) when aggregated in the same specified
minimum number of Active Proxy Portfolio Shares,
or multiples thereof, may be redeemed at a holder’s
Continued
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53994
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 29, 2021 / Notices
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Commentary .01 to Rule 8.601–E
requires the Exchange to file separate
proposals under Section 19(b) of the Act
before listing and trading any series of
Active Proxy Portfolio Shares on the
Exchange. Pursuant to this provision,
the Exchange submitted a proposal to
list and trade shares (‘‘Shares’’) of
Active Proxy Portfolio Shares of the
Fidelity Women’s Leadership ETF and
Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF 5
(each a ‘‘Fund’’ and, collectively, the
‘‘Funds’’) on the Exchange under NYSE
Arca Rule 8.601–E: T. The Exchange
proposes to reflect an amendment to the
Application and Exemptive Order (as
defined below) governing the listing and
trading of the Funds, as follows.
Fidelity Beach Street Trust (‘‘Beach
Street’’), Fidelity Management &
Research Company (‘‘FMR’’), and
Fidelity Distributors Corporation
(‘‘FDC’’), filed a ninth amended
application for an order under Section
6(c) of the 1940 Act for exemptions from
various provisions of the 1940 Act and
rules thereunder (the ‘‘Prior
Application’’).6 On December 10, 2019,
the Commission issued an order (the
‘‘Prior Exemptive Order’’) under the
1940 Act granting the exemptions
requested in the Application.7
Under the Prior Exemptive Order, the
Funds are required to publish a basket
of securities and cash that, while
different from a Fund’s portfolio, is
designed to closely track its daily
performance (‘‘Proxy Portfolio’’).8 The
Prior Application stated that the Proxy
Portfolio is comprised of (1) select
request in return for the Proxy Portfolio and/or cash
to the holder by the issuer with a value equal to
the next determined NAV; and (d) the portfolio
holdings for which are disclosed within at least 60
days following the end of every fiscal quarter.’’ Rule
8.601–E(c)(2) provides that ‘‘[t]he term ‘‘Actual
Portfolio’’ means the identities and quantities of the
securities and other assets held by the Investment
Company that shall form the basis for the
Investment Company’s calculation of NAV at the
end of the business day.’’ Rule 8.601–E(c)(3)
provides that ‘‘[t]he term ‘‘Proxy Portfolio’’ means
a specified portfolio of securities, other financial
instruments and/or cash designed to track closely
the daily performance of the Actual Portfolio of a
series of Active Proxy Portfolio Shares as provided
in the exemptive relief pursuant to the Investment
Company Act of 1940 applicable to such series.’’
5 On April 14, 2021, the Commission published
the notice of filing and immediate effectiveness
relating to the listing and trading of shares of the
Fidelity Women’s Leadership ETF and Fidelity
Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF. See Securities
Exchange Act Release No. 91514 (April 8, 2021), 86
FR 19657 (April 14, 2021) (SR–NYSEArca–2021–23)
(Notice).
6 See File No. 812–14364, dated November 8,
2019.
7 See Investment Company Act Release No.
33712, December 10, 2019.
8 The Funds use the term ‘‘Tracking Basket.’’
‘‘Tracking Basket’’ is the Proxy Portfolio for
purposes of Rule 8.601–E(c)(3). See Notice, 86 FR
19659, n. 10.
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18:22 Sep 28, 2021
Jkt 253001
recently disclosed portfolio holdings
(‘‘Strategy Components’’); (2) liquid
ETFs that convey information about the
types of instruments in which the fund
invests that are not otherwise fully
represented by Strategy Components
(‘‘Representative ETFs’’); and (3) cash
and cash equivalents. As set forth in the
Notice, investments made by the Funds
will comply with the conditions set
forth in the Prior Application and the
Prior Exemptive Order.9
On October 30, 2020, as amended on
April 2, 2021, June 11, 2021 and June
30, 2021, Beach Street, FMR, FDC and
Fidelity Covington Trust 10 (together,
‘‘Fidelity’’) sought to amend the Prior
Order to, among other things, permit the
Funds to include select securities from
the universe from which a Fund’s
investments are selected such as a
broad-based market index (‘‘Investment
Universe’’) in the Fund’s Proxy Portfolio
(the ‘‘Updated Application’’).11
On August 5, 2021, the Commission
issued an order permitting the Funds to
include select securities from a Fund’s
Investment Universe in the Fund’s
Proxy Portfolio (the ‘‘Updated
Exemptive Order’’).12 Accordingly,
investments made by the Fidelity
Women’s Leadership ETF and Fidelity
Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF will
comply with this condition in the
Updated Application and the Updated
Exemptive Order.
Except for the change noted above, all
other representations made in the
respective rule filings remain
unchanged and will continue to
constitute continuing listing
requirements for the Funds. The Funds
will also continue to comply with the
requirements of Rule 8.601–E.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that the
proposed rule change is consistent with
Section 6(b) of the Act,13 in general, and
furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5)
of the Act,14 in particular, in that it is
designed to prevent fraudulent and
manipulative acts and practices, to
promote just and equitable principles of
trade, to remove impediments to and
perfect the mechanism of a free and
open market and a national market
9 See
Notice, 86 FR 19658, n. 8.
Covington Trust, a business trust under
the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
registered with the Commission as an open-end
management investment company, was not part of
the Prior Application.
11 See File No. 812–15175.
12 See Investment Company Act Release No.
34350, August 5, 2021.
13 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
14 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
10 Fidelity
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
system, and, in general, to protect
investors and the public interest.15
The proposed rule change is designed
to perfect the mechanism of a free and
open market and, in general, to protect
investors and the public interest. The
proposed revision is intended to ensure
that each of the Funds will comply with
the conditions set forth in the Updated
Application and the Updated Exemptive
Order that permits the Funds to use
Creation Baskets that include
instruments that are not included, or are
included with different weightings, in
the Fund’s Proxy Portfolio. The
proposed rule change would permit the
Funds to operate consistent with this
updated condition in the Updated
Application and the Updated Exemptive
Order. Except for the changes noted
above, all other representations made in
the respective rule filings remain
unchanged and, as noted, will continue
to constitute continuing listing
requirements for the Funds.
B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that
the proposed rule change will impose
any burden on competition that is not
necessary or appropriate in furtherance
of the purpose of the Act. As noted, the
purpose of the filing is to reflect an
amendment to the Application and
Exemptive Order governing the listing
and trading of these Funds. To the
extent that the proposed rule change
would continue to permit listing and
trading of another type of activelymanaged ETF that has characteristics
different from existing actively-managed
and index ETFs, the Exchange believes
that the proposal would benefit of
investors by continuing to promote
competition among various ETF
products.
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
15 The Exchange represents that, for initial and
continued listing, the Fund will be in compliance
with Rule 10A–3 under the Act, as provided by
NYSE Arca Rule 5.3–E.
E:\FR\FM\29SEN1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 29, 2021 / Notices
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 16 and Rule 19b–
4(f)(6) thereunder.17
A proposed rule change filed
pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6) under the
Act normally does not become operative
for 30 days after the date of its filing.
However, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) 18 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 requested
that the Commission waive the 30-day
operative delay so that the proposal may
become operative immediately upon
filing. The Exchange notes that the
Funds are currently listed and traded on
the Exchange, and that pursuant to the
proposed rule change, the Funds will
comply with the provision discussed
above as set forth in the Updated
Application and the Updated Exemptive
Order. Accordingly, this proposed rule
change raises no novel regulatory issues.
For these reasons, the Commission
believes that waiver of the 30-day
operative delay is consistent with the
protection of investors and the public
interest. Accordingly, the Commission
hereby waives the 30-day operative
delay and designates the proposed rule
change operative upon filing.19
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:
16 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b–
4(f)(6) requires a self-regulatory organization to give
the Commission written notice of its intent to file
the proposed rule change at least five business days
prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule
change, or such shorter time as designated by the
Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this
requirement.
18 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).
19 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).
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
17 17
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:22 Sep 28, 2021
Jkt 253001
Electronic Comments
• Use the Commission’s internet
comment form (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml); or
• Send an email to rule-comments@
sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–
NYSEArca–2021–81 on the subject line.
Paper Comments
• Send paper comments in triplicate
to: Secretary, Securities and Exchange
Commission, 100 F Street NE,
Washington, DC 20549–1090.
All submissions should refer to File
Number SR–NYSEArca–2021–81. 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–NYSEArca–2021–81 and
should be submitted on or before
October 20, 2021.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.20
J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021–21110 Filed 9–28–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
20 17
PO 00000
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–93107; File Nos. SR–NYSE–
2021–15, SR–NYSEAMER–2021–13, SR–
NYSEArca–2021–15, SR–NYSENAT–2021–
05, SR–NYSECHX–2021–04]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; New
York Stock Exchange LLC; NYSE
American LLC; NYSE Arca, Inc.; NYSE
National, Inc.; NYSE Chicago, Inc.;
Notice of Designation of a Longer
Period for Commission Action on
Proceedings To Determine Whether To
Approve or Disapprove a Proposed
Rule Change To Amend Each of the
Exchange’s Fee Schedules Related to
Co-Location
September 23, 2021.
On March 10, 2021, New York Stock
Exchange LLC, NYSE American LLC,
NYSE Arca, Inc., NYSE National, Inc.,
and NYSE Chicago, Inc. each filed with
the Securities and Exchange
Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant
to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule
19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule
change to provide Users with access to
the systems and connectivity to the data
feeds of several third parties and
establish associated fees.3 Each
proposed rule change was immediately
effective upon filing with the
Commission pursuant to Section
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act.4 The proposed
rule changes were published for
comment in the Federal Register on
March 29, 2021.5 On May 7, 2021, the
Commission, pursuant to Section
19(b)(3)(C) of the Act 6 temporarily
suspended File Nos. SR–NYSE–2021–
15, SR–NYSEAMER–2021–13, SR–
NYSEArca–2021–15, SR–NYSENAT–
2021–05, and SR–NYSECHX–2021–04;
and (2) instituted proceedings to
determine whether to approve or
disapprove File Nos. SR–NYSE–2021–
15, SR–NYSEAMER–2021–13, SR–
NYSEArca–2021–15, SR–NYSENAT–
2021–05, and SR–NYSECHX–2021–04.7
1 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
CFR 240.19b–4.
3 The New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE
American LLC, NYSE Arca, Inc., NYSE National,
Inc, and NYSE Chicago, Inc. are collectively
referred to herein as ‘‘NYSE’’ or the ‘‘Exchanges.’’
4 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
5 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 91386
(March 23, 2021), 86 FR 16410 (March 29, 2021);
91387 (March 23, 2021), 86 FR 16417 (March 29,
2021); 91388 (March 23, 2021), 86 FR 16433 (March
29, 2021); 91389 (March 23, 2021), 86 FR 16403
(March 29, 2021); 91390 (March 23, 2021), 86 FR
16424 (March 29, 2021) (collectively, the
‘‘Notices’’).
6 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(C).
7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 91790
(May 7, 2021), 86 FR 26242 (May 13, 2021) (SR–
2 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
Frm 00054
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53995
Continued
E:\FR\FM\29SEN1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 29, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53993-53995]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21110]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-93108; File No. SR-NYSEArca-2021-81]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Reflect an
Amendment to the Application and Exemptive Order Governing the Fidelity
Women's Leadership ETF and Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF
September 23, 2021.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (``Act'') \2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby given
that, on September 13, 2021, NYSE Arca, Inc. (``NYSE Arca'' 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
\3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to reflect an amendment to the Application
and Exemptive Order governing the Fidelity Women's Leadership ETF and
Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF that are listed and traded on
the Exchange under NYSE Arca Rule 8.601-E. 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 statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the
proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the
proposed rule change. The text of those statements may be examined at
the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared
summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most
significant parts of such statements.
A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and the
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
1. Purpose
The Exchange adopted NYSE Arca Rule 8.601-E for the purpose of
permitting the listing and trading, or trading pursuant to unlisted
trading privileges (``UTP''), of Active Proxy Portfolio Shares, which
are securities issued by an actively managed open-end investment
management company.\4\
[[Page 53994]]
Commentary .01 to Rule 8.601-E requires the Exchange to file separate
proposals under Section 19(b) of the Act before listing and trading any
series of Active Proxy Portfolio Shares on the Exchange. Pursuant to
this provision, the Exchange submitted a proposal to list and trade
shares (``Shares'') of Active Proxy Portfolio Shares of the Fidelity
Women's Leadership ETF and Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF \5\
(each a ``Fund'' and, collectively, the ``Funds'') on the Exchange
under NYSE Arca Rule 8.601-E: T. The Exchange proposes to reflect an
amendment to the Application and Exemptive Order (as defined below)
governing the listing and trading of the Funds, as follows.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 89185 (June 29,
2020), 85 FR 40328 (July 6, 2020) (SR-NYSEArca-2019-95). Rule 8.601-
E(c)(1) provides that ``[t]he term ``Active Proxy Portfolio Share''
means a security that (a) is issued by a investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (``Investment
Company'') organized as an open-end management investment company
that invests in a portfolio of securities selected by the Investment
Company's investment adviser consistent with the Investment
Company's investment objectives and policies; (b) is issued in a
specified minimum number of shares, or multiples thereof, in return
for a deposit by the purchaser of the Proxy Portfolio and/or cash
with a value equal to the next determined net asset value (``NAV'');
(c) when aggregated in the same specified minimum number of Active
Proxy Portfolio Shares, or multiples thereof, may be redeemed at a
holder's request in return for the Proxy Portfolio and/or cash to
the holder by the issuer with a value equal to the next determined
NAV; and (d) the portfolio holdings for which are disclosed within
at least 60 days following the end of every fiscal quarter.'' Rule
8.601-E(c)(2) provides that ``[t]he term ``Actual Portfolio'' means
the identities and quantities of the securities and other assets
held by the Investment Company that shall form the basis for the
Investment Company's calculation of NAV at the end of the business
day.'' Rule 8.601-E(c)(3) provides that ``[t]he term ``Proxy
Portfolio'' means a specified portfolio of securities, other
financial instruments and/or cash designed to track closely the
daily performance of the Actual Portfolio of a series of Active
Proxy Portfolio Shares as provided in the exemptive relief pursuant
to the Investment Company Act of 1940 applicable to such series.''
\5\ On April 14, 2021, the Commission published the notice of
filing and immediate effectiveness relating to the listing and
trading of shares of the Fidelity Women's Leadership ETF and
Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF. See Securities Exchange Act
Release No. 91514 (April 8, 2021), 86 FR 19657 (April 14, 2021) (SR-
NYSEArca-2021-23) (Notice).
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Fidelity Beach Street Trust (``Beach Street''), Fidelity Management
& Research Company (``FMR''), and Fidelity Distributors Corporation
(``FDC''), filed a ninth amended application for an order under Section
6(c) of the 1940 Act for exemptions from various provisions of the 1940
Act and rules thereunder (the ``Prior Application'').\6\ On December
10, 2019, the Commission issued an order (the ``Prior Exemptive
Order'') under the 1940 Act granting the exemptions requested in the
Application.\7\
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\6\ See File No. 812-14364, dated November 8, 2019.
\7\ See Investment Company Act Release No. 33712, December 10,
2019.
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Under the Prior Exemptive Order, the Funds are required to publish
a basket of securities and cash that, while different from a Fund's
portfolio, is designed to closely track its daily performance (``Proxy
Portfolio'').\8\ The Prior Application stated that the Proxy Portfolio
is comprised of (1) select recently disclosed portfolio holdings
(``Strategy Components''); (2) liquid ETFs that convey information
about the types of instruments in which the fund invests that are not
otherwise fully represented by Strategy Components (``Representative
ETFs''); and (3) cash and cash equivalents. As set forth in the Notice,
investments made by the Funds will comply with the conditions set forth
in the Prior Application and the Prior Exemptive Order.\9\
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\8\ The Funds use the term ``Tracking Basket.'' ``Tracking
Basket'' is the Proxy Portfolio for purposes of Rule 8.601-E(c)(3).
See Notice, 86 FR 19659, n. 10.
\9\ See Notice, 86 FR 19658, n. 8.
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On October 30, 2020, as amended on April 2, 2021, June 11, 2021 and
June 30, 2021, Beach Street, FMR, FDC and Fidelity Covington Trust \10\
(together, ``Fidelity'') sought to amend the Prior Order to, among
other things, permit the Funds to include select securities from the
universe from which a Fund's investments are selected such as a broad-
based market index (``Investment Universe'') in the Fund's Proxy
Portfolio (the ``Updated Application'').\11\
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\10\ Fidelity Covington Trust, a business trust under the laws
of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts registered with the Commission
as an open-end management investment company, was not part of the
Prior Application.
\11\ See File No. 812-15175.
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On August 5, 2021, the Commission issued an order permitting the
Funds to include select securities from a Fund's Investment Universe in
the Fund's Proxy Portfolio (the ``Updated Exemptive Order'').\12\
Accordingly, investments made by the Fidelity Women's Leadership ETF
and Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF will comply with this
condition in the Updated Application and the Updated Exemptive Order.
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\12\ See Investment Company Act Release No. 34350, August 5,
2021.
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Except for the change noted above, all other representations made
in the respective rule filings remain unchanged and will continue to
constitute continuing listing requirements for the Funds. The Funds
will also continue to comply with the requirements of Rule 8.601-E.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent
with Section 6(b) of the Act,\13\ in general, and furthers the
objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\14\ in particular, in that it
is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices,
to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove
impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and
a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the
public interest.\15\
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\13\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
\15\ The Exchange represents that, for initial and continued
listing, the Fund will be in compliance with Rule 10A-3 under the
Act, as provided by NYSE Arca Rule 5.3-E.
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The proposed rule change is designed to perfect the mechanism of a
free and open market and, in general, to protect investors and the
public interest. The proposed revision is intended to ensure that each
of the Funds will comply with the conditions set forth in the Updated
Application and the Updated Exemptive Order that permits the Funds to
use Creation Baskets that include instruments that are not included, or
are included with different weightings, in the Fund's Proxy Portfolio.
The proposed rule change would permit the Funds to operate consistent
with this updated condition in the Updated Application and the Updated
Exemptive Order. Except for the changes noted above, all other
representations made in the respective rule filings remain unchanged
and, as noted, will continue to constitute continuing listing
requirements for the Funds.
B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will
impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate
in furtherance of the purpose of the Act. As noted, the purpose of the
filing is to reflect an amendment to the Application and Exemptive
Order governing the listing and trading of these Funds. To the extent
that the proposed rule change would continue to permit listing and
trading of another type of actively-managed ETF that has
characteristics different from existing actively-managed and index
ETFs, the Exchange believes that the proposal would benefit of
investors by continuing to promote competition among various ETF
products.
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
[[Page 53995]]
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 \16\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\17\
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\16\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\17\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission
written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at
least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed
rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission.
The Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
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A proposed rule change filed pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6) under the
Act normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date of
its filing. However, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) \18\ 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
requested that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay so that
the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. The Exchange
notes that the Funds are currently listed and traded on the Exchange,
and that pursuant to the proposed rule change, the Funds will comply
with the provision discussed above as set forth in the Updated
Application and the Updated Exemptive Order. Accordingly, this proposed
rule change raises no novel regulatory issues. For these reasons, the
Commission believes that waiver of the 30-day operative delay is
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest.
Accordingly, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay
and designates the proposed rule change operative upon filing.\19\
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\18\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
\19\ 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).
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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.
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-NYSEArca-2021-81 on the subject line.
Paper Comments
Send paper comments in triplicate to: Secretary,
Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC
20549-1090.
All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEArca-2021-81. 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-NYSEArca-2021-81 and should be submitted
on or before October 20, 2021.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\20\
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\20\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-21110 Filed 9-28-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P