Self-Regulatory Organizations; MIAX PEARL, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change by To Extend the Pilot Related to the Market-Wide Circuit Breakers in Exchange Rule 2622, 58130-58133 [2021-22806]

Download as PDF 58130 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 20, 2021 / Notices For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.19 J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–22797 Filed 10–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–93331; File Nos. SR–NYSE– 2021–14, SR–NYSEAMER–2021–10, SR– NYSEArca–2021–13, SR–NYSECHX–2021– 03, SR–NYSENAT–2021–04] Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE American LLC, NYSE Arca, Inc., NYSE Chicago, Inc., and NYSE National, Inc.; Notice of Withdrawal of Proposed Rule Changes To Amend the Schedule of Wireless Connectivity Fees and Charges To Add Connectivity Services Available at the Data Center in Mahwah, New Jersey October 14, 2021. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 19 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 91217 (February 26, 2021), 86 FR 12715 (March 4, 2021) (SR–NYSE–2021–14); 91218 (February 26, 2021), 86 FR 12744 (March 4, 2021) (SR–NYSEAMER–2021– 10); 91216 (February 26, 2021), 86 FR 12735 (March 4, 2021) (SR–NYSEArca–2021–13); 91219 (February 26, 2021), 86 FR 12724 (March 4, 2021) (SR– NYSECHX–2021–03); and 91215 (February 26, 2021), 86 FR 12752 (March 4, 2021) (SR– NYSENAT–2021–04). 4 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 17:55 Oct 19, 2021 For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.11 J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–22798 Filed 10–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P On February 12, 2021, New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE American LLC, NYSE Arca, Inc., NYSE Chicago, Inc., and NYSE National, Inc. (collectively, the ‘‘Exchanges’’) 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 (1) add circuits for connectivity into and out of the data center in Mahwah, New Jersey (‘‘Mahwah Data Center’’); (2) add services available to customers of the Mahwah Data Center that are not colocation Users; and (3) change the name of the Fee Schedule to ‘‘Mahwah Wireless, Circuits, and Non-Colocation Connectivity Fee Schedule.’’ The proposed rule changes were published for comment in the Federal Register on March 4, 2021.3 On April 7, 2021, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,4 the Commission designated a longer period within which to approve the proposed rule changes, disapprove the proposed rule changes, or institute VerDate Sep<11>2014 proceedings to determine whether to disapprove the proposed rule changes.5 On May 26, 2021, the Commission instituted proceedings under Section 19(b)(2)(B) of the Act 6 to determine whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule changes.7 On August 27, 2021, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,8 the Commission designated a longer period for Commission action on the proceedings to determine whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule changes.9 The Commission has received comments on the proposed rule changes.10 On October 12, 2021, the Exchanges withdrew the proposed rule changes (SR–NYSE–2021–14, SR– NYSEAMER–2021–10, SR–NYSEArca– 2021–13, SR–NYSECHX–2021–03, SR– NYSENAT–2021–04). Jkt 256001 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–93312; File No. SR– PEARL–2021–50] Self-Regulatory Organizations; MIAX PEARL, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change by To Extend the Pilot Related to the Market-Wide Circuit Breakers in Exchange Rule 2622 October 14, 2021. Pursuant to the provisions of 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 October 12, 2021, MIAX PEARL, LLC (‘‘MIAX Pearl’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) a 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 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 91490 (April 7, 2021), 86 FR 19313 (April 13, 2021). 6 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B). 7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 92033 (May 26, 2021), 86 FR 29601 (June 2, 2021). 8 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 92795 (August 27, 2021), 86 FR 49393 (September 2, 2021). 10 Comments received on the proposed rule changes are available at: https://www.sec.gov/ comments/sr-nyse-2021-14/srnyse202114.htm. 11 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 is filing a proposal to extend the pilot related to the marketwide circuit breaker mechanism in Rule 2622. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s website at https://www.miaxoptions.com/rulefilings/pearl at MIAX Pearl’s principal office, 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 extend the pilot related to the market-wide circuit breaker mechanism in Rule 2622 to the close of business on March 18, 2022. Background The Market-Wide Circuit Breaker (‘‘MWCB’’) rules, including the Exchange’s Rule 2622, provide an important, automatic mechanism that is invoked to promote stability and investor confidence during periods of significant stress when cash equities securities experience extreme marketwide declines. The MWCB rules are designed to slow the effects of extreme price declines through coordinated trading halts across both cash equity and equity options securities markets. The cash equities rules governing MWCBs were first adopted in 1988. In 2012 all U.S. cash equity exchanges and FINRA amended their cash equities uniform rules on a pilot basis 3 and, in 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67090 (May 31, 2012), 77 FR 33531 (June 6, 2012) (SR– BATS–2011–038; SR–BYX–2011–025; SR–BX– 2011–068; SR–CBOE–2011–087; SR–C2–2011–024; SR–CHX–2011–30; SR–EDGA–2011–31; SR–EDGX– E:\FR\FM\20OCN1.SGM 20OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 20, 2021 / Notices 2020, the Exchange adopted the cash equities uniform rule under Exchange Rule 2622(a)–(d) to also operate on a pilot basis 4 (the ‘‘Pilot Rules’’). The Pilot Rules currently provide for trading halts in all cash equity securities during a severe market decline as measured by a single-day decline in the S&P 500 Index (‘‘SPX’’).5 Under the Pilot Rules, a market-wide trading halt will be triggered if SPX declines in price by specified percentages from the prior day’s closing price of that index. The triggers are set at three circuit breaker thresholds: 7% (Level 1), 13% (Level 2), and 20% (Level 3). A market decline that triggers a Level 1 or Level 2 halt after 9:30 a.m. and before 3:25 p.m. would halt market-wide trading for 15 minutes, while a similar market decline at or after 3:25 p.m. would not halt market-wide trading. (Level 1 and Level 2 halts may occur only once a day.) A market decline that triggers a Level 3 halt at any time during the trading day would halt market-wide trading for the remainder of the trading day. Exchange Rule 2622 was approved by the Commission to operate on a pilot basis set to expire on at the close of business on October 18, 2020.6 The Exchange subsequently amended Rule 2622 to extend the Pilot Rules’ effectiveness for an additional year to the close of business on October 18, 2021.7 The Exchange now proposes to amend Rule 2622 to extend the pilot to the close of business on March 18, 2022. This filing does not propose any substantive or additional changes to Rule 2622. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 The MWCB Task Force and the March 2020 MWCB Events In late 2019, Commission staff requested the formation of a MWCB Task Force (‘‘Task Force’’) to evaluate the operation and design of the MWCB mechanism. The Task Force included representatives from the SROs, the Commission, CME, the Commodity 2011–30; SR–FINRA–2011–054; SR–ISE–2011–61; SR–NASDAQ–2011–131; SR–NSX–2011–11; SR– NYSE–2011–48; SR–NYSEAmex–2011–73; SR– NYSEArca–2011–68; SR–Phlx–2011–129) (‘‘Pilot Rules Approval Order’’). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 89563 (August 14, 2020), 85 FR 51510 (August 20, 2020) (SR–PEARL–2020– 03) (‘‘Equities Approval Order’’) (approving, among other things, Exchange Rule 2622). 4 See Equities Approval Order, id. 5 The rules of the equity options exchanges similarly provide for a halt in trading if the cash equity exchanges invoke a MWCB Halt. See, e.g., Exchange Rule 504(a) and NYSE Arca Rule 6.65– O(d)(4). 6 See Equities Approval Order, supra note 3. 7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 90124 (October 8, 2020), 85 FR 65105 (October 14, 2020) (SR–PEARL–2020–20). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:55 Oct 19, 2021 Jkt 256001 Futures Trading Commission (‘‘CFTC’’), and the securities industry and conducted several organizational meetings in December 2019 and January 2020. In Spring 2020, the MWCB mechanism proved itself to be an effective tool for protecting markets through turbulent times. In March 2020, at the outset of the worldwide COVID– 19 pandemic, U.S. equities markets experienced four MWCB Level 1 halts, on March 9, 12, 16, and 18, 2020. In each instance, the markets halted as intended upon a 7% drop in the S&P 500 Index, and resumed as intended 15 minutes later. In response to these events, in the Spring and Summer of 2020, the Task Force held ten meetings that were attended by Commission staff, with the goal of performing an expedited review of the March 2020 halts and identifying any areas where the MWCB mechanism had not worked properly. Given the risk of unintended consequences, the Task Force did not recommend changes that were not rooted in a noted deficiency. The Task Force recommended creating a process for a backup reference price in the event that SPX were to become unavailable, and enhancing functional MWCB testing. The Task Force also asked CME to consider modifying its rules to enter into a limit-down state in the futures pre-market after a 7% decline instead of 5%. CME made the requested change, which became effective on October 12, 2020.8 The MWCB Working Group’s Study On September 17, 2020, the Director of the Commission’s Division of Trading and Markets asked the SROs to conduct a more complete study of the design and operation of the Pilot Rules and the LULD Plan during the period of volatility in the Spring of 2020. In response to the request, the SROs created a MWCB ‘‘Working Group’’ composed of SRO representatives and industry advisers that included members of the advisory committees to both the LULD Plan and the NMS Plans governing the collection, consolidation, and dissemination of last-sale transaction reports and quotations in NMS Stocks. The Working Group met regularly from September 2020 through March 2021 to consider the Commission’s request, review data, and compile its study. The Working Group’s efforts in this respect incorporated and 8 See https://www.cmegroup.com/content/dam/ cmegroup/market-regulation/rule-filings/2020/9/20392_1.pdf; https://www.cmegroup.com/content/ dam/cmegroup/market-regulation/rule-filings/2020/ 9/20–392_2.pdf. PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58131 built on the work of an MWCB Task Force. The Working Group submitted its study to the Commission on March 31, 2021 (the ‘‘Study’’).9 In addition to a timeline of the MWCB events in March 2020, the Study includes a summary of the analysis and recommendations of the MWCB Task Force; an evaluation of the operation of the Pilot Rules during the March 2020 events; an evaluation of the design of the current MWCB system; and the Working Group’s conclusions and recommendations. In the Study, the Working Group concluded: (1) The MWCB mechanism set out in the Pilot Rules worked as intended during the March 2020 events; (2) the MWCB halts triggered in March 2020 appear to have had the intended effect of calming volatility in the market, without causing harm; (3) the design of the MWCB mechanism with respect to reference value (SPX), trigger levels (7%/13%/20%), and halt times (15 minutes) is appropriate; (4) the change implemented in Amendment 10 to the Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility (the ‘‘Limit Up/Limit Down Plan’’ or ‘‘LULD Plan’’) did not likely have any negative impact on MWCB functionality; and (5) no changes should be made to the mechanism to prevent the market from halting shortly after the opening of regular trading hours at 9:30 a.m. In light of the foregoing conclusions, the Working Group also made several recommendations, including that the Pilot Rules should be permanent without any changes.10 Proposal To Extend the Operation of the Pilot Rules Pending the Commission’s Consideration of the Exchange’s Filing To Make the Pilot Rules Permanent On July 16, 2021, the New York Stock Exchange LLC (‘‘NYSE’’) proposed a rule change to make the Pilot Rules permanent, consistent with the Working Group’s recommendations.11 On August 27, 2021, the Commission extended its time to consider the proposed rule change to October 20, 2021.12 The Exchange now proposes to extend the 9 See Report of the Market-Wide Circuit Breaker (‘‘MWCB’’) Working Group Regarding the March 2020 MWCB Events, submitted March 31, 2021 (the ‘‘Study’’), available at https://www.nyse.com/ publicdocs/nyse/markets/nyse/Report_of_the_ Market-Wide_Circuit_Breaker_Working_Group.pdf. 10 See id. at 46. 11 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 92428 (July 16, 2021), 86 FR 38776 (July 22, 2021) (SR– NYSE–2021–40). 12 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 92785A (August 27, 2021), 86 FR 50202 (September 7, 2021) (SR–NYSE–2021–40). E:\FR\FM\20OCN1.SGM 20OCN1 58132 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 20, 2021 / Notices expiration date of the Pilot Rules to the end of business on March 18, 2022. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that its proposal 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 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. The MWCB mechanism under Rule 2622 is an important, automatic mechanism that is invoked to promote stability and investor confidence during a period of significant stress when securities markets experience extreme broad-based declines. Extending the MWCB pilot for an additional five months would ensure the continued, uninterrupted operation of a consistent mechanism to halt trading across the U.S. markets while the Commission reviews the Exchange’s proposed rule change to make the Pilot Rules permanent. The Exchange also believes that the proposed rule change promotes just and equitable principles of trade in that it promotes transparency and uniformity across markets concerning when and how to halt trading in all stocks as a result of extraordinary market volatility. Based on the foregoing, the Exchange believes the benefits to market participants from Pilot Rules should continue on a pilot basis because they will promote fair and orderly markets and protect investors and the public interest. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act because the proposal would ensure the continued, uninterrupted operation of a consistent mechanism to halt trading across the U.S. markets while the Commission reviews the NYSE’s proposed rule change to make the Pilot Rules permanent. Further, the Exchange understands that FINRA and other national securities exchanges will file proposals to extend their rules regarding the MWCB pilot. Thus, the proposed rule change will help to ensure consistency across market centers without implicating any competitive issues. 13 15 14 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:55 Oct 19, 2021 Jkt 256001 C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action 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 after the date of the filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 15 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 16 thereunder. A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 17 normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),18 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange asked that the Commission waive the 30 day operative delay so that the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. Extending the Pilot Rules’ effectiveness to the close of business on March 18, 2022 will extend the protections provided by the Pilot Rules, which would otherwise expire in less than 30 days. Waiver of the operative delay would therefore permit uninterrupted continuation of the MWCB pilot while the Commission reviews the NYSE’s proposed rule change to make the Pilot Rules permanent. Therefore, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates the proposed rule change as 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 15 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. 17 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 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). 16 17 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– PEARL–2021–50 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Vanessa Countryman, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–PEARL–2021–50. 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; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–PEARL–2021–50 and E:\FR\FM\20OCN1.SGM 20OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 20, 2021 / Notices should be submitted on or before November 10, 2021. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.20 J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–22806 Filed 10–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #17221 and #17222; Georgia Disaster Number GA–00131] Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the State of Georgia U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the State of Georgia dated 10/13/ 2021. Incident: Severe Flood Damage from Hurricane Ida. Incident Period: 08/30/2021 through 09/01/2021. DATES: Issued on 10/13/2021. Physical Loan Application Deadline Date: 12/13/2021. Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Application Deadline Date: 07/13/2022. ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW, Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416, (202) 205–6734. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that as a result of the Administrator’s disaster declaration, applications for disaster loans may be filed at the address listed above or other locally announced locations. The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster: Primary Counties: Cobb Contiguous Counties: Georgia: Bartow, Cherokee, Douglas, Fulton, Paulding The Interest Rates are: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: Percent For Physical Damage: Homeowners with Credit Available Elsewhere ...................... 20 17 3.125 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:55 Oct 19, 2021 Jkt 256001 The notice of the President’s major disaster declaration for Private Non-Profit 1.563 organizations in the State of New Jersey, dated 09/05/2021, is hereby amended to 5.710 include the following areas as adversely affected by the disaster. 2.855 Primary Counties: Warren 2.000 All other information in the original declaration remains unchanged. Percent Homeowners without Credit Available Elsewhere .............. Businesses with Credit Available Elsewhere ...................... Businesses without Credit Available Elsewhere .............. Non-Profit Organizations with Credit Available Elsewhere ... Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere ..................................... For Economic Injury: Businesses & Small Agricultural Cooperatives without Credit Available Elsewhere .............. Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere ..................................... 2.000 2.855 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 59008) James Rivera, Associate Administrator for Disaster Assistance. [FR Doc. 2021–22789 Filed 10–19–21; 8:45 am] 2.000 The number assigned to this disaster for physical damage is 17221 8 and for economic injury is 17222 0. The State which received an EIDL Declaration # is Georgia. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 59008) Isabella Guzman, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2021–22788 Filed 10–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8026–03–P BILLING CODE 8026–03–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice: 11567] Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Objects Being Imported for Exhibition—Determinations: ‘‘Revealing Krishna: Journey to Cambodia’s Sacred Mountain’’ Exhibition Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: I hereby determine that certain objects being imported from abroad pursuant to agreements with their foreign owners or custodians for temporary display in the exhibition ‘‘Revealing Krishna: Journey to Cambodia’s Sacred Mountain’’ at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, are of cultural significance, and, further, that their temporary exhibition or display within the United States as aforementioned is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these determinations be published in the Federal Register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chi D. Tran, Program Administrator, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202–632–6471; email: section2459@state.gov). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, L/PD, 2200 C Street NW, (SA–5), Suite 5H03, Washington, DC 20522–0505. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The foregoing determinations were made pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), E.O. 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, and SUMMARY: SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #17145 and #17146; New Jersey Disaster Number NJ–00063] Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of New Jersey U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 4. AGENCY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of New Jersey (FEMA–4614– DR), dated 09/05/2021. Incident: Remnants of Hurricane Ida. Incident Period: 09/01/2021 through 09/03/2021. DATES: Issued on 10/13/2021. Physical Loan Application Deadline Date: 11/04/2021. Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Application Deadline Date: 06/06/2022. ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW, Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416, (202) 205–6734. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58133 E:\FR\FM\20OCN1.SGM 20OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 200 (Wednesday, October 20, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58130-58133]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22806]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-93312; File No. SR-PEARL-2021-50]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; MIAX PEARL, LLC; Notice of Filing 
and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change by To Extend the 
Pilot Related to the Market-Wide Circuit Breakers in Exchange Rule 2622

October 14, 2021.
    Pursuant to the provisions of 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 October 12, 2021, MIAX PEARL, LLC (``MIAX 
Pearl'' or the ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (``Commission'') a 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\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange is filing a proposal to extend the pilot related to 
the market-wide circuit breaker mechanism in Rule 2622.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
website at https://www.miaxoptions.com/rule-filings/pearl at MIAX 
Pearl's principal office, 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 extend the pilot related to the market-
wide circuit breaker mechanism in Rule 2622 to the close of business on 
March 18, 2022.
Background
    The Market-Wide Circuit Breaker (``MWCB'') rules, including the 
Exchange's Rule 2622, provide an important, automatic mechanism that is 
invoked to promote stability and investor confidence during periods of 
significant stress when cash equities securities experience extreme 
market-wide declines. The MWCB rules are designed to slow the effects 
of extreme price declines through coordinated trading halts across both 
cash equity and equity options securities markets.
    The cash equities rules governing MWCBs were first adopted in 1988. 
In 2012 all U.S. cash equity exchanges and FINRA amended their cash 
equities uniform rules on a pilot basis \3\ and, in

[[Page 58131]]

2020, the Exchange adopted the cash equities uniform rule under 
Exchange Rule 2622(a)-(d) to also operate on a pilot basis \4\ (the 
``Pilot Rules''). The Pilot Rules currently provide for trading halts 
in all cash equity securities during a severe market decline as 
measured by a single-day decline in the S&P 500 Index (``SPX'').\5\ 
Under the Pilot Rules, a market-wide trading halt will be triggered if 
SPX declines in price by specified percentages from the prior day's 
closing price of that index. The triggers are set at three circuit 
breaker thresholds: 7% (Level 1), 13% (Level 2), and 20% (Level 3). A 
market decline that triggers a Level 1 or Level 2 halt after 9:30 a.m. 
and before 3:25 p.m. would halt market-wide trading for 15 minutes, 
while a similar market decline at or after 3:25 p.m. would not halt 
market-wide trading. (Level 1 and Level 2 halts may occur only once a 
day.) A market decline that triggers a Level 3 halt at any time during 
the trading day would halt market-wide trading for the remainder of the 
trading day.
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    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67090 (May 31, 
2012), 77 FR 33531 (June 6, 2012) (SR-BATS-2011-038; SR-BYX-2011-
025; SR-BX-2011-068; SR-CBOE-2011-087; SR-C2-2011-024; SR-CHX-2011-
30; SR-EDGA-2011-31; SR-EDGX-2011-30; SR-FINRA-2011-054; SR-ISE-
2011-61; SR-NASDAQ-2011-131; SR-NSX-2011-11; SR-NYSE-2011-48; SR-
NYSEAmex-2011-73; SR-NYSEArca-2011-68; SR-Phlx-2011-129) (``Pilot 
Rules Approval Order''). See also Securities Exchange Act Release 
No. 89563 (August 14, 2020), 85 FR 51510 (August 20, 2020) (SR-
PEARL-2020-03) (``Equities Approval Order'') (approving, among other 
things, Exchange Rule 2622).
    \4\ See Equities Approval Order, id.
    \5\ The rules of the equity options exchanges similarly provide 
for a halt in trading if the cash equity exchanges invoke a MWCB 
Halt. See, e.g., Exchange Rule 504(a) and NYSE Arca Rule 6.65-
O(d)(4).
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    Exchange Rule 2622 was approved by the Commission to operate on a 
pilot basis set to expire on at the close of business on October 18, 
2020.\6\ The Exchange subsequently amended Rule 2622 to extend the 
Pilot Rules' effectiveness for an additional year to the close of 
business on October 18, 2021.\7\
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    \6\ See Equities Approval Order, supra note 3.
    \7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 90124 (October 8, 
2020), 85 FR 65105 (October 14, 2020) (SR-PEARL-2020-20).
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    The Exchange now proposes to amend Rule 2622 to extend the pilot to 
the close of business on March 18, 2022. This filing does not propose 
any substantive or additional changes to Rule 2622.
The MWCB Task Force and the March 2020 MWCB Events
    In late 2019, Commission staff requested the formation of a MWCB 
Task Force (``Task Force'') to evaluate the operation and design of the 
MWCB mechanism. The Task Force included representatives from the SROs, 
the Commission, CME, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission 
(``CFTC''), and the securities industry and conducted several 
organizational meetings in December 2019 and January 2020.
    In Spring 2020, the MWCB mechanism proved itself to be an effective 
tool for protecting markets through turbulent times. In March 2020, at 
the outset of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. equities markets 
experienced four MWCB Level 1 halts, on March 9, 12, 16, and 18, 2020. 
In each instance, the markets halted as intended upon a 7% drop in the 
S&P 500 Index, and resumed as intended 15 minutes later.
    In response to these events, in the Spring and Summer of 2020, the 
Task Force held ten meetings that were attended by Commission staff, 
with the goal of performing an expedited review of the March 2020 halts 
and identifying any areas where the MWCB mechanism had not worked 
properly. Given the risk of unintended consequences, the Task Force did 
not recommend changes that were not rooted in a noted deficiency. The 
Task Force recommended creating a process for a backup reference price 
in the event that SPX were to become unavailable, and enhancing 
functional MWCB testing. The Task Force also asked CME to consider 
modifying its rules to enter into a limit-down state in the futures 
pre-market after a 7% decline instead of 5%. CME made the requested 
change, which became effective on October 12, 2020.\8\
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    \8\ See https://www.cmegroup.com/content/dam/cmegroup/market-regulation/rule-filings/2020/9/20-392_1.pdf; https://www.cmegroup.com/content/dam/cmegroup/market-regulation/rule-filings/2020/9/20-392_2.pdf.
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The MWCB Working Group's Study
    On September 17, 2020, the Director of the Commission's Division of 
Trading and Markets asked the SROs to conduct a more complete study of 
the design and operation of the Pilot Rules and the LULD Plan during 
the period of volatility in the Spring of 2020.
    In response to the request, the SROs created a MWCB ``Working 
Group'' composed of SRO representatives and industry advisers that 
included members of the advisory committees to both the LULD Plan and 
the NMS Plans governing the collection, consolidation, and 
dissemination of last-sale transaction reports and quotations in NMS 
Stocks. The Working Group met regularly from September 2020 through 
March 2021 to consider the Commission's request, review data, and 
compile its study. The Working Group's efforts in this respect 
incorporated and built on the work of an MWCB Task Force.
    The Working Group submitted its study to the Commission on March 
31, 2021 (the ``Study'').\9\ In addition to a timeline of the MWCB 
events in March 2020, the Study includes a summary of the analysis and 
recommendations of the MWCB Task Force; an evaluation of the operation 
of the Pilot Rules during the March 2020 events; an evaluation of the 
design of the current MWCB system; and the Working Group's conclusions 
and recommendations.
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    \9\ See Report of the Market-Wide Circuit Breaker (``MWCB'') 
Working Group Regarding the March 2020 MWCB Events, submitted March 
31, 2021 (the ``Study''), available at https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/markets/nyse/Report_of_the_Market-Wide_Circuit_Breaker_Working_Group.pdf.
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    In the Study, the Working Group concluded: (1) The MWCB mechanism 
set out in the Pilot Rules worked as intended during the March 2020 
events; (2) the MWCB halts triggered in March 2020 appear to have had 
the intended effect of calming volatility in the market, without 
causing harm; (3) the design of the MWCB mechanism with respect to 
reference value (SPX), trigger levels (7%/13%/20%), and halt times (15 
minutes) is appropriate; (4) the change implemented in Amendment 10 to 
the Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility (the ``Limit Up/
Limit Down Plan'' or ``LULD Plan'') did not likely have any negative 
impact on MWCB functionality; and (5) no changes should be made to the 
mechanism to prevent the market from halting shortly after the opening 
of regular trading hours at 9:30 a.m.
    In light of the foregoing conclusions, the Working Group also made 
several recommendations, including that the Pilot Rules should be 
permanent without any changes.\10\
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    \10\ See id. at 46.
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Proposal To Extend the Operation of the Pilot Rules Pending the 
Commission's Consideration of the Exchange's Filing To Make the Pilot 
Rules Permanent
    On July 16, 2021, the New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE'') 
proposed a rule change to make the Pilot Rules permanent, consistent 
with the Working Group's recommendations.\11\ On August 27, 2021, the 
Commission extended its time to consider the proposed rule change to 
October 20, 2021.\12\ The Exchange now proposes to extend the

[[Page 58132]]

expiration date of the Pilot Rules to the end of business on March 18, 
2022.
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    \11\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 92428 (July 16, 
2021), 86 FR 38776 (July 22, 2021) (SR-NYSE-2021-40).
    \12\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 92785A (August 27, 
2021), 86 FR 50202 (September 7, 2021) (SR-NYSE-2021-40).
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2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that its proposal 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 
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. The MWCB mechanism under Rule 2622 is an important, automatic 
mechanism that is invoked to promote stability and investor confidence 
during a period of significant stress when securities markets 
experience extreme broad-based declines. Extending the MWCB pilot for 
an additional five months would ensure the continued, uninterrupted 
operation of a consistent mechanism to halt trading across the U.S. 
markets while the Commission reviews the Exchange's proposed rule 
change to make the Pilot Rules permanent.
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    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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    The Exchange also believes that the proposed rule change promotes 
just and equitable principles of trade in that it promotes transparency 
and uniformity across markets concerning when and how to halt trading 
in all stocks as a result of extraordinary market volatility. Based on 
the foregoing, the Exchange believes the benefits to market 
participants from Pilot Rules should continue on a pilot basis because 
they will promote fair and orderly markets and protect investors and 
the public interest.

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act because the proposal would 
ensure the continued, uninterrupted operation of a consistent mechanism 
to halt trading across the U.S. markets while the Commission reviews 
the NYSE's proposed rule change to make the Pilot Rules permanent.
    Further, the Exchange understands that FINRA and other national 
securities exchanges will file proposals to extend their rules 
regarding the MWCB pilot. Thus, the proposed rule change will help to 
ensure consistency across market centers without implicating any 
competitive issues.

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

    Written comments were neither solicited nor received.

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

    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 after the date of the filing, or such 
shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective 
pursuant to 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \15\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \16\ 
thereunder.
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    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \16\ 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 under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \17\ normally 
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the 
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\18\ the Commission 
may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange asked 
that the Commission waive the 30 day operative delay so that the 
proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. Extending the 
Pilot Rules' effectiveness to the close of business on March 18, 2022 
will extend the protections provided by the Pilot Rules, which would 
otherwise expire in less than 30 days. Waiver of the operative delay 
would therefore permit uninterrupted continuation of the MWCB pilot 
while the Commission reviews the NYSE's proposed rule change to make 
the Pilot Rules permanent. Therefore, the Commission hereby waives the 
30-day operative delay and designates the proposed rule change as 
operative upon filing.\19\
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    \17\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \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. If the Commission 
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to 
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR- PEARL-2021-50 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Vanessa Countryman, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-PEARL-2021-50. 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; the Commission does not edit 
personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit 
only information that you wish to make available publicly.
    All submissions should refer to File Number SR-PEARL-2021-50 and

[[Page 58133]]

should be submitted on or before November 10, 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).

J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-22806 Filed 10-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


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