Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc. To Waive Transaction and Comparison Fees on Customer Equity Option Orders.

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 1, 2000, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc. (“Phlx” or “Exchange”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission(“SEC” or “Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Phlx. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.

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

The Phlx proposes to amend its schedule of dues, fees and charges to waive all comparison and transaction charges for customers trading equity options. The proposed fee is effective on September 1, 2000.

The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Phlx and the Commission.

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

In its filing with the Commission, the Phlx 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 these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Phlx 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 purpose of the proposed rule change is to amend the Phlx fee schedule to waive and eliminate all comparison and transaction charges to customers connected with the trading of equity options.

Currently, the Phlx imposes both comparison and transaction fees on all equity option trades, which vary in amount depending on whether a transaction involves a Registered Options Trader (“ROT”), a firm, a specialist or a customer. Customer orders electronically executed through the Phlx's Automated Options Market (AUTOM) system are entirely exempt from both comparison and transaction fees. Customer block orders (in certain size categories) are entitled to transaction fee discounts up to 25% of the normal charge. Under the proposed rule change all charges to ROTs, firms and specialists will remain unchanged.

The Phlx estimates that annual cost savings for customers will approximate $4.5 million based upon year-to-date results through July, 2000. These proposed fee adjustments are necessary in order to make the Phlx's fees more competitive with equivalent fees charged by other exchanges and to either maintain or enhance the volume of equity option orders placed with the Phlx. These downward adjustments in fee levels will also encourage the use of options by the investing public and promote competition and efficiencies among exchanges.

Recently, the American Stock Exchange, Chicago Board Options Exchange and the Pacific Exchange have all changed their respective rules to eliminate similar equity option fees.

2. Statutory Basis

The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act in general and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(4) of the Act, in particular, because it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among its Members and others utilizing the Phlx.

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

The Phlx 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 Phlx has neither solicited nor received written comments on the proposed rule change.

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

The foregoing rule change establishes or changes a due, fee or charge imposed by the Phlx and, therefore, has become effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b-4(f)(2) thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of such 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 purpose of the Act.

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 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 Phlx. All submissions should refer to File No. SR-Phlx-00-80 and should be submitted by October 25, 2000.