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Code · REGISTER · 2005-05-04 · SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION · Notices

Notices. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

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BILLING CODE 8010-01-C SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-51623; File No. SR-FICC-2004-17] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Order Granting Approval of a Proposed Rule Change To Modify the Assessment Process for Late Submissions of Collateral Made Through the GCF Repo Service and To Increase the Types of Securities Available To Satisfy Collateral Allocation Obligations April 28, 2005. I. Introduction On August 13, 2004, the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (“FICC”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) and on March 14, 2005, amended proposed rule change File No.
SR-FICC-2004-17 pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”). 1 Notice of the proposed rule change was published in the **Federal Register** on March 29, 2005. 2 No comment letters were received. For the reasons discussed below, the Commission is now granting approval of the proposed rule change. 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 51413 (March 23, 2005), 70 FR 15960. II. Description FICC is amending the rules of the Government Securities Division (“GSD”) of FICC to modify the assessment process for late submissions of collateral allocations made through its GCF Repo service and to increase the types of securities that can be used by a member in satisfaction of collateral obligations. 3 3 The proposed rule change also amends GSD's rules to clarify that where a collateral allocation obligation is satisfied by the posting of U.S.
Treasury Bills, notes, or bonds, such securities must mature in a time frame no greater than that of the securities that have been traded except if such traded securities are U.S. Treasury Bills, such obligations must be satisfied with the posting of “comparable securities” and/or cash only. 1. Assessment Process for Late Submissions of Collateral Allocations Made Through the GCF Repo Service On October 30, 1998, the Commission granted approval to FICC's predecessor, the Government Securities Clearing Corporation, to implement its GCF Repo service, which is a significant alternative financing vehicle to the delivery versus payment and tri-party repo markets. 4 That approval included a fine schedule for failure to adhere to relevant timeframes.
The fine schedule was not implemented because of certain events. 5 More recently, FICC has shifted the service from an interbank service to an intrabank service in order to address certain payment system risk issues that have arisen and that have resulted in decreased volumes. 6 FICC believes, given the lower volumes and likely forthcoming changes to the service to address the payment system risk issues, that the original fine schedule should be replaced. 4 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 40623 (October 30, 1998), 63 FR 59831 (November 5, 1998) [File No.
SR-GSCC-98-02]. 5 As a new and complex service, members had difficulty adhering to the time frames. In addition, the initial rate of participation was very low, and there was a need to encourage growth in the service. 6 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 48006 (June 10, 2003), 68 FR 35745 (June 16, 2003) [SR-FICC-2003-04]. Specifically, FICC is implementing a late fee schedule to replace the late fine schedule. FICC believes that late fee schedules are appropriate in situations where the member's lateness causes an operational burden on FICC but does not result in risk to FICC or its members. 7 In addition, in order to encourage members to make their collateral allocations on a timely basis, there will now be one late fee targeted to the most significant time frame surrounding the service.
Specifically, if a dealer does not make the required collateral allocation by the later of 4:30 p.m. (New York time) or 1 hour after the actual close of Fedwire GCF repo reversals, the dealer will be subject to a late fee of $500.00. Finally, in order to alleviate the potential operational and administrative burdens caused by late collateral allocations, FICC is amending the GCF Repo rules to provide that FICC will process collateral allocation obligations that are received after 6 p.m. on a good faith basis only.
This 6 p.m. deadline will replace the 7 p.m. final cutoff for dealer allocations of collateral to satisfy obligations. 7 In a GCF Repo transaction, a borrower does not receive the funds borrowed until it makes the required collateral allocation. The lender maintains control of the funds until the allocation is made. The transaction does not produce a risk of loss to FICC, the lender, or other members. 2. Types of Collateral Used To Satisfy Collateral Allocation Obligations Currently, GSD Rule 20 provides that a collateral allocation obligation may be satisfied with “comparable securities,” Treasury securities, and/or cash.
“Comparable securities” are defined to include any securities that are represented by the same generic CUSIP number as the securities in question. Therefore, in the event that a member does not have enough of the collateral securities or the “comparable securities,” the only collateral that can be used is Treasury securities and/or cash. GSD members have approached FICC and have asked that it amend rules to add certain additional collateral options. In response, FICC is amending its rules as set forth below:
(a)Ginnie Mae adjustable-rate mortgage obligations can be satisfied with Ginnie Mae fixed-rate mortgage backed securities and
(b)Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac adjustable-rate mortgage obligations can be satisfied with:
(i)Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities,
(ii)Ginnie Mae fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities, and
(iii)Ginnie Mae adjustable-rate mortgage obligations. III. Discussion Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act requires among other things that the rules of a clearing agency be designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions. 8 The Commission finds that by allowing FICC's members additional collateral options with which to meet GCF collateral allocation obligations and by implementing a fee schedule that should incentivize members to allocate collateral on a timely basis, FICC's proposed rule change should promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of GCF Repo transactions. As such, FICC's proposed rule change is consistent with Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act. 8 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F). IV. Conclusion On the basis of the foregoing, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act and in particular Section 17A of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. *It is therefore ordered,* pursuant to section 19(b)(2) of the Act, 9 that the proposed rule change (File No. SR-FICC-2004-17) be and hereby is approved. 9 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). For the Commission by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority. 10 10 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12). Margaret H. McFarland, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-2165 Filed 5-3-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010-01-P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-51626; File No. SR-NASD-2005-054] Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change Relating to Certain Amendments to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the By-Laws of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. April 28, 2005. 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 April 19, 2005, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”), through its subsidiary, the Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. (“Nasdaq”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in items I, II, and III below, which items have been prepared by Nasdaq. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b-4. I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change Nasdaq filed this proposed rule change to make certain amendments to the Nasdaq Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate”) and the Nasdaq By-Laws (the “By-Laws”) to phase out the current classified board structure and provide for the annual election of all members of the Nasdaq Board of Directors (the “Nasdaq Board”). Under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“Delaware law”), the proposed amendments to the Certificate must be approved by Nasdaq's stockholders. Nasdaq has submitted the text of the proposed amendments to the Certificate to its stockholders for approval at the 2005 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”), which will be held on May 25, 2005. After Nasdaq's stockholders approve the proposed amendments to the Certificate, Nasdaq will immediately amend this rule filing to indicate such approval. In order to allow the amendment to take effect as approved by the stockholders, Nasdaq requests that, if the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act, immediately after Nasdaq's stockholders approve of the proposed amendments to the Certificate, then the proposed rule change will be approved on May 25, 2005. 3 Below is the text of the revised rule change. Proposed new language is in *italics;* proposed deletions are in [brackets]. 3 Telephone conversation between John Yetter, Associate General Counsel, Nasdaq, and Mia Zur, Attorney, Division of Market Regulation (“Division”), Commission (April 28, 2005). RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET, INC. ARTICLE FIFTH A. No change. B. [The] *Subject to the provisions of this paragraph B, the* Board (other than those directors elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article Fourth hereof, (the “Preferred Stock Directors”)) shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. [Class I directors shall initially serve until the first] *Each director elected or appointed prior to the effectiveness of this Certificate of Amendment under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware shall serve for his or her full term, such that the term of each Class I director shall expire at the 2007* annual meeting of stockholders [following the effectiveness of this Restated Certificate of Incorporation; Class II directors shall initially serve until] *; the term of each Class II director shall expire at* the [second] *2005* annual meeting of stockholders [following the effectiveness of this Restated Certificate of Incorporation]; and *the term of each* Class III [directors shall initially serve until the third] *director shall expire at the 2006* annual meeting of stockholders [following the effectiveness of this Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this Restated Certificate of Incorporation, directors of each class the term of which shall then expire shall be elected to hold office for a three-year term and until the election and qualification of their respective successors in office]. In case of any increase or decrease, from time to time, in the number of directors (other than Preferred Stock Directors), the number of directors in each class shall be apportioned as nearly equal as possible. *The term of each director elected at the 2005 annual meeting of stockholders and at each subsequent annual meeting of stockholders shall expire at the first annual meeting of stockholders following his or her election. Commencing with the 2007 annual meeting of stockholders, the foregoing classification of the Board shall cease, and the directors, other than the Preferred Stock Directors, shall be elected by the holders of the Voting Stock (as hereinafter defined) and shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors shall have been duly elected and qualified, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office.* C. Subject to the rights of the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall only be filled by the Board. [Any director so chosen shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such directors shall have been chosen and until his successor shall be elected and qualified.] No decrease in the number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director. D. Except for Preferred Stock Directors, any director, or the entire Board, may be removed from office at any time, but only [for cause and only] by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3 % of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Nasdaq entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (“Voting Stock”), voting together as a single class. E. No change. BY-LAWS OF THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET, INC. ARTICLE IV BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sec. 4.1-Sec. 4.3 No change. Election Sec. 4.4 Except as otherwise provided by law, these By-Laws, or the Delegation Plan, after the first meeting of Nasdaq at which Directors are elected, [a class of] Directors of Nasdaq shall be elected each year at the annual meeting of the stockholders, or at a special meeting called for such purpose in lieu of the annual meeting. If the annual election of Directors is not held on the date designated therefore, the Directors shall cause such election to be held as soon thereafter as convenient. Sec. 4.5 No change. Removal Sec. 4.6 Any or all of the Directors may be removed from office at any time[, but only for cause,] by the affirmative vote *of* at least 66 2/3 percent of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Nasdaq entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. Sec. 4.7-Sec. 4.16 No change. II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, Nasdaq 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. Nasdaq has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. *Purpose* Nasdaq seeks to phase out its current classified board structure and provide for the annual election of the entire Nasdaq Board. The Certificate provides in Article Fifth, paragraph B that the Nasdaq Board be divided into three classes, with one class elected at each annual meeting and members of each class serving three-year terms. The Certificate and Nasdaq's By-Laws provide, in accordance with Delaware law applicable to classified boards of directors, that directors may be removed only for cause. This system for electing directors was established in June 2000 while Nasdaq was still a wholly-owned subsidiary of NASD in anticipation of NASD's sale of a portion of its interest in Nasdaq in 2000 and 2001 that led to Nasdaq becoming a publicly traded corporation. Nasdaq believes that the determination of whether a classified board of directors serves the interests of stockholders of a corporation requires an examination of all relevant factors by the directors and stockholders of the corporation. In light of Nasdaq's particular situation, including its unique role as regulator and operator of a securities market, Nasdaq believes that the annual election of directors may better serve its investors by enhancing accountability through more frequent elections. Nasdaq also believes that the size and diversified experience of the Nasdaq Board are likely to assist Nasdaq in retaining seasoned directors despite more frequent election. While a classified board generally may discourage takeover attempts because the extended terms of directors can delay a change in control of the board of directors, Nasdaq does not believe that there is a clear consensus on whether this is a positive or negative result for stockholders. In order to ensure a smooth transition to the system of annual election of the entire Nasdaq Board, the proposed rule change would not shorten the terms of directors elected prior to the Annual Meeting. As a result, the terms of Class 2 directors, who are up for election at the Annual Meeting, would be for one year and would expire at the 2006 annual meeting if the amendment is approved by stockholders and the Commission. Class 1 and Class 3 directors would continue to serve until their current terms expire in 2007 and 2006, respectively, and annual election would apply to these directors thereafter. Directors elected by the Nasdaq Board to fill vacancies that may arise will serve for the remainder of the term of the class to which the director was elected. Beginning in 2007, the classification of the Nasdaq Board would end and all directors would be subject to annual election. The proposed amendments to the Certificate also would delete the existing requirement which provides, in accordance with the provisions of Delaware law applicable to classified boards of directors, that directors may be removed only for cause. Under Delaware law, directors of companies that do not have classified boards may be removed by stockholders with or without cause. The Nasdaq Board has approved conforming amendments to the By-Laws that would be effective only in the event the proposed amendment is approved by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting and by the Commission. The conforming amendments are also included as proposed rule changes in this filing. 2. Statutory Basis Nasdaq believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act, including section 15A(b)(2) and
(6)of the Act, 4 which require, among other things, that Nasdaq be so organized and have the capacity to be able to carry out the purposes of the Act and to comply with and enforce compliance with the provisions of the Act, and that Nasdaq's rules are designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. Nasdaq believes that the changes proposed to the Certificate and By-Laws will serve the public interest by enhancing the accountability of board members through more frequent elections. Nasdaq also believes that enhancing the accountability of its board members will also help Nasdaq fulfill its obligations arising under the Act. 4 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(2) and (6). B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition Nasdaq does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Within 35 days of the date of publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** or within such longer period
(i)as the Commission may designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or
(ii)as to which the NASD consents, the Commission will: A. By order approve 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 e-mail to *rule-comments@sec.gov.* Please include File Number SR-NASD-2005-054 on the subject line. Paper comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Jonathan G. Katz, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549-0609. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NASD-2005-054. This file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail 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 inspection and copying in the Commission's Public Reference Room. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Nasdaq. 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-NASD-2005-054 and should be submitted on or before May 25, 2005. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority. 5 5 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12). Margaret H. McFarland, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-2166 Filed 5-3-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010-01-P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-51628; File No. SR-NYSE-2005-28] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Relating to Its Original Financial Listing Standards Pilot Program April 28, 2005. 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 April 25, 2005, the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (“NYSE” or “Exchange”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in items I and II below, which items have been prepared by the Exchange. The proposed rule change has been filed by the NYSE as a “non-controversial” rule change pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6) under the Act. 3 The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b-4. 3 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange seeks to extend its original financial listing standards pilot program (the “Pilot Program”) 4 until the earlier of July 31, 2005, or such date as the Commission may approve File Number SR-NYSE-2004-20, 5 which seeks permanent approval of the Pilot Program. The Pilot Program established revised financial standards applicable to the listing of equity securities on the Exchange. The Pilot Program is currently in effect on an extended basis until the earlier of April 30, 2005, or such date as the Commission may approve File Number SR-NYSE-2004-20. 6 4 *See* Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 51104 (January 28, 2005), 70 FR 6482 (February 7, 2005) (File No. SR-NYSE-2005-08); 50615 (October 29, 2004), 69 FR 64799 (November 8, 2004) (File No. SR-2004-58); 50123 (July 29, 2004), 69 FR 57474 (August 5, 2004) (File No. SR-NYSE-2004-40); and 49154 (January 29, 2004), 69 FR 5633 (February 5, 2004) (approving File No. SR-NYSE-2003-43). 5 *See* Securities Exchange Act Release No. 51332 (March 8, 2005), 70 FR 15392 (March 25, 2005). 6 *See* Securities Exchange Act Release No. 51104, supra note 4. 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 parts of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose On January 29, 2004, the Commission granted accelerated approval to the Pilot Program on a six-month pilot basis through July 30, 2004. 7 Two comments were received in response to File Number SR-NYSE-2003-43. 8 The NYSE thereafter filed File Number SR-NYSE-2004-15 on March 16, 2004 for immediate effectiveness, 9 which suspended portions of the original Pilot Program regarding minimum numerical continued listing set forth in section 802.01B of the NYSE's Listed Company Manual. In File Number SR-NYSE-2004-15, the Exchange noted its intention to publish the requirements of the original Pilot Program regarding minimum numerical continued listing standards set forth Section 802.01B for public comment on a non-accelerated timeframe. File Number SR-NYSE-2004-15 did not, however, affect the Pilot Program with respect to original listing standards set forth in sections 102.01C and 103.01B of the NYSE's Listed Company Manual or the Pilot Program's non-substantive change to the language of section 802.01C. 7 *See* Securities Exchange Act Release No. 49154, *supra* note 4. 8 *See* letters to Jonathan G. Katz, Secretary, Commission, from W. Randy Eaddy, Kilpatrick Stockton LLP, dated March 11, 2004, and Kenneth A. Hoogstra, von Briesen & Roper, s.c., dated February 25, 2004. 9 *See* Securities Exchange Act Release No. 49443 (March 18, 2004), 69 FR 13929 (March 24, 2004) (File No. SR-NYSE-2004-15). On April 4, 2004, the Exchange filed File Number SR-NYSE-2004-20, which seeks permanent approval for the Pilot Program currently in effect with respect to the Exchange's original minimum listing standards and approval of the continued minimum listing standards as originally proposed in File Number SR-NYSE-2003-43. File Number SR-NYSE-2004-20 was published in the **Federal Register** on July 2, 2004. 10 Three comment letters were received in response to File Number SR-NYSE-2004-20. 11 Following consideration of these comment letters, the Exchange filed Amendment No. 2 to File Number SR-NYSE-2004-20 on August 31, 2004. 12 On October 12, 2004, the Exchange filed File Number SR-NYSE-2004-58 to extend the Pilot Program until January 31, 2005. 13 On January 13, 2005, the Exchange filed File Number SR-NYSE 2005-08 to extend the Pilot Program until April 30, 2005. 14 Thereafter, the Exchange filed amendments to File Number SR-NYSE-2004-20 on November 29, 2004, 15 December 17, 2004, 16 January 25, 2005, 17 February 17, 2005, 18 and March 4, 2005. 19 File Number SR-NYSE-2004-20, as amended, was re-published for comment in the **Federal Register** on March 25, 2005. 20 Therefore, the Exchange believes it is appropriate to extend the amended Pilot Program until the earlier of July 31, 2005, or such date as the Commission may approve File Number SR-NYSE-2004-20. 10 *See supra* note 5. 11 *See* letters to Jonathan G. Katz, Secretary, Commission, from Richard F. Latour, President & CEO, MicroFinancial Incorporated, July 15, 2004, Kenneth A. Hoogstra, von Briesen & Roper, s.c., dated July 20, 2004, and John L. Patenaude, Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Nashua Corporation, dated July 22, 2004. 12 *See* letter to Nancy J. Sanow, Assistant Director, Division, Commission, from Darla C. Stuckey, Corporate Secretary, NYSE, dated August 31, 2004 (“Amendment No. 2”). 13 *See* Securities Exchange Act Release No. 50615, supra note 4. 14 *See* Securities Exchange Act Release No. 51104, supra note 4. 15 *See* Amendment No. 3, dated November 29, 2004, submitted by Mary Yeager, Assistant Corporate Secretary, NYSE. 16 *See* Amendment No. 4, dated December 17, 2004, submitted by Mary Yeager, Assistant Corporate Secretary, NYSE. 17 *See* Amendment No. 5, dated January 25, 2005, submitted by Mary Yeager, Assistant Corporate Secretary, NYSE. 18 *See* Amendment No. 6, dated February 17, 2005, submitted by Mary Yeager, Assistant Corporate Secretary, NYSE. 19 *See* Amendment No. 7, dated March 4, 2005, submitted by Mary Yeager, Assistant Corporate Secretary, NYSE. 20 *See* Securities Exchange Act Release No. 51332, supra note 5. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 21 because it is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. 21 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 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. C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received with respect to the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Because the foregoing proposed rule change
(1)does not significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest;
(2)does not impose any significant burden on competition; and
(3)by its terms, does not become operative until 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, and the Exchange provided the Commission with written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission, it has become effective pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 22 and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder. 23 At any time within 60 days of the filing of this proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. 22 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 23 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). Although Rule 19b-4(f)(6) under the Act 24 requires that an Exchange submit a notice of its intent to file at least five business days prior to the filing date, the Commission is waiving this requirement at the Exchange's request in view of the fact that the proposed rule change seeks to continue the existing Pilot Program. The NYSE has also requested that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay. The Commission believes waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. Waiver of the operative date will allow the Exchange's Pilot Program to continue without any interruption in service to issuers and investors. For these reasons, the Commission designates the proposal to be effective and operative upon filing with the Commission. 25 24 *Id.* 25 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay of this proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 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 e-mail to *rule-comments@sec.gov* . Please include File Number SR-NYSE-2005-28 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Jonathan G. Katz, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549-0609. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSE-2005-28. This file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail 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 inspection and copying in the Commission's Public Reference Section, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549. Copies of such filing also will be available on NYSE's Web site ( *http://www.nyse.com/regulation/construles/1098741855384.html* ) and for inspection and copying at the principal office of NYSE. 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-NYSE-2005-28 and should be submitted on or before May 25, 2005. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority. 26 26 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12). J. Lynn Taylor, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-2169 Filed 5-3-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010-01-P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-51627; File No. SR-PCX-2005-27] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change and Amendment No. 1 Thereto by the Pacific Exchange, Inc. Relating to the Calculation of the National Best Bid or Offer When Another Exchange is Disconnected From the Intermarket Option Linkage April 28, 2005. 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 March 31, 2005, the Pacific Exchange, Inc. (“PCX” or “Exchange”) 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. On April 19, 2005, the Exchange filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change. 3 The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change, as amended, from interested persons. 1 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b-4. 3 *See* Form 19b-4 dated April 19, 2005 (“Amendment No. 1”). Amendment No. 1 replaced and superseded the original filing in its entirety. I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange is proposing to add Exchange Rule 6.94(e) to add provisions for declaring an away market unreliable when an away market is disconnected from the Intermarket Option Linkage (“Linkage”) 4 and to relocate the current rule on declaring an away market unreliable to Exchange Rule 6.94(e). The text of the proposed rule change, as amended, is available on the Exchange's Web site ( *http://www.pacificex.com* ), at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission Public Reference Room. 4 “Linkage” means the systems and data communications network that link electronically the Participants to one another for the purpose of sending and receiving Linkage Orders, related confirmations, order statuses and Administrative Messages. *See* Section 2(14) of the Plan for the Purpose of Creating and Operating and Intermarket Option Linkage. II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The purpose of the proposed rule change is to codify the Exchange's current policy on declaring an away market unreliable when an away market is disconnected from Linkage. Currently, the Exchange relies on Exchange Rule 6.87(h)(4) to determine whether an away market is unreliable. In order to clarify the Exchange's practices for declaring an away market unreliable, the Exchange is proposing to add Exchange Rule 6.94(e). Proposed Exchange Rule 6.94(e) is substantially similar to current Exchange Rule 6.87(h)(4), except that proposed Exchange Rule 6.94(e) adds provisions relating to declaring an away market unreliable when such away market is disconnected from Linkage. Proposed Exchange Rule 6.94(e)(A)(iii) would codify the Exchange's policy to declare an away market unreliable if such away market is disconnected from Linkage. The Exchange believes that declaring an away market that has been disconnected from Linkage unreliable is necessary to eliminate quotes from the National Best Bid or Offer (“NBBO”) calculation that are not readily available to PCX OTP Holders 5 and OTP Firms. 6 When the Exchange receives notice that an away market has been disconnected from Linkage, the senior person in charge of the Exchange Control Room will direct that the away market that has been disconnected from Linkage be declared unreliable and removed from the Exchange's NBBO calculation until the sooner of the end of the trading day or the time that the quotes are confirmed by the Exchange to be reliable again. The Exchange believes that the described procedure for removing an away market from, or including an away market in, the Exchange's NBBO calculation is appropriate and efficient because the Exchange receives electronic confirmation that an away market has been disconnected from or reconnected to Linkage. 7 Receipt of this real time information, in conjunction with the proposed rule change, will allow the Exchange to disseminate the most accurate NBBO calculation to the PCX OTP Holders and OTP Firms. 5 *See* Exchange Rule 1.1(q). 6 *See* Exchange Rule 1.1(r). 7 At the request of the Exchange, the Commission staff made a change to this sentence to clarify that the Exchange believes that the described procedures are appropriate and efficient for both removing an away market, as well as for including an away market, in the Exchange's NBBO calculation. Telephone conversation between Steven Matlin, Senior Counsel, Exchange, and Kim Allen, Attorney, Division of Market Regulation, on April 22, 2005. The Exchange is also proposing to move the provisions for declaring an away market unreliable in Exchange Rule 6.87(h)(4) to proposed Exchange Rule 6.94 (Order Protection), because the Exchange believes Exchange Rule 6.94 is a more appropriate rule to address declaring an away market unreliable. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act 8 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 9 in particular, because the proposed rule change 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, and to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system. 8 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 9 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 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. C. Self Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others The Exchange has neither solicited nor received written comments on the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Within 35 days of the date of publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** or within such longer period
(i)as the Commission may designate up to 90 days of such date 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 the 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 e-mail to *rule-comments@sec.gov.* Please include File Number SR-PCX-2005-27 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Jonathan G. Katz, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549-0609. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-PCX-2005-27. This file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail 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 inspection and copying in the Commission's Public Reference Room. 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-PCX-2005-27 and should be submitted on or before May 25, 2005. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority. 10 10 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12). J. Lynn Taylor, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-2170 Filed 5-3-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010-01-P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5021] Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (Committee Renewal) *Summary:* On March 30, 2005, the Department of State renewed the Charter of the Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) for an additional two years. *Effective Date:* Upon Publication. *For Further Information Contact:* David F. Hogan, IATTC GAC Designated Federal Official, Office of Marine Conservation, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington DC 20520, Phone: 202-647-2335. *Supplementary Information:* The IATTC was established pursuant to the Convention for the Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, signed in 1949. The purpose of the Commission is to conserve and manage the fisheries and associated resources of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The United States is represented to the IATTC by the U.S. Section, which includes four Presidentially-appointed Commissioners and a Department of State representative. The General Advisory Committee to the United States Section of the IATTC was established pursuant to Section 4 of the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 (16 U.S.C. 953, as amended), the implementing statute for the IATTC Convention. The goal of the Advisory Committee is to serve the U.S. Section to the IATTC, the Department of State, and other agencies of the U.S. Government as advisors on matters relating to international conservation and management of stocks of tuna and dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, and in particular on the development of U.S. policy and positions associated with such matters. The Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section of the IATTC may be terminated only by law. In accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), a new Charter must be issued on a biennial basis from the date the current Charter was approved and filed with Congress and the Library of Congress. The current Charter expired in 2004 due to staff changes. The Committee is composed of representatives of the major U.S. tuna harvesting, processing, and marketing sectors. Additionally, Committee membership includes representatives of recreational fishing interests and environmental interests formulating specific U.S. policy recommendations and positions. The Advisory Committee will continue to follow the procedure prescribed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Meetings will continue to be open to the public unless a determination is made in accordance with Section 10 of the FACA, 5 U.S.C. Secs. 552b(c)(1) and (4), that a meeting or a portion of the meeting should be closed to the public. Notice of each meeting continues to be provided for publication in the **Federal Register** as far in advance as possible prior to the meeting. Dated: April 11, 2005. David A. Balton, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and Fisheries, Department of State. [FR Doc. 05-8877 Filed 5-3-05; 8:45 am]
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