03-1756. Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change by Nasdaq Liffe Markets, LLC Relating to Final Settlement Prices for Cash-Settled Security Futures Products and Trading Restrictions and ...

January 15, 2003.

Pursuant to section 19(b)(7) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”)^[1] and rule 19b-7 thereunder,^[2] notice is hereby given that on December 17, 2002, Nasdaq Liffe Markets, LLC (“NQLX”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “Commission”) the proposed rule changes as described in items I, II, and III below, which items have been prepared by NQLX. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule changes from interested persons. NQLX also has certified the proposed rule changes with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) under section 5c(c) of the Commodity Exchange Act ^[3] (“CEA”) on October 30, 2002, and December 16, 2002.

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Description of the Proposed Rule Change

Currently, NQLX does not intend to offer cash-settled security futures products. However, NQLX proposes to adopt rule 904 that would serve as a place holder in case NQLX ever decides to offer cash-settled security futures contracts. In addition, NQLX proposes to adopt rule 426(a) to make clear that NQLX's chief executive officer or president has the power to restrict or suspend trading in any NQLX-listed contract at any time during an emergency if he believes that the restriction or suspension is necessary to maintain a fair and orderly market or is necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. Below is the text of the proposed rule changes. Text in italics indicates material to be added.

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Rule 426 Trading Restrictions and Suspensions

(a) The Chief Executive Officer or President shall have the power to restrict or suspend trading in any Exchange Contract on NQLX at any time during an Emergency if he believes that the restriction or suspension is necessary to maintain a fair and orderly market or is necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors.

Rule 904 Contract Specifications-Security Futures Products that Cash-Settle.

Reserved

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II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

NQLX has prepared statements concerning the purpose of, and statutory basis for, the proposed rule change, burdens on competition, and comments received from members, participants, and others. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in item IV below. These statements are set forth in sections A, B, and C below.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose

Currently, NQLX does not intend to offer cash-settled security futures products. However, NQLX is proposing to adopt rule 904 that would serve as a place holder in case NQLX ever decides to offer cash-settled security futures contracts. In addition, NQLX proposes adopting rule 426(a) to make clear that NQLX's chief executive officer or president has the power to restrict or suspend trading in any NQLX-listed contract at any time during an emergency if he believes that the restriction or suspension is necessary to maintain a fair and orderly market or is necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors.

2. Statutory Basis

NQLX files these proposed rules pursuant to section 19(b)(7) of the Act.^[4] NQLX believes that its proposed rules comply with the requirements under section 6(h)(3)(H) of the Act ^[5] and the criteria under section 2(a)(1)(D)(i)(VII) of the CEA.^[6] In addition, NQLX believes that its proposed rules are consistent with the provisions of section 6 of the Act ^[7] in general, and section 6(b)(5) of the Act ^[8] in particular, which requires, among other things, that the rules of an exchange be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest.

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

NQLX does not believe that the proposed rules 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

NQLX neither solicited nor received written comment on the proposed rules.

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

Pursuant to section 19(b)(7)(B) of the Act,^[9] the proposed rule changes, as filed with the Commission, became effective on December 17, 2002.

Within 60 days of the date of effectiveness of the proposed rules, the Commission, after consultation with the CFTC, may summarily abrogate the proposed rules and require that the proposed rules be refiled in accordance with the provisions of section 19(b)(1) of the Act.^[10]

IV. Solicitation of Comments

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rules conflict with the Act. Persons making written submissions should file nine copies of the submission with the Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549-0609. Comments also may be submitted electronically to the following e-mail address: [e-mail]. Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rules that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rules 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 these filings will also be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of NQLX. Electronically submitted comments will be posted on the Commission's internet website (http://www.sec.gov). All submissions should refer to File No. SR-NQLX-2002-03 and should be submitted by February 18, 2003.

For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.^[11]

Margaret H. McFarland,

Deputy Secretary.

Footnotes

1.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(7).

2.  17 CFR 240.19b-7.

3.  7 U.S.C. 7a-2(c).

4.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(7).

5.  15 U.S.C. 78f(h)(3)(H).

6.  7 U.S.C. 2(a)(1)(D)(i)(VII).

7.  15 U.S.C. 78f.

8.  15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

9.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(7)(B).

10.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).

11.  17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).