Nasdaq announced changes to its Penny Interval Program, set to take effect on July 1, 2025. This update will include the addition of certain issues across all Nasdaq options exchanges, including Nasdaq PHLX, Nasdaq BX Options, and others. One notable inclusion is D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS).

The Penny Interval Program allows for more precise pricing in options trading by permitting smaller price increments. A complete list of the newly added penny issues will be available for reference.

For any inquiries regarding these changes, Nasdaq Transaction Services can be contacted directly at their designated phone number.

Original article

This article about Nasdaq’s Penny Interval Program changes doesn’t give the reader anything they can actually do right now, so it’s not actionable. It doesn’t teach anything meaningful about how the program works or why it matters, so it lacks educational depth. For most people, this change won’t affect their daily lives or finances, making it not personally relevant unless you’re an active options trader. The language is straightforward and doesn’t try to scare or excite the reader, so there’s no emotional manipulation. It doesn’t provide public resources or contacts in a useful way, so it has no public service utility. There are no recommendations to evaluate for practicality. The change is specific to trading mechanics, so it doesn’t encourage behaviors with long-term impact or sustainability. Finally, it doesn’t inspire any positive emotions or critical thinking, so it has no constructive emotional or psychological impact. Overall, this article provides no practical, educational, or actionable value to the average individual.

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The text presents an announcement about changes to Nasdaq's Penny Interval Program, but it contains subtle biases that shape the reader's perception. One form of bias is economic and class-based bias, which favors large corporations and financial institutions. The text focuses solely on the perspective of Nasdaq and its options exchanges, such as Nasdaq PHLX and Nasdaq BX Options, without mentioning how these changes might affect individual traders, small investors, or the broader market. For instance, the sentence "This update will include the addition of certain issues across all Nasdaq options exchanges" highlights the inclusion of specific companies like D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS) but does not discuss the potential impact on retail investors or smaller firms. This omission suggests a bias toward the interests of major financial entities over others.

Another instance of bias is selection and omission bias, where certain details are included while others are left out to guide the reader's interpretation. The text mentions that a "complete list of the newly added penny issues will be available for reference," but it does not provide any information about the criteria for selecting these issues or the potential risks associated with trading them. By focusing only on the positive aspect of "more precise pricing in options trading," the text avoids discussing possible downsides, such as increased volatility or complexity for traders. This selective presentation favors a narrative of progress and improvement without offering a balanced view.

Linguistic and semantic bias is also present in the text, particularly in the use of emotionally charged language to frame the changes positively. Phrases like "more precise pricing" and "notable inclusion" carry a favorable tone, suggesting that the changes are inherently beneficial. However, the text does not provide evidence or data to support these claims, relying instead on persuasive language to shape the reader's perception. For example, describing D-Wave Quantum Inc. as a "notable inclusion" implies its significance without explaining why it is noteworthy or how it fits into the broader context of the Penny Interval Program.

Structural and institutional bias is evident in the way the text presents Nasdaq as an authoritative and unchallenged entity. The sentence "For any inquiries regarding these changes, Nasdaq Transaction Services can be contacted directly at their designated phone number" positions Nasdaq as the sole source of information and guidance, without acknowledging any external oversight or alternative perspectives. This framing reinforces the authority of Nasdaq without questioning its role or decisions, effectively suppressing potential critiques or concerns from other stakeholders.

Finally, framing and narrative bias is present in the way the text structures its information to emphasize the positive aspects of the changes. The announcement begins with the effective date of July 1, 2025, and proceeds to highlight the addition of new issues and the benefits of precise pricing. By sequencing the information in this way, the text creates a narrative of progress and innovation, diverting attention from potential drawbacks or controversies. The lack of counterarguments or alternative viewpoints further reinforces this biased narrative, presenting the changes as unequivocally positive.

The text primarily conveys a tone of informative neutrality, with a subtle undercurrent of anticipation. While the announcement itself is factual, the mention of the Penny Interval Program's expansion and the inclusion of specific companies like D-Wave Quantum Inc. hints at a sense of progress and development within the financial sector. This anticipation is mild, serving to inform readers about upcoming changes rather than to excite or alarm them. The purpose of this emotion is to keep stakeholders and interested parties updated, ensuring they are aware of modifications that could impact their trading activities.

The writer uses precise language and structured details to maintain a neutral tone, avoiding emotional exaggeration. For instance, phrases like "set to take effect" and "complete list of the newly added penny issues will be available" are straightforward and factual, leaving little room for emotional interpretation. However, the inclusion of specific names like D-Wave Quantum Inc. adds a touch of specificity that can subtly engage readers by making the information more relatable or relevant to those familiar with the company.

The emotional structure of the text is designed to inform rather than persuade. By focusing on facts and avoiding emotional appeals, the writer ensures that readers can process the information clearly without being swayed by feelings. This approach helps distinguish between objective details and subjective interpretations, allowing readers to make informed decisions based on the changes being announced. The absence of strong emotions also prevents the text from shaping opinions in a biased way, keeping the focus on the practical implications of the updates.

In summary, the text relies on a neutral and informative tone with a hint of anticipation to communicate changes effectively. The use of precise language and factual details ensures clarity, while the subtle emotional undercurrent keeps the information engaging without overwhelming the reader. This structure encourages readers to understand the facts without being influenced by emotional tactics, fostering a balanced and controlled interpretation of the message.