[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 113 (Friday, June 12, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33574-33577]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14362]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-75120; File No. SR-CBOE-2015-050]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, 
Incorporated; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change to Expire CBOE 
Volatility Index (VIX) Options Every Week

June 8, 2015.
    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 June 1, 2015, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated 
(the ``Exchange'' or ``CBOE'') 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

    CBOE proposes to amend certain of its rules to expire CBOE 
Volatility Index (``VIX'') options every week. The text of the proposed 
rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site http://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), at the Exchange's 
Office of the Secretary, and at the Commission.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    In February 2006, CBOE began trading options that expire monthly on 
the CBOE Volatility Index (``VIX''), which measures a 30-day period of 
implied volatility. Last year, CBOE introduced weekly expiring options 
on the CBOE Short-Term Volatility Index (``VXST''), which measures a 
nine-day implied volatility period.\3\ The purpose of this proposed 
rule change is to expire 30-day VIX options every week.\4\ VIX options 
would continue to trade as they do today and they would be subject to 
all of the same rules they are subject to today, except as proposed to 
be modified herein.
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    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71764 (March 21, 
2014), 79 FR 17212 (March 27, 2014) (Order Granting Approval of 
Proposed Rule Change to List and Trade CBOE Short-Term Volatility 
Index Options) (SR-CBOE-2014-003).
    \4\ CBOE Futures Exchange, LLC (``CFE'') also plans to expire 
30-day VIX futures weekly prior to expiring 30-day VIX options 
weekly on CBOE.
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    In its capacity as the Reporting Authority, CBOE enhanced the VIX 
Index (cash/spot value) to include P.M.-settled S&P 500 Index End-of-
Week expirations (``SPXWs'') in 2014.\5\ The inclusion of SPXWs allows 
the VIX Index to be calculated with SPX option series that most 
precisely match the 30-day target timeframe for expected volatility 
that the VIX Index is intended to represent. Using SPX options with 
more than 23 days and less than 37 days to expiration ensures that the 
VIX Index will always reflect an interpolation of

[[Page 33575]]

two points along the S&P 500 Index volatility term structure.\6\
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    \5\ This enhancement did not impact the exercise settlement 
value for VIX options and futures, which continue to use the same 
VIX Index formula and the opening prices of standard (i.e., third 
Friday expiration) S&P 500 Index (``SPX'') option series with 30 
days to expiration.
    \6\ For a detailed description about the VIX Index methodology, 
please refer to the VIX White Paper available at: https://www.cboe.com/micro/vix/vixwhite.pdf.
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    Currently, standard VIX options expire once a month. The last 
trading day for expiring VIX options is the business day immediately 
prior to their expiration date. The expiration date for VIX options is 
pegged to the standard (third Friday) SPX option expiration in the 
subsequent month. Specifically, the expiration date is on the Wednesday 
that is 30 days prior to the third Friday of the calendar month 
immediately following the month in which the VIX option expires. This 
standard Wednesday VIX option expiration is changed if the Friday in 
the subsequent month is an Exchange holiday to be the business day that 
is thirty days prior to the Exchange business day immediately preceding 
that Friday. CBOE (as the Reporting Authority for VIX options) 
calculates the exercise settlement value for expiring VIX options on 
their expiration date.\7\
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    \7\ See CBOE Rule 24.9(a)(5) which sets forth the method of 
determining the day on which the exercise settlement value will be 
calculated for VIX options and of determining the expiration date 
and last trading day for VIX options.
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    The Exchange proposes to now expire VIX options each Wednesday.\8\ 
These new VIX expirations would be series of the existing VIX option 
class. Similar to VXST options, however, different types of SPX options 
would be used to calculate and settle VIX options. Specifically, as 
today, the standard (monthly) VIX option expirations would be 
calculated using A.M.-settled SPX options that expire on the third 
Friday in the subsequent month and the period of implied volatility 
covered by these contracts would be exactly 30 days. The new VIX option 
expirations would be calculated using P.M.-settled SPXWs that expire in 
30 days and the period of implied volatility by these contracts would 
be 30 days, plus 390 minutes.\9\
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    \8\ CBOE is making this current filing because CBOE is unable to 
list weekly VIX options under its other weekly option programs 
because those programs require that weekly options expire on Fridays 
and VIX options expire on Wednesdays.
    \9\ P.M.-settled, expiring SPXWs stop trading at 3:00 p.m. 
(Chicago time) on their last day of trading. See Rule 24.9(e)(4). 
The additional 390 minutes reflects that these constituent options 
trade for six and a half hours on their expiration date until 3:00 
p.m. (Chicago time).
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    In order to expire 30-day VIX options weekly, CBOE proposes to 
amend Rule 24.9(a)(5) in several ways. First, the Exchange notes that 
Rule 24.9(a)(5) is styled, ``Method of Determining Day that Exercise 
Settlement Value will be Calculated and of Determining Expiration Date 
and Last Trading Day for Options on Volatility Indexes that Measure a 
30-Day Volatility Period (e.g., VIX, RVX, VXD, VXN, Individual Stock or 
ETF Based Volatility Index) (`Volatility Index options').'' The 
Exchange proposes to revise this title so that it reads: ``Method of 
Determining Day that Exercise Settlement Value will be Calculated, 
Special Opening Quotation and Expiration Date and Last Trading Day for 
Options on Volatility Indexes that Measure a 30-Day Volatility Period 
(`Volatility Index options').'' \10\
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    \10\ The Exchange proposes to add ``Special Opening Quotation'' 
to the title to make it more complete since the Special Opening 
Quotation is already explained in this provision and applies to all 
Volatility Index options.
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    Second, the Exchange proposes to also add the following 3 new 
subheadings as subparagraphs A, B and C, respectively, to Rule 
24.9(a)(5): Method of Determining Day that Exercise Settlement Value 
will be Calculated, Special Opening Quotation and Expiration Date and 
Last Trading Day. The Exchange believes that the proposed addition of 
these subheadings would help to clarify that new subparagraphs B and C 
would apply to all Volatility index options.
    Third, under proposed new subparagraph A, the Exchange proposes to 
add new subparagraph (i) styled ``Volatility Index Options (Other than 
VIX Options, e.g., RVX, VXD, VXN, Individual Stock or ETF Based 
Volatility Index Options) set forth in Rule 24.9(a)(5).\11\ This new 
subparagraph (A)(i) would generally maintain the current rule text 
language as it applies to standard (monthly) Volatility Index options 
(other than VIX options). Some non-substantive changes are being 
proposed to help clarify that this provision applies to standard 
(monthly) options on 30-day volatility indexes.
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    \11\ In addition to VIX options, the Exchange lists options on 
other 30-day volatility indexes, which are covered by this provision 
too.
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    Fourth, CBOE proposes to add new subparagraph A(ii) to Rule 
24.9(a)(5) styled ``CBOE Volatility Index (``VIX'') Options,'' which 
would read as follows:

    The exercise settlement value of a VIX option for all purposes 
under these Rules and the Rules of the Clearing Corporation, shall 
be calculated on the specific date (usually a Wednesday) identified 
in the option symbol for the series. If that Wednesday or the Friday 
that is 30 days following that Wednesday is an Exchange holiday, the 
exercise settlement value shall be calculated on the business day 
immediately preceding that Wednesday.

    The Exchange notes that Rule 24.9(a)(5) is cross-referenced in Rule 
6.2B.08, which sets forth the days on which Modified Opening Procedures 
are used for Hybrid classes and series that are used to calculated 
volatility indexes. Rule 24.9(a)(5) is identified in Rule 6.2B.08 in 
order to determine the specific days on which the Modified Opening 
Procedures are utilized. Expiring 30-day VIX options weekly would 
result in the Modified Opening Procedures being used more frequently 
for the constituent options series used to calculate the exercise 
settlement values for the proposed new 30-day VIX weekly expirations.
    Fifth, the Exchange proposes to amend Rule 24.9(a) by adding an 
additional paragraph (under proposed new subparagraph B ``Special 
Opening Quotation'') that provides detailed information about the 
``time to expiration'' input. Specifically, the paragraph would provide 
as a follows:

    The ``time to expiration'' used to calculate the SOQ shall 
account for the actual number of days and minutes until expiration 
for the constituent option series. For example, if the Exchange 
announces that the opening of trading in the constituent option 
series is delayed, the amount of time until expiration for the 
constituent option series used to calculate the exercise settlement 
value would be reduced to reflect the actual opening time of the 
constituent option series. Another example would be when the 
Exchange is closed on a Wednesday due to an Exchange holiday, the 
amount of time until expiration used to calculate the exercise 
settlement value would be increased to reflect the extra calendar 
day between the day that the exercise settlement value is calculated 
and the day on which the constituent option series expire.

    In support of this proposed change, the Exchange states that 
similar language about the above description of the ``time to 
expiration'' input for VIX options is already set forth in CBOE 
Regulatory Circular RG14-005.\12\ Also, similar language is set forth 
in Rule 24.9(a)(6) when describing the ``time to expiration'' input for 
VXST options. The Exchange is proposing to take this opportunity to 
marry up this concept with Rule 24.9(a)(6), as applicable here.
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    \12\ The Exchange would revise this circular to layer in weekly 
VIX option expirations and to make general updates, as needed.
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    The Exchange also proposes to take this opportunity to make the 
following minor amendments to Rule 24.9(a)(6): (i) Modification to the 
title of that Rule, (ii) addition of similar subheadings throughout 
that Rule, and (iii) revision to the Wednesday holiday example provided 
under the proposed new subheading ``Special Opening Quotation.'' The 
Exchange proposes to make these changes in order to conform Rule 
24.9(a)(6) with the proposed new structure and formatting of Rule

[[Page 33576]]

24.9(a)(5). The Exchange believes that it would be beneficial to have 
parallel structure between these two rule provisions because the rules 
address the same topics but for different option classes. The Exchange 
states that the proposed changes to Rule 24.9(a)(6) are non-
substantive.
    Sixth, as to Rule 24.9(a)(5), the Exchange proposes to add a 
sentence to address when the last trading day is moved because of an 
Exchange holiday. Specifically, the sentence would provide that the 
last trading day would be the day immediately preceding the last 
regularly scheduled trading day. As with the ``time to expiration'' 
input proposed addition, this proposed sentence is similar to language 
that is set forth in Rule 24.9(a)(6). The Exchange is proposing to take 
this opportunity to marry up Rule 24.9(a)(5) with Rule 24.9(a)(6), as 
applicable here.
    The Exchange is currently permitted to list up to 12 standard 
(monthly) VIX expirations.\13\ The Exchange proposes to maintain the 
ability to list 12 standard (monthly) VIX expirations and proposes to 
permit the Exchange to list up to six weekly expirations in VIX 
options. The six weekly expirations would be for the nearest weekly 
expirations from the actual listing date and weekly expirations would 
not be permitted to expire in the same week in which standard (monthly) 
VIX options expire. Standard (monthly) expirations in VIX options would 
not be counted as part of the maximum six weekly expirations permitted 
for VIX options. The below chart illustrates the maximum listing 
ability under this new proposed revision as of July 30, 2015:
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    \13\ The Exchange calculates the CBOE VVIX Index, which measures 
the expected volatility of the 30-day forward price of the VIX Index 
and is calculated using VIX options. Because CBOE calculates a 
volatility index using VIX options, the Exchange is permitted to 
list up to 12 expirations at any one time for VIX options.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Expiration date                    Type of expiration
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUG 5 2015................................  Weekly (1).
AUG 12 2015...............................  Weekly (2).
AUG 19 2015...............................  Standard (Monthly) (1).
AUG 26 2015...............................  Weekly (3).
SEP 2 2015................................  Weekly (4).
SEP 9 2015................................  Weekly (5).
SEP 16 2015...............................  Standard (Monthly) (2).
SEP 23 2015...............................  Weekly (6).
OCT 21 2015...............................  Standard (Monthly) (3).
NOV 18 2015...............................  Standard (Monthly) (4).
DEC 16 2015...............................  Standard (Monthly) (5).
JAN 20 2016...............................  Standard (Monthly) (6).
FEB 17 2016...............................  Standard (Monthly) (7).
MAR 16 2016...............................  Standard (Monthly) (8).
APR 20 2016...............................  Standard (Monthly) (9).
MAY 18 2016...............................  Standard (Monthly) (10).
JUN 15 2016...............................  Standard (Monthly) (11).
JUL 20 2016...............................  Standard (Monthly) (12).
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    To effectuate this change, the Exchange proposes to amend Rule 
24.9(a)(2) to expressly provide for these VIX expirations. The Exchange 
also proposes to take this opportunity to clean up and stream line this 
subparagraph (a)(2) to Rule 24.9. No substantive changes are being 
proposed by these reorganizational amendments.
    Currently, the Exchange may list new series in VIX options up to 
the fifth business day prior to expiration. The Exchange proposes to 
amend Rule 24.9(.01)(c) to permit new series to be added up to and 
including on the last day of trading for an expiring VIX option 
contract. In support of this change, the Exchange states that this 
listing ability is similar to the series setting schedule for other 
types of weekly expirations, including VXST options.\14\
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    \14\ See existing Rule 24.9.01(c). See also Rules 5.5(d)(4) and 
24.9(a)(2)(A)(iv) which permit series to be added up to and 
including on their expiration date for short-term (weekly) options.
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    Finally, the Exchange proposes to amend Rule 24.9.01(l) by breaking 
out VIX options separately from other volatility index options under 
new subparagraph (ii). New subparagraph (ii) would provide, 
Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (l)(i), the interval between strike 
prices for CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) options will be $0.50 or greater 
where the strike price is less than $75, $1 or greater where the strike 
price is $200 or less and $5 or greater where the strike price is more 
than $200.

    The Exchange notes that the strike setting parameters set forth in 
the proposed paragraph are already permitted for VIX options.\15\ The 
Exchange believes that separating VIX options from other volatility 
index options in this section to the CBOE Rulebook would benefit market 
participants since it would be easier to identify the strike setting 
parameters for VIX options by breaking them out as proposed.
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    \15\ See Rule 24.9(l) and Rule 24.9.12, which permits $0.50 and 
$1 strike price intervals for options that are used to calculate 
volatility indexes. The Exchange calculates the CBOE VVIX Index, 
which measures the expected volatility of the 30-day forward price 
of the VIX Index and is calculated using VIX options.
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Capacity
    CBOE has analyzed its capacity and represents that it believes the 
Exchange and the Options Price Reporting Authority (``OPRA'') have the 
necessary systems capacity to handle the additional traffic associated 
with the listing of new series that would result from the expiring VIX 
options weekly. Because the proposal is limited to a single class, the 
Exchange believes that the additional traffic that would be generated 
from the introduction of weekly 30-Day VIX option series would be 
manageable.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') and the rules and 
regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, 
the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\16\ Specifically, the 
Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
Section 6(b)(5) \17\ requirements that the rules of an exchange be 
designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to prevent 
fraudulent and manipulative acts, to remove impediments to and to 
perfect the mechanism for a free and open market and a national market 
system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest.
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    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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    Specifically, the Exchange believes that there is an unmet market 
demand for options that expire each week that measure a 30-day 
volatility period. By permitting VIX options to expire every week, CBOE 
hopes to respond to that unmet market demand.
    The success of CBOE's VIX options that measure a 30-day period 
illustrate the prominence that volatility products have taken over the 
past several years. CBOE seeks to enlarge its suite of volatility 
offerings by introducing weekly expiring series that would provide 
investors with a 30-day VIX contract that expires every week. CBOE 
believes that expiring 30-day VIX options weekly would provide 
investors with additional opportunities to manage 30-day volatility 
risk each week.
    CBOE has many years of history and experience in conducting 
surveillance for volatility index options trading to draw from in order 
to detect manipulative trading in the proposed new 30-day weekly VIX 
series. Additionally, the Exchange represents that it has the necessary 
systems capacity to support the addition of weekly 30-day VIX 
expirations.
    The Exchange believes that the proposed non-substantive changes to 
Rules 24.9(a)(5) and 24.9(a)(6) would be beneficial to market 
participants and users of CBOE's Rulebook because there would be 
parallel structure between two rule provisions that address same topics 
but for different option classes. The Exchange also believes that these 
proposed changes would generally

[[Page 33577]]

result in a clearer and more user-friendly presentment of the 
provisions set forth in CBOE's Rulebook.

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

    CBOE does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any 
burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of 
the purposes of the Act. Specifically, CBOE believes that the 
permitting 30-day VIX options to expire weekly would enhance 
competition among market participants and would provide a new weekly 
expiration that can compete with other weekly options to the benefit of 
investors and the marketplace.

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

    No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the 
proposed rule change.

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

    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-CBOE-2015-050 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-CBOE-2015-050. 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-CBOE-2015-050 and should be 
submitted on or before July 6, 2015.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\18\
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    \18\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-14362 Filed 6-11-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P