<p>The Securities and Exchange Commission is widening its investigation of New York Stock Exchange specialists and has requested data from the Big Board for trades in 1998 and 1999, The Post has learned.</p>
<p>In mid-September, the exchange announced it would bring disciplinary action against five of its seven specialist firms for improper trading in 2000, 2001 and 2002. The infractions allegedly included trading ahead and getting in the middle of customer orders.</p>