Apr 03, 2012
Nasdaq amends peg rules to support market stability
Primary pegged orders with an offset amount
can now be traded on a non-displayed basis on Nasdaq OMX’s three US-based equities
exchanges, a move that will “improve system and inter-market price stability”,
according to the exchange group.
The rule change applies to Nasdaq OMX’s New
York stock market, Nasdaq OMX BX in Boston and Nasdaq OMX PHLX in Philadelphia,
following filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
In its filings, Nasdaq OMX asserts that the
display of primary peg orders with an offset amount can result in “quote
flickering” or excessive messaging when multiple venues display pegged
non-marketable orders that subsequently interact with each other.
Previously, rules on Nasdaq OMX’s US
exchanges permitted primary and market pegged orders to be displayed or
non-displayed while midpoint pegged orders are not displayed. A primary pegged
order’s price is equal to the inside quote on the same side of a market; a
market pegged order matches the inside quote on the opposite side of the
market. Primary and market peg orders can establish their pricing relative to
the appropriate bids or offers by selecting one or more offset amounts that
will adjust the price of the order by the offset amount selected.
The rule change to eliminate the display of
primary pegged orders with an offset amount will prevent feedback loops,
“adding to system stability and improving market quality”, the exchange said.
Nasdaq OMX added that market participants
would still be able to display orders through other order options, such as
using primary pegged orders without an offset amount or market pegged orders.
Primary pegged orders without an offset amount are do not pose the same
messaging risks because they are priced at the inside quote.
The SEC previously gave the green light for
non-display of pegged orders when it approved the application of BATS Exchange
to register a national securities exchange.
On Friday, Nasdaq OMX confirmed plans to launch
a third US options platform in 2012. The exchange group, which already operates
the electronic Nasdaq Options Market and hybrid floor-based Nasdaq OMX PHLX,
said the new exchange would introduce a new pricing and business model to the
market.
“It is too early to tell the exact pricing
or functionalities, but our aim is always to offer innovative market structure
that improves the quality of the marketplace,” said Tom Wittman, head of Nasdaq
OM’s US options business, in a statement.
There are currently nine options exchanges
in the US. Listed options volumes have grown at a compound annual growth rate
of 20% over the last decade.
Chris Hall
+44 (0)20 7397 3819
chris.hall@thetrade.ltd.uk