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In a March 3, 2006 notice, the American Stock Exchange (Amex) announced a change to its Booth Automated Routing System (BARS) that requires member firms to specify a valid Booth ID on Line 1A of the CMS order format to direct an order to a specific booth. It was also stated that Member Firms may alternatively utilize the Financial Information eXchange (FIX) protocol to direct orders to a booth starting June 29, 2006.
Please note that the referenced changes for booth routing and the use of FIX protocol for routing to the Amex are contingent upon the implementation of our new Auction and Electronic Market Integration (AEMI) trading platform that is expected in the fourth quarter of this year. Until then, BARS algo parameters currently in place will continue to be used to route orders to booths on the Amex trading floor.
Although the BARS routing changes identified in the March 3rd notice will be implemented at a later date, efforts to include a valid booth ID on orders routed through CMS and destined for a floor broker's booth should continue. As we approach the implementation of AEMI, additional information regarding BARS and booth routing requirements will be distributed.
Questions regarding this notice may be directed to Frank Vento (212-306-1735), Shirley Thompson (212-306-1161), or Peter Fetiak (212-306-1472). For information on FIX, please contact Paula Rice (212-306-2249).
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