[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 227 (Tuesday, November 28, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56282-56286]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-25607]



[[Page 56282]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-82139; File No. SR-NYSEAMER-2017-33]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE American LLC; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend 
Rule 7.35E Relating to Auction Collars and To Add Temporary Rules

November 21, 2017.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 (``Act'') \2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby given 
that, on November 17, 2017, NYSE American LLC (``Exchange'' or ``NYSE 
American'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and 
II below, which Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory 
organization. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit 
comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange proposes to (1) amend Rule 7.35E(a)(10) to allow 
auctions to be conducted at a price equal to the Auction Collars and to 
change the rounding methodology for determining Auction Collars; (2) 
add Commentary .02 to Rule 7.35E to describe rules that would be in 
effect on a temporary basis pending the implementation of the auction 
logic changes; and (3) make clarifying amendments to Rules 7.35E(c)(1) 
and (d)(1). The proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web 
site at www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at 
the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 7.35E(a)(10) to allow auctions 
to be conducted at a price equal to the Auction Collars and to change 
the rounding methodology for determining Auction Collars.\4\ The 
Exchange also proposes Commentary .02 to Rule 7.35E to provide that 
until the Exchange implements the amendments to Rule 7.35E(a)(10) (but 
no later than February 26, 2018): (1) The Re-Opening Time for a Trading 
Halt Auction will be extended if the unadjusted Indicative Match Price 
is equal to the Auction Collars; and (2) the Trading Halt Auction 
processing described in Rules 7.35E(e)(5), (6), (7)(C), (8), and (10) 
would not be applicable to a Trading Halt Auction following a trading 
halt due to extraordinary market volatility under Rule 7.12-E (``MWCB 
Halt'') or a regulatory halt (together, ``Temporary Rules''). Finally, 
the Exchange proposes clarifying amendments to Rules 7.35E(c)(1) and 
(d)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Capitalized terms used in this rule filing have the same 
meaning as the capitalized terms in Rule 7.35E.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange proposes that the Temporary Rules would become 
operative on the same date the Exchange implements recent amendments to 
Rule 7.35E, which the Exchange anticipates implementing at the same 
time that the changes described in the twelfth amendment to the 
Regulation NMS Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility 
(``Plan'') are implemented.\5\ As described in greater detail in the 
Reopening Filing, the Exchange amended its rules relating to the 
reopening of trading in conjunction with LULD Amendment 12. The 
Exchange and the participants to the Plan have announced that the 
changes described in the Reopening Filing and LULD Amendment 12 will be 
implemented on November 20, 2017.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 81968 (October 27, 
2017), 82 FR 50898 (November 2, 2017) (SR-NYSEAmer-2017-30) (Notice 
of filing and immediate effectiveness of proposed rule change) 
(``Reopening Filing''). See also Securities Exchange Act Release 
Nos. 79107 (October 18, 2016), 81 FR 73159 (October 24, 2016) 
(Notice) and 79846 (January 19, 2017), 82 FR 8548 (January 26, 2017) 
(Approval Order) (SR-NYSEArca-2016-130) (the ``NYSE Arca Reopening 
Filing''), and Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79845 (January 
19, 2017), 82 FR 8551 (January 26, 2017) (File No. 4-631) (Order 
approving twelfth amendment to the Plan) (``LULD Amendment 12'').
    \6\ See Trader Update available here: https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/markets/nyse/NYSE_Group_LULD_12_testing.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Proposed Amendment to Rule 7.35E(a)(10)
    Rule 7.35E(a)(10)(B) provides that an Indicative Match Price that 
is equal to or higher (lower) than the upper (lower) boundary of the 
Auction Collar will be adjusted to one minimum price variation below 
(above) the upper (lower) boundary of the Auction Collar. In other 
words, the Exchange does not conduct an auction at the Auction Collar 
price.
    By contrast, Rule 7.35E(e)(5) currently defines the term 
``Impermissible Price,'' i.e., when a Trading Halt Auction would not be 
conducted, to mean when the Indicative Match Price, before being 
adjusted based on Auction Collars, is below (above) the Lower (Upper) 
Auction Collar or if there is a sell (buy) Market Imbalance. In other 
words, the Exchange extends the Re-Opening Time for a Trading Halt 
Auction only if the unadjusted Indicative Match Price is outside the 
Auction Collar price.
    As currently approved, because the Exchange does not operate an 
auction at the Auction Collar price, but also does not extend an 
auction if the unadjusted Indicative Match Price is at the Auction 
Collar Price, these two rules together would allow for a Trading Halt 
Auction where not all auction interest (including Market Orders) would 
be satisfied. For example, if the lower Auction Collar is 10.10 for a 
security, and at 10.10 there are 200 shares to buy, at 10.11 there are 
100 shares to buy, and the Exchange receives a sell Limit Order for 300 
shares priced at 10.10, the Indicative Match Price, before being 
adjusted for Auction Collars, would be 10.10, which would be equal to 
the lower Auction Collar. Pursuant to Rule 7.35E(e)(5), an unadjusted 
Indicative Match Price of 10.10 would not be an Impermissible Price and 
therefore the auction would be conducted and would not be extended. 
However, pursuant to Rule 7.35E(a)(10)(B), the collared Indicative 
Match Price for that security would be 10.11, which would be where the 
auction would be priced. Because the auction would be conducted at 
10.11, the buy Limit Order priced at 10.10 would not participate. 
Accordingly, in this scenario, 200 shares of the sell order would not 
be executed and would be available to participate in continuous trading 
after the auction. Similarly, if the sell order were a 300 share Market 
Order, in this scenario, only 100 shares

[[Page 56283]]

of the Market Order would be executed, leaving 200 shares of the sell 
Market Order unexecuted.
    The Exchange proposes to resolve the conflict between these two 
rules by adjusting the price at which its auctions would be eligible to 
trade. As proposed, the Exchange would permit auctions to be conducted 
at prices equal to the Auction Collar price threshold. This proposed 
rule change to allow for auctions to be priced equal to the Auction 
Collar price thresholds is consistent with how another exchange prices 
its auctions.\7\ To effect this change, the Exchange proposes to amend 
Rule 7.35E(a)(10)(B) as follows (deletions in brackets):
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (``BZX Equities'') Rule 
11.23(a)(6) and (d)(2)(C).

    (B) An Indicative Match Price that is [equal to or] higher 
(lower) than the upper (lower) boundary of the Auction Collar will 
be adjusted to [one MPV below (above)] the upper (lower) boundary of 
the Auction Collar and orders eligible to participate in the 
applicable auction will trade at the collared Indicative Match 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price.

    The Exchange similarly proposes to amend Rule 7.35E(a)(10)(C) to 
delete the phrase ``at or'' so that Limit Orders priced equal to the 
Auction Collars would be eligible to participate in the Auction without 
being collared, as follows (deletions in brackets):

    (C) Limit Orders to buy (sell) with a limit price [at or] above 
(below) the upper (lower) Auction Collar will be included in the 
Auction Imbalance Information at the collared Indicative Match Price 
and will be eligible to trade at the Indicative Match Price.

    Rule 7.35E(a)(10)(A) provides that the Auction Collar for the Core 
Open Auction and the Closing Auction (except as provided for in Rule 
7.35E(e)(10)(B)) will be based on a price that is the greater of $0.50 
or 10% away from the Auction Reference Price for the applicable 
Auction. The rule further provides that the upper (lower) boundary of 
the Auction Collar is the Auction Reference Price increased (decreased) 
by either $0.50 or 10%, as applicable, rounded down to the MPV. 
Finally, the rule provides that the Auction Collar for the Trading Halt 
Auction is specified in Rule 7.35E(e)(7). Rule 7.35E(e)(7)(B)(i) and 
(ii) similarly provide that Auction Collars for Trading Halt Auctions 
are rounded down to the nearest MPV.
    The Exchange proposes to change its rounding methodology for 
determining Auction Collars for all auctions. To effect this change, 
the Exchange proposes to move the last sentence of Rule 7.35E(a)(10)(A) 
to after the first sentence of that paragraph and make a non-
substantive amendment to change ``Rule 7.35E(e)(7)'' to ``paragraph 
(e)(7) of this Rule.'' Next, the Exchange proposes to amend what was 
formerly the second sentence of this paragraph, and what would now be 
the last sentence, to replace the term ``10%'' with the term 
``specified percentage,'' so that this sentence, which addresses how 
Auction Collars are determined, would include how Auction Collars are 
determined for Trading Halt Auctions. Finally, the Exchange proposes to 
amend Rule 7.35E(a)(10)(A) to provide that the upper (lower) boundary 
of the Auction Collar is the Auction Reference Price increased 
(decreased) by either $0.50 or the specified percentage, as applicable, 
rounded to the nearest MPV.\8\ The Exchange proposes to similarly amend 
Rule 7.35-E(e)(7)(B)(i) and (ii) to provide that Auction Collars would 
be rounded to the nearest MPV. Both Nasdaq Stock Market LLC 
(``Nasdaq'') and BZX Equities use this rounding methodology when 
determining auction collar prices for reopenings following a Trading 
Pause.\9\ The Exchange would apply this same rounding methodology when 
determining the Auction Collars for all auctions on the Exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ If adding or subtracting the specified percentage of the 
Auction Reference price to the Auction Collar would result in a 
tenth of a penny, the Exchange would round down to the nearest penny 
when the calculation results in one to four tenths of a penny and 
the Exchange would round up to the nearest penny when the 
calculation results in five to nine tenths of a penny.
    \9\ See Nasdaq Rule 4120(c)(10)(A)(ii)a. and b. and BZX Equities 
Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C)(i) and (ii). The Nasdaq and BZX Equities rules 
are silent on the rounding methodology they use when applying 
percentages to auction collars for opening or closing auctions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange further proposes to amend Rules 7.35E(a)(10)(A) and 
(e)(7)(B)(i) and (ii) to provide that the lowest Auction Collar would 
be one MPV above $0.00. For example, if the Reference Price for a 
security is $0.10, subtracting $0.15 from this Reference Price would 
equal a negative number. In such case, the lower boundary of the 
Auction Collar would be $0.0001. Because, as described above, the 
Exchange would allow an auction to run at a price equal to an Auction 
Collar, this proposed rule change would make clear that an auction 
could run even if the Auction Collar would mathematically be equal to 
or below $0.00.
    Because of technology changes associated with the proposed changes 
to Rules 7.35E(a)(10)(A), (B), and (C), the Exchange proposes to 
announce the implementation date of these changes by Trader Update, 
which will be no later than February 26, 2018. Between the effective 
date of these proposed rule changes and the implementation date, the 
Exchange proposes to keep the deleted rule text in its rule book, but 
will keep the deleted text in brackets and new text underlined to 
indicate that the Exchange has an effective proposed rule change 
amending that text. To reduce confusion and promote transparency, the 
Exchange proposes to describe how the text will be marked in proposed 
paragraph (c) to new Commentary .02 as follows:

    Paragraphs (a)(10)(A), (B), and (C) of this Rule will have text 
in brackets indicating which text will be deleted and underlined 
text indicating which text will be new when the Exchange implements 
the amendments to those paragraphs.

Temporary Rule for Extending an Auction When Indicative Match Price Is 
Equal to Auction Collar
    Pending the implementation of the technology changes described 
above, the Exchange proposes a temporary rule that would provide that 
the Exchange would extend the Re-Opening Time for a Trading Halt 
Auction if the unadjusted Indicative Match Price is equal to an Auction 
Collar. As proposed, for the period beginning November 20, 2017, when 
the changes described in the Reopening Filing are implemented, and 
ending when the Exchange's technology changes are implemented or 
February 26, 2018, whichever is earlier, an Impermissible Price would 
include a price equal to the Auction Collar and thus a Trading Halt 
Auction would be extended when the unadjusted Indicative Match Price is 
equal to the Upper or Lower Auction Collar. This temporary rule would 
align the extension of an auction under Rule 7.35E(e)(5) with the price 
at which an auction would be conducted pursuant to Rule 
7.35E(a)(10)(B). The Exchange believes that amending its rules on a 
temporary basis would be consistent with the purpose of the extension 
logic for Trading Halt Auctions, which is, in part, to ensure that all 
interest (including Market Orders) eligible to participate in the 
Trading Halt Auction is satisfied and not carried over to continuous 
trading.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See Reopening Filing, supra note 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To effect this temporary change, the Exchange proposes to add 
Commentary .02 to Rule 7.35E that would describe the Temporary Rules 
that would be in effect until the earlier of February 26, 2018 or when 
the Exchange implements amendments to Rules 7.35E(a)(10)(A), (B), and 
(C), described above, which would be announced by Trader Update.

[[Page 56284]]

Proposed paragraph (a) to new Commentary .02 to Rule 7.35E would 
describe the Temporary Rule relating to determining when a Trading Halt 
Auction would be extended and would provide that Rule 7.35E(e)(5) would 
not be in effect and a Trading Halt Auction would not be conducted if 
the Indicative Match Price, before being adjusted based on Auction 
Collars, would be equal to or below (above) the Lower (Upper) Auction 
Collar or if there is a sell (buy) Market Imbalance (an ``Impermissible 
Price'').
    The Exchange believes that including temporary rule text that 
describes how the Exchange will be determining the Impermissible Price 
beginning on November 20, 2017 will promote the protection of investors 
and the public interest because it will provide transparency in 
Exchange rules regarding how the Exchange is operating. The proposed 
amendment would further promote transparency by including the end date 
for the temporary rule. Once the temporary rule is no longer in effect, 
the Exchange will file a proposed rule change to delete the proposed 
Commentary .02(a) to Rule 7.35E.
Temporary Rule for MWCB and Regulatory Halts
    In the Reopening Filing, the Exchange amended Rule 7.35E(e) to 
provide for a standardized methodology regarding how a primary listing 
exchange that conducts automated reopenings following a Trading Pause 
would reopen if Market Orders cannot be satisfied in the Trading Halt 
Auction. The amendments provide for a standardized Auction Reference 
Price and Auction Collar values, as well as for a standardized process 
for extending the Trading Pause if there is an Impermissible Price at 
the Re-Opening Time. The rule also implements the requirement set forth 
in LULD Amendment 12 that if an NMS Stock is in a Trading Pause during 
the last ten minutes of trading before the end of Regular Trading 
Hours, the Primary Listing Exchange shall not reopen trading and shall 
attempt to execute a closing transaction using its established closing 
procedures.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See LULD Amendment 12, supra note 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As described in the Reopening Filing, the Exchange chose to make 
the changes described in the Reopening Filing available for Trading 
Halt Auctions following a MWCB Halt or regulatory halt.\12\ However, 
because of the different technology supporting Trading Halt Auctions 
following MWCB Halts and regulatory halts, the changes described in the 
Reopening Filing as applicable for a Trading Halt Auction following a 
MWCB Halt or regulatory halt will not be available on the 
implementation date for the LULD Amendment 12 changes.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ See Reopening Filing, supra note 5.
    \13\ The changes described in the Reopening Filing as applicable 
for Trading Halt Auctions following a Trading Pause will be 
implemented at the same time as the LULD Amendment 12 changes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange will adjust its technology to align the treatment of 
Trading Halt Auctions following a MWCB Halt or regulatory halt with 
current Rules 7.35E(e)(5)-(8) and (e)(10). However, because these 
technology changes will not be ready by November 20, 2017, which is 
when the rules described in the Reopening Filing will be implemented, 
the Exchange proposes paragraph (b) to Commentary .02 to Rule 7.35E to 
provide for the Temporary Rule that the Trading Halt Auction processing 
described in Rules 7.35E(e)(5), (6), (7)(C), (8) and (10) would not be 
applicable to a Trading Halt Auction following a MWCB Halt or a 
regulatory halt. Rule 7.35E(e)(7) and sub-paragraphs (A) and (B) of 
that Rule, which specify the Auction Collar Reference Price and Auction 
Collars for Trading Halt Auctions, including for Trading Halt Auctions 
following a MWCB Halt or regulatory halt, would be applicable beginning 
November 20, 2017 for all Trading Halt Auctions. The Exchange intends 
to make the technology changes relating to Trading Halt Auctions 
following a MWCB Halt or regulatory halt at the same time that it 
implements the technology changes relating to the amendments to Rules 
7.35E(a)(10)(A), (B), and (C), described above.
    The Exchange believes that including temporary rule text that 
describes how the Exchange will be processing Trading Halt Auctions 
following a MWCB Halt or regulatory halt beginning on November 20, 2017 
will promote the protection of investors and the public interest 
because it will provide transparency in Exchange rules regarding how 
the Exchange is operating. The proposed amendment would further promote 
transparency by including the end date for the temporary rule. Once the 
temporary rule is no longer in effect, the Exchange will file a 
proposed rule change to delete proposed Commentary .02(b) to Rule 
7.35E.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ The Exchange also proposes to amend Rule 7.35E(e)(10) to 
add the phrase ``halted or'' to the second sentence of that rule so 
that it would provide: ``Instead, the Exchange will remain halted or 
paused and will conduct a Closing Auction in such security as 
provided for in paragraph (d) of this Rule.'' The Exchange believes 
that because current Rule 7.35E(e)(10) applies to both halts and 
pauses, this proposed rule change clarifies the existing rule text. 
This proposed rule change would be in effect once the Temporary Rule 
described in Commentary .02(b) to Rule 7.35E has ended.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clarifying Amendments to Rule 7.35E(c)(1) and (d)(1)
    Rules 7.35E(c)(1) provides that the Exchange will begin publishing 
Core Open Auction Imbalance Information at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Rule 
7.35E(d)(1) provides that the Exchange will begin publishing Closing 
Auction Imbalance Information one hour before the scheduled time for 
the Closing Auction. Because regularly scheduled auctions are not 
overlapping, the Exchange does not publish auction imbalance 
information for more than one auction at a time. However, if there is a 
Trading Halt Auction during the period when the Exchange would 
otherwise be publishing either Core Open or Closing Auction Imbalance 
Information, the Exchange stops publishing the Core Open or Closing 
Auction information and begins publishing Trading Halt Auction 
Imbalance Information. The proprietary data feeds that carry the 
Auction Imbalance Information specify for which auction the auction 
imbalance information is for (e.g., Trading Halt Auction or Core Open 
Auction).
    The Exchange proposes to amend Rules 7.35E(c)(1) and (d)(1) to 
clarify what auction information is published if there is a halt (or 
pause) in the period when either Core Open Auction or Closing Auction 
Imbalance Information would otherwise be published.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ A halt before Core Trading Hours would be a regulatory halt 
because a Trading Pause will occur only during Core Trading Hours, 
and therefore a security would not be paused before the Core Open 
Auction, and a MWCB Halt can be triggered only during Core Trading 
Hours.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As proposed, Rule 7.35E(c)(1) would be amended to add that ``unless 
a security is halted,'' the Exchange will begin publishing Core Open 
Auction Imbalance Information at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Exchange 
further proposes to add two new sentences to the rule that would 
provide:

    If a security is halted after 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time but before 
the Core Open Auction, the Exchange will stop publishing Core Open 
Auction Imbalance Information and will begin publishing Trading Halt 
Auction Imbalance Information. The Exchange will resume publishing 
Core Open Auction Imbalance Information if the security reopens 
trading before Core Trading Hours begin.

    Similarly, as proposed, Rule 7.35E(d)(1) would be amended to add 
that ``unless a security is halted or paused,'' the Exchange will begin 
publishing Closing Auction Imbalance Information one hour before the

[[Page 56285]]

scheduled time for the Closing Auction. The Exchange further proposes 
to add two new sentences to that rule that would provide:

    If a security is halted or paused less than one hour before the 
scheduled time for the Closing Auction, the Exchange will stop 
publishing Closing Auction Imbalance Information and will begin 
publishing Trading Halt Auction Imbalance Information. The Exchange 
will resume publishing Closing Auction Imbalance Information the 
earlier of when the security reopens trading or ten minutes before 
the scheduled time for the Closing Auction.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ The reference in this proposed rule to resuming publishing 
Closing Auction Imbalance Information ten minutes before the 
scheduled time for the Closing Auction refers to Rule 7.35-E(e)(10), 
which will be implemented for Trading Pauses on November 20, 2017, 
and will be implemented for MWCB Halts and regulatory halts the 
earlier of February 26, 2018 or when the technology changes 
described above are implemented.

    Because the proposed amendments to Rules 7.35E(c)(1) and (d)(1) 
describe current functionality, the Exchange proposes that these rule 
changes would be implemented on the operative date of this filing.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with Section 6(b) of the Exchange Act,\17\ in general, and with Section 
6(b)(5),\18\ in particular, because it is designed to prevent 
fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and 
equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination 
with persons engaged in 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \18\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the proposed amendment to Rules 
7.35E(a)(10)(B) and (C) to allow auctions to be conducted at a price 
equal to the Auction Collars would remove impediments to and perfect 
the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system 
because it would align how auctions are priced with the rules of 
another exchange.\19\ Specifically, the application of auction collars 
on BZX Equities allow for an auction to be priced equal to the auction 
collars on that market. The proposed amendments to Rule 7.35E(a)(10) 
would similarly allow for the Exchange to price auctions equal to the 
Auction Collar. More specifically, for Trading Halt Auctions, the 
Exchange believes that this proposed rule change would remove 
impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and 
a national market system because it would align how reopening auctions 
are priced, which is consistent with the goal of the Reopening Filing 
to have standardized processes for re-opening a security following a 
Trading Pause across the primary listing exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ See supra note 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the proposed amendment to Rules 
7.35E(a)(10)(A) and 7.35-E(e)(7)(B)(i) and (ii) to apply the same 
rounding methodology as Nasdaq and BZX Equities when determining the 
Auction Collars following a Trading Halt Auction would remove 
impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and 
a national market system because it would align the Exchange's rules 
regarding how Auction Collars would be determined for a Trading Halt 
Auction with the rules of Nasdaq and BZX Equities. The Exchange further 
believes that it would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism 
of a free and open market to apply the proposed rounding methodology to 
determining Auction Collars for all auctions on the Exchange because it 
would promote consistency in the application of rounding when 
determining Auction Collars, thereby promoting consistency across 
Exchange rules and reducing potential confusion. The Exchange further 
believes that amending Exchange rules to provide that the lowest 
Auction Collar would be one MPV above $0.00 would remove impediments to 
and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national 
market system because it would clarify that an auction could run even 
if the Auction Collar would mathematically be equal to or below $0.00, 
thereby promoting transparency in Exchange rules.
    The Exchange believes that the Temporary Rules would remove 
impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and 
a national market system because these proposed rule changes would 
provide transparency regarding how the Exchange will function when the 
changes described in LULD Amendment 12 and the Reopening Filing are 
implemented, which is scheduled for November 20, 2017. The Exchange 
fully intends to implement the rules as approved in the Reopening 
Filing. However, the Exchange will not be able to implement Rule 
7.35E(e)(5), as described in the Exchange's current rules, or apply the 
processing describing in Rules 7.35E(e)(5), (6), (7)(C), (8), and (10) 
to Trading Halt Auctions following a MWCB Halt or regulatory halt, 
until the changes described for the proposed amendments to Rule 
7.35E(a)(10) are implemented. The Exchange believes that adding the 
Temporary Rules for the interim period pending such implementation will 
promote the protection of investors and the public interest because it 
will provide transparency in Exchange rules regarding how the Exchange 
is operating. The proposed amendment would further promote transparency 
by including the end date for the temporary rule.
    Finally, the Exchange believes that the proposed amendments to 
Rules 7.35E(c)(1) and (d)(1) will remove impediments to and perfect the 
mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system 
because these proposed amendments would clarify in Exchange rules which 
imbalance information would be published if there is a trading halt or 
pause during a period when either Core Open Auction or Closing Auction 
Imbalance Information is being published. The Exchange believes that 
the proposed clarifications will promote the protection of investors 
and the public interest because they will provide transparency 
regarding which imbalance information would be published at specific 
times prior to the Core Open and Closing Auctions.

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate 
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed rule change to 
Rules 7.35E(a)(10) and (e)(7) would remove a potential burden on 
competition by aligning the Exchange's rules regarding how auctions 
would be priced and Auction Collars would be determined with the rules 
of other exchanges. The proposed Temporary Rules and clarifying 
amendment to Rules 7.35E(c)(1) and (d)(1) are not designed to address 
any competitive issues but rather to promote transparency in Exchange 
rules regarding how the Exchange will function.

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.

[[Page 56286]]

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

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) 
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) 
become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or 
such shorter time as the Commission may designate, the proposed rule 
change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 
\20\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \21\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) 
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission 
written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along 
with a brief description and the text of the proposed rule change, 
at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the 
proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the 
Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6) under the 
Act \22\ normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date 
of its filing. However, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) \23\ permits the 
Commission to designate a shorter time if such action is consistent 
with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange 
has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that 
the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. According to 
the Exchange, the implementation date of November 20, 2017 for the 
changes described in the Reopening Filing and LULD Amendment 12 is an 
industry-wide implementation date. The Exchange states that it fully 
intends to implement the rules as approved in the Reopening Filing, but 
it will not be able to implement Rule 7.35E(e)(5) or apply the 
processing described in Rules 7.35E(e)(5), (6), (7)(C), (8), and (10) 
to Trading Halt Auctions following a MWCB Halt or regulatory halt until 
the proposed amendments to Rule 7.35E(a)(10) are implemented.\24\ 
According to the Exchange, until it makes the changes in the proposed 
amendments to Rule 7.35E(a)(10), it will have functionality in 
production that does not match its current rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \23\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \24\ According to the Exchange, the proposed amendments to Rules 
7.35E(a)(10) and (e)(7) are consistent with the goal of having 
standardized processes across primary listing exchanges for re-
opening a security following a Trading Pause, will promote 
consistency when determining Auction Collars across the Exchange's 
auctions, and will make clear that an auction could run even if the 
Auction Collar would mathematically be equal to or below $0.00.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. 
The Commission believes that implementing the Temporary Rules without 
delay will promote transparency in the Exchange's rules regarding how 
the Exchange will function during this interim period.\25\ The 
Commission notes that the Temporary Rules will be in effect until the 
Exchange implements its technology changes or until February 26, 2018, 
whichever is earlier. Accordingly, the Commission hereby waives the 30-
day operative delay and designates the proposal operative upon 
filing.\26\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ In addition, according to the Exchange, the proposed 
amendments to Rule 7.35E(c)(1) and (d)(1) will provide transparency 
regarding which imbalance information would be published at specific 
times prior to the Core Open and Closing Auctions.
    \26\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has also considered the proposed rule's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend the rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission 
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to 
determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or 
disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule 
change is consistent with the Act. 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-NYSEAMER-2017-33 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-NYSEAMER-2017-33. 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. Persons submitting 
comments are cautioned that we do not redact or edit personal 
identifying information from comment submissions. You should submit 
only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEAMER-2017-33 and should 
be submitted on or before December 19, 2017.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-25607 Filed 11-27-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P