FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          2001-30
     
     
     
                    COMMISSION EXTENDS INITIAL COMPLIANCE DATE OF 
                           TRADE-THROUGH DISCLOSURE RULE
     
     
        Washington, DC, March 16, 2001 - Yesterday the Securities and
Exchange Commission announced that it is extending the initial
compliance date for the Trade-Through Disclosure Rule for six
months to October 1, 2001.  The extension will enable the options
exchanges to continue their work on the implementation of an intermarket
linkage.
        
        For further information, contact:  Jennifer Colihan in the
Division of Market Regulation at 202-942-0735.