Chi-X, the rival to the Australian Securities Exchange, looks set to begin its operations on October 31 after the corporate regulator confirmed its timetable for the start of sharemarket competition. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission yesterday released a consultation paper on “consequential amendments" to the market integrity rules, required before the regulator gives the final sign-off to ­Chi-X. The ASX will announce its full-year results today.Patrick Durkin

Macquarie Group issued 1666 new shares after an employee exercised options at $23.17 apiece on August 17. Macquarie no longer issues options after revising its remuneration structure. Staff reporter