81_FR_83537 81 FR 83313 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to Opening of Series for Trading on the Exchange

81 FR 83313 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to Opening of Series for Trading on the Exchange

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 224 (November 21, 2016)

Page Range83313-83319
FR Document2016-27895

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 224 (Monday, November 21, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 224 (Monday, November 21, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 83313-83319]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27895]



[[Page 83313]]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-79315; File No. SR-C2-2016-021]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated; 
Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to Opening of 
Series for Trading on the Exchange

November 15, 2016.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on November 4, 2016, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (``Exchange'' or 
``C2'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, 
and III 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.
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    \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

    C2 proposes to amend its rules related to the opening of series for 
trading on the Exchange. The text of the proposed rule change is 
available on the Exchange's Web site (http://www.c2exchange.com/Legal/
), at the Exchange's Office of the Secretary, and at the Commission's 
Public Reference Room.

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

    In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements 
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and 
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The 
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in 
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in 
sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such 
statements.

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

1. Purpose
    C2 proposes to amend its rules related to the opening of series for 
trading on the Exchange. Rule 6.11 describes the process the automated 
trading system used by the Exchange for the trading of options 
contracts (the ``System'') uses to open series on the Exchange each 
trading day. The Exchange may also use this same process for closing 
series or opening series after a trading halt. The Exchange proposes to 
make various changes to this rule to reorganize and simplify the rule 
as well as make other changes to the opening procedures in order to 
reflect current System functionality.
Opening (and Sometimes Closing) Procedures
    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 6.11 by reorganizing the 
provisions of the rule to describe the opening (and sometimes closing) 
procedures in a more sequential manner, clarifying the timing of each 
stage of the process and enhancing or modifying the description of 
certain provisions within the rule. The System generally processes the 
opening of each series as follows:
    (1) Pre-Opening Period: During the pre-opening period, the System 
will accept orders and quotes and disseminate messages that contain 
information based on resting orders and quotes in the book, which may 
include the expected opening price (``EOP''), expected opening size 
(``EOS''), any reason why a series may not open and imbalance 
information, including the size and side of an imbalance (``expected 
opening information'' or ``EOIs'').
    (2) Initiation of the Opening Rotation: At this time, the System 
initiates the opening rotation procedure and distributes a rotation 
notice to market participants.
    (3) Opening Rotation Period: During the opening rotation period, 
the System matches and executes orders and quotes against each other in 
order to establish an opening Exchange best bid and offer (``BBO'') and 
trade price for each series while continuing to disseminate expected 
opening information.
    (4) Opening of Trading: At this time, the System opens series for 
trading, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.

The proposed rule change more clearly organizes the provisions of Rule 
6.11 in this order and makes the additional following changes.
Pre-Opening Period
    Rule 6.11(a) currently provides for a period of time before the 
opening of trading in the underlying security or, in the case of index 
options, prior to 8:30 a.m.\3\ (as determined by the Exchange on a 
class-by-class basis), the System will accept orders and quotes (the 
System will not accept certain orders during the pre-opening period, as 
discussed below). The times specified in the current rule are not the 
times at which series open for trading, but rather the times at which 
the System initiates opening rotations, which is described later in the 
rule (see description of proposed paragraph (b)(1) below). The Exchange 
proposes to amend Rule 6.11(a) to provide the pre-opening period begins 
no later than 15 minutes prior to the expected initiation of an opening 
rotation (the Exchange determines the specific time at which the pre-
opening period will begin).\4\ The Exchange believes it is repetitive 
to include a description of the time at which series open in this 
paragraph. The proposed rule change adds the pre-opening period will 
begin no earlier than 2:00 a.m. to provide additional information 
regarding when the Exchange may begin the pre-opening period. 
Additionally, the System begins the pre-opening period at the same time 
for each class within each type of option (equity, index and exchange-
traded products (``ETP'')), so the proposed rule change deletes the 
provision of the rule that says the Exchange will determine the time on 
a class-by-class basis. The Exchange believes indicating a minimum and 
maximum time for the pre-opening period provides Trading Permit Holders 
with more specific information regarding the timeframe of the pre-
opening period.
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    \3\ All times are central time.
    \4\ Currently, the pre-opening period begins at approximately 
6:30 a.m.
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    The proposed rule change amends Rule 6.11(a)(1) by deleting the 
provision that indicates the Exchange will designate eligible order 
size, order type and order origin code as order terms for which the 
Exchange may designate eligibility for submission during the pre-
opening period on a class-by-class basis. The Exchange currently does 
not, and does not intend to, restrict the size or origin code of orders 
that may be submitted during the pre-opening period, so this provision 
is no longer necessary. Additionally, the System currently accepts all 
quotes and all order types during the pre-opening period except for 
immediate-or-cancel, fill-or-fill [sic], intermarket sweep orders, and 
Market-Maker trade prevention orders, as acceptance of those order 
types during the pre-opening period would be inconsistent with their 
terms.\5\ The proposed rule

[[Page 83314]]

change lists these few exceptions in the rule. As discussed below, not 
all of these orders may participate in the opening rotation.
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    \5\ See Rule 6.10 for definitions of these order types. For 
example, an immediate-or-cancel order is intended to execute 
immediately once represented on the Exchange or be cancelled. As 
there is no trading during the pre-opening period, an immediate-or-
cancel order submitted during the pre-opening period would never 
execute and always be cancelled; thus, the Exchange determined to 
not permit this order type during the pre-opening period. Rule 
6.10(c)(7) defines opening rotation orders, and the proposed rule 
change amends this definition to include limit orders (as well as to 
make another nonsubstantive change). The Exchange does not believe 
it is necessary to restrict limit orders from being entered to 
participate in the opening rotation, as they will execute during the 
opening rotation pursuant to the opening procedures in the same 
manner as market orders.
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    The proposed rule change proposes to amend Rule 6.11(a)(2) in 
several ways. First, the proposed rule change amends the description of 
when the System begins disseminating expected opening information. 
Currently, the rule states, at specified intervals of time determined 
by the Exchange, the System will disseminate information about resting 
orders in the book that remain from the prior business day and orders 
and quotes submitted before the opening, which may include the EOP and 
EOS. The Exchange proposes to revise this provision to state beginning 
at a time (determined by the Exchange) no earlier than three hours 
prior to the expected initiation of an opening rotation for a series, 
the System disseminates EOIs to all market participants that have 
elected to receive them at regular intervals of time (the length of 
which is determined by the Exchange) or less frequently if there are no 
updates to the opening information since the previously disseminated 
EOI. This revised rule text clarifies the time at which the System will 
begin disseminating expected opening information, which may be 
different (and generally later) than the beginning of the pre-opening 
period, as the Exchange believes recipients generally want to receive 
EOIs closer to the opening of trading.\6\ Additionally, this proposed 
rule change indicates EOIs are generally sent out regularly, but if 
there have been no changes (for example, the EOS and EOP have not 
changed because there are no new orders or quotes), then the System 
does not disseminate a duplicate message to users at the next regular 
interval time.
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    \6\ Currently, the System begins disseminating EOIs at 
approximately 7:30 a.m. The System disseminates EOIs at 30-second 
intervals during the pre-open period and 1-second intervals during 
the opening rotation period (see discussion below for additional 
information regarding the dissemination of EOIs during the opening 
rotation). See Regulatory Circular RG15-039.
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    Second, the proposed rule change also amends Rule 6.11(a)(2) to 
more specifically describe the information regarding the expected 
opening of a series that the System disseminates. Currently, 
subparagraph (a)(2) provides the System will disseminate information 
about resting orders in the book that remain from the prior business 
day and any orders and quotes submitted before the opening, including 
the expected opening price and size. The Exchange proposes to simplify 
this provision by stating that the expected opening information will be 
based on resting orders in the book (which includes orders remaining 
from the prior trading day and orders entered during the pre-opening 
period) and quotes submitted prior to the opening of trading. 
Additionally, in addition to the EOP and EOS, these messages may 
include additional information based on the circumstances, such as a 
description of the reason why a series may not or did not open (e.g., 
no quote or opening trade) and imbalance information, including the 
size and side of the imbalance (see discussion below regarding opening 
conditions), which reasons are described in current Rule 6.11(e) and 
proposed Rule 6.11(d). The Exchange proposes to add a definition of 
EOIs, which may include not only the EOP and EOS but also these other 
types of information. The Exchange proposes to incorporate this 
definition in other parts of the rule (as further discussed below).
    Third, the proposed rule change amends the provision about what the 
EOP is and when it is calculated. Currently, Rule 6.11(a)(2) states the 
EOP is the price at which the greatest number of orders and quotes in 
the book are expected to trade and an EOP may only be calculated if (a) 
there are market orders in the book, or the book is crossed or locked 
and (b) at least one quote is present. The proposed rule change revises 
this language to state the EOP is the price at which any opening trade 
is expected to execute. The EOS is the size of any expected opening 
trade. As further discussed below, the definition of opening price is 
included in proposed paragraph (c), so the proposed rule change deletes 
that definition from paragraph (a)(2) and only includes the definition 
in proposed paragraph (c), as the Exchange believes it is less 
confusing to include the opening price definition in the rules only one 
time. Additionally, the proposed rule change deletes the language the 
EOP may only be calculated if there are market orders in the book or 
the book is crossed. Because the EOP is a price of an expected opening 
trade, it is only possible to have a trade if there are market orders 
or a locked or crossed market, so the Exchange believes this language 
is unnecessary. Further, the proposed rule change states the System 
will only disseminate EOP and EOS messages if the width between the 
highest quote bid and lowest quote offer on the Exchange or 
disseminated by other exchanges is no wider than the OEPW range (as 
defined below).\7\ As discussed below, the Exchange's opening quote 
width must be no wider than OEPW range for a series to open, and this 
revised language is consistent with that opening condition.
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    \7\ Because this proposed language implies there must be a 
quote, the proposed rule change also deletes the language that the 
EOP may only be calculated if at least one quote is present, as it 
would be duplicative.
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Opening Rotation Initiation and Notice
    Rule 6.11(b) currently provides, unless unusual circumstances 
exist, at a randomly selected time within a number of seconds after the 
opening trade and/or the opening quote is disseminated in the market 
for the underlying security \8\ (or after 8:30 a.m. for index options), 
the System initiates the opening rotation procedure and sends a notice 
(``Rotation Notice'') to Participants. It further provides the Rotation 
Notice will be sent following the opening trade or opening quote or 
which occurs first (as determined by the Exchange on a class-by-class 
basis). The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 6.11(b) to provide in 
proposed subparagraph (1) the System initiates the opening rotation 
procedure on a class-by-class basis:
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    \8\ The ``market for the underlying security'' is currently the 
primary listing market, the primary volume market (defined as the 
market with the most liquidity in that underlying security for the 
previous two calendar months) or the first market to open the 
underlying security. The Exchange does not designate the primary 
volume market as the market for the underlying security for any 
class, and thus the proposed rule change deletes that option. The 
proposed rule change also changes the term ``market'' to 
``exchange,'' as the primary listing market or first market to open 
is a national securities exchange. The proposed rule change 
clarifies the Exchange determines on a class-by-class basis which 
market is the market for the underlying security.
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     With respect to equity and ETP options, after the opening 
trade or the opening quote is disseminated in the market for the 
underlying security, or at 8:30 for classes determined by the Exchange 
(including over-the-counter equity classes); or
     with respect to index options, at 8:30 a.m., or at the 
later of 8:30 a.m. and the time the Exchange receives a disseminated 
index value for classes determined by the Exchange.


[[Page 83315]]


The proposed rule change also deletes the phrase regarding the 
initiation of the opening rotation procedure at a randomly selected 
time within a number of seconds after the triggering event.
    The Exchange believes this proposed change more accurately 
describes the timing at which the System initiates the opening rotation 
procedure for each type of option, which generally occurs immediately 
after the triggering event rather than a randomly selected number of 
seconds after the event. The proposed rule change provides, while the 
dissemination of the opening trade or quote in the market for the 
underlying security is generally the trigger to initiate the opening 
rotation for an equity or ETP class, the Exchange may determine to open 
certain equity and ETP classes at 8:30 a.m. instead if it does not have 
access to underlying information for those classes. The Exchange does 
not receive underlying information regarding the opening of certain 
equities.\9\ The proposed rule change provides the Exchange with the 
necessary flexibility to ensure it can open trading in options 
overlying these equities in such circumstances. Similarly, the proposed 
rule change provides the Exchange with flexibility to open certain 
index options at the later of 8:30 a.m. and the time the Exchange 
receives a disseminated index value, in addition to at 8:30 a.m., to 
address circumstances in which this may be a more useful opening 
trigger.
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    \9\ For example, with respect to pink sheet stocks, the Exchange 
does not receive underlying information from the over-the-counter 
market (``OTC'') and believes it is in the interest of a fair and 
orderly market to initiate the opening rotation at 8:30 for those 
stocks rather than take additional time to confirm the OTC market 
for those stocks opened.
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    In addition, the Exchange proposes to amend current Rule 
6.11(b)(1), which is proposed Rule 6.11(b)(2), to state the System 
notifies market participants of the opening rotation initiation upon 
initiating the opening rotation procedure (defined as the ``Rotation 
Notice'') rather than following the opening trade or quote. The 
initiation of the opening rotation for a series triggers the 
dissemination of the notice, so the Exchange believes this proposed 
change more accurately and simply describes when market participants 
will receive the rotation notice.
Opening Rotation Period
    Current Rule 6.11(c) provides after the rotation notice is sent, 
the System will enter into a rotation period, during which the opening 
price will be established for each series. During the rotation 
period,\10\ the System will continue to calculate and provide the EOP 
and EOS given the current resting orders and quotes. The System will 
process the series of a class in a random order, and the series will 
begin opening after a period following the rotation notice, which 
period will not exceed 60 seconds and will be established on a class-
by-class basis.
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    \10\ Under the proposed rule change, rotation period is no 
longer a defined term. The proposed rule change, therefore, makes 
references to the term rotation period throughout Rule 6.11 lower-
cased.
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    The proposed rule change reorganizes paragraph (c) to describe when 
the opening rotation period begins (which is after the System initiates 
the opening rotation procedure and sends the rotation notice) (proposed 
introduction to paragraph (c)), what happens during the period 
(proposed subparagraph (c)(1)), the handling of EOIs during the period 
(proposed subparagraph (c)(2)), and when the period ends (proposed 
subparagraph (c)(3)). The Exchange believes this will more clearly 
describe for investors the opening rotation process.
    The proposed rule change adds detail regarding what occurs during 
the opening rotation period. Specifically, while the rules currently 
state the System establishes the opening trade price for a series 
during the opening rotation period, the proposed rule change adds 
proposed subparagraph (c)(1), which states the System does this (as 
well as establish the opening BBO) by matching and executing resting 
orders and quotes against each other. The proposed rule change moves 
the definition of opening trade price to proposed subparagraph 
(c)(1)(A) from current subparagraph (g)(1) (which references the 
``single clearing price'' at which orders and quotes are matched at the 
open) so the rules include discussions of the opening trade price in a 
single location within the rules. The proposed rule change amends the 
definition of the opening trade price of a series to be the ``market-
clearing'' price, which is the single price at which the largest number 
of contracts in the book can execute, leaving bids and offers that 
cannot trade with each other. The Exchange believes it is more 
appropriate to clear the largest size from the book at the open, even 
if that size is comprised of a smaller number of orders and quotes (as 
stated in proposed Rule 6.11(a)(2)). The EOS is the size of any 
expected opening trade. This is consistent with the change to the 
definition of EOP, as discussed above. The proposed rule change adds if 
there are multiple prices at which the same number of contracts would 
clear, the System uses the price at or nearest to the midpoint of the 
range consisting of the higher of the opening NBB and widest bid point 
of the OEPW range, and the lower of the opening NBO and widest offer 
point of the OEPW range.
    The proposed rule change also adds proposed paragraph (c)(1)(B), 
which states all orders (except complex orders) and quotes in a series 
in the book prior to the opening rotation period participate in the 
opening rotation for a series. Contingency orders that participate in 
the opening rotation may execute during the opening rotation period 
only if their contingencies are triggered. The proposed rule change 
also notes complex orders do not participate in the opening rotation. 
While the System accepts those orders prior to the open, the Exchange 
believes it would complicate the opening rotation if they participated 
in the opening rotation and attempted to execute against the leg 
markets. Because proposed subparagraph (c)(1)(B) describes the matching 
process that occurs during the opening rotation period, the proposed 
rule change moves the rule provision regarding the priority order of 
orders and quotes during this matching process from current 
subparagraph (g)(1) to proposed subparagraph (c)(1)(C).\11\
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    \11\ The System prioritizes orders in the following order: (1) 
Market orders, (2) limit orders and quotes whose prices are better 
than the opening price, and (3) resting orders and quotes at the 
opening price. The proposed rule change also notes contingency 
orders are prioritized as set forth in Rule 6.12(c).
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    The proposed rule change also revises the language regarding the 
messages disseminated during the opening rotation period to provide the 
System will continue to disseminate EOIs (not just the EOP and EOS). 
This proposed revision is consistent with the proposed language 
described above regarding dissemination of EOIs during the pre-opening 
period (and incorporates the proposed definition of EOIs). The proposed 
rule change provides the Exchange with the authority to determine a 
shorter interval length for the dissemination of EOIs during the 
opening rotation period than during the pre-opening period, as the 
Exchange believes market participants may want to receive these 
messages more frequently closer to the opening. This flexibility is 
intended to ensure the Exchange may disseminate these messages to 
market participants as frequently as it deems necessary to ensure a 
fair and orderly opening.
    Proposed subparagraph (c)(3) updates the description of the length 
of the opening rotation period and how the System processes series to 
open

[[Page 83316]]

following the opening rotation period. Current subparagraph (c)(2) 
states the System will process the series of a class in a random order 
and the series will begin opening after a period following the Rotation 
Notice, which period may not exceed sixty seconds and will be 
established on a class-by-class basis by the Exchange. Proposed 
subparagraph (c)(3) states after a period of time determined by the 
Exchange for all classes, the System opens series of a class in a 
random order, staggered over regular intervals of time (the Exchange 
determines the length and number of these intervals for all 
classes).\12\ Subject to satisfaction of opening conditions described 
below (in proposed paragraph (d)), the opening rotation period 
(including these intervals) may not exceed 60 seconds. The Exchange 
believes this change more clearly and accurately describes how the 
System opens series for trading, which it does randomly as set forth in 
the current rule but in a staggered manner over regular intervals. 
These intervals are intended to manage the number of series that will 
open during a short time period to ensure a fair and orderly opening.
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    \12\ Currently, the Exchange has set the period of time that 
must pass before the System begins processing series to open at one 
second, and the Exchange has set the number of intervals to one and 
the length of the intervals to one second. As a result, the opening 
rotation period currently lasts one to two seconds (the proposed 
rule change clarifies that the various time periods and intervals 
combine to form the opening rotation period). See Regulatory 
Circular RG11-008. In other words, after one second, the System 
randomly selects a group of series to open; and after the one-second 
interval, the System opens the remaining group of series.
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Opening Quote and Trade Price
    The proposed rule change deletes the language in current paragraph 
(d) stating as the opening price is determined by series, the System 
will disseminate through OPRA the opening quote and the opening trade 
price, if any. The System disseminates all quote and trade price 
information to OPRA once a series opens pursuant to the OPRA plan, 
including opening quote and trade price information, so the Exchange 
believes it is unnecessary to include this provision specifically in 
the opening rule.
Opening Conditions
    Current Rule 6.11(e) provides the System will not open a series if 
one of the following conditions is met:
    (1) There is no quote present in the series;
    (2) the opening price is not within an acceptable range (as 
determined by the Exchange) compared to the lowest quote offer and the 
highest quote bid;
    (3) the opening trade would be at a price that is not the national 
best bid or offer; or
    (4) the opening trade would leave a market order imbalance (i.e., 
there are more market orders to buy or to sell for the particular 
series than can be satisfied by the limit order, quotes and market 
orders on the opposite side); however, in series that will open at a 
minimum price increment, the System will open even if a sell market 
order imbalance exists.
    Current paragraph (f) describes what happens when each of these 
conditions is present:
    (1) If the condition in paragraph (e)(1) is present (i.e., there is 
no quote), the System will check to see if there is an NBBO quote on 
another market that falls within the acceptable opening range. If such 
an NBBO quote is present, the series will open and expose the 
marketable order(s) at the NBBO price. If such an NBBO quote is not 
present, the System will not open the series and will send a 
notification to Participants indicating the reason.
    (2) If the condition in paragraph (e)(2) is present (i.e., the 
opening price is not within an acceptable range), the System will match 
orders and quotes to the extent possible at a single clearing price 
within the acceptable range, then expose the remaining marketable 
order(s) at the widest price point within the acceptable opening range 
or the NBBO price, whichever is better.
    (3) If the condition in paragraph (e)(3) is present (i.e., the 
opening trade would not be at the NBBO), the System will match orders 
and quotes to the extent possible at a single clearing price within the 
acceptable opening range or the NBBO price, whichever is better, then 
expose the remaining marketable order(s) at the NBBO price.
    (4) If the condition in paragraph (e)(4) is present (i.e., the 
opening trade would leave market order imbalance), the System will 
match orders and quotes to the extent possible at a single clearing 
price, then expose the remaining marketable order(s) at the widest 
price point within the acceptable opening range or the NBBO price, 
whichever is better.
    The proposed rule change amends the opening conditions to provide 
in proposed paragraph (d) as follows: \13\
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    \13\ The proposed rule change combines the exceptions in current 
paragraph (f) with the applicable opening conditions in current 
paragraph (e) into single proposed paragraph (d) for ease of review.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) If there are no quotes on the Exchange or disseminated from at 
least one away exchange present in the series, the System does not open 
the series. There are no exceptions to this opening condition. The 
Exchange generally requires an opening quote to ensure there will be 
liquidity in a series when it opens;
    (2) if the width between the best quote bid and best quote offer, 
which may consist of Market-Makers quotes or bids and offers 
disseminated from an away exchange (for purposes of proposed paragraph 
(d), the ``opening quote''), is wider than an acceptable opening price 
range (as determined by the Exchange on a class-by-class and premium 
basis) (the ``Opening Exchange Prescribed Width range'' or ``OEPW 
range'') \14\ and there are orders or quotes marketable against each 
other or that lock or cross the OEPW range, the System does not open 
the series. However, if the opening quote width is no wider than the 
intraday acceptable price range for the series (``IEPW range'') \15\ 
and there are no orders or quotes marketable against each other or that 
lock or cross the OEPW range, the System opens the series. If the 
opening quote width is wider than the IEPW range, the System does not 
open the series. If the opening quote for a series consists solely of 
bids and offers disseminated from an away exchange(s), the System opens 
the series by matching orders and quotes to the extent they can trade 
and reports the opening trade, if any, at the opening trade price. The 
System then exposes any remaining marketable buy (sell) orders at the 
widest offer (bid) point of the OEPW range or NBO (NBB), whichever is 
lower (higher). The proposed rule change only makes nonsubstantive, 
simplifying changes to the exception to this opening condition. Because 
the proposed definition of opening quote width includes bids and offers 
from away exchanges, opening quote width incorporates those bids and 
offers. If there are no Market-Maker quotes on C2 but other exchanges 
have disseminated bids and offers in a series, those away quotes 
constitute the NBBO for the series. Thus, the proposed rule change 
clarifies the System will open a series if the opening quote width, 
which is comprised of the best quotes on C2 and other exchanges 
(essentially, the

[[Page 83317]]

NBBO) is no wider than the OEPW range. The OEPW range is a price 
protection measure intended to prevent orders from executing at extreme 
prices on the open. If that market is no wider than the OEPW range, the 
Exchange believes it is appropriate to open a series under these 
circumstances and provide marketable orders on the Exchange with the 
opportunity to execute at the NBBO. If the opening quote width is no 
wider than the OEPW range, then the Exchange believes the risk of 
execution at an extreme risk is not present. With respect to the 
exception to this opening condition, if the best market (whether the 
Exchange or national market) would satisfy the price check parameter 
the Exchange uses for intraday trading, and there are no orders that 
can execute on the open, then there is no risk that an order will 
execute at an extreme price on the open. Because the risk that the OEPW 
range is intended to address is not present in this situation, the 
Exchange believes it is appropriate to open a series given these 
conditions. Other proposed changes make the language (e.g., language 
regarding matching orders and quotes and reporting the opening trade, 
and regarding the opening price being that which clears the largest 
number of contracts) in this paragraph consistent with language used in 
the other opening conditions and exceptions in proposed paragraph 
(d).\16\
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    \14\ Current OEPW settings are set forth in Regulatory Circular 
RG14-020. The acceptable price range is determined by taking the 
midpoint of the highest quote bid and lowest quote offer plus/minus 
half of the designated OEPW. The rules currently permit C2 to set 
the OEPW on a class-by-class basis. The proposed rule change also 
clarifies the Exchange may set the OEPW on a premium basis; as 
options with higher premiums may have wider spreads, the Exchange 
believes it is appropriate to have OEPW settings to reflect that. 
This is consistent with the Exchange's authority to set the IEPW 
pursuant to Rule 6.17(a).
    \15\ See Rule 6.17(a).
    \16\ Regulatory Circular RG14-020 sets forth the current OEPW 
range. This is the term with which Participants are familiar for the 
acceptable opening, and the Exchange believes it will be beneficial 
for investors if the rules refer to the same term.
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    (3) if the opening trade price would be outside the OEPW range or 
the NBBO, the System opens the series by matching orders and quotes to 
the extent they can trade and reports the opening trade, if any, at an 
opening trade price not outside either the OEPW range or NBBO. The 
System then exposes any remaining marketable buy (sell) orders at the 
widest offer (bid) point of the OEPW range or NBO (NBB), whichever is 
lower (higher). The Exchange believes using the term OEPW range with 
respect to the acceptable range for opening price in the rules is a 
more accurate description of the appropriate range for opening prices 
(as this is the term used in circulars and among Participants). The 
OEPW range is used as a price protection measure. Additionally, the 
proposed rule change clarifies that a series will open if the opening 
trade price is at the widest part of the OEPW range (it will expose 
orders if it is outside the OEPW range). The proposed rule change makes 
nonsubstantive, simplifying changes to this opening condition and 
clarifies that the opening trade price must be something not outside 
the OEPW range or the NBBO (including the ends of the applicable 
range). Other proposed changes make the language in this paragraph 
consistent with language used in the other conditions in proposed 
paragraphs (d);
    (4) if the opening trade would leave a market order imbalance, 
which means there are more market orders to buy or to sell for the 
particular series than can be satisfied by the orders and quotes on the 
opposite side, the System opens the series by matching orders and 
quotes to the extent they can trade and reports the opening trade, if 
any, at the opening trade price. The System then exposes any remaining 
marketable buy (sell) orders at the widest offer (bid) point of the 
OEPW range or NBO (NBB), whichever is lower (higher). The proposed rule 
change deletes language stating a series will open at a minimum price 
increment even if there is a sell market order imbalance. Because the 
System will open by matching orders and quotes, then exposing remaining 
orders, when there is a market order imbalance for any series, 
including those that will open at a minimum price increment as the rule 
currently states, there is no reason to highlight this situation in the 
rule. The proposed rule change also makes nonsubstantive, simplifying 
changes to this provision. Other proposed changes make the language in 
this paragraph consistent with language used in the other conditions in 
proposed paragraph (d); or
    (5) if the opening quote bid (offer) or the NBB (NBO) crosses the 
opening quote offer (bid) or the NBO (NBB) by more than an amount 
determined by the Exchange on a class-by-class and premium basis, the 
System does not open the series.\17\ The System currently does not open 
a series if this condition exists to prevent executions at extreme 
prices, and the Exchange proposes to codify this condition in the rules 
so that market participants are aware of all circumstances under which 
a series may not open. There are no exceptions to this opening 
condition. If the opening quote bid (offer) or NBO (NBO) crosses the 
opening quote offer (bid) or NBO (NBB) by no more than the specified 
amount, the System will open the series by matching orders and quotes 
to the extent they can trade and report the opening trade, if any, at 
the opening trade price. The System then exposes any remaining 
marketable buy (sell) orders at the widest offer (bid) point of the 
OEPW range or NBO (NBB), whichever is lower (higher). If the best away 
market bid and offer are inverted by no more than the specified amount, 
there is a marketable order on each side of the series, and the System 
opens the series, the System will expose the order on the side with the 
larger size and route for execution the order on the side with the 
smaller size to an away exchange that is at the NBBO. Only one order in 
a series may be exposed in a HAL auction, so this provision is 
consistent with this limitation and is intended to address the 
situation in which there may be a marketable order on each side of the 
market so that both orders have a possibility for execution. This 
exception is consistent with the other exceptions in proposed paragraph 
(d) as well as with current System functionality.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ Currently, this amount is $0.25 for options with prices 
less than $3.00 and $0.50 for options with prices of $3.00 or more. 
See Regulatory Circular RG10-005.

Generally, the purpose of these opening conditions and exceptions is to 
ensure that series open in a fair and orderly manner and at prices 
consistent with the current market conditions for the series and not at 
extreme prices, while taking into consideration the markets of other 
exchanges that may be better than the Exchange's at the open. The 
exceptions provide the opportunity for orders to execute through a HAL 
auction or at an away exchange when that is the case.
    The proposed rule change moves provisions related to the exposure 
of orders at the open from current subparagraph (g)(2) and 
Interpretation and Policy .04 to proposed paragraph (d) to eliminate 
duplicative language and to include all provisions regarding the 
opening exposure process are including in the same place within the 
rules.\18\ The proposed rule change deletes the provision regarding the 
matching period of the HAL openings. The Exchange no longer uses 
matching period and just uses the exposure period, which may not exceed 
1.5 seconds. There is no allocation period for the HAL exposure process 
described in Rule 6.18, and the Exchange does not believe it is 
necessary to include one for HAL on the openings. As provided in 
current Interpretation and Policy .04

[[Page 83318]]

and proposed paragraph (d), the exposure process will be conducted via 
HAL pursuant to Rule 6.18 for an exposure period designated by the 
Exchange for a class (which period of time will not exceed 1.5 
seconds), so the Exchange believes the process for HAL on the openings 
should be consistent with the standard HAL process.\19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ Proposed paragraph (d) states the acceptable tick distance 
the Exchange may set to prevent execution of orders following 
exposure on the opening priced ``too far away'' from the exposure 
price will be determined on a class-by-class and premium basis 
rather than series-by-series and premium basis, as current paragraph 
(g)(2) and Interpretation and Policy .04 state. The Exchange sets 
this amount by class rather than by series and proposes to reflect 
that in the rules.
    \19\ The proposed rule change deletes from current paragraph 
(g)(2) and Interpretation and Policy .04 the provision stating the 
size of a response may not exceed the size of the exposed order. 
This language is included in Rule 6.18(b) and applies to all 
exposures via HAL. Because proposed Rule 6.11(d) provides exposures 
under that paragraph will occur pursuant to Rule 6.18, it is not 
necessary (and duplicative) to include this language in Rule 6.11.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange also proposes to add to paragraph (d) if the System 
does not open a series pursuant paragraphs (d), notwithstanding 
proposed paragraph (c) (which states the opening rotation period may 
not last more than 60 seconds), the opening rotation period continues 
(including the dissemination of EOIs, which is consistent with language 
the Exchange proposes to delete regarding the notifications sent to 
market participants if one of the opening conditions is present) until 
the condition causing the delay is satisfied or the Exchange otherwise 
determines it is necessary to open a series in accordance with proposed 
paragraph (e). This is currently how the System operates, and the 
Exchange believes it will benefit investors to explicitly state this in 
the rules, particularly because, under these circumstances, the opening 
rotation period will last longer than the standard length of time 
determined by the Exchange. The Exchange believes it is important for 
Participants to continue to receive EOIs, particularly those describing 
why a series is not open, so they have close to real-time information 
regarding the potential opening of a series.\20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ Current Rule 6.11(j) and proposed Rule 6.11(g) provides the 
opening procedures described in the rule may also be used after the 
close of a trading session for series that open pursuant to Rule 
6.11. The proposed rule change makes nonsubstantive changes to 
proposed paragraph (g) to more clearly and simply state the 
potential applicability of the opening procedures to a closing 
rotation for series that open pursuant to Rule 6.11 and to include 
additional detail regarding the notification to Participants 
regarding the decision to conduct a closing rotation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other Changes
    The proposed rule change amends Rule 6.11 as follows:
     Current Rule 6.11 provides in various places the Help Desk 
may deviate from the opening procedures, including paragraphs (b)(2) 
and (h). The Exchange believes it is simpler to have one single rule 
provision within Rule 6.11 that applies to the entire rule stating the 
Help Desk may determine whether to modify the opening procedures when 
they deem necessary. The Exchange proposes to delete these references 
and combine them into current paragraph (h) and proposed paragraph (e). 
The proposed rule change lists examples of actions the Help Desk has 
flexibility to take when necessary in the interests of commencing or 
maintaining a fair and orderly market (some of which are listed 
throughout current Rule 6.11), in the event of unusual market 
conditions or in the public interest, including delaying or compelling 
the opening of any series in any options class and modifying timers or 
settings described in Rule 6.11. The proposed rule change adds the 
Exchange will make and maintain records to document all determinations 
to deviate from the standard manner of the opening procedure, and 
periodically review these determinations for consistency with the 
interests of a fair and orderly market.
     The proposed rule change also amends current Rule 6.11(i) 
and proposed Rule 6.11(f) to indicate the procedure described in Rule 
6.11 may be used to reopen a series, in addition to a class, after a 
trading halt. This proposed changes addresses a potential situation in 
which only certain series are subjected to halt. As series open on an 
individual basis, the Exchange does not believe this to be a 
significant change. The proposed rule change also adds detail regarding 
notice of use of this opening procedure following a trading halt and 
clarifies the procedure would be the same, however, based on then-
existing facts and circumstances, there may be no pre-opening period or 
a shorter pre-opening period than the regular pre-opening period. 
Specifically, proposed paragraph (f) states the Exchange will announce 
the reopening of a class or series after a trading halt as soon as 
practicable via electronic message to Participants that request to 
receive such messages.\21\ C2 believes it is in investors' best 
interests to reopen a class or series as soon as possible after a 
trading halt, which may make advance notice in certain situations 
impractical. The proposed rule change provides the Exchange with the 
ability to re-open as quickly as possible following a halt.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ The proposed rule change also notes the Exchange may reopen 
a class after a trading halt as otherwise set forth in the Rules, 
including Rules 6.32.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The Exchange proposes to amend Interpretation and Policy 
.01, which states the Exchange may determine on a class-by-class basis 
which electronic algorithm from Rule 6.12 applies to the class during 
rotations. The proposed rule change makes the electronic algorithm that 
applies to a class intraday the algorithm that applies to a class 
during rotations, but still leaves the Exchange with the same 
flexibility to apply a different algorithm to a class during rotations 
if it deems necessary or appropriate. This proposed change merely makes 
the intraday algorithm the default opening algorithm for a class. The 
Exchange believes it is important to maintain this flexibility so that 
it can facilitate a robust opening with sufficient liquidity in all 
classes.
     The Exchange proposes to amend Interpretation and Policy 
.02, which states all pronouncements regarding determinations by the 
Exchange pursuant to Rule 6.11 and the Interpretations and Policies 
thereunder will be announced to Participants via Regulatory Circular. 
In addition to nonsubstantive changes to make the language more plain 
English, the proposed rule change adds determinations will be made via 
Regulatory Circular with appropriate advanced notice to ensure Trading 
Permit Holders are aware of these determinations and have sufficient 
time to make any necessary changes in response to the determinations. 
The proposed rule change also adds notice of determinations may be made 
as otherwise provided, as other parts of Rule 6.11 state certain 
notifications will be made in a different manner (for example, via 
electronic message).
    The proposed rule change makes numerous nonsubstantive and clerical 
changes throughout Rule 6.11 (including its Interpretations and 
Policies), including adding or amending headings and defined terms, 
updating cross-references, adding introductory and clarifying language, 
using consistent language and punctuation, replacing terms such as 
``option series'' with series (all series listed for trading on the 
Exchange are for options, making it unnecessary to include ``option''), 
and using more plain English.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange 
and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\22\ 
Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is 
consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \23\ requirements that the rules of 
an exchange be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and

[[Page 83319]]

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) \24\ requirement that the rules of 
an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between 
customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \23\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \24\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In particular, the proposed rule change enhances the description of 
the opening procedures in the rules to reflect how the System opens 
series, which perfects the mechanism of a free and open market and 
ultimately protects investors. The Exchange believes the proposed rule 
changes to reorganize and enhance the description of the opening (and 
sometimes) closing procedures will benefit investors, because the rule 
as amended more accurately and clearly describes how the System opens 
series on the Exchange. Thus, investors will have a better 
understanding of how their quotes and orders will be handled during 
opening rotations if they elect to submit quotes and orders during the 
pre-opening period or if they have orders resting on the book from the 
prior trading day. Similarly, the Exchange believes the deletion of 
duplicative provisions from Rule 6.11 will benefit investors by 
eliminating potential confusion about the applicability of those 
provisions. The nonsubstantive and clerical changes will create more 
consistency and clarity throughout and otherwise simplify the rule. 
Further, the Exchange believes the additional information regarding 
notification of the use of the opening procedure following a trading 
halt will clarify for Participants when and how they will know from the 
Exchange such use is occurring.
    The revised opening conditions are intended to promote just and 
equitable principles of trade, as they ensure that series open in a 
fair and orderly market with sufficient liquidity in the series and 
opportunities for execution at prices that are consistent with then-
current market conditions rather than potentially extreme prices. These 
proposed changes ensure that market participants are aware of all 
circumstances under which the System may not open a series.

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

    C2 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 opening procedures as 
revised by the proposed rule change will still apply to all market 
participants in the same manner as they do today. The proposed rule 
change more accurately describes the opening procedures that are 
currently in place on the Exchange, which procedures are designed to 
open series on the Exchange in a fair and orderly manner. These changes 
have no impact on competition. The purposes of the opening conditions 
are to ensure there is sufficient liquidity in a series when it opens 
and the series opens at prices consistent with the current market 
conditions (at the Exchange and other exchanges) rather than extreme 
prices that could result in unfavorable executions to market 
participants. The nonsubstantive changes and clerical changes have no 
impact on competition, as they are intended to eliminate confusion 
within and simplify the rules.

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

    Within 45 days of the date of publication of this notice in the 
Federal Register or within such longer period up to 90 days (i) as the 
Commission may designate if it finds such longer period to be 
appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to 
which the Exchange consents, the Commission will:
    A. By order approve or disapprove such proposed rule change, or
    B. institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule 
change should be 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 (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-C2-2016-021 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-C2-2016-021. 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 Web site (http://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 Web site 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-C2-2016-021, and should be 
submitted on or before December 12, 2016.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\25\
Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2016-27895 Filed 11-18-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 224 / Monday, November 21, 2016 / Notices                                                     83313

                                                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                    process the automated trading system                    on a class-by-class basis), the System
                                                    COMMISSION                                                 used by the Exchange for the trading of                 will accept orders and quotes (the
                                                                                                               options contracts (the ‘‘System’’) uses to              System will not accept certain orders
                                                    [Release No. 34–79315; File No. SR–C2–
                                                    2016–021]
                                                                                                               open series on the Exchange each                        during the pre-opening period, as
                                                                                                               trading day. The Exchange may also use                  discussed below). The times specified in
                                                    Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2                          this same process for closing series or                 the current rule are not the times at
                                                    Options Exchange, Incorporated;                            opening series after a trading halt. The                which series open for trading, but rather
                                                    Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule                        Exchange proposes to make various                       the times at which the System initiates
                                                    Change Relating to Opening of Series                       changes to this rule to reorganize and                  opening rotations, which is described
                                                    for Trading on the Exchange                                simplify the rule as well as make other                 later in the rule (see description of
                                                                                                               changes to the opening procedures in                    proposed paragraph (b)(1) below). The
                                                    November 15, 2016.                                         order to reflect current System                         Exchange proposes to amend Rule
                                                       Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the                     functionality.                                          6.11(a) to provide the pre-opening
                                                    Securities Exchange Act of 1934                                                                                    period begins no later than 15 minutes
                                                    (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2                    Opening (and Sometimes Closing)
                                                                                                               Procedures                                              prior to the expected initiation of an
                                                    notice is hereby given that on November                                                                            opening rotation (the Exchange
                                                    4, 2016, C2 Options Exchange,                                 The Exchange proposes to amend                       determines the specific time at which
                                                    Incorporated (‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘C2’’) filed                Rule 6.11 by reorganizing the provisions                the pre-opening period will begin).4 The
                                                    with the Securities and Exchange                           of the rule to describe the opening (and                Exchange believes it is repetitive to
                                                    Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the                            sometimes closing) procedures in a                      include a description of the time at
                                                    proposed rule change as described in                       more sequential manner, clarifying the                  which series open in this paragraph.
                                                    Items I, II, and III below, which Items                    timing of each stage of the process and                 The proposed rule change adds the pre-
                                                    have been prepared by the Exchange.                        enhancing or modifying the description                  opening period will begin no earlier
                                                    The Commission is publishing this                          of certain provisions within the rule.                  than 2:00 a.m. to provide additional
                                                    notice to solicit comments on the                          The System generally processes the                      information regarding when the
                                                    proposed rule change from interested                       opening of each series as follows:                      Exchange may begin the pre-opening
                                                    persons.                                                      (1) Pre-Opening Period: During the                   period. Additionally, the System begins
                                                                                                               pre-opening period, the System will                     the pre-opening period at the same time
                                                    I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                                                                               accept orders and quotes and                            for each class within each type of option
                                                    Statement of the Terms of Substance of
                                                                                                               disseminate messages that contain                       (equity, index and exchange-traded
                                                    the Proposed Rule Change
                                                                                                               information based on resting orders and                 products (‘‘ETP’’)), so the proposed rule
                                                       C2 proposes to amend its rules related                  quotes in the book, which may include
                                                    to the opening of series for trading on                                                                            change deletes the provision of the rule
                                                                                                               the expected opening price (‘‘EOP’’),                   that says the Exchange will determine
                                                    the Exchange. The text of the proposed                     expected opening size (‘‘EOS’’), any
                                                    rule change is available on the                                                                                    the time on a class-by-class basis. The
                                                                                                               reason why a series may not open and                    Exchange believes indicating a
                                                    Exchange’s Web site (http://                               imbalance information, including the
                                                    www.c2exchange.com/Legal/), at the                                                                                 minimum and maximum time for the
                                                                                                               size and side of an imbalance                           pre-opening period provides Trading
                                                    Exchange’s Office of the Secretary, and                    (‘‘expected opening information’’ or
                                                    at the Commission’s Public Reference                                                                               Permit Holders with more specific
                                                                                                               ‘‘EOIs’’).                                              information regarding the timeframe of
                                                    Room.                                                         (2) Initiation of the Opening Rotation:
                                                                                                                                                                       the pre-opening period.
                                                    II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                         At this time, the System initiates the
                                                                                                                                                                          The proposed rule change amends
                                                    Statement of the Purpose of, and                           opening rotation procedure and
                                                                                                                                                                       Rule 6.11(a)(1) by deleting the provision
                                                    Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                     distributes a rotation notice to market
                                                                                                                                                                       that indicates the Exchange will
                                                    Change                                                     participants.
                                                                                                                  (3) Opening Rotation Period: During                  designate eligible order size, order type
                                                       In its filing with the Commission, the                  the opening rotation period, the System                 and order origin code as order terms for
                                                    Exchange included statements                               matches and executes orders and quotes                  which the Exchange may designate
                                                    concerning the purpose of and basis for                    against each other in order to establish                eligibility for submission during the pre-
                                                    the proposed rule change and discussed                     an opening Exchange best bid and offer                  opening period on a class-by-class basis.
                                                    any comments it received on the                            (‘‘BBO’’) and trade price for each series               The Exchange currently does not, and
                                                    proposed rule change. The text of these                    while continuing to disseminate                         does not intend to, restrict the size or
                                                    statements may be examined at the                          expected opening information.                           origin code of orders that may be
                                                    places specified in Item IV below. The                        (4) Opening of Trading: At this time,                submitted during the pre-opening
                                                    Exchange has prepared summaries, set                       the System opens series for trading,                    period, so this provision is no longer
                                                    forth in sections A, B, and C below, of                    subject to the satisfaction of certain                  necessary. Additionally, the System
                                                    the most significant aspects of such                       conditions.                                             currently accepts all quotes and all
                                                    statements.                                                The proposed rule change more clearly                   order types during the pre-opening
                                                                                                               organizes the provisions of Rule 6.11 in                period except for immediate-or-cancel,
                                                    A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                                                                                  fill-or-fill [sic], intermarket sweep
                                                    Statement of the Purpose of, and the                       this order and makes the additional
                                                                                                               following changes.                                      orders, and Market-Maker trade
                                                    Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                                                                             prevention orders, as acceptance of
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    Change                                                     Pre-Opening Period                                      those order types during the pre-
                                                    1. Purpose                                                    Rule 6.11(a) currently provides for a                opening period would be inconsistent
                                                       C2 proposes to amend its rules related                  period of time before the opening of                    with their terms.5 The proposed rule
                                                    to the opening of series for trading on                    trading in the underlying security or, in
                                                                                                                                                                         4 Currently, the pre-opening period begins at
                                                    the Exchange. Rule 6.11 describes the                      the case of index options, prior to 8:30                approximately 6:30 a.m.
                                                                                                               a.m.3 (as determined by the Exchange                      5 See Rule 6.10 for definitions of these order
                                                      1 15   U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                                                                                         types. For example, an immediate-or-cancel order is
                                                      2 17   CFR 240.19b–4.                                      3 All   times are central time.                                                                 Continued




                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014      18:09 Nov 18, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00118     Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\21NON1.SGM   21NON1


                                                    83314                      Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 224 / Monday, November 21, 2016 / Notices

                                                    change lists these few exceptions in the                specifically describe the information                 a trade if there are market orders or a
                                                    rule. As discussed below, not all of                    regarding the expected opening of a                   locked or crossed market, so the
                                                    these orders may participate in the                     series that the System disseminates.                  Exchange believes this language is
                                                    opening rotation.                                       Currently, subparagraph (a)(2) provides               unnecessary. Further, the proposed rule
                                                       The proposed rule change proposes to                 the System will disseminate information               change states the System will only
                                                    amend Rule 6.11(a)(2) in several ways.                  about resting orders in the book that                 disseminate EOP and EOS messages if
                                                    First, the proposed rule change amends                  remain from the prior business day and                the width between the highest quote bid
                                                    the description of when the System                      any orders and quotes submitted before                and lowest quote offer on the Exchange
                                                    begins disseminating expected opening                   the opening, including the expected                   or disseminated by other exchanges is
                                                    information. Currently, the rule states,                opening price and size. The Exchange                  no wider than the OEPW range (as
                                                    at specified intervals of time determined               proposes to simplify this provision by                defined below).7 As discussed below,
                                                    by the Exchange, the System will                        stating that the expected opening                     the Exchange’s opening quote width
                                                    disseminate information about resting                   information will be based on resting                  must be no wider than OEPW range for
                                                    orders in the book that remain from the                 orders in the book (which includes                    a series to open, and this revised
                                                    prior business day and orders and                       orders remaining from the prior trading               language is consistent with that opening
                                                    quotes submitted before the opening,                    day and orders entered during the pre-                condition.
                                                    which may include the EOP and EOS.                      opening period) and quotes submitted
                                                    The Exchange proposes to revise this                                                                          Opening Rotation Initiation and Notice
                                                                                                            prior to the opening of trading.
                                                    provision to state beginning at a time                  Additionally, in addition to the EOP                     Rule 6.11(b) currently provides,
                                                    (determined by the Exchange) no earlier                 and EOS, these messages may include                   unless unusual circumstances exist, at a
                                                    than three hours prior to the expected                  additional information based on the                   randomly selected time within a
                                                    initiation of an opening rotation for a                 circumstances, such as a description of               number of seconds after the opening
                                                    series, the System disseminates EOIs to                 the reason why a series may not or did                trade and/or the opening quote is
                                                    all market participants that have elected               not open (e.g., no quote or opening                   disseminated in the market for the
                                                    to receive them at regular intervals of                 trade) and imbalance information,                     underlying security 8 (or after 8:30 a.m.
                                                    time (the length of which is determined                 including the size and side of the                    for index options), the System initiates
                                                    by the Exchange) or less frequently if                  imbalance (see discussion below                       the opening rotation procedure and
                                                    there are no updates to the opening                     regarding opening conditions), which                  sends a notice (‘‘Rotation Notice’’) to
                                                    information since the previously                        reasons are described in current Rule                 Participants. It further provides the
                                                    disseminated EOI. This revised rule text                6.11(e) and proposed Rule 6.11(d). The                Rotation Notice will be sent following
                                                    clarifies the time at which the System                  Exchange proposes to add a definition                 the opening trade or opening quote or
                                                    will begin disseminating expected                       of EOIs, which may include not only the               which occurs first (as determined by the
                                                    opening information, which may be                       EOP and EOS but also these other types                Exchange on a class-by-class basis). The
                                                    different (and generally later) than the                of information. The Exchange proposes                 Exchange proposes to amend Rule
                                                    beginning of the pre-opening period, as                 to incorporate this definition in other               6.11(b) to provide in proposed
                                                    the Exchange believes recipients                        parts of the rule (as further discussed               subparagraph (1) the System initiates
                                                    generally want to receive EOIs closer to                below).                                               the opening rotation procedure on a
                                                    the opening of trading.6 Additionally,                     Third, the proposed rule change                    class-by-class basis:
                                                    this proposed rule change indicates                     amends the provision about what the                      • With respect to equity and ETP
                                                    EOIs are generally sent out regularly,                  EOP is and when it is calculated.                     options, after the opening trade or the
                                                    but if there have been no changes (for                  Currently, Rule 6.11(a)(2) states the EOP             opening quote is disseminated in the
                                                    example, the EOS and EOP have not                       is the price at which the greatest                    market for the underlying security, or at
                                                    changed because there are no new                        number of orders and quotes in the book               8:30 for classes determined by the
                                                    orders or quotes), then the System does                 are expected to trade and an EOP may                  Exchange (including over-the-counter
                                                    not disseminate a duplicate message to                  only be calculated if (a) there are market            equity classes); or
                                                    users at the next regular interval time.                orders in the book, or the book is                       • with respect to index options, at
                                                       Second, the proposed rule change also                crossed or locked and (b) at least one                8:30 a.m., or at the later of 8:30 a.m. and
                                                    amends Rule 6.11(a)(2) to more                          quote is present. The proposed rule                   the time the Exchange receives a
                                                                                                            change revises this language to state the             disseminated index value for classes
                                                    intended to execute immediately once represented                                                              determined by the Exchange.
                                                    on the Exchange or be cancelled. As there is no         EOP is the price at which any opening
                                                    trading during the pre-opening period, an               trade is expected to execute. The EOS is
                                                    immediate-or-cancel order submitted during the          the size of any expected opening trade.                  7 Because this proposed language implies there

                                                    pre-opening period would never execute and              As further discussed below, the                       must be a quote, the proposed rule change also
                                                    always be cancelled; thus, the Exchange determined                                                            deletes the language that the EOP may only be
                                                    to not permit this order type during the pre-opening    definition of opening price is included               calculated if at least one quote is present, as it
                                                    period. Rule 6.10(c)(7) defines opening rotation        in proposed paragraph (c), so the                     would be duplicative.
                                                    orders, and the proposed rule change amends this        proposed rule change deletes that                        8 The ‘‘market for the underlying security’’ is
                                                    definition to include limit orders (as well as to       definition from paragraph (a)(2) and                  currently the primary listing market, the primary
                                                    make another nonsubstantive change). The                                                                      volume market (defined as the market with the most
                                                    Exchange does not believe it is necessary to restrict   only includes the definition in proposed              liquidity in that underlying security for the
                                                    limit orders from being entered to participate in the   paragraph (c), as the Exchange believes               previous two calendar months) or the first market
                                                    opening rotation, as they will execute during the       it is less confusing to include the
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                                                                                                                                                                  to open the underlying security. The Exchange does
                                                    opening rotation pursuant to the opening                opening price definition in the rules                 not designate the primary volume market as the
                                                    procedures in the same manner as market orders.                                                               market for the underlying security for any class, and
                                                       6 Currently, the System begins disseminating EOIs    only one time. Additionally, the                      thus the proposed rule change deletes that option.
                                                    at approximately 7:30 a.m. The System                   proposed rule change deletes the                      The proposed rule change also changes the term
                                                    disseminates EOIs at 30-second intervals during the     language the EOP may only be                          ‘‘market’’ to ‘‘exchange,’’ as the primary listing
                                                    pre-open period and 1-second intervals during the       calculated if there are market orders in              market or first market to open is a national
                                                    opening rotation period (see discussion below for                                                             securities exchange. The proposed rule change
                                                    additional information regarding the dissemination
                                                                                                            the book or the book is crossed. Because              clarifies the Exchange determines on a class-by-
                                                    of EOIs during the opening rotation). See Regulatory    the EOP is a price of an expected                     class basis which market is the market for the
                                                    Circular RG15–039.                                      opening trade, it is only possible to have            underlying security.



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                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 224 / Monday, November 21, 2016 / Notices                                                      83315

                                                    The proposed rule change also deletes                    rotation period,10 the System will                     number of contracts would clear, the
                                                    the phrase regarding the initiation of the               continue to calculate and provide the                  System uses the price at or nearest to
                                                    opening rotation procedure at a                          EOP and EOS given the current resting                  the midpoint of the range consisting of
                                                    randomly selected time within a                          orders and quotes. The System will                     the higher of the opening NBB and
                                                    number of seconds after the triggering                   process the series of a class in a random              widest bid point of the OEPW range,
                                                    event.                                                   order, and the series will begin opening               and the lower of the opening NBO and
                                                      The Exchange believes this proposed                    after a period following the rotation                  widest offer point of the OEPW range.
                                                    change more accurately describes the                     notice, which period will not exceed 60                   The proposed rule change also adds
                                                    timing at which the System initiates the                 seconds and will be established on a                   proposed paragraph (c)(1)(B), which
                                                    opening rotation procedure for each                      class-by-class basis.                                  states all orders (except complex orders)
                                                    type of option, which generally occurs                      The proposed rule change reorganizes                and quotes in a series in the book prior
                                                    immediately after the triggering event                   paragraph (c) to describe when the                     to the opening rotation period
                                                    rather than a randomly selected number                   opening rotation period begins (which is               participate in the opening rotation for a
                                                    of seconds after the event. The proposed                 after the System initiates the opening                 series. Contingency orders that
                                                    rule change provides, while the                          rotation procedure and sends the                       participate in the opening rotation may
                                                    dissemination of the opening trade or                    rotation notice) (proposed introduction                execute during the opening rotation
                                                    quote in the market for the underlying                   to paragraph (c)), what happens during                 period only if their contingencies are
                                                    security is generally the trigger to                     the period (proposed subparagraph                      triggered. The proposed rule change also
                                                    initiate the opening rotation for an                     (c)(1)), the handling of EOIs during the               notes complex orders do not participate
                                                    equity or ETP class, the Exchange may                    period (proposed subparagraph (c)(2)),                 in the opening rotation. While the
                                                    determine to open certain equity and                     and when the period ends (proposed                     System accepts those orders prior to the
                                                    ETP classes at 8:30 a.m. instead if it                   subparagraph (c)(3)). The Exchange                     open, the Exchange believes it would
                                                    does not have access to underlying                       believes this will more clearly describe               complicate the opening rotation if they
                                                    information for those classes. The                       for investors the opening rotation                     participated in the opening rotation and
                                                    Exchange does not receive underlying                     process.                                               attempted to execute against the leg
                                                    information regarding the opening of                        The proposed rule change adds detail                markets. Because proposed
                                                    certain equities.9 The proposed rule                     regarding what occurs during the                       subparagraph (c)(1)(B) describes the
                                                    change provides the Exchange with the                    opening rotation period. Specifically,                 matching process that occurs during the
                                                    necessary flexibility to ensure it can                   while the rules currently state the                    opening rotation period, the proposed
                                                    open trading in options overlying these                  System establishes the opening trade                   rule change moves the rule provision
                                                    equities in such circumstances.                          price for a series during the opening                  regarding the priority order of orders
                                                    Similarly, the proposed rule change                      rotation period, the proposed rule                     and quotes during this matching process
                                                    provides the Exchange with flexibility                   change adds proposed subparagraph                      from current subparagraph (g)(1) to
                                                    to open certain index options at the later               (c)(1), which states the System does this              proposed subparagraph (c)(1)(C).11
                                                    of 8:30 a.m. and the time the Exchange                   (as well as establish the opening BBO)                    The proposed rule change also revises
                                                    receives a disseminated index value, in                  by matching and executing resting                      the language regarding the messages
                                                    addition to at 8:30 a.m., to address                     orders and quotes against each other.                  disseminated during the opening
                                                    circumstances in which this may be a                     The proposed rule change moves the                     rotation period to provide the System
                                                    more useful opening trigger.                             definition of opening trade price to                   will continue to disseminate EOIs (not
                                                      In addition, the Exchange proposes to                  proposed subparagraph (c)(1)(A) from                   just the EOP and EOS). This proposed
                                                    amend current Rule 6.11(b)(1), which is                  current subparagraph (g)(1) (which                     revision is consistent with the proposed
                                                    proposed Rule 6.11(b)(2), to state the                   references the ‘‘single clearing price’’ at            language described above regarding
                                                    System notifies market participants of                   which orders and quotes are matched at                 dissemination of EOIs during the pre-
                                                    the opening rotation initiation upon                     the open) so the rules include                         opening period (and incorporates the
                                                    initiating the opening rotation                          discussions of the opening trade price in              proposed definition of EOIs). The
                                                    procedure (defined as the ‘‘Rotation                     a single location within the rules. The                proposed rule change provides the
                                                    Notice’’) rather than following the                      proposed rule change amends the                        Exchange with the authority to
                                                    opening trade or quote. The initiation of                                                                       determine a shorter interval length for
                                                                                                             definition of the opening trade price of
                                                                                                                                                                    the dissemination of EOIs during the
                                                    the opening rotation for a series triggers               a series to be the ‘‘market-clearing’’
                                                                                                                                                                    opening rotation period than during the
                                                    the dissemination of the notice, so the                  price, which is the single price at which
                                                                                                                                                                    pre-opening period, as the Exchange
                                                    Exchange believes this proposed change                   the largest number of contracts in the
                                                                                                                                                                    believes market participants may want
                                                    more accurately and simply describes                     book can execute, leaving bids and
                                                                                                                                                                    to receive these messages more
                                                    when market participants will receive                    offers that cannot trade with each other.
                                                                                                                                                                    frequently closer to the opening. This
                                                    the rotation notice.                                     The Exchange believes it is more
                                                                                                                                                                    flexibility is intended to ensure the
                                                                                                             appropriate to clear the largest size from
                                                    Opening Rotation Period                                                                                         Exchange may disseminate these
                                                                                                             the book at the open, even if that size
                                                      Current Rule 6.11(c) provides after the                                                                       messages to market participants as
                                                                                                             is comprised of a smaller number of
                                                    rotation notice is sent, the System will                                                                        frequently as it deems necessary to
                                                                                                             orders and quotes (as stated in proposed
                                                    enter into a rotation period, during                                                                            ensure a fair and orderly opening.
                                                                                                             Rule 6.11(a)(2)). The EOS is the size of                  Proposed subparagraph (c)(3) updates
                                                    which the opening price will be                          any expected opening trade. This is                    the description of the length of the
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                                                    established for each series. During the                  consistent with the change to the                      opening rotation period and how the
                                                                                                             definition of EOP, as discussed above.                 System processes series to open
                                                       9 For example, with respect to pink sheet stocks,
                                                                                                             The proposed rule change adds if there
                                                    the Exchange does not receive underlying
                                                    information from the over-the-counter market             are multiple prices at which the same                    11 The System prioritizes orders in the following

                                                    (‘‘OTC’’) and believes it is in the interest of a fair                                                          order: (1) Market orders, (2) limit orders and quotes
                                                    and orderly market to initiate the opening rotation        10 Under the proposed rule change, rotation          whose prices are better than the opening price, and
                                                    at 8:30 for those stocks rather than take additional     period is no longer a defined term. The proposed       (3) resting orders and quotes at the opening price.
                                                    time to confirm the OTC market for those stocks          rule change, therefore, makes references to the term   The proposed rule change also notes contingency
                                                    opened.                                                  rotation period throughout Rule 6.11 lower-cased.      orders are prioritized as set forth in Rule 6.12(c).



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                                                    83316                       Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 224 / Monday, November 21, 2016 / Notices

                                                    following the opening rotation period.                      (3) the opening trade would be at a                There are no exceptions to this opening
                                                    Current subparagraph (c)(2) states the                   price that is not the national best bid or            condition. The Exchange generally
                                                    System will process the series of a class                offer; or                                             requires an opening quote to ensure
                                                    in a random order and the series will                       (4) the opening trade would leave a                there will be liquidity in a series when
                                                    begin opening after a period following                   market order imbalance (i.e., there are               it opens;
                                                    the Rotation Notice, which period may                    more market orders to buy or to sell for                 (2) if the width between the best quote
                                                    not exceed sixty seconds and will be                     the particular series than can be                     bid and best quote offer, which may
                                                    established on a class-by-class basis by                 satisfied by the limit order, quotes and              consist of Market-Makers quotes or bids
                                                    the Exchange. Proposed subparagraph                      market orders on the opposite side);                  and offers disseminated from an away
                                                    (c)(3) states after a period of time                     however, in series that will open at a                exchange (for purposes of proposed
                                                    determined by the Exchange for all                       minimum price increment, the System                   paragraph (d), the ‘‘opening quote’’), is
                                                    classes, the System opens series of a                    will open even if a sell market order                 wider than an acceptable opening price
                                                    class in a random order, staggered over                  imbalance exists.                                     range (as determined by the Exchange
                                                    regular intervals of time (the Exchange                     Current paragraph (f) describes what               on a class-by-class and premium basis)
                                                    determines the length and number of                      happens when each of these conditions                 (the ‘‘Opening Exchange Prescribed
                                                    these intervals for all classes).12 Subject              is present:                                           Width range’’ or ‘‘OEPW range’’) 14 and
                                                    to satisfaction of opening conditions                       (1) If the condition in paragraph (e)(1)           there are orders or quotes marketable
                                                    described below (in proposed paragraph                   is present (i.e., there is no quote), the             against each other or that lock or cross
                                                    (d)), the opening rotation period                        System will check to see if there is an               the OEPW range, the System does not
                                                    (including these intervals) may not                      NBBO quote on another market that falls               open the series. However, if the opening
                                                    exceed 60 seconds. The Exchange                          within the acceptable opening range. If               quote width is no wider than the
                                                    believes this change more clearly and                    such an NBBO quote is present, the                    intraday acceptable price range for the
                                                    accurately describes how the System                      series will open and expose the                       series (‘‘IEPW range’’) 15 and there are
                                                    opens series for trading, which it does                  marketable order(s) at the NBBO price.                no orders or quotes marketable against
                                                                                                             If such an NBBO quote is not present,                 each other or that lock or cross the
                                                    randomly as set forth in the current rule
                                                                                                             the System will not open the series and               OEPW range, the System opens the
                                                    but in a staggered manner over regular
                                                                                                             will send a notification to Participants              series. If the opening quote width is
                                                    intervals. These intervals are intended
                                                                                                             indicating the reason.                                wider than the IEPW range, the System
                                                    to manage the number of series that will                    (2) If the condition in paragraph (e)(2)
                                                    open during a short time period to                                                                             does not open the series. If the opening
                                                                                                             is present (i.e., the opening price is not            quote for a series consists solely of bids
                                                    ensure a fair and orderly opening.                       within an acceptable range), the System               and offers disseminated from an away
                                                    Opening Quote and Trade Price                            will match orders and quotes to the                   exchange(s), the System opens the series
                                                                                                             extent possible at a single clearing price            by matching orders and quotes to the
                                                       The proposed rule change deletes the                  within the acceptable range, then
                                                    language in current paragraph (d) stating                                                                      extent they can trade and reports the
                                                                                                             expose the remaining marketable                       opening trade, if any, at the opening
                                                    as the opening price is determined by                    order(s) at the widest price point within
                                                    series, the System will disseminate                                                                            trade price. The System then exposes
                                                                                                             the acceptable opening range or the                   any remaining marketable buy (sell)
                                                    through OPRA the opening quote and                       NBBO price, whichever is better.
                                                    the opening trade price, if any. The                                                                           orders at the widest offer (bid) point of
                                                                                                                (3) If the condition in paragraph (e)(3)
                                                    System disseminates all quote and trade                                                                        the OEPW range or NBO (NBB),
                                                                                                             is present (i.e., the opening trade would
                                                    price information to OPRA once a series                                                                        whichever is lower (higher). The
                                                                                                             not be at the NBBO), the System will
                                                    opens pursuant to the OPRA plan,                                                                               proposed rule change only makes
                                                                                                             match orders and quotes to the extent
                                                    including opening quote and trade price                                                                        nonsubstantive, simplifying changes to
                                                                                                             possible at a single clearing price within
                                                    information, so the Exchange believes it                                                                       the exception to this opening condition.
                                                                                                             the acceptable opening range or the
                                                    is unnecessary to include this provision                                                                       Because the proposed definition of
                                                                                                             NBBO price, whichever is better, then
                                                    specifically in the opening rule.                                                                              opening quote width includes bids and
                                                                                                             expose the remaining marketable
                                                                                                                                                                   offers from away exchanges, opening
                                                    Opening Conditions                                       order(s) at the NBBO price.
                                                                                                                                                                   quote width incorporates those bids and
                                                                                                                (4) If the condition in paragraph (e)(4)
                                                      Current Rule 6.11(e) provides the                                                                            offers. If there are no Market-Maker
                                                                                                             is present (i.e., the opening trade would
                                                    System will not open a series if one of                                                                        quotes on C2 but other exchanges have
                                                                                                             leave market order imbalance), the
                                                    the following conditions is met:                                                                               disseminated bids and offers in a series,
                                                                                                             System will match orders and quotes to
                                                                                                                                                                   those away quotes constitute the NBBO
                                                      (1) There is no quote present in the                   the extent possible at a single clearing
                                                                                                                                                                   for the series. Thus, the proposed rule
                                                    series;                                                  price, then expose the remaining
                                                                                                                                                                   change clarifies the System will open a
                                                      (2) the opening price is not within an                 marketable order(s) at the widest price
                                                                                                                                                                   series if the opening quote width, which
                                                    acceptable range (as determined by the                   point within the acceptable opening
                                                                                                                                                                   is comprised of the best quotes on C2
                                                    Exchange) compared to the lowest quote                   range or the NBBO price, whichever is
                                                                                                                                                                   and other exchanges (essentially, the
                                                    offer and the highest quote bid;                         better.
                                                                                                                The proposed rule change amends the                  14 Current OEPW settings are set forth in
                                                      12 Currently,
                                                                                                             opening conditions to provide in                      Regulatory Circular RG14–020. The acceptable price
                                                                     the Exchange has set the period of
                                                    time that must pass before the System begins             proposed paragraph (d) as follows: 13                 range is determined by taking the midpoint of the
                                                                                                                (1) If there are no quotes on the                  highest quote bid and lowest quote offer plus/minus
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                                                    processing series to open at one second, and the
                                                    Exchange has set the number of intervals to one and      Exchange or disseminated from at least                half of the designated OEPW. The rules currently
                                                    the length of the intervals to one second. As a                                                                permit C2 to set the OEPW on a class-by-class basis.
                                                                                                             one away exchange present in the series,              The proposed rule change also clarifies the
                                                    result, the opening rotation period currently lasts
                                                    one to two seconds (the proposed rule change             the System does not open the series.                  Exchange may set the OEPW on a premium basis;
                                                    clarifies that the various time periods and intervals                                                          as options with higher premiums may have wider
                                                    combine to form the opening rotation period). See           13 The proposed rule change combines the           spreads, the Exchange believes it is appropriate to
                                                    Regulatory Circular RG11–008. In other words, after      exceptions in current paragraph (f) with the          have OEPW settings to reflect that. This is
                                                    one second, the System randomly selects a group          applicable opening conditions in current paragraph    consistent with the Exchange’s authority to set the
                                                    of series to open; and after the one-second interval,    (e) into single proposed paragraph (d) for ease of    IEPW pursuant to Rule 6.17(a).
                                                    the System opens the remaining group of series.          review.                                                 15 See Rule 6.17(a).




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                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 224 / Monday, November 21, 2016 / Notices                                                       83317

                                                    NBBO) is no wider than the OEPW                         simplifying changes to this opening                     trade price. The System then exposes
                                                    range. The OEPW range is a price                        condition and clarifies that the opening                any remaining marketable buy (sell)
                                                    protection measure intended to prevent                  trade price must be something not                       orders at the widest offer (bid) point of
                                                    orders from executing at extreme prices                 outside the OEPW range or the NBBO                      the OEPW range or NBO (NBB),
                                                    on the open. If that market is no wider                 (including the ends of the applicable                   whichever is lower (higher). If the best
                                                    than the OEPW range, the Exchange                       range). Other proposed changes make                     away market bid and offer are inverted
                                                    believes it is appropriate to open a                    the language in this paragraph                          by no more than the specified amount,
                                                    series under these circumstances and                    consistent with language used in the                    there is a marketable order on each side
                                                    provide marketable orders on the                        other conditions in proposed paragraphs                 of the series, and the System opens the
                                                    Exchange with the opportunity to                        (d);                                                    series, the System will expose the order
                                                    execute at the NBBO. If the opening                        (4) if the opening trade would leave                 on the side with the larger size and
                                                    quote width is no wider than the OEPW                   a market order imbalance, which means                   route for execution the order on the side
                                                    range, then the Exchange believes the                   there are more market orders to buy or                  with the smaller size to an away
                                                    risk of execution at an extreme risk is                 to sell for the particular series than can              exchange that is at the NBBO. Only one
                                                    not present. With respect to the                        be satisfied by the orders and quotes on                order in a series may be exposed in a
                                                    exception to this opening condition, if                 the opposite side, the System opens the                 HAL auction, so this provision is
                                                    the best market (whether the Exchange                   series by matching orders and quotes to                 consistent with this limitation and is
                                                    or national market) would satisfy the                   the extent they can trade and reports the               intended to address the situation in
                                                    price check parameter the Exchange                      opening trade, if any, at the opening                   which there may be a marketable order
                                                    uses for intraday trading, and there are                trade price. The System then exposes                    on each side of the market so that both
                                                    no orders that can execute on the open,                 any remaining marketable buy (sell)                     orders have a possibility for execution.
                                                    then there is no risk that an order will                orders at the widest offer (bid) point of               This exception is consistent with the
                                                    execute at an extreme price on the open.                the OEPW range or NBO (NBB),                            other exceptions in proposed paragraph
                                                    Because the risk that the OEPW range is                 whichever is lower (higher). The                        (d) as well as with current System
                                                    intended to address is not present in                   proposed rule change deletes language                   functionality.
                                                    this situation, the Exchange believes it                stating a series will open at a minimum                 Generally, the purpose of these opening
                                                    is appropriate to open a series given                   price increment even if there is a sell                 conditions and exceptions is to ensure
                                                    these conditions. Other proposed                        market order imbalance. Because the                     that series open in a fair and orderly
                                                    changes make the language (e.g.,                        System will open by matching orders                     manner and at prices consistent with
                                                    language regarding matching orders and                  and quotes, then exposing remaining                     the current market conditions for the
                                                    quotes and reporting the opening trade,                 orders, when there is a market order                    series and not at extreme prices, while
                                                    and regarding the opening price being                   imbalance for any series, including                     taking into consideration the markets of
                                                    that which clears the largest number of                 those that will open at a minimum price                 other exchanges that may be better than
                                                    contracts) in this paragraph consistent                 increment as the rule currently states,                 the Exchange’s at the open. The
                                                    with language used in the other opening                 there is no reason to highlight this                    exceptions provide the opportunity for
                                                    conditions and exceptions in proposed                   situation in the rule. The proposed rule                orders to execute through a HAL auction
                                                    paragraph (d).16                                        change also makes nonsubstantive,                       or at an away exchange when that is the
                                                       (3) if the opening trade price would be              simplifying changes to this provision.                  case.
                                                    outside the OEPW range or the NBBO,                     Other proposed changes make the                            The proposed rule change moves
                                                    the System opens the series by matching                 language in this paragraph consistent                   provisions related to the exposure of
                                                    orders and quotes to the extent they can                with language used in the other                         orders at the open from current
                                                    trade and reports the opening trade, if                 conditions in proposed paragraph (d); or                subparagraph (g)(2) and Interpretation
                                                    any, at an opening trade price not                         (5) if the opening quote bid (offer) or              and Policy .04 to proposed paragraph
                                                    outside either the OEPW range or                        the NBB (NBO) crosses the opening                       (d) to eliminate duplicative language
                                                    NBBO. The System then exposes any                       quote offer (bid) or the NBO (NBB) by                   and to include all provisions regarding
                                                    remaining marketable buy (sell) orders                  more than an amount determined by the                   the opening exposure process are
                                                    at the widest offer (bid) point of the                  Exchange on a class-by-class and                        including in the same place within the
                                                    OEPW range or NBO (NBB), whichever                      premium basis, the System does not                      rules.18 The proposed rule change
                                                    is lower (higher). The Exchange believes                open the series.17 The System currently                 deletes the provision regarding the
                                                    using the term OEPW range with respect                  does not open a series if this condition                matching period of the HAL openings.
                                                    to the acceptable range for opening price               exists to prevent executions at extreme                 The Exchange no longer uses matching
                                                    in the rules is a more accurate                         prices, and the Exchange proposes to                    period and just uses the exposure
                                                    description of the appropriate range for                codify this condition in the rules so that              period, which may not exceed 1.5
                                                    opening prices (as this is the term used                market participants are aware of all                    seconds. There is no allocation period
                                                    in circulars and among Participants).                   circumstances under which a series may                  for the HAL exposure process described
                                                    The OEPW range is used as a price                       not open. There are no exceptions to                    in Rule 6.18, and the Exchange does not
                                                    protection measure. Additionally, the                   this opening condition. If the opening                  believe it is necessary to include one for
                                                    proposed rule change clarifies that a                   quote bid (offer) or NBO (NBO) crosses                  HAL on the openings. As provided in
                                                    series will open if the opening trade                   the opening quote offer (bid) or NBO                    current Interpretation and Policy .04
                                                    price is at the widest part of the OEPW                 (NBB) by no more than the specified
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                                                    range (it will expose orders if it is                   amount, the System will open the series                    18 Proposed paragraph (d) states the acceptable

                                                    outside the OEPW range). The proposed                   by matching orders and quotes to the                    tick distance the Exchange may set to prevent
                                                                                                            extent they can trade and report the                    execution of orders following exposure on the
                                                    rule change makes nonsubstantive,                                                                               opening priced ‘‘too far away’’ from the exposure
                                                                                                            opening trade, if any, at the opening                   price will be determined on a class-by-class and
                                                      16 Regulatory Circular RG14–020 sets forth the                                                                premium basis rather than series-by-series and
                                                    current OEPW range. This is the term with which           17 Currently, this amount is $0.25 for options with   premium basis, as current paragraph (g)(2) and
                                                    Participants are familiar for the acceptable opening,   prices less than $3.00 and $0.50 for options with       Interpretation and Policy .04 state. The Exchange
                                                    and the Exchange believes it will be beneficial for     prices of $3.00 or more. See Regulatory Circular        sets this amount by class rather than by series and
                                                    investors if the rules refer to the same term.          RG10–005.                                               proposes to reflect that in the rules.



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                                                    83318                      Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 224 / Monday, November 21, 2016 / Notices

                                                    and proposed paragraph (d), the                         stating the Help Desk may determine                   class during rotations. The proposed
                                                    exposure process will be conducted via                  whether to modify the opening                         rule change makes the electronic
                                                    HAL pursuant to Rule 6.18 for an                        procedures when they deem necessary.                  algorithm that applies to a class intraday
                                                    exposure period designated by the                       The Exchange proposes to delete these                 the algorithm that applies to a class
                                                    Exchange for a class (which period of                   references and combine them into                      during rotations, but still leaves the
                                                    time will not exceed 1.5 seconds), so the               current paragraph (h) and proposed                    Exchange with the same flexibility to
                                                    Exchange believes the process for HAL                   paragraph (e). The proposed rule change               apply a different algorithm to a class
                                                    on the openings should be consistent                    lists examples of actions the Help Desk               during rotations if it deems necessary or
                                                    with the standard HAL process.19                        has flexibility to take when necessary in             appropriate. This proposed change
                                                       The Exchange also proposes to add to                 the interests of commencing or                        merely makes the intraday algorithm the
                                                    paragraph (d) if the System does not                    maintaining a fair and orderly market                 default opening algorithm for a class.
                                                    open a series pursuant paragraphs (d),                  (some of which are listed throughout                  The Exchange believes it is important to
                                                    notwithstanding proposed paragraph (c)                  current Rule 6.11), in the event of                   maintain this flexibility so that it can
                                                    (which states the opening rotation                      unusual market conditions or in the                   facilitate a robust opening with
                                                    period may not last more than 60                        public interest, including delaying or                sufficient liquidity in all classes.
                                                    seconds), the opening rotation period                   compelling the opening of any series in                  • The Exchange proposes to amend
                                                    continues (including the dissemination                  any options class and modifying timers                Interpretation and Policy .02, which
                                                    of EOIs, which is consistent with                       or settings described in Rule 6.11. The               states all pronouncements regarding
                                                    language the Exchange proposes to                       proposed rule change adds the                         determinations by the Exchange
                                                    delete regarding the notifications sent to              Exchange will make and maintain                       pursuant to Rule 6.11 and the
                                                    market participants if one of the                       records to document all determinations                Interpretations and Policies thereunder
                                                    opening conditions is present) until the                to deviate from the standard manner of                will be announced to Participants via
                                                    condition causing the delay is satisfied                the opening procedure, and periodically               Regulatory Circular. In addition to
                                                    or the Exchange otherwise determines it                 review these determinations for                       nonsubstantive changes to make the
                                                    is necessary to open a series in                        consistency with the interests of a fair              language more plain English, the
                                                    accordance with proposed paragraph                      and orderly market.                                   proposed rule change adds
                                                    (e). This is currently how the System                      • The proposed rule change also                    determinations will be made via
                                                    operates, and the Exchange believes it                  amends current Rule 6.11(i) and                       Regulatory Circular with appropriate
                                                    will benefit investors to explicitly state              proposed Rule 6.11(f) to indicate the                 advanced notice to ensure Trading
                                                    this in the rules, particularly because,                procedure described in Rule 6.11 may                  Permit Holders are aware of these
                                                    under these circumstances, the opening                  be used to reopen a series, in addition               determinations and have sufficient time
                                                    rotation period will last longer than the               to a class, after a trading halt. This                to make any necessary changes in
                                                    standard length of time determined by                   proposed changes addresses a potential                response to the determinations. The
                                                    the Exchange. The Exchange believes it                  situation in which only certain series                proposed rule change also adds notice
                                                    is important for Participants to continue               are subjected to halt. As series open on              of determinations may be made as
                                                    to receive EOIs, particularly those                     an individual basis, the Exchange does                otherwise provided, as other parts of
                                                    describing why a series is not open, so                 not believe this to be a significant                  Rule 6.11 state certain notifications will
                                                    they have close to real-time information                change. The proposed rule change also                 be made in a different manner (for
                                                    regarding the potential opening of a                    adds detail regarding notice of use of                example, via electronic message).
                                                    series.20                                               this opening procedure following a                       The proposed rule change makes
                                                                                                            trading halt and clarifies the procedure              numerous nonsubstantive and clerical
                                                    Other Changes
                                                                                                            would be the same, however, based on                  changes throughout Rule 6.11
                                                      The proposed rule change amends                                                                             (including its Interpretations and
                                                    Rule 6.11 as follows:                                   then-existing facts and circumstances,
                                                                                                            there may be no pre-opening period or                 Policies), including adding or amending
                                                      • Current Rule 6.11 provides in                                                                             headings and defined terms, updating
                                                    various places the Help Desk may                        a shorter pre-opening period than the
                                                                                                            regular pre-opening period. Specifically,             cross-references, adding introductory
                                                    deviate from the opening procedures,                                                                          and clarifying language, using
                                                    including paragraphs (b)(2) and (h). The                proposed paragraph (f) states the
                                                                                                            Exchange will announce the reopening                  consistent language and punctuation,
                                                    Exchange believes it is simpler to have                                                                       replacing terms such as ‘‘option series’’
                                                    one single rule provision within Rule                   of a class or series after a trading halt
                                                                                                            as soon as practicable via electronic                 with series (all series listed for trading
                                                    6.11 that applies to the entire rule                                                                          on the Exchange are for options, making
                                                                                                            message to Participants that request to
                                                       19 The proposed rule change deletes from current     receive such messages.21 C2 believes it               it unnecessary to include ‘‘option’’), and
                                                    paragraph (g)(2) and Interpretation and Policy .04      is in investors’ best interests to reopen             using more plain English.
                                                    the provision stating the size of a response may not    a class or series as soon as possible after           2. Statutory Basis
                                                    exceed the size of the exposed order. This language
                                                    is included in Rule 6.18(b) and applies to all
                                                                                                            a trading halt, which may make advance                   The Exchange believes the proposed
                                                    exposures via HAL. Because proposed Rule 6.11(d)        notice in certain situations impractical.             rule change is consistent with Act and
                                                    provides exposures under that paragraph will occur      The proposed rule change provides the                 the rules and regulations thereunder
                                                    pursuant to Rule 6.18, it is not necessary (and         Exchange with the ability to re-open as
                                                    duplicative) to include this language in Rule 6.11.                                                           applicable to the Exchange and, in
                                                       20 Current Rule 6.11(j) and proposed Rule 6.11(g)
                                                                                                            quickly as possible following a halt.                 particular, the requirements of Section
                                                                                                               • The Exchange proposes to amend
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    provides the opening procedures described in the                                                              6(b) of the Act.22 Specifically, the
                                                    rule may also be used after the close of a trading      Interpretation and Policy .01, which
                                                                                                                                                                  Exchange believes the proposed rule
                                                    session for series that open pursuant to Rule 6.11.     states the Exchange may determine on a
                                                    The proposed rule change makes nonsubstantive                                                                 change is consistent with the Section
                                                                                                            class-by-class basis which electronic
                                                    changes to proposed paragraph (g) to more clearly                                                             6(b)(5) 23 requirements that the rules of
                                                    and simply state the potential applicability of the     algorithm from Rule 6.12 applies to the
                                                                                                                                                                  an exchange be designed to prevent
                                                    opening procedures to a closing rotation for series
                                                    that open pursuant to Rule 6.11 and to include            21 The proposed rule change also notes the
                                                                                                                                                                  fraudulent and manipulative acts and
                                                    additional detail regarding the notification to         Exchange may reopen a class after a trading halt as
                                                                                                                                                                    22 15   U.S.C. 78f(b).
                                                    Participants regarding the decision to conduct a        otherwise set forth in the Rules, including Rules
                                                    closing rotation.                                       6.32.                                                   23 15   U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).



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                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 224 / Monday, November 21, 2016 / Notices                                                 83319

                                                    practices, to promote just and equitable                B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                     Electronic Comments
                                                    principles of trade, to foster cooperation              Statement on Burden on Competition
                                                    and coordination with persons engaged                                                                           • Use the Commission’s Internet
                                                    in regulating, clearing, settling,                        C2 does not believe that the proposed               comment form (http://www.sec.gov/
                                                    processing information with respect to,                 rule change will impose any burden on                 rules/sro.shtml); or
                                                    and facilitating transactions in                        competition that is not necessary or                    • Send an email to rule-comments@
                                                    securities, to remove impediments to                    appropriate in furtherance of the                     sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–
                                                    and perfect the mechanism of a free and                 purposes of the Act. The opening                      C2–2016–021 on the subject line.
                                                    open market and a national market                       procedures as revised by the proposed
                                                    system, and, in general, to protect                     rule change will still apply to all market            Paper Comments:
                                                    investors and the public interest.                      participants in the same manner as they
                                                                                                            do today. The proposed rule change                      • Send paper comments in triplicate
                                                    Additionally, the Exchange believes the
                                                                                                            more accurately describes the opening                 to Secretary, Securities and Exchange
                                                    proposed rule change is consistent with
                                                    the Section 6(b)(5) 24 requirement that                 procedures that are currently in place                Commission, 100 F Street NE.,
                                                    the rules of an exchange not be designed                on the Exchange, which procedures are                 Washington, DC 20549–1090.
                                                    to permit unfair discrimination between                 designed to open series on the Exchange               All submissions should refer to File
                                                    customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.                in a fair and orderly manner. These                   Number SR–C2–2016–021. This file
                                                       In particular, the proposed rule                     changes have no impact on competition.                number should be included on the
                                                    change enhances the description of the                  The purposes of the opening conditions                subject line if email is used. To help the
                                                    opening procedures in the rules to                      are to ensure there is sufficient liquidity           Commission process and review your
                                                    reflect how the System opens series,                    in a series when it opens and the series              comments more efficiently, please use
                                                    which perfects the mechanism of a free                  opens at prices consistent with the                   only one method. The Commission will
                                                    and open market and ultimately protects                 current market conditions (at the                     post all comments on the Commission’s
                                                    investors. The Exchange believes the                    Exchange and other exchanges) rather                  Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/
                                                    proposed rule changes to reorganize and                 than extreme prices that could result in              rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the
                                                    enhance the description of the opening                  unfavorable executions to market                      submission, all subsequent
                                                    (and sometimes) closing procedures will                 participants. The nonsubstantive                      amendments, all written statements
                                                    benefit investors, because the rule as                  changes and clerical changes have no
                                                    amended more accurately and clearly                                                                           with respect to the proposed rule
                                                                                                            impact on competition, as they are                    change that are filed with the
                                                    describes how the System opens series                   intended to eliminate confusion within
                                                    on the Exchange. Thus, investors will                                                                         Commission, and all written
                                                                                                            and simplify the rules.
                                                    have a better understanding of how their                                                                      communications relating to the
                                                    quotes and orders will be handled                       C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                     proposed rule change between the
                                                    during opening rotations if they elect to               Statement on Comments on the                          Commission and any person, other than
                                                    submit quotes and orders during the                     Proposed Rule Change Received From                    those that may be withheld from the
                                                    pre-opening period or if they have                      Members, Participants, or Others                      public in accordance with the
                                                    orders resting on the book from the prior                                                                     provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be
                                                    trading day. Similarly, the Exchange                      The Exchange neither solicited nor                  available for Web site viewing and
                                                    believes the deletion of duplicative                    received comments on the proposed                     printing in the Commission’s Public
                                                    provisions from Rule 6.11 will benefit                  rule change.                                          Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,
                                                    investors by eliminating potential                      III. Date of Effectiveness of the                     Washington, DC 20549, on official
                                                    confusion about the applicability of                    Proposed Rule Change and Timing for                   business days between the hours of
                                                    those provisions. The nonsubstantive                    Commission Action                                     10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the
                                                    and clerical changes will create more                                                                         filing also will be available for
                                                    consistency and clarity throughout and                    Within 45 days of the date of                       inspection and copying at the principal
                                                    otherwise simplify the rule. Further, the               publication of this notice in the Federal             office of the Exchange. All comments
                                                    Exchange believes the additional                        Register or within such longer period                 received will be posted without change;
                                                    information regarding notification of the               up to 90 days (i) as the Commission may               the Commission does not edit personal
                                                    use of the opening procedure following                  designate if it finds such longer period              identifying information from
                                                    a trading halt will clarify for                         to be appropriate and publishes its                   submissions. You should submit only
                                                    Participants when and how they will                     reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which            information that you wish to make
                                                    know from the Exchange such use is                      the Exchange consents, the Commission                 available publicly. All submissions
                                                    occurring.                                              will:                                                 should refer to File Number SR–C2–
                                                       The revised opening conditions are                     A. By order approve or disapprove                   2016–021, and should be submitted on
                                                    intended to promote just and equitable                  such proposed rule change, or
                                                    principles of trade, as they ensure that                                                                      or before December 12, 2016.
                                                    series open in a fair and orderly market                  B. institute proceedings to determine                 For the Commission, by the Division of
                                                    with sufficient liquidity in the series                 whether the proposed rule change                      Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
                                                    and opportunities for execution at                      should be disapproved.                                authority.25
                                                    prices that are consistent with then-                                                                         Brent J. Fields,
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                            IV. Solicitation of Comments
                                                    current market conditions rather than                                                                         Secretary.
                                                    potentially extreme prices. These                         Interested persons are invited to                   [FR Doc. 2016–27895 Filed 11–18–16; 8:45 am]
                                                    proposed changes ensure that market                     submit written data, views, and
                                                                                                                                                                  BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                    participants are aware of all                           arguments concerning the foregoing,
                                                    circumstances under which the System                    including whether the proposed rule
                                                    may not open a series.                                  change is consistent with the Act.
                                                                                                            Comments may be submitted by any of
                                                      24 Id.                                                the following methods:                                  25 17   CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).



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Document Created: 2018-02-14 08:34:19
Document Modified: 2018-02-14 08:34:19
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
FR Citation81 FR 83313 

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