Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change by the American Stock Exchange LLC; New York Stock Exchange, Inc.; Boston Stock Exchange, Inc.; Cincinnati Stock Exchange, Inc., Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc.; Pacific Exchange Inc.; Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc.; and National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Regarding the Temporary Use by the American Stock Exchange LLC of the Facilities of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

Notice and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change Regarding the Temporary Use by theAmex of NYSE Facilities

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

(Release No. 34-44803; File No. SR-Amex-2001-78)

September 17, 2001

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change by the American Stock Exchange LLC; New York Stock Exchange, Inc.; Boston Stock Exchange, Inc.; Cincinnati Stock Exchange, Inc., Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc.; Pacific Exchange, Inc.; Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc.; and National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Regarding the Temporary Use by the American Stock Exchange LLC of the Facilities of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

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 September 16, 2001, the American Stock Exchange LLC ("Amex") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission" or "SEC") the proposed rule changes as described in Items I.A. and II below. In addition to the Amex, the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") filed with the SEC the proposed rule change described in Item II below; and the Boston Stock Exchange ("BSE"), Cincinnati Stock Exchange, Inc. ("CSE"), Chicago Stock Exchange ("CHX"), NYSE, Pacific Exchange, Inc. ("PCX"), Philadelphia Stock Exchange ("Phlx"), and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. on behalf of Nasdaq ("Nasdaq Intermarket" or "ITS/CAES") (collectively, "ITS Participants"), filed with the SEC the proposed rule changes as described in Items I.B. and II below.

The proposed rule changes concern temporary arrangements made for Amex's continued trading of Amex listed securities and exchange traded funds ("ETFs") due to the structural damage to its trading floor caused by the recent terrorist attacks. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. As discussed below, the Commission is also granting accelerated approval to the proposal.

I. Self-Regulatory Organizations' Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Changes

A. Amex

The Amex proposes to amend its rules to trade Amex listed equity securities and ETFs on and through facilities provided by the NYSE. The NYSE proposes to provide such facilities to Amex, subject to certain acknowledgments of limitation of liability. The text of the proposed rule changes follows. New text is in italics.

Temporary Rule 1-On an emergency basis, the American Stock Exchange temporarily modifies its rules, pursuant to the terms of Securities Exchange Act Release No. 44803 (September 17, 2001) (Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change by the American Stock Exchange LLC, et. al. Regarding the Temporary Use of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Facilities), and Securities Exchange Act Release No. 44797 (September 16, 2001) (emergency order pursuant to Section 12(k)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 taking temporary action to respond to market developments concerning the American Stock Exchange LLC).

(a) Pursuant to Rule 232(b) whenever an Exchange specialist, in arranging an opening transaction on the Exchange in any Eligible Listed Security, anticipates that the opening transaction on the Exchange will be at a price that represents a change from the security's previous day's consolidated closing price of more than the "applicable price change" set forth in Rule 232, he shall notify the other Participant markets of the situation by sending a "pre-opening notification" through the System. Market makers registered in that security in other Participant markets may access the Amex/NYSE facility when responding to a "pre-opening notification" in that security by placing an order with a member or member organization for routing through the common message switch to the Amex Order File ("AOF"). Members and member organizations shall not accept a principal order from such a market maker for entry through AOF on the same side of any market imbalance.

(b) An Exchange specialist in any Eligible Listed Security shall use best efforts to (i) avoid "Exchange trade-throughs" and "Locked Markets" as those terms are defined in Rule 236; and (ii) respond to "commitments to trade" during the time period chosen by the sender of the commitment as required by the Intermarket Trading System Plan and Exchange rules. No liability will arise solely as a result of a failure by an Exchange specialist to respond to a commitment to trade.

* * * * *

B. ITS Participants

The BSE, CSE, CHX, NYSE, PCX, Phlx, and Nasdaq Intermarket propose to amend their Intermarket Trading System ("ITS") rules on a temporary basis, consistent with the terms of this order, to conform to Amex's proposed Temporary Rule 1(b).

II. Self-Regulatory Organizations' Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Changes

In their filings with the Commission, the individual ITS Participants included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule changes. Some or all of the ITS Participants have prepared summaries set forth in Section A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.

A. Self-Regulatory Organizations' Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Changes

1. Purpose

On September 11, 2001, the United States equities and options markets determined not to open in light of the attacks that morning on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The United States equities and options markets have remained closed since that time. On Monday September 17, 2001, the markets plan to reopen for trading.

Some of the nation's securities exchanges may have incurred physical damage or disruption that require relocation of trading facilities and personnel to another suitable physical location. The Amex, in particular, has reported that it will be unable to occupy its trading floor at this time. Amex anticipates that its electronic order routing systems will function as they did prior to September 11, 2001. However, due to the severe damage to the infrastructure surrounding its own building, Amex proposes to relocate part of its operations to the floor of the NYSE. Amex's physical space at the NYSE will be limited; and the number of Amex member firm personnel will also be limited. As a result, specialists will have to perform their usual functions as well as the functions of floor brokers. In addition, the Amex will need to modify or suspend certain of its rules, as described below.

Specifically, the Amex proposes to amend its rules to trade Amex listed stocks and ETFs on the NYSE floor and through facilities of the NYSE ("Amex/NYSE facility") pursuant to Amex temporary rules. The Amex proposes that, beginning on September 17, 2001, and continuing until such time as the Amex is able to resume trading under its permanent rules, the Amex equity limit order book (known as Point of Sale or "POS") would be available for Amex specialists' use on hardware provided by the NYSE. Further, the Amex proposes that all limit orders currently residing on the Amex book would continue to be on the book for those stocks and ETFs traded on the Amex/NYSE facility. Amex proposes that member firms would be able to submit orders and cancellations through the Common Message Switch to the Amex book, and executions would be reported as Amex trades on Tape B. The Amex represents that this emergency use of the Amex/NYSE facility is necessary because of the September 11th terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City and the consequent limitation on the use of the Amex trading floor and facilities.

a. Limitation of Liability

By accepting this arrangement with the NYSE to conduct Amex operations on the floor of the NYSE, the Amex, its members, and their employees who are authorized to enter onto the NYSE floor to carry out trading as described herein, shall accept the same limitations on the liability of the NYSE for use of its facilities for the conduct of business that normally apply to any NYSE member, member organization, or employee thereof in the conduct of his or its business on the NYSE.

b. Intermarket Trading System

As mentioned above, the relocation of the Amex has resulted in logistical and technical difficulties. The Amex represents that the Amex/NYSE facility will be operating in much more limited space and with fewer specialists and clerks than is usual. For example, rather than the normal 134 screens, all Amex securities will be represented on 71 screens. As each specialist will be responsible for many more securities than normal, they will have limited capacity to respond to individual messages received through the ITS, including commitments and administrative messages such as "trade or move" messages and complaints regarding trade-throughs. In addition, for a number of securities with lower trading volume, the specialist will have limited access to National Best Bid and Offer ("NBBO") information. Also, although during the pre-opening, the Amex/NYSE facility will be able to send pre-opening indications and receive pre-opening responses at a single price, the Amex/NYSE facility will have a limited ability to view or to respond to pre-opening responses at multiple price points.

Therefore, Amex proposes a temporary rule under which each of the ITS Participants could individually elect to participate in the ITS linkage with the Amex/NYSE facility, with the following modifications. For 30 days or as long as the technical and logistical difficulties exist at the Amex/NYSE facility, whichever is sooner, the BSE, CSE, CHX, NYSE, PCX, Phlx, and Nasdaq Intermarket (i.e., ITS/CAES) have each individually agreed to a reciprocal arrangement with Amex that for the temporary period of time specified in this order, notwithstanding any provision of the ITS Plan: (i) Amex specialists will use their best efforts to respond to ITS messages, including ITS commitments; and (ii) specialists on the BSE, CSE, CHX, NYSE, PCX, and Phlx, and ITS/CAES market makers will in turn use their best efforts to respond to ITS messages, including ITS commitments, from Amex. Under this arrangement, the terms of the ITS Plan will continue to govern commitments that are executed between any of the parties to this arrangement. Further, this arrangement is a bilateral agreement between each of the parties mentioned above and the Amex. Should any exchange choose not to enter into this arrangement, that exchange will be unable to send or receive ITS messages, including ITS commitments, to or from Amex, and will not be subject to the terms of the ITS Plan with respect to Amex; and Amex will not be subject to the terms of the ITS Plan with respect to those exchanges. Finally, the ITS Plan will continue to govern commitments and all other transactions effected through ITS that do not involve Amex.

With regard to pre-opening trading, Amex proposes a temporary rule whereby Amex will take orders through AOF (previously known as PERS) from other exchanges. In the case of a market imbalance, the proposed rule would prohibit all market makers accessing the Amex/NYSE facility from entering proprietary orders in AOF that are on the same side of the market as the imbalance. The proposed rule would apply following the first pre-opening indication.

To the extent that Amex's current technical and logistical problems make compliance with Amex's permanent ITS rules impractical or impossible for trading on the Amex/NYSE facility, the Amex proposes to temporarily suspend any inconsistent portions of those rules that relate to ITS and, in particular, Amex Rules 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, and 236. The Amex, however, has proposed a new temporary rule that would impose an obligation on specialists participating in the Amex/NYSE facility to use best efforts to avoid trade-throughs and locked and crossed markets. Amex has also represented that it will have an official on the floor that is available by telephone to address obvious errors and other ITS situations.

c. Order Types

The Amex represents that the Amex/NYSE facility will be unable to accommodate order types that rely on a printer capability at the specialist post. These include: Market on Close (MOC) under Amex Rule 131(e); Limit on Close under Amex Rule 131(e); Immediate or Cancel under Amex Rule 131(k); Fill or Kill under Amex Rule 131(i); "Opening Only" Market Orders under Amex Rule 131(f); and market "all or none" orders under Amex Rule 131(c). Consequently, Amex proposes a temporary rule, notwithstanding any provision in the Amex's rules to the contrary, that contemplates that Amex will not be able to accommodate these order types.

In addition, the Amex believes that there will be some limitations on odd-lot orders in the Amex/NYSE facility. Specifically, market and marketable limit odd-lot orders are normally executed through the AOF and will continue to be executed on the Amex/NYSE facility. Non-marketable odd-lot limit orders, due to the constraints on network printers, will not be accepted. Consequently, the Exchange proposes to amend Amex Rule 205, and any other rule or portion thereof applicable to non-marketable odd-lot limit orders, on a temporary basis to preclude these order types.

d. Floor Brokers

The Exchange notes that Amex floor brokers will not have access to the Amex/NYSE facility. The Amex therefore proposes a temporary rule that would permit NYSE floor brokers to be deputized as Amex members for the purposes of delivering and representing orders in Amex stocks and ETFs to the Amex/NYSE facility. The Exchange proposes that these deputized Amex members would be subject to Amex rules and disciplinary jurisdiction. (The NYSE will obtain an acknowledgement from its floor brokers to this effect.) The Amex proposes to waive specific compliance with, and the deputized NYSE floor brokers would be deemed in compliance with, Amex Article I, Section 3(c), Amex Article IV, Section 1, and other Amex rules relating to exchange membership. Amex states that such deputization is consistent with prior Commission-approved practices respecting the use of another exchange facility to trade options. Deputization of NYSE floor brokers will provide an additional method for the submission and execution of orders.

Specifically, deputized NYSE floor brokers representing orders in securities traded on the Amex/NYSE facility would be subject to all provisions in Amex rules that would apply to an Amex member acting as a floor broker in the same securities, with one exception. Deputized NYSE floor brokers, as such, will be deemed to have satisfied, and the Amex will waive specific compliance with, rules governing or applying to the maintenance of a person's or a firm's status as an Amex member, including all dues, fees, and charges imposed generally upon Amex members based on their status as such. Amex believes that the overall regulatory framework of the NYSE adequately addresses the subject matter of these rules.

e. Order Size Limitation

The Exchange represents that, in connection with the operation of the Amex/NYSE facility, the Amex's systems would allow the routing of orders up to 99,900 shares for ETFs, and 30,000 shares for equity securities. Consequently, the Amex proposes to temporarily suspend its current policy prohibiting the breaking up of orders of more than 99,900 or 30,000 shares, as the case may be, to fit within these size parameters.

f. Specialist Obligations

The Amex represents that, due to limited physical space at the Amex/NYSE facility, Amex specialists will have to perform not only their usual functions, but also the functions of floor brokers. As a result, the Exchange proposes to suspend the application of several trading rules applicable to specialists. In addition, the Exchange proposes to suspend the Auto-Ex function for ETFs.

The Amex proposes to suspend application of its current rules that prohibit specialists from receiving orders from members and member organizations, including but not limited to Amex Rules 126(g), 154, 190, and 220. However, the portions of any current rules, including but not limited to Amex Rules 154, 190, and 220, that do not pertain to specialists' receipt of orders from members and member organizations, will remain operative. In addition, Amex proposes to suspend application of its current rules that prohibit specialists with off-floor facilities from receiving orders at these off-floor facilities for routing to the trading floor. Further, the Amex proposes a temporary rule that would suspend the provisions of Amex Rule 154, limiting the types of orders that a specialist may accept. Amex proposes a temporary rule that would, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in Amex's current rules, allow specialists to accept "not held orders" and "price and time" discretionary orders of 50,000 shares or more.

The Exchange represents that, due to space constraints, trading by registered options traders ("ROTs") will not be accommodated on the NYSE floor. Consequently, the Exchange proposes a temporary rule to suspend various provisions of Amex Rule 958, which sets forth the obligations of ROTs, as these provisions relate to the trading of ETFs. The Amex proposes that a ROT entering orders in securities in which it is registered from off the floor will continue to be designated as a specialist on the Amex for all purposes under the Act, so that the ROT may continue to receive favorable margin and other treatment.

g. Trading Hours

Finally, the Amex notes that there will be no after-hours trading or trading of non-convertible corporate debt on the Amex/NYSE facility. Therefore, the Exchange proposes a temporary rule that would suspend Amex Rules 1300 through 1306, and any other rules or portion thereof relating to after-hours trading and the trading of non-convertible corporate debt.

2. Statutory Basis

The Amex believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act, in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5), in particular, in that 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 regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transaction in securities, and, in general to protect investors and the public interest. The NYSE, CSE, CHX, BSE, PCX, Phlx, and Nasdaq Intermarket believe that their proposed rule changes identified in this order are consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act.

B. Self-Regulatory Organizations' Statement on Burden on Competition

The Amex believes that the proposed rule changes will impose no burden on competition. The NYSE, CSE, CHX, BSE, PCX, Phlx, and Nasdaq Intermarket believe that their proposed rule changes identified in this order will not impose any burden on competition.

C. Self-Regulatory Organizations' Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Changes Received from Members, Participants or Others

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

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

The Amex and the other ITS Participants have requested that the Commission find good cause, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act, for approving the proposed rule change so that Amex may restore operations and reopen for trading despite its inability to use its own building and trading floor due to the physical damage to the infrastructure surrounding its premises.

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 changes 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 ITS Participants. All submissions should refer to the File No. SR-Amex-2001-78 and should be submitted by [insert date 21 days from date of publication].

V. Commission Findings and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of the Proposed Rule Change

The United States securities markets are the world's strongest and most vibrant. The Commission believes that the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, will have little lasting market impact. To that end, the Commission seeks to serve investors and the markets through all available means to facilitate the reopening of fair and orderly markets.

Some of the nation's securities exchanges may have incurred physical damage or disruption that require relocation of trading facilities and personnel to another suitable physical location. The Amex, in particular, has reported that it will be unable to occupy its trading floor at this time. The Amex anticipates that its electronic order routing systems will function as they did prior to September 11, 2001, with the exception of the ETF Auto-Ex system. Due to the severe damage to the infrastructure surrounding its own building, however, Amex will relocate part of its operations to the floor of the NYSE. Amex's physical space and its personnel at this location will be limited.

In light of the technical and logistical limitations of the Amex/NYSE facility, the Commission finds that the Amex's proposal to trade Amex equity securities and ETFs on the Amex/NYSE facility is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange. Specifically, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act in that the arrangement between the Amex and NYSE 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 regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities. Most important, the proposed temporary rules will allow Amex specialists and member firms to resume trading on September 17, 2001, despite the damage to Amex's permanent trading facilities -- thereby potentially serving as an important source of liquidity for investors. The Commission notes that the Amex represents that it will be responsible for, and will conduct surveillance of, trading on the Amex/NYSE facility, including the deputized NYSE floor brokers, as described above. The Commission also expects that the Amex will aggressively work to implement solutions to the issues identified in this order, especially as they relate to ITS, in order to resume trading under Amex's permanent rules as soon as practicable.

While specialists may have to perform the functions of floor brokers in addition to their usual functions under Amex's temporary rules, the Commission notes that their activities will be limited by the terms of Securities Exchange Act Release No. 44797 (September 16, 2001) (emergency order pursuant to Section 12(k)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 taking temporary action to respond to market developments concerning the American Stock Exchange LLC). Further, Amex Rule 190, entitled "Specialist's Transactions with Public Customers" will continue to apply. This Rule prohibits specialists from directly or indirectly effecting any business transactions with a company or any officer, director or 10% stockholder of a company in which stock the specialist is registered. The rule further prohibits specialists from accepting any orders for the purchase or sale of any stock in which the specialist is registered directly from: (1) the company issuing the stock; (2) any officer, director or 10% stockholder of that company; (3) from any pension or profit-sharing fund; or (4) any bank, trust company, insurance company, investment company or similar institution.

The Commission also finds that Amex's proposed temporary rules regarding ITS access are a reasonable accommodation to address the physical constraints of the Amex/NYSE facility. Amex specialists, as well as specialists on BSE, CSE, CHX, PCX, NYSE, Phlx, and ITS/CAES market makers, will use their best efforts to avoid trade-throughs and locked markets, and to respond to commitments to trade during the time period chosen by the sender of the commitment as currently required by the ITS Plan. The Commission notes that, under Exchange Act Rule 11Aa3-2(d), a "reasonable justification or excuse" exists for Amex not to enforce compliance with the ITS Plan by its members and persons associated with its members for this temporary period, consistent with the terms of this order. Likewise, a "reasonable justification or excuse" exists under the Rule for the parties to the bilateral agreement (BSE, CSE, CHX, PCX, NYSE, Phlx, and Nasdaq Intermarket) not to enforce compliance with the ITS Plan by their members and persons associated with their members with respect to Amex for this temporary period, consistent with the terms of this order. Should any exchange choose not to enter into this arrangement, that exchange will be unable to send or receive ITS messages, including ITS commitments, to or from the Amex, and will not be subject to the terms of the ITS Plan with respect to the Amex; also, Amex will not be subject to the terms of the ITS Plan with respect to those exchanges. These arrangements may continue for 30 days or when the technical and logistical difficulties no longer exist at the Amex/NYSE facility, whichever is sooner. Finally, the ITS Plan will continue to govern commitments and all other transactions effected through ITS that do not involve Amex.

The Commission finds good cause for granting Amex and the other ITS Participants' request to approve the proposed rule changes prior to the thirtieth day after the date of publication of notice of filing thereof in the Federal Register. The Commission believes that granting accelerated approval to the proposal is in the public interest and for the protection of investors in order to maintain and restore fair and orderly securities markets, and in time for Amex to resume trading on September 17, 2001.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act, that the proposed rule change (File No. SR-Amex-2001-78) is approved on an accelerated basis.

For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.

 
Jonathan G. Katz
 
Secretary

Action as set forth or recommended herein
APPROVED pursuant to authority delegated by the
Commission under Public Law 87-592.

For the Division of Market Regulation

by:___________________________________________

(DATE)