Notice2025-06034

Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend Its Price List

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Published
April 9, 2025

Issuing agencies

Securities and Exchange Commission

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 67 (Wednesday, April 9, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 9, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15287-15290]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-06034]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-102765; File No. SR-NYSE-2025-10]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; 
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To 
Amend Its Price List

April 3, 2025.
    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 March 31, 2025, New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE'' or the 
``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 
``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, 
and III 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.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to amend its Price List to adopt fees for 
orders routed pursuant to the Midpoint Ping routing strategy. The 
proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's website at 
<a href="http://www.nyse.com">www.nyse.com</a>, 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 the NYSE Price List to adopt fees 
for orders routed pursuant to the Midpoint Ping routing strategy, as 
defined in Rule 7.37(c)(9)(A). The Exchange proposes to implement the 
fee change effective April 1, 2025.

Background

    The Exchange operates in a highly competitive market. The 
Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') has repeatedly 
expressed its preference for competition over regulatory intervention 
in determining prices, products, and services in the securities 
markets. In Regulation NMS, the Commission highlighted the importance 
of market forces in determining prices and SRO revenues and, also, 
recognized that current regulation of the market system ``has been 
remarkably successful in promoting market competition in its broader 
forms that are most important to investors and listed companies.'' \4\
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    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 51808 (June 9, 
2005), 70 FR 37496, 37499 (June 29, 2005) (File No. S7-10-04) (Final 
Rule) (``Regulation NMS'').
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    While Regulation NMS has enhanced competition, it has also fostered 
a

[[Page 15288]]

``fragmented'' market structure where trading in a single stock can 
occur across multiple trading centers. When multiple trading centers 
compete for order flow in the same stock, the Commission has recognized 
that ``such competition can lead to the fragmentation of order flow in 
that stock.'' \5\ Indeed, cash equity trading is currently dispersed 
across 16 exchanges,\6\ numerous alternative trading systems,\7\ and 
broker-dealer internalizers and wholesalers, all competing for order 
flow. Based on publicly available information, no single exchange 
currently has more than 20% market share.\8\ Therefore, no exchange 
possesses significant pricing power in the execution of cash equity 
order flow. More specifically, the Exchange's share of executed volume 
of equity trades in Tapes A, B and C securities combined is currently 
less than 12%.\9\
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    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 61358, 75 FR 3594, 
3597 (January 21, 2010) (File No. S7-02-10) (Concept Release on 
Equity Market Structure).
    \6\ See Cboe U.S Equities Market Volume Summary, available at 
<a href="https://markets.cboe.com/us/equities/market_share">https://markets.cboe.com/us/equities/market_share</a>. See generally 
<a href="https://www.sec.gov/fast-answers/divisionsmarketregmrexchangesshtml.html">https://www.sec.gov/fast-answers/divisionsmarketregmrexchangesshtml.html</a>.
    \7\ See FINRA ATS Transparency Data, available at <a href="https://otctransparency.finra.org/otctransparency/AtsIssueData">https://otctransparency.finra.org/otctransparency/AtsIssueData</a>. A list of 
alternative trading systems registered with the Commission is 
available at <a href="https://www.sec.gov/foia/docs/atslist.htm">https://www.sec.gov/foia/docs/atslist.htm</a>.
    \8\ See Cboe Global Markets U.S. Equities Market Volume Summary, 
available at <a href="http://markets.cboe.com/us/equities/market_share/">http://markets.cboe.com/us/equities/market_share/</a>.
    \9\ See id.
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    The Exchange believes that the ever-shifting market share among the 
exchanges from month to month demonstrates that market participants can 
move order flow, or discontinue or reduce use of certain categories of 
products. While it is not possible to know a firm's reason for shifting 
order flow, the Exchange believes that one such reason is because of 
fee changes at any of the registered exchanges or non-exchange venues 
to which a firm routes order flow. Accordingly, competitive forces 
constrain exchange transaction fees because market participants can 
readily trade on competing venues if they deem pricing levels at those 
other venues to be more favorable.
Proposed Rule Change
    The Exchange has amended its rules to provide for the optional 
Midpoint Ping routing strategy, which is available for MPL-IOC 
Orders.\10\ An MPL-IOC Order designated with the Midpoint Ping routing 
strategy would first check the Exchange Book for available shares. Any 
remaining quantity of the order would then route as an MPL-IOC Order to 
one or more other NYSE Group equity exchanges sequentially, in 
accordance with the Exchange's routing table (as described in Rule 
7.37(c)(9) and published on the Exchange's website). At each routing 
destination, the order would check the book for available shares, and 
any further unexecuted quantity would then route to the next 
destination on the routing table, as applicable. Any shares that remain 
unexecuted after the order has been routed to each destination on the 
routing table (to the extent that there were shares remaining to be 
routed) will be cancelled.
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    \10\ See Rule 7.37(c)(9)(A); see also Securities Exchange Act 
Release No. 102603 (March 11, 2025), 90 FR 12382 (March 17, 2025) 
(SR-NYSE-2025-06).
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    In connection with the upcoming availability of the Midpoint Ping 
routing strategy on April 7, 2025,\11\ the Exchange proposes to amend 
the NYSE Price List to adopt routing fees that will apply to orders 
routed pursuant to the Midpoint Ping routing strategy.
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    \11\ See <a href="https://www.nyse.com/trader-update/history#110000947845">https://www.nyse.com/trader-update/history#110000947845</a>.
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    <bullet> Under ``Transactions in stocks with a per share stock 
price of $1.00 or more,'' in ``Routing Fee--per share,'' the Exchange 
proposes to add new rule text to provide for a routing fee of ``$0.0030 
for orders routed pursuant to the Midpoint Ping routing strategy (as 
defined in Rule 7.37(c)(9)(A)).'' \12\
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    \12\ For orders in securities priced below $1.00 routed pursuant 
to the Midpoint Ping routing strategy, the routing fee of 0.3% of 
total dollar value of the transaction set forth in the table under 
the section titled ``Transactions in stocks with a per share stock 
price less than $1.00'' in ``Routing Fee--per share in any stock 
with a per share stock price below $1.00'' will apply.
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    <bullet> In the section titled ``Transaction Fees and Credits For 
Tape B and C Securities'' in the first bullet under ``Routing Fees,'' 
relating to securities at or above $1.00, the Exchange proposes to add 
text specifying ``$0.0030 per share for orders routed pursuant to the 
Midpoint Ping routing strategy (as defined in Rule 7.37(c)(9)(A)).'' 
\13\
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    \13\ For orders in securities priced below $1.00 routed pursuant 
to the Midpoint Ping routing strategy, the routing fee of 0.30% of 
total dollar value of the transaction set forth in the second bullet 
under ``Routing Fees'' will apply.
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    The Exchange believes that this routing functionality would offer 
member organizations the opportunity to access midpoint liquidity on 
other trading venues (and, specifically, on the Exchange's affiliated 
equity exchanges). This routing functionality is completely optional, 
and member organizations can readily select from among various 
providers of routing services, including other exchanges and non-
exchange venues. Member organizations that choose not to utilize this 
routing strategy would continue to be able to trade on the Exchange as 
they currently do.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with Section 6(b) of the Act,\14\ in general, and furthers the 
objectives of Sections 6(b)(4) and (5) of the Act,\15\ in particular, 
because it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, 
fees, and other charges among its members, issuers and other persons 
using its facilities and does not unfairly discriminate between 
customers, issuers, brokers or dealers.
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    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5).
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    As discussed above, the Exchange operates in a highly competitive 
market. The Commission has repeatedly expressed its preference for 
competition over regulatory intervention in determining prices, 
products, and services in the securities markets. In Regulation NMS, 
the Commission highlighted the importance of market forces in 
determining prices and SRO revenues and, also, recognized that current 
regulation of the market system ``has been remarkably successful in 
promoting market competition in its broader forms that are most 
important to investors and listed companies.'' \16\ While Regulation 
NMS has enhanced competition, it has also fostered a ``fragmented'' 
market structure where trading in a single stock can occur across 
multiple trading centers. When multiple trading centers compete for 
order flow in the same stock, the Commission has recognized that ``such 
competition can lead to the fragmentation of order flow in that 
stock.'' \17\
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    \16\ See supra note 4.
    \17\ See supra note 5.
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    The Exchange believes that the ever-shifting market share among the 
exchanges from month to month demonstrates that market participants can 
shift order flow, or discontinue or reduce use of certain categories of 
products, in response to fee changes. Accordingly, changes to exchange 
transaction fees can have a direct effect on the ability of an exchange 
to compete for order flow.
    The Midpoint Ping routing strategy is intended to provide member 
organizations with the option to, after interacting with interest on 
the Exchange Book, route remaining quantities of MPL-IOC Orders to 
other NYSE Group equity exchanges. This routing functionality is 
provided by the Exchange on a voluntary basis, and no

[[Page 15289]]

rule or regulation requires that the Exchange offer it. Nor does any 
rule or regulation require market participants to route orders in this 
manner. As noted above, the Exchange operates in a highly competitive 
market in which market participants can readily select between various 
providers of routing services with different product offerings and 
different pricing. The Exchange believes the proposed fees are 
reasonable, as they are within the range of other routing fees the 
Exchange currently charges.
    The Exchange believes its proposal equitably allocates its fees 
among market participants. The Exchange believes that the proposal 
represents an equitable allocation of fees because it would apply 
uniformly to all member organizations, in that all member organizations 
will have the ability to utilize the Midpoint Ping routing strategy, 
and each such member organization would be charged the proposed fee 
when utilizing the functionality. Without having a view of member 
organizations' activity on other exchanges and off-exchange venues, the 
Exchange has no way of knowing whether this proposed rule change would 
serve as a disincentive to utilize the order type. However, the 
Exchange believes that a number of member organizations would seek to 
utilize the functionality, which would facilitate access to midpoint 
liquidity on other trading venues.
    The Exchange reiterates that the routing functionality offered by 
the Exchange is completely optional and that the Exchange operates in a 
highly competitive market in which market participants can readily 
select between various providers of routing services with different 
product offerings and different pricing. The Exchange believes that the 
proposed fee structure for orders routed pursuant to the Midpoint Ping 
routing strategy is a fair and equitable approach to pricing.
    The Exchange believes that the proposal is not unfairly 
discriminatory. The Exchange believes it is not unfairly discriminatory 
as the proposal to charge a fee would be assessed on an equal basis to 
all member organizations that use the Midpoint Ping routing strategy. 
Moreover, this proposed rule change neither targets, nor will it have a 
disparate impact on, any particular category of market participant. The 
Exchange believes that this proposal does not permit unfair 
discrimination because the changes described in this proposal would be 
applied to all similarly situated member organizations. Accordingly, no 
member organization already operating on the Exchange would be 
disadvantaged by the proposed allocation of fees. The Exchange further 
believes that the proposed rule change would not permit unfair 
discrimination among member organizations because the Midpoint Ping 
routing strategy would remain available to all member organizations on 
an equal basis, and each such participant would be charged the same fee 
for using the functionality.
    Finally, the submission of orders to the Exchange is optional for 
member organizations in that they could choose whether to submit orders 
to the Exchange and, if they do, the extent of its activity in this 
regard. The Exchange believes that it is subject to significant 
competitive forces, as described below in the Exchange's statement 
regarding the burden on competition.
    For the foregoing reasons, the Exchange believes that the proposal 
is consistent with the Act.

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

    In accordance with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act,\18\ the Exchange 
believes that the proposed rule change would not impose any burden on 
competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the 
purposes of the Act. The Exchange believes that the proposed change 
furthers the Commission's goal in adopting Regulation NMS of fostering 
integrated competition among orders, which promotes ``more efficient 
pricing of individual stocks for all types of orders, large and 
small.'' \19\ The Exchange does not believe that the proposed fee 
change represents a significant departure from previous pricing offered 
by the Exchange or pricing offered by the Exchange's competitors. 
Member organizations may opt to disfavor the Exchange's pricing if they 
believe that alternatives offer them better value. Accordingly, the 
Exchange does not believe that the proposed change will impair the 
ability of member organizations or competing venues to maintain their 
competitive standing in the financial markets.
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    \18\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8).
    \19\ See supra note 4.
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    Intramarket Competition. The Exchange believes the proposed 
amendment to its Price List would not impose any burden on competition 
that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of 
the Act. The Midpoint Ping routing strategy is available to all member 
organizations, and all member organizations that use the functionality 
to route their orders would be charged the proposed fee. This routing 
functionality is provided by the Exchange on a voluntary basis, and no 
rule or regulation requires that the Exchange offer it. Member 
organizations have the choice whether or not to use the Midpoint Ping 
routing strategy, and those that choose not to utilize it will not be 
impacted by the proposed rule change. The Exchange also does not 
believe the proposed rule change would impact intramarket competition, 
as the proposed fee would apply equally to all member organizations 
that choose to utilize the Midpoint Ping routing strategy, and 
therefore the proposed change would not impose a disparate burden on 
competition among market participants on the Exchange.
    Intermarket Competition. The Exchange operates in a highly 
competitive market in which market participants can readily choose to 
send their orders to other exchange and off-exchange venues if they 
deem fee levels at those other venues to be more favorable. As noted 
above, the Exchange's market share of intraday trading is currently 
less than 12%. In such an environment, the Exchange must continually 
adjust its fees and rebates to remain competitive with other exchanges 
and with off-exchange venues. Because competitors are free to modify 
their own fees and credits in response, and because market participants 
may readily adjust their order routing practices, the Exchange does not 
believe its proposed fee change can impose any burden on intermarket 
competition.

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

    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act,\20\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(2) thereunder \21\ the Exchange has designated this proposal as 
establishing or changing a due, fee, or other charge imposed on any 
person, whether or not the person is a member of the self-regulatory 
organization, which renders the proposed rule change effective upon 
filing. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of

[[Page 15290]]

investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
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    \20\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
    \21\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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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

    <bullet> Use the Commission's internet comment form (<a href="https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml">https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml</a>); or
    <bullet> Send an email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4133342d246c222e2c2c242f3532013224226f262e37"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="542621383179373b3939313a2027142731377a333b22">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>. Please include 
file number SR-NYSE-2025-10 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

    <bullet> 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-NYSE-2025-10. 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 website (<a href="https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml">https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml</a>). 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 website 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 
a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for 
inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. Do not 
include personal identifiable information in submissions; you should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. We 
may redact in part or withhold entirely from publication submitted 
material that is obscene or subject to copyright protection. All 
submissions should refer to file number SR-NYSE-2025-10 and should be 
submitted on or before April 30, 2025.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\22\
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    \22\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Sherry R. Haywood,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2025-06034 Filed 4-8-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


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