NASDAQ to Launch Marketplace Designed for Exchange Traded Products

The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. NDAQ, the world's largest exchange company, today announced that it will re-launch NASDAQ OMX PSX^(SM) (PSX^(SM)) in an effort to create the leading marketplace for Exchange Traded Products (ETPs). The price-time exchange will offer unique market making programs and features designed to provide robust liquidity to institutional and retail investors. PSX will re-launch in May 2013 pending approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Upon re-launch, PSX will offer Registered Market Maker and PSX Supplemental Liquidity Provider (XLP) designations to participants that undertake an affirmative quoting obligation on the exchange. These market making programs will ensure committed liquidity is available by offering superior economics to participants that meet quoting requirements on a per-security basis. PSX also plans to introduce an innovative, competitive and transparent Lead Market Maker program designed to narrow spreads and increase displayed size in ETP securities. PSX registered market makers may compete for LMM status in ETP securities and will receive enhanced benefits in exchange for assuming enhanced liquidity provision obligations. In addition to receiving superior economics in the ETPs they lead, LMMs will be promoted by PSX to the ETP issuer and investor communities.