Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”), and Rule 19b-4 thereunder, notice is hereby given that on June 3, 2002, the American Stock Exchange LLC (“Amex” or “Exchange”) 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 the Amex. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
17 CFR 240.19b-4.
On June 11, 2002, Amex filed Amendment No. 1 to clarify that the $50.00 cap on transaction charges for cross trades applies to each side of the trade. On August 27, 2002, Amex filed Amendment No. 2 to reduce transaction fees for non-member competing market makers from $0.40 per 100 shares to $0.15 per 100 shares.
See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 46484 (September 10, 2002), which implements these same fees for members.
I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change
The Amex proposes to adopt transaction fees for non-member trades in Nasdaq securities admitted to dealings on an unlisted basis. The text of the proposed revision to the Exchange's fee schedule is below. Additions are italicized.
Floor Fees through Registration and IDC Fees (No change)
Equity Fees
Amex Listed Company Equity Fee Schedule (No change)
Nasdaq UTP Equity Fee Schedule
Non-Member Competing Market Maker trades: $.15 per 100 shares
Non-Member Customer trades: $.15 per 100 shares
Notes:
1. A “competing market maker” is defined as a specialist or market maker registered as such on a registered stock exchange (other than the Amex) or on Nasdaq, or a market maker bidding and offering over-the-counter, in an Amex traded security.
2. The term “customer” includes any market participant other than a “competing market maker.”
3. The transaction charge for crosses is subject to a maximum charge of $50 per side.
Amex Exchange Traded Funds Fee Schedule (No change)
Bond Charges through Other Fees (No change)
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Not applicable.
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 Amex included statements concerning the purpose of, and the 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 Amex has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.
A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
1. Purpose
The Exchange is implementing a program to trade Nasdaq securities on an unlisted basis. The Exchange, accordingly, is implementing a separate fee schedule for transactions in Nasdaq securities admitted to dealings so that the Amex can be competitive with other market centers that trade Nasdaq securities. The proposed fees are in line with similar fees charged by other market centers for transactions in Nasdaq securities.
2. Statutory Basis
The proposed rule change is consistent with section 6(b) of the Act in general and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b) in particular in that it is designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among its member, issuers and other persons using its facilities.
15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
The proposed fee change will impose no 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
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 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 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. Persons making written submissions should file six copies thereof with the Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549-0609. 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 will also be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All submissions should refer to File No. SR-Amex-2002-47 and should be submitted by October 8, 2002.
For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.
Margaret H. McFarland,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 02-23535 Filed 9-16-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P