03-8609. Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by the American Stock Exchange LLC to Extend a Pilot Program Relating to Crossing Procedures on the Amex in Nasdaq National Market Securities

April 2, 2003.

Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”),^[1] and rule 19b-4 thereunder,^[2] notice is hereby given that on March 26, 2003, the American Stock Exchange LLC (“Amex” or “Exchange”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in items I, II and III below, which items have been prepared by the Exchange. On March 31, 2003, the Amex amended the proposed rule change.^[3] The Exchange filed the proposal pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act,^[4] and rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder,^[5] which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission.^[6] The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change, as amended, from interested persons.

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

The Amex proposes to extend until September 30, 2003 its pilot program under Commentary .06 to Amex rule 126(g) relating to crossing procedures on the Amex in Nasdaq National Market securities. The Amex proposes no substantive changes to the pilot, other than extending its operation until September 30, 2003. The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Amex and at the Commission.

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 Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for its proposal and discussed any comments it received regarding the proposal. 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 Amex has implemented crossing procedures under Amex rule 126(g), Commentary .06 on a pilot basis extending until March 31, 2003.^[7] The Amex initially filed the pilot program in SR-Amex-2002-58.^[8] The Exchange now proposes to extend the pilot for a six-month period until September 30, 2003. Proposed Amex Rule 126(g), Commentary .06 provides that a floor broker is permitted to effect cross transactions in Nasdaq National Market securities involving 5,000 shares or more without interference by the specialist or market makers if, prior to presenting the cross transaction, the floor broker first requests a quote for the subject security. These requests place the specialist and market makers on notice that the floor broker intends to cross within the bid-offer spread. This arrangement ensures that a specialist or market maker retains the opportunity to better the cross price by updating their quote, but precludes the specialist or market maker from breaking up a cross transaction after the cross transaction is presented. The floor broker retains the ability to present both sides of the order at the post if the customers so desire.

The Amex is making no changes to the pilot as filed with the Commission in SR-Amex-2002-58, other than to extend the pilot program until September 30, 2003.

2. Statutory Basis

The Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent with section 6(b) of the Act ^[9] in general, and furthers the objectives of section 6(b)(5) ^[10] 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 facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, to protect investors and the public interest, and is not designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.

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

The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition.

C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others

The Exchange did not receive any written comments on the proposed rule change.

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

Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not:

(i) significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest;

(ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and

(iii) become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act ^[11] and rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.^[12] At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

The Amex has requested that the Commission accelerate the operative date. The Commission believes waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. Acceleration of the operative date will allow the pilot to operate without interruption until September 30, 2003. For these reasons, the Commission designates the proposal to be effective and operative upon filing with the Commission.^[13]

IV. Solicitation of Comments

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposal 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 Amex. All submissions should refer to file number SR-Amex-2003-20 and should be submitted by April 30, 2003.

For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.^[14]

Margaret H. McFarland,

Deputy Secretary.

Footnotes

1.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).

2.  17 CFR 240.19b-4.

3.  See March 28, 2003 letter from Geraldine Brindisi, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Amex, to Nancy Sanow, Assistant Director, Division of Market Regulation, Commission and attachments (“Amendment No. 1”). Amendment No. 1 completely replaces and supersedes the original filing.

4.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).

5.  17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).

6.  The Exchange asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay. See Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii). 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).

7.  See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 46635 (October 10, 2002), 67 FR 64424 (October 18, 2003)(SR-Amex-2002-74).

8.  See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 46309 (August 5, 2002), 67 FR 51902 (August 9, 2002)(SR-Amex-2002-58)

9.  15 U.S.C. 78f(b).

10.  15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

11.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).

12.  17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).

13.  For purposes only of accelerating the operative date of this proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).

14.  17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).