NYSE Group Inc. is reshuffling its lineup of trading venues, including the restyling of NYSE MKT as its exchange for small and mid-cap companies, as part of a strategy that aims to improve choice for issuers and investors by offering four unique exchange venues.
The exchange giant unveiled its strategy for its equities markets on Wednesday, which will continue to feature the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as its primary listings venue and the only exchange to utilize floor brokers as well as the rebranding of NYSE MKT as NYSE American to serve as its venue for small- and mid-capitalization stocks.
NYSE American will also seek regulatory approval for new market features, including a 350-microsecond trading delay, proprietary data and outbound routing, NYSE Group’s announcement says.
“NYSE American will provide a unique, efficient market combining the benefits of electronic [market makers] and mid-point trading strategies,” the firm says, noting that the new name recalls the exchange’s heritage as the American Stock Exchange.
“As U.S. equities markets have become increasingly complex due to fragmentation and dark pools, we are committed to providing listed companies, investors and market participants with more choice on how they list and trade with us in a way that best meets their needs,” says Tom Farley, president of the NYSE, in a statement.
“As we move through 2017 and begin offering these enhancements, NYSE Group will ultimately operate four distinct exchanges for issuers and investors, each with its own market model,” he adds. “We recognize certain market models are appropriate for ETFs or less liquid securities, and we are excited to provide our customers with more choice in how they list, invest and trade.”