Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing of Amendment No. 2 to Proposed Rule Change by the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc. Relating to Charges to Members for Orders Entered Through the Intermarket Options Linkage

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 March 18, 2003, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc. (“Phlx” or “Exchange”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) a proposed rule change, as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Phlx. On March 21, 2003, Phlx filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change. The proposed rule change, as amended by Amendment No. 1, was originally published for comment in the Federal Register on April 2, 2003. On April 23, 2003, Phlx filed Amendment No. 2 to the proposed rule change. On April 23, 2003, Phlx filed a supplementary letter to Amendment No. 2. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on Amendment No. 2 to the proposed rule change from interested persons.

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

In the Original Filing, Phlx proposed to amend its fee schedule to set forth charges applicable to Principal Orders sent to the Exchange via the Intermarket Options Linkage (“Linkage”). In the proposed fee schedule attached to the Original Filing, floor brokerage assessments (which do not apply to Linkage orders) were not accurately described. In addition, in a separate filing, Phlx amended its fee schedule on April 11, 2003 to modify the fees applicable to broker/dealers for non-AUTO-X trades. Previously, the fee was $.35 per contract. Now, the fee ranges from $.35 per contract to $.20 per contract, depending on the number of contracts. In the Original Filing, Phlx stated that its proposed linkage fees were consistent with other fees charged by the Exchange for non-Linkage Orders. In Amendment No. 2, Phlx clarifies that due to the recent changes to the options transaction charges applicable to broker-dealers discussed above, the proposed fee applicable to Principal Orders sent to the Exchange via the Linkage is no longer consistent with other fees charged by the Exchange for non-Linkage Orders.

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

In its filings with the Commission, 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. 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 Exchange proposes to modify the fee schedule to reflect changes made to Phlx's fee schedule subsequent to the Original Filing and to make a correction to the fee schedule.

2. Statutory Basis

Phlx believes that the proposed rule change, as amended, is consistent with section 6(b) of the Act, in general, and furthers the objectives of section 6(b)(4), in that it is an equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among Exchange members who avail themselves of the linkage.

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

Phlx does not believe that the proposed rule change, as amended, will impose any inappropriate burden on competition.

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

The Exchange has neither solicited nor received written comments on the proposed rule change, as amended.

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

Within 35 days of the publication of this notice in the Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which Phlx consents, the Commission will:

(A) by order approve the proposed rule change, as amended, or

(B) institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change, as amended, should be disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning Amendment No. 2, including whether Amendment No. 2 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 Number SR-Phlx-2003-16 and should be submitted by May 27, 2003.