UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarter ended: March 31, 2009
or
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 0-23885
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | |
Delaware | | 13-7075398 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| |
900 King Street, Suite 100, Rye Brook, New York | | 10573 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
(914) 307-7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller Reporting Company x
Indicate by check mark whether Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
MARCH 31, 2009
| | | | |
| | | | Page |
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION | | 3 |
| | |
Item 1. | | Financial Statements | | 3 |
| | |
| | Futures Strategic Trust: | | |
| | |
| | Condensed Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008 | | 5 |
| | |
| | Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 | | 6 |
| | |
| | Condensed Statements of Changes in Trust Capital (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 | | 7 |
| | |
| | Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) | | 8 |
| | |
| | WCM Pool LLC: | | |
| | |
| | Condensed Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008 | | 20 |
| | |
| | Condensed Schedules of Investments as of March 31, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008 | | 21 |
| | |
| | Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 | | 22 |
| | |
| | Condensed Statements of Changes in Members’ Capital (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 | | 23 |
| | |
| | Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) | | 24 |
| | |
Item 2. | | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | | 34 |
| | |
Item 3. | | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | | 44 |
| | |
Item 4. | | Controls and Procedures | | 44 |
| |
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION | | 45 |
| | |
Item 1. | | Legal Proceedings | | 45 |
| | |
Item 1.A. | | Risk Factors | | 45 |
| | |
Item 2. | | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | | 45 |
| | |
Item 3. | | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | | 45 |
| | |
Item 4. | | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | | 45 |
| | |
Item 5. | | Other Information | | 45 |
| | |
Item 6. | | Exhibits: | | 45 |
2
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. | Financial Statements |
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK;
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO FOLLOW]
3
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
4
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008
| | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2009 | | December 31, 2008 |
ASSETS | | | | | | |
Cash | | $ | 36,839 | | $ | 36,041 |
Redemptions receivable from WCM Pool LLC | | | 81,068 | | | 7,575 |
Investment in WCM Pool LLC, at fair value (99.94% and 99.38% of net asset value, respectively) | | | 3,579,036 | | | 3,929,018 |
Receivable from Managing Owner | | | 532 | | | 553 |
| | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 3,697,475 | | $ | 3,973,187 |
| | | | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | |
Redemptions payable | | $ | 104,201 | | $ | 7,575 |
Accounts payable | | | 12,178 | | | 12,200 |
| | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 116,379 | | | 19,775 |
| | | | | | |
TRUST CAPITAL (Net Asset Value) | | | | | | |
Limited Interests (30,059.927 and 31,734.859 Interests outstanding) at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively | | | 3,581,096 | | | 3,913,335 |
General Interests (0 and 325 Interests outstanding) at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively | | | 0 | | | 40,077 |
| | | | | | |
Total trust capital (Net Asset Value) | | | 3,581,096 | | | 3,953,412 |
| | | | | | |
Total liabilities and trust capital | | $ | 3,697,475 | | $ | 3,973,187 |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value per Limited and General Interest
| | | |
March 31, 2009 | | December 31, 2008 |
$119.13 | | $ | 123.31 |
| | | |
See accompanying notes.
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5
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
NET LOSS FROM TRUST OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
REVENUES | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 213 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total revenues | | | 0 | | | | 213 | |
| | | | | | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | | | | | |
Administrative services | | | 71,553 | | | | 79,776 | |
General and administrative | | | 864 | | | | 56 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total expenses | | | 72,417 | | | | 79,832 | |
| | | | | | | | |
WCM Pool LLC administrative expenses borne by the Managing Owner and its affiliates | | | (1,640 | ) | | | (3,065 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net expenses | | | 70,777 | | | | 76,767 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET LOSS FROM TRUST OPERATIONS | | | (70,777 | ) | | | (76,554 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME (LOSS) ALLOCATED FROM WCM POOL LLC: | | | | | | | | |
REVENUES | | | | | | | | |
Realized | | | 42,787 | | | | 654,870 | |
Change in unrealized | | | (73,100 | ) | | | (107,173 | ) |
Interest income | | | 240 | | | | 19,735 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total revenues (losses) | | | (30,073 | ) | | | 567,432 | |
| | | | | | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | | | | | |
Brokerage commissions and transaction fees | | | 1,007 | | | | 2,301 | |
Management fees | | | 19,270 | | | | 22,691 | |
Incentive fees | | | 223 | | | | 102,823 | |
General and administrative | | | 8,550 | | | | 8,591 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total expenses | | | 29,050 | | | | 136,406 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME (LOSS) ALLOCATED FROM WCM POOL LLC | | | (59,123 | ) | | | 431,026 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME (LOSS) | | $ | (129,900 | ) | | $ | 354,472 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIMITED AND GENERAL INTEREST | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) per weighted average Limited and General Interest | | $ | (4.17 | ) | | $ | 9.46 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of Limited and General Interests outstanding | | | 31,122 | | | | 37,483 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes.
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6
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN TRUST CAPITAL
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Interests | | | Limited Interests | | | General Interests | | | Total | |
Three months ended March 31, 2009 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trust capital at December 31, 2008 | | 32,059.859 | | | $ | 3,913,335 | | | $ | 40,077 | | | $ | 3,953,412 | |
Redemptions | | (1,999.932 | ) | | | (203,698 | ) | | | (38,718 | ) | | | (242,416 | ) |
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2009 | | | | | | (128,541 | ) | | | (1,359 | ) | | | (129,900 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trust capital at March 31, 2009 | | 30,059.927 | | | $ | 3,581,096 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 3,581,096 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Three months ended March 31, 2008 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trust capital at December 31, 2007 | | 37,789.770 | | | $ | 4,174,087 | | | $ | 43,076 | | | $ | 4,217,163 | |
Redemptions | | (450.378 | ) | | | (51,180 | ) | | | (1,231 | ) | | | (52,411 | ) |
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 | | | | | | 350,809 | | | | 3,663 | | | | 354,472 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trust capital at March 31, 2008 | | 37,339.392 | | | $ | 4,473,716 | | | $ | 45,508 | | | $ | 4,519,224 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes.
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7
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
| A. | General Description of the Trust |
Futures Strategic Trust (the “Trust”) was organized under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act on October 16, 1995 and commenced trading operations on May 1, 1996. The Trust will continue until December 31, 2020 unless terminated sooner as provided in the Fourth Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust was formed to engage in the speculative trading of commodity futures, forward and options contracts. The Trustee of the Trust is Wilmington Trust Company.
The Managing Owner of the Trust is Preferred Investment Solutions Corp., the Managing Owner (the “Managing Owner” or “Preferred”), which conducts and manages the business of the Trust. Effective December 1, 2008, the Trust Agreement no longer requires the Managing Owner to maintain a capital account equal to 1% of the total capital accounts of the Trust or a net worth of at least $1,000,000. As such, the Managing Owner redeemed its entire Interest in the Trust in 2009.
Effective April 1, 2007, the Trust became a member of WCM Pool LLC (the “Company”). Subject to its agreement with the Company, the Trust received a Voting Membership Interest in the Company. The Company was formed to function as an aggregate trading vehicle. At March 31, 2009, the sole members of the Company are the Trust, Diversified Futures Trust I (“DFT I”) and Kenmar Global Trust (“KGT”). Preferred is the Managing Owner of DFT I and KGT and has been delegated administrative authority over the operations of the Company. The Company engages in the speculative trading of futures and forward contracts. The financial statements of the Company, including the condensed schedule of investments, are included in Section II of these financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Trust’s financial statements.
As a registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Trust is subject to the regulatory requirements under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a commodity pool, the Trust is subject to the regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), an agency of the United States (U.S.) government which regulates most aspects of the commodity futures industry; rules of the National Futures Association, an industry self-regulatory organization; and the requirements of the various commodity exchanges where the Trust executes transactions. Additionally, the Trust is subject to the requirements of the futures commission merchants (brokers) and interbank market makers through which the Company trades.
On May 1, 1996, the Trust completed its initial offering from the sale of Limited Interests (“Limited Interests”) and General Interests (“General Interests”). General Interests were sold exclusively to the Managing Owner. Additional Interests were offered and sold monthly at the then current net asset value (“NAV”) per Interest until the continuous offering period expired on January 31, 1998.
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8
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
The condensed statement of financial condition as of March 31, 2009, and the condensed statements of operations and changes in trust capital for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are unaudited. In the opinion of the Managing Owner, the financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to state fairly the financial position of the Trust as of March 31, 2009, and the results of its operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. The operating results for the interim periods may not be indicative of the results expected for the full year.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Trust’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2008.
The financial statements of the Trust are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Such principles require the Managing Owner to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Trust indirectly earned income or loss through its investment in the Company (See Note 5).
The weighted average number of Limited and General Interests outstanding was computed for purposes of disclosing net income (loss) per weighted average Limited and General Interest. The weighted average Limited and General Interests is equal to the number of Interests outstanding at period end, adjusted proportionately for Interests redeemed based on their respective time outstanding during such year.
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9
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
| A. | Basis of Accounting (Continued) |
The Trust has elected not to provide a Statement of Cash Flows as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 102, “Statement of Cash Flows – Exemption of Certain Enterprises and Classification of Cash Flows from Certain Securities Acquired for Resale.”
Consistent with standard business practices in the normal course of business, the Trust has provided general indemnifications to the Managing Owner, the Company and others when they act, in good faith, in the best interests of the Trust. The Trust is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of future payments that could potentially result from any hypothetical future claim, but expects the risk of having to make any payments under these general business indemnifications to be remote.
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that the Trust recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. In connection with the adoption of FIN 48, the Trust has elected an accounting policy to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest or other expense. All tax years which are statutorily open are subject to examination by the appropriate taxing authorities. Preferred, as Managing Owner of the Trust, evaluated the impact of adopting FIN 48 on the Trust’s financial statements. The adoption of FIN 48 had no material impact on the Trust, as the Trust’s tax positions are based on established tax precedence for the tax treatment of investment partnerships as flow through tax entities.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), “Fair Value Measurements”. SFAS 157 requires use of a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels: quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1), inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly (Level 2), and unobservable inputs for the asset or liability (Level 3). SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.
The Trust adopted SFAS 157 in the first quarter of 2008. Based on an analysis by Preferred, the effect of applying SFAS 157 to the investments included in these financial statements did not result in a change to the fair value of the Trust’s investments.
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10
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
| A. | Basis of Accounting (Continued) |
The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured at fair value using the fair value hierarchy of SFAS 157:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2009 | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | | Total |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment in WCM Pool LLC, at fair value | | $ | 0 | | $ | 3,579,036 | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 3,579,036 |
| | | | |
December 31, 2008 | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | | Total |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment in WCM Pool LLC, at fair value | | $ | 0 | | $ | 3,929,018 | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 3,929,018 |
Transfers in (out) | | $ | 0 | | $ | 3,929,018 | | $ | (3,929,018 | ) | | $ | 0 |
Investment classified as Level 2 and Level 3 under SFAS 157 represents the Trust’s investment in the Company and is valued monthly at the net asset value as reported by the Company. The Company’s net asset value is determined based upon its management’s best estimate of the fair value of its underlying net assets, substantially all of which are investments valued using Level 1 inputs but include certain assets and liabilities where the inputs into the determination of fair value require management judgment or estimation. Preferred determined that certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities which require management judgment or estimation were not material to the Trust’s financial statements and therefore, the Trust’s investment in the Company should be classified as Level 2 at December 31, 2008. A table presenting the changes in the Level 3 fair value category for the three months ended March 31, 2008 is included in Note 5 of these condensed financial statements. Of the $431,026 gain for the three months ended March 31, 2008, reported on Level 3 investment in Note 5, $(107,173) represents a change in unrealized loss allocated from the Company on the Trust’s condensed statements of operations.
In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active” (“FSP FAS 157-3”). FSP FAS 157-3 clarified the application of SFAS 157. FSP FAS 157-3 demonstrated how the fair value of a financial asset is determined when the market for that financial asset is inactive. FSP FAS 157-3 was effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements had not been issued. Preferred, as Managing Owner of the Trust, evaluated the impact of adopting FSP FAS 157-3 and its impact on the Trust’s financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Trust’s financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (“FSP FAS 157-4”). FSP FAS 157-4 clarified the application of SFAS 157. FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance for how the fair value of a financial asset or liability is determined when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly.
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11
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
| A. | Basis of Accounting (Continued) |
FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for interim and annual periods after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009, and is to be applied prospectively. The Trust adopted FSP FAS 157-4 effective January 1, 2009. As required, the Trust also adopted FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments,” effective January 1, 2009. Preferred, as Managing Owner of the Trust, evaluated the impact of adopting FSP FAS 157-4 and FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, and their impact on the Trust’s financial statements. The adoption of these standards did not have an impact on the Trust’s financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, including an amendment of SFAS 115. This statement provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 with early adoption permitted. Preferred evaluated the impact of adopting SFAS 159 and its impact on the Trust’s financial statements.
The Trust adopted SFAS 159 during the first quarter of 2008, and it did not have a material effect on the Trust’s financial statements, as the Trust did not elect the fair value option for any eligible financial assets or liabilities.
In April 2007, the FASB released FASB Staff Position FIN No. 39-1 “Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts” (“FSP FIN 39-1”). FSP FIN 39-1 requires that offsetting of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet is improper except where a right of setoff exists. The application of FSP FIN 39-1 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Preferred, as Managing Owner of the Trust, evaluated the impact of adopting FSP FIN 39-1 and its impact on the Trust’s financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Trust’s financial statements.
In March 2008, FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 establishes, among other things, the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Preferred, as Managing Owner of the Trust, evaluated the impact of adopting SFAS 161 and its impact on the Trust’s financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Trust’s financial statements.
Cash represents amounts deposited with a bank. The Trust receives interest on all cash balances held by the bank at prevailing rates as well as its pro rata share of interest income from the Company.
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12
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
The Trust is treated as a partnership for Federal income tax purposes. As such, the Trust is not required to provide for, or pay, any Federal or state income taxes. Income tax attributes that arise from its operations are passed directly to the individual Interest holders. The Trust may be subject to other state and local taxes in jurisdictions in which it operates.
| D. | Investment in the Company |
The investment in the Company is reported in the Trust’s condensed statements of financial condition at the net asset value as reported by the Company. The Trust records its proportionate share of the Company’s income or loss in the condensed statements of operations. Valuation of futures and forward contracts by the Company is discussed in the notes to the Company’s financial statements included in Section II of this report. Through its investment in the Company, the Trust pays its pro-rata share of the 2% annual management fee (accrued and paid monthly) and a 20% incentive fee on “New High Net Trading Profits” (accrued monthly and paid quarterly) as defined in the advisory agreement.
| E. | Profit and Loss Allocation, Distributions and Redemptions |
The Trust allocates profits and losses for both financial and tax-reporting purposes to its Interest holders monthly on a pro rata basis based on each owner’s Interests outstanding during the month. Distributions (other than redemptions of Interests) may be made at the sole discretion of the Managing Owner on a pro rata basis in accordance with the respective capital balances of the Interest holders. The Managing Owner has not made any distributions since inception and does not presently intend to make any distributions in the future.
Redemptions are permitted as of the last day of each month, on at least 10 days prior written notice. Redemptions are at the then current net asset value per Interest. Partial redemptions are permitted.
| F. | Foreign Currency Transaction |
The Trust’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar; however, it transacts business in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates in effect at the date of the statements of financial condition. Income and expense items denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates in effect during the period. Gains and losses resulting from the translation to U.S. dollars are reported in operations currently under the caption realized on the condensed statements of operations.
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.
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13
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
| A. | Organizational, General and Administrative Costs |
Preferred pays all administrative costs for services it performs for the Trust. These costs include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Note 4 below. Preferred also pays all routine legal, audit, postage and other third party costs of the Trust. The Company allocates general and administrative costs on a pro-rata basis down to the Trust which are paid for by the Trust through its investment in the Company. The Trust pays for its pro-rata allocation of expenses incurred by the Company except for the Spectrum Global Fund Administration administrative fee.
| B. | Management and Incentive Fees |
The Trust pays its pro-rata share of management and incentive fees as disclosed in Note 2 through its investment in the Company.
The Trust deducts the cost of its pro-rata share of commissions allocated from the Company in calculation of the Managing Owner’s 7.5% per annum administrative charge.
The Managing Owner, or parties engaged by the Managing Owner, perform services for the Trust which included, but are not limited to: accounting and financial management; registrar, transfer and assignment functions; investor communications; printing and other administrative services. Except for costs related to brokerage services, Preferred pays the costs of these services incurred on behalf of the Trust as well as the Trust’s routine operational, administrative, legal and auditing costs, and costs paid to organize the Trust and offer its Interests.
Costs and expenses charged to the Trust for services performed and/or paid for by the Managing Owner on behalf of the Trust for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were:
| | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | 2009 | | 2008 |
Administrative Services | | $ | 71,553 | | $ | 79,776 |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 71,553 | | $ | 79,776 |
| | | | | | |
Expenses payable to the Managing Owner and its affiliates (which are included in accounts payable less any receivable from the Managing Owner on the condensed statements of financial condition) as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were $11,646 and $11,647, respectively.
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14
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 5. | INVESTMENT IN THE COMPANY |
Effective April 1, 2007, the Trust invested its assets in the Company. The Trust’s investment in the Company represents approximately 24.63% and 24.36% of the net asset value of the Company at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The investment in the Company is subject to the Organization Agreement of the Company. The Company entered into an advisory agreement with Winton Capital Management (“Winton”) whereby Winton makes the trading decisions for the Company and, in turn, the Trust, pursuant to Winton’s Diversified Program.
The Trust records its proportionate share of each item of income and expense from the investment in the Company in the condensed statements of operations.
Summarized information for the Trust’s investment is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Net Asset Value December 31, 2008 | | Loss* | | | Redemptions | | | Net Asset Value March 31, 2009 |
WCM Pool LLC | | $ | 3,929,018 | | $ | (59,123 | ) | | $ | (290,859 | ) | | $ | 3,579,036 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | Net Asset Value December 31, 2007 | | Gain* | | | Redemptions | | | Net Asset Value March 31, 2008 |
WCM Pool LLC | | $ | 4,196,579 | | $ | 431,026 | | | $ | (143,081 | ) | | $ | 4,484,524 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| * | Included in earnings and includes $(73,100) and $(107,173), for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, attributable to the change in unrealized losses. |
The Trust may make additional contributions to, or redemptions from, the Company on a monthly basis.
Certain expenses allocated to the Trust from the Company are reimbursed by the Managing Owner at the Trust level.
Note 6. | INCOME TAX REPORTING |
There have been no differences between the tax basis and book basis of assets, liabilities or interest holders’ capital since inception of the Trust.
-12-
15
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 7. | DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND ASSOCIATED RISKS |
The Trust’s investment in the Company is subject to the market and credit risks of the futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts and other financial instruments held or sold short by the Company. The Trust bears the risk of loss only to the extent of the market value of its investments and, in certain specific circumstances, distributions and redemptions received.
The Trust has cash on deposit with a financial institution. In the event of a financial institution’s insolvency, recovery of cash on deposit may be limited to account insurance or other protection afforded such deposits. The Managing Owner has established procedures to actively monitor market risk and minimize credit risk, although there can be no assurance that it will, in fact, succeed in doing so. The Interest holders bear the risk of loss only to the extent of the market value of their respective investments and, in certain specific circumstances, distributions and redemptions received.
The Trust’s futures commission merchant in accepting orders for the purchase or sale of domestic futures contracts, is required by Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) regulations to separately account for and segregate as belonging to the Trust all assets of the Trust relating to domestic futures trading and is not to commingle such assets with its other assets. At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, such segregated assets totaled $0 and $0, respectively. Part 30.7 of the CFTC regulations also requires the futures commission merchant to secure assets of the Trust related to foreign futures trading which totaled $0 and $0 at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. There are no segregation requirements for assets related to forward trading.
-13-
16
FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 8. | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
The following information presents per Interest performance data and other supplemental financial data for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2009 (Unaudited) | | | 2008 (Unaudited) | |
Per Interest Performance | | | | | | | | |
(for an Interest outstanding throughout the entire period) | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 123.31 | | | $ | 111.60 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized gain (loss) on commodity transactions(1),(5) | | | (0.98 | ) | | | 14.59 | |
Interest income(1),(5) | | | 0.01 | | | | 0.53 | |
Expenses(1),(5) | | | (3.21 | ) | | | (5.69 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) for the period | | | (4.18 | ) | | | 9.43 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 119.13 | | | $ | 121.03 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Return:(3) | | | | | | | | |
Total return before incentive fees | | | (3.38 | )% | | | 10.78 | % |
Incentive fees | | | (0.01 | )% | | | (2.33 | )% |
| | | | | | | | |
Total return after incentive fees | | | (3.39 | )% | | | 8.45 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Ratios to average net asset value(5): | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss before incentive fees(2),(4) | | | (10.47 | )% | | | (8.19 | )% |
Incentive fees(3) | | | (0.01 | )% | | | (2.33 | )% |
| | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss after incentive fees | | | (10.48 | )% | | | (10.52 | )% |
| | | | | | | | |
Interest income(4) | | | 0.03 | % | | | 1.81 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Incentive fees(3) | | | 0.01 | % | | | 2.33 | % |
Other expenses(4) | | | 10.50 | % | | | 10.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Total net expenses | | | 10.51 | % | | | 12.33 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Total returns are calculated based on the change in value of an Interest during the period. An individual Interest holder’s total returns and ratios may vary from the above total returns and ratios based on the timing of redemptions.
| (1) | Interest income per Interest and expenses per Interest are calculated by dividing interest income and expenses by the weighted average number of Interests outstanding during the period. Net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized gain (loss) on commodity transactions is a balancing amount necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per Interest with the other per Interest information. |
| (2) | Represents interest income less total expenses (exclusive of incentive fees). |
| (5) | Includes the Trust’s proportionate share of income and expenses from WCM Pool LLC for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. |
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17
SECTION II
18
WCM POOL LLC
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2009
19
WCM POOL LLC
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008
| | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2009 | | December 31, 2008 |
ASSETS | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents (See Note 2) | | $ | 15,341,471 | | $ | 19,431,990 |
Interest receivable | | | 30 | | | 479 |
Net unrealized gain on open futures contracts | | | 0 | | | 269,887 |
| | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 15,341,501 | | $ | 19,702,356 |
| | | | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | |
Net unrealized loss on open futures contracts | | $ | 34,068 | | $ | 0 |
Accrued expenses payable | | | 42,558 | | | 38,738 |
Management fees payable | | | 25,768 | | | 66,550 |
Incentive fees payable | | | 593 | | | 100,116 |
Redemptions payable | | | 708,760 | | | 3,367,541 |
| | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 811,747 | | | 3,572,945 |
| | | | | | |
MEMBERS’ CAPITAL (Net Asset Value) | | | | | | |
Member DFT I | | | 10,601,350 | | | 11,561,900 |
Member KGT | | | 349,368 | | | 638,493 |
Member FST | | | 3,579,036 | | | 3,929,018 |
| | | | | | |
Total members’ capital (Net Asset Value) | | | 14,529,754 | | | 16,129,411 |
| | | | | | |
Total liabilities and members’ capital | | $ | 15,341,501 | | $ | 19,702,356 |
| | | | | | |
See accompanying notes.
-2-
20
WCM POOL LLC
CONDENSED SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS
March 31, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2009 | | | December 31, 2008 | |
Futures Contracts | | Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) as a % of Members’ Capital | | | Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) | | | Net Unrealized Gain(Loss) as a % of Members’ Capital | | | Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Futures contracts purchased: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commodities | | 0.00 | % | | $ | 724 | | | 0.00 | % | | $ | 32 | |
Currencies | | (0.04 | )% | | | (5,198 | ) | | 0.20 | % | | | 31,725 | |
Interest rates | | 0.79 | % | | | 112,867 | | | 2.32 | % | | | 375,048 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net unrealized gain on futures contracts purchased | | 0.75 | % | | | 108,393 | | | 2.52 | % | | | 406,805 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures contracts sold: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commodities | | (0.19 | )% | | | (28,125 | ) | | (0.27 | )% | | | (43,517 | ) |
Currencies | | (0.73 | )% | | | (105,621 | ) | | (0.58 | )% | | | (92,971 | ) |
Interest rates | | 0.00 | % | | | (531 | ) | | 0.00 | % | | | (833 | ) |
Stock indices | | (0.06 | )% | | | (8,184 | ) | | 0.00 | % | | | 403 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net unrealized loss on futures contracts sold | | (0.98 | )% | | | (142,461 | ) | | (0.85 | )% | | | (136,918 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net unrealized gain (loss) on open futures contracts | | (0.23 | )% | | $ | (34,068 | ) | | 1.67 | % | | $ | 269,887 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes.
-3-
21
WCM POOL LLC
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
REVENUES | | | | | | | | |
Realized | | $ | 174,800 | | | $ | 3,132,167 | |
Change in unrealized | | | (303,955 | ) | | | (506,342 | ) |
Interest income | | | 993 | | | | 94,556 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total revenues (losses) | | | (128,162 | ) | | | 2,720,381 | |
| | | | | | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | | | | | |
Brokerage commissions | | | 4,177 | | | | 11,015 | |
Management fees | | | 79,784 | | | | 108,631 | |
Incentive fees | | | 593 | | | | 493,010 | |
Operating expenses | | | 35,388 | | | | 41,131 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total expenses | | | 119,942 | | | | 653,787 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME (LOSS) | | $ | (248,104 | ) | | $ | 2,066,594 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes.
-4-
22
WCM POOL LLC
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS’ CAPITAL (NET ASSET VALUE)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Members’ Capital | |
| | | | | Member DFT I | | | Member KGT | | | Member FST | | | Total | |
Three months ended March 31, 2009 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Members’ capital at December 31, 2008 | | | | | | $ | 11,561,900 | | | $ | 638,493 | | | $ | 3,929,018 | | | $ | 16,129,411 | |
Redemptions | | | | | | | (778,184 | ) | | | (282,510 | ) | | | (290,859 | ) | | | (1,351,553 | ) |
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2009 | | | | | | | (182,366 | ) | | | (6,615 | ) | | | (59,123 | ) | | | (248,104 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Members’ capital at March 31, 2009 | | | | | | $ | 10,601,350 | | | $ | 349,368 | | | $ | 3,579,036 | | | $ | 14,529,754 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| | Members’ Capital | |
| | Member DFF LP | | | Member DFT I | | | Member KGT | | | Member FST | | | Total | |
Three months ended March 31, 2008 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Members’ capital at December 31, 2007 | | $ | 3,165,178 | | | $ | 11,055,308 | | | $ | 1,732,978 | | | $ | 4,196,579 | | | $ | 20,150,043 | |
Redemptions | | | (156,170 | ) | | | (383,643 | ) | | | (329,526 | ) | | | (143,081 | ) | | | (1,012,420 | ) |
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 | | | 326,739 | | | | 1,142,071 | | | | 166,758 | | | | 431,026 | | | | 2,066,594 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Members’ capital at March 31, 2008 | | $ | 3,335,747 | | | $ | 11,813,736 | | | $ | 1,570,210 | | | $ | 4,484,524 | | | $ | 21,204,217 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes.
-5-
23
WCM POOL LLC
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
| A. | General Description of the Company |
WCM Pool LLC (the “Company”) is a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware on November 20, 2006 and commenced operations on January 1, 2007. The Company will terminate on December 31, 2056 unless terminated sooner under the provisions of the Organization Agreement. The Company was formed to engage in the speculative trading of a diversified portfolio of futures contracts, options on futures contracts and forward currency contracts and may, from time to time, engage in cash and spot transactions. Preferred Investment Solutions Corp. (“Preferred”) has been delegated administrative authority over the operations of the Company. The Company currently consists of three members: Diversified Futures Trust I (“Member DFT I”), Futures Strategic Trust (“Member FST”) and Kenmar Global Trust (“Member KGT”) (collectively, the “Members”), (See Note 10). Diversified Futures Fund L.P. (“Member DFF LP”) redeemed all of its membership interests in the Company and terminated its fund operations as of December 31, 2008. Member DFT I, Member DFFLP and Member KGT contributed their net assets to the Company effective as of January 1, 2007, while Member FST invested in the Company on April 1, 2007. Preferred is also the managing owner of each of the Members. Upon making the initial capital contribution, each Member received Voting Membership Interests.
The Company is a Member-managed limited liability company that is not registered in any capacity with, or subject directly to regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Company entered into an advisory agreement with Winton Capital Management Limited (the “Trading Advisor”) to make the trading decisions for the Company. The Trading Advisor manages approximately 100% of the assets of the Company pursuant to its Diversified Program Portfolio.
Note 2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
The condensed statement of financial condition, including the condensed schedule of investments, as of March 31, 2009, and the condensed statements of operations and changes in members’ capital (net asset value) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are unaudited. In the opinion of Preferred, such financial statements reflect all adjustments, (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments), necessary to state fairly the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2009, and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. The operating results for these interim periods may not be indicative of the results expected for a full year.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in Member’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2008.
-6-
24
WCM POOL LLC
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
| A. | Basis of Accounting (Continued) |
The financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which requires Preferred to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Commodity futures and foreign exchange transactions are reflected in the accompanying condensed statements of financial condition on the trade date. Net unrealized gain or loss on open contracts (the difference between contract trade price and market price) is reflected in the condensed financial statements in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 39 – “Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts.” The market value of futures (exchange-traded) contracts is based upon the closing quotation on the various futures exchanges on which the contract is traded. The values which will be used by the Company for open forward positions will be provided by its administrator, who obtains market quotes from data vendors and third parties. Any change in net unrealized gain or loss during the current period is reported in the condensed statements of operations. Realized gains and losses on transactions are recognized in the period in which the contracts are closed. Brokerage commissions include other trading fees and are charged to expense when incurred.
The Company has elected not to provide a Statement of Cash Flows as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 102, “Statement of Cash Flows – Exemption of Certain Enterprises and Classification of Cash Flows from Certain Securities Acquired for Resale.”
Consistent with standard business practices in the normal course of business, the Company has provided general indemnifications to its Trading Advisor and others when they act, in good faith, in the best interests of the Company. The Company is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of future payments that could potentially result from any hypothetical future claim, but expects the risk of having to make any payments under these general business indemnifications to be remote.
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. In connection with the adoption of FIN 48, the Company has elected an accounting policy to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest or other expense. All tax years which are statutorily open are subject to examination by the appropriate authorities. Preferred evaluated the impact of adopting FIN 48 on the Company’s condensed financial statements. The adoption of FIN 48 had no material impact on the Company, as the Company’s tax positions are based on established tax precedence for the tax treatment of investment partnerships as flow through tax entities.
-7-
25
WCM POOL LLC
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
| A. | Basis of Accounting (Continued) |
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), “Fair Value Measurements”. SFAS 157 requires use of a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels: quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1), inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly (Level 2), and unobservable inputs for the asset or liability (Level 3). SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.
The Company adopted SFAS 157 in the first quarter of 2008. The adoption of SFAS 157 had no impact on the investments required to be carried at fair value in these financial statements.
The Company considers prices for exchange traded commodity futures and options contracts to be based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1). The values of forwards, swaps and certain option contracts for which market quotations are not readily available are priced by third party data providers such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and or Super Derivatives who derive fair values for those assets from models with observable inputs (Level 2). There are no Level 3 investments on March 31, 2009 or December 31, 2008 using the fair value hierarchy of SFAS 157.
The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured at fair value using the fair value hierarchy of SFAS 157:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2009 | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net unrealized loss on open futures contracts | | $ | (34,068 | ) | | $ | 0 | | $ | 0 | | $ | (34,068 | ) |
| | | | |
December 31, 2008 | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net unrealized gain on open futures contracts | | $ | 269,887 | | | $ | 0 | | $ | 0 | | $ | 269,887 | |
In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active” (“FSP FAS 157-3”). FSP FAS 157-3 clarified the application of SFAS 157. FSP FAS 157-3 demonstrated how the fair value of a financial asset is determined when the market for that financial asset is inactive. FSP FAS 157-3 was effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements had not been issued. Preferred evaluated the impact of adopting FSP FAS 157-3 and its impact on the Company’s financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-4 “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (“FSP FAS 157-4”). FSP FAS 157-4 clarified the application of SFAS 157. FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance for how the fair value of a financial asset or liability is determined when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly.
-8-
26
WCM POOL LLC
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
| A. | Basis of Accounting (Continued) |
FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for interim and annual periods after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009, and is to be applied prospectively. The Company adopted FSP FAS 157-4 effective January 1, 2009. As required, the Company also adopted FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments,” effective January 1, 2009. Preferred evaluated the impact of adopting FSP FAS 157-4 and FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 and their impact on the Company’s financial statements. The adoption of these standards did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, including an amendment of SFAS 115. This statement provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 with early adoption permitted. Preferred evaluated the impact of adopting SFAS 159 and its impact on the Company’s financial statements.
The Company adopted SFAS 159 during the first quarter of 2008, and it did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements, as the Company did not elect the fair value option for any eligible financial assets or liabilities.
In April 2007, the FASB released FASB Staff Position FIN No. 39-1 “Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts” (“FSP FIN 39-1”). FSP FIN 39-1 requires that offsetting of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet is improper except where a right of setoff exists. The application of FSP FIN 39-1 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim period within those fiscal years. Preferred evaluated the impact of adopting FSP FIN 39-1 and its impact on the Company’s financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133”(“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 establishes, among other things, the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Preferred evaluated the impact of adopting SFAS 161 and its impact on the Company’s financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.
| B. | Cash and Cash Equivalents |
Cash represents amounts deposited with a bank and clearing broker, a portion of which is restricted for purposes of meeting margin requirements, which typically range from 0% to 35% of the notional amounts of the derivatives traded. As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, restricted cash totaled $679,667 and $670,420, respectively. The Company receives interest at prevailing interest rates on all cash balances held by the clearing broker and bank.
-9-
27
WCM POOL LLC
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) |
The Company is treated as a partnership for Federal income tax purposes. As such, the Company is not required to provide for, or pay, any Federal or state income taxes. Income tax attributes that arise from its operations are passed directly to the Members. The Company may be subject to other state and local taxes in jurisdictions in which it operates.
The Company accounts for subscriptions, allocations and redemptions on a per member capital account basis.
The Company allocates profits and losses, prior to calculation of the incentive fee, for both financial and tax reporting purposes to its Members monthly on a pro rata basis based on each Member’s pro rata capital in the Company during the month. Each Member is then charged with the applicable incentive fee. Distributions (other than redemptions of capital) may be made at the sole discretion of the Members on a pro rata basis in accordance with the Members’ respective capital balances. The Company has not and does not presently intend to make any distributions.
| E. | Foreign Currency Transactions |
The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar; however, it transacts business in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates in effect at the date of the condensed statements of financial condition. Income and expense items denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates in effect during the period. Gains and losses resulting from the translation to U.S. dollars are reported in operations currently under the caption realized in the condensed statements of operations.
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.
Operating expenses of the Company are paid for by the Company.
| B. | Management and Incentive Fees |
The Company pays the Trading Advisor a management fee at an annual rate of 2% of the Company’s Net Assets determined as of the close of business each month. For purposes of determining the management fee, any distributions, redemptions or reallocation of assets made as of the last day of the month shall be added back to the assets and there shall be no reduction for (i) the management fees calculated or (ii) any accrued but unpaid incentive fees due the Trading Advisor.
-10-
28
WCM POOL LLC
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
| B. | Management and Incentive Fees (Continued) |
Additionally, the Company pays the Trading Advisor a quarterly incentive fee of 20% (the “Incentive Fee”) of “New High Net Trading Profits” (as defined in the Advisory Agreement). For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Trading Advisor earned incentive fees of $593 and $493,010, respectively, of which $593 remains payable at March 31, 2009.
The Company is obligated to pay all floor brokerage expenses, give-up charges and National Futures Association clearing and exchange fees incurred in connection with the Company’s commodity trading activities.
The Company reimburses Preferred for services it performs for the Company, which include, but are not limited to: management, accounting, printing, and other administrative services.
The expenses incurred by the Company for services performed by Preferred for the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were:
| | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | 2009 | | 2008 |
General and administrative | | $ | 8,270 | | $ | 4,810 |
| | | | | | |
Expenses payable to Preferred and its affiliates (which are included in accrued expenses payable on the condensed statements of financial condition) as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were $6,000 and $7,480, respectively.
There have been no differences between the tax basis and book basis of assets, liabilities or members’ capital since inception of the Company.
Note 6. | DEPOSITS WITH COMMODITY BROKER, PRIME BROKER AND BANK |
The Company deposits funds with a commodity broker subject to CFTC regulations and various exchange and commodity broker requirements. Margin requirements are satisfied by the deposit of cash with such commodity broker. The Company earns interest income on assets deposited with the commodity broker. The Company also deposits funds with a prime broker.
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WCM POOL LLC
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 6. | DEPOSITS WITH COMMODITY BROKER, PRIME BROKER AND BANK (CONTINUED) |
Margin requirements are satisfied by the deposit of cash with such prime broker. The Company earns interest income on assets deposited with its prime broker. The Company also earns interest on funds deposited with JP Morgan Chase Bank Nassau branch.
Note 7. | SUBSCRIPTIONS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS |
Investments in the Company are made subject to the terms of the Organization Agreement.
The Company is not required to make distributions, but could do so at the discretion of the Members. A Member can request and receive redemption of capital, subject to the terms in the Organization Agreement.
Of the Company’s $708,760 of redemptions payable at March 31, 2009, $9,558 represents redemptions payable to Member DFFLP, which redeemed all of its membership interests in the Company and terminated its fund operations as of December 31, 2008. The $9,558 of redemptions was subsequently paid to Member DFFLP in April 2009.
Note 8. | DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND ASSOCIATED RISKS |
The Company has cash on deposit with financial institutions. In the event of a financial institution’s insolvency, recovery of cash on deposit may be limited to account insurance or other protection afforded such deposits.
The Company is exposed to various types of risks associated with the derivative instruments and related markets in which it invests. These risks include, but are not limited to, risk of loss from fluctuations in the value of derivative instruments held (market risk) and the inability of counterparties to perform under the terms of the Company’s investment activities (credit risk).
Market Risk
Trading in futures and forward contracts (including foreign exchange) involves entering into contractual commitments to purchase or sell a particular commodity at a specified date and price. The gross or face amount of the contracts, which is typically many times that of the Company’s net assets being traded, significantly exceeds the Company’s future cash requirements since the Company intends to close out its open positions prior to settlement. As a result, the Company is generally subject only to the risk of loss arising from the change in the value of the contracts. As such, the Company considers the “fair value” of its derivative instruments to be the net unrealized gain or loss on the contracts.
The market risk associated with the Company’s commitments to purchase commodities is limited to the gross or face amount of the contract held. However, when the Company enters into a contractual commitment to sell commodities, it must make delivery of the underlying commodity at the contract price and then repurchase the contract at prevailing market prices or settle in cash. Since the repurchase price to which a commodity can rise is unlimited, entering into commitments to sell commodities exposes the Company to unlimited risk.
Market risk is influenced by a wide variety of factors, including government programs and policies, political and economic events, the level and volatility of interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, the diversification effect among the derivative instruments the Company holds and the liquidity and inherent volatility of the markets in which the Company trades.
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WCM POOL LLC
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 8. | DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND ASSOCIATED RISKS (CONTINUED) |
Credit Risk
When entering into futures or forward contracts, the Company is exposed to credit risk that the counterparty to the contract will not meet its obligations. The counterparty for futures contracts traded on United States and most foreign futures exchanges is the clearinghouse associated with the particular exchange. In general, clearinghouses are backed by its corporate members who are required to share any financial burden resulting from the non-performance by one of their members and, as such, should significantly reduce this credit risk. In cases where the clearinghouse is not backed by the clearing members (i.e., some foreign exchanges), it is normally backed by a consortium of banks or other financial institutions. On the other hand, there is concentration risk on forward transactions entered into by the Company, as the Company’s forward broker is the sole counterparty. The Company has entered into a master netting agreement with its forward broker and, as a result, when applicable, presents unrealized gains and losses on open forward positions as a net amount in the condensed statements of financial condition. The amount at risk associated with counterparty non-performance of all of the Company’s contracts is the net unrealized gain or loss included in the condensed statements of financial condition; however, counterparty non-performance on only certain of the Company’s contracts may result in greater loss than non-performance on all of the Company’s contracts. There can be no assurance that any counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will meet its obligations to the Company.
Preferred attempts to minimize both credit and market risks by requiring the Company and its Trading Advisor to abide by various trading limitations and policies. Preferred monitors compliance with these trading limitations and policies, which include, but are not limited to, executing and clearing all trades with creditworthy counterparties; limiting the amount of margin or premium required for any one commodity or all commodities combined; and generally limiting transactions to contracts which are traded in sufficient volume to permit the taking and liquidating of positions.
Additionally, pursuant to the Advisory Agreement among the Company, Preferred and the Trading Advisor, the Company shall automatically terminate the Trading Agreement, if the net asset value allocated to the Trading Advisor declines by 40% from the value at the beginning of any year or since the effective date of the Advisory Agreement. The decline in net asset value is after giving effect for distributions, subscriptions and redemptions.
The Company’s futures commission merchant, in accepting orders for the purchase or sale of domestic futures contracts, is required by CFTC regulations to separately account for and segregate as belonging to the Company all assets of the Company relating to domestic futures trading and is not allowed to commingle such assets with its other assets. At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, such segregated assets totaled $9,559,192 and $12,595,893, respectively, which are included in cash and cash equivalents on the condensed statements of financial condition. Part 30.7 of the CFTC regulations also requires the Company’s futures commission merchant to secure assets of the Company related to foreign futures trading which totaled $75,213 and $1,274,591 at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. There are no segregation requirements for assets related to forward trading.
As of March 31, 2009, all open futures contracts mature within eighteen months.
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WCM POOL LLC
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Note 9. | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
The following information presents the financial highlights of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 (Unaudited) | | | Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 (Unaudited) | |
| | Member DFT I | | | Member KGT | | | Member FST | | | Member DFF LP(5) | | | Member DFT I | | | Member KGT | | | Member FST | |
Total return:(1),(4) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total return before incentive fee | | (1.61 | )% | | (1.61 | )% | | (1.61 | )% | | 12.88 | % | | 12.87 | % | | 12.87 | % | | 12.87 | % |
Incentive fee | | 0.01 | % | | 0.01 | % | | 0.01 | % | | (2.52 | )% | | (2.51 | )% | | (2.51 | )% | | (2.51 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total return after incentive fee | | (1.60 | )% | | (1.60 | )% | | (1.60 | )% | | 10.36 | % | | 10.36 | % | | 10.36 | % | | 10.36 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios to average net asset values: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses prior to incentive fee(2) | | 3.06 | % | | 3.31 | % | | 3.05 | % | | 3.08 | % | | 3.07 | % | | 3.12 | % | | 3.06 | % |
Incentive fee(1) | | 0.00 | % | | 0.04 | % | | 0.01 | % | | 2.36 | % | | 2.35 | % | | 2.45 | % | | 2.34 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses and incentive fee | | 3.06 | % | | 3.35 | % | | 3.06 | % | | 5.44 | % | | 5.42 | % | | 5.57 | % | | 5.40 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss(2), (3) | | (3.03 | )% | | (3.28 | )% | | (3.03 | )% | | (1.27 | )% | | (1.27 | )% | | (1.25 | )% | | (1.26 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total returns are calculated based on the change in value of Members’ capital during the period. An individual Member’s total returns and ratios may vary from the above total returns and ratios based on the timing of redemptions
| (3) | Represents interest income less total expenses (exclusive of incentive fee). |
| (4) | Includes realized and unrealized gains (losses) on securities transactions. |
| (5) | Member DFFLP redeemed all of its membership interest in the Company and terminated its fund operations as of December 31, 2008. |
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WCM POOL LLC
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Effective April 1, 2009, World Monitor Trust II Series D and F will contribute their net assets to the Company and receive Voting Membership Interests as new Members of the Company.
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Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
This report on Form 10-Q (the “Report”) for the quarter ending March 31, 2009 (“First Quarter 2009”) includes forward-looking statements that reflect the current expectations of Preferred Investment Solutions Corp. (“Preferred” or the “Managing Owner”), the managing owner of Futures Strategic Trust (“Registrant”), about the future results, performance, prospects and opportunities of Registrant. The Managing Owner has tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “should,” “estimate” or the negative of those terms or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Managing Owner and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, both known, such as those described in this Report, and unknown, that could cause Registrant’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.
You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by the Federal securities laws, the Managing Owner undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or the risks, uncertainties or other factors described in this Report, as a result of new information, future events or changed circumstances or for any other reason after the date of this Report.
Introduction
General
Registrant was organized under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act on October 16, 1995 and commenced trading operations on May 1, 1996. Registrant will terminate on December 31, 2020 unless terminated sooner as provided in the Fourth Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement (the “Trust Agreement”). Registrant was formed to engage in the speculative trading of commodity futures, forward and options contracts. The trustee of Registrant is Wilmington Trust Company.
Registrant is engaged solely in the business of commodity futures, forward and options trading; therefore, presentation of industry segment information is not applicable.
Managing Owner and its Affiliates
Preferred has been the managing owner of Registrant since October 1, 2004.
Effective December 1, 2008, in accordance with the Trust Agreement, the Managing Owner is no longer required to maintain a capital account equal to 1% of the total capital accounts of the Registrant or a net worth of at least $1,000,000. As such, the Managing Owner redeemed its entire interest in the Registrant in 2009.
The Trading Advisors and the Trading Vehicles
Effective November 1, 2006, Registrant allocated its net assets to WMT III Series H/J Trading Vehicle LLC (the “H/J Trading Vehicle”) and received a voting membership interest in the H/J Trading Vehicle. The H/J Trading Vehicle was formed to function as an aggregate trading vehicle for its members. The sole members of the H/J Trading Vehicle were the Registrant, World Monitor Trust III – Series H (“Series H”) and World Monitor Trust III – Series J (“Series J”). Preferred was and currently is the managing owner of Series H and Series J, respectively, and had been delegated administrative authority over the operations of the H/J Trading Vehicle. The H/J Trading Vehicle engaged in the speculative trading of futures and forwards contracts. The H/J Trading Vehicle entered into an advisory agreement (the “H/J Trading Vehicle Advisory Agreement”) with Bridgewater Associates, Inc. (“Bridgewater”) to make the trading decisions for the H/J Trading Vehicle. Bridgewater traded 100% of the assets of the H/J Trading Vehicle pursuant to Bridgewater’s Aggressive Pure Alpha Futures Only – A No Benchmark program, which was a fundamental, systematic, global macro program. All references herein to Registrant’s relationship with Bridgewater shall, unless the context states otherwise, refer to Registrant’s relationship with Bridgewater through Registrant’s investment in the H/J Trading Vehicle.
Effective April 1, 2007, Registrant withdrew as a member of the H/J Trading Vehicle and contributed its net assets to WCM Pool LLC (“WCM Pool”), a Delaware limited liability company, and received a voting membership interest in WCM Pool. (The H/J Trading Vehicle subsequently liquidated and terminated the H/J Trading Vehicle Advisory
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Agreement on April 30, 2007). WCM Pool was formed to function as an aggregate trading vehicle for its members. As of March 31, 2009, Registrant, Diversified Futures Trust I and Kenmar Global Trust are the sole members of WCM Pool. Effective April 1, 2009, World Monitor Trust II – Series D and World Monitor Trust II – Series F received a voting membership interest into WCM Pool. Preferred has been delegated administrative authority over the operations of WCM Pool. WCM Pool engages in the speculative trading of futures and forwards contracts. The financial statements of WCM Pool, including the condensed schedule of investments, are included in Section II of Registrant’s financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with Registrant’s financial statements.
WCM Pool has entered into an advisory agreement (the “WCM Pool Advisory Agreement”) with Winton Capital Management Limited (“Winton”), whereby Winton will make the trading decisions for the WCM Pool and, in turn, Registrant, pursuant to Winton’s Diversified Program. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated for various reasons, including at the discretion of the Trading Vehicle. Registrant has allocated 100% of the proceeds from the initial and continuous offering of Registrant to the Trading Advisor. Registrant, through its investment in the Trading Vehicle, pays a monthly management fee equal to 0.16667% (2% annually) of the assets allocated to the Trading Advisor. Registrant, through its investment in the Trading Vehicle, pays the Trading Advisor an incentive fee of 20% of “New High Net Trading Profits” (as defined in the Advisory Agreement) generated by the Trading Vehicle. Incentive fees will accrue monthly and be paid quarterly in arrears.
The term “Trading Vehicle”, as used herein, refers either to the H/J Trading Vehicle or the WCM Pool, depending upon the applicable period discussed. The term “Trading Advisor”, as used herein, refers either to Bridgewater or Winton, depending upon the applicable period discussed. The term “Trading Advisory Agreement”, as used herein, refers either to the H/J Trading Vehicle Advisory Agreement or the WCM Pool Advisory Agreement, depending upon the applicable period discussed.
Competition
The Managing Owner and its affiliates have formed, and may continue to form, various entities to engage in the speculative trading of futures, forward and options contracts which have certain of the same investment policies as Registrant.
Registrant does not currently, and does not intend in the future to, solicit the sale of additional Interests. As such, Registrant does not compete with other entities to attract new fund participants. However, to the extent that the Trading Advisor recommends similar or identical trades to Registrant and other accounts that they manage, Registrant may compete with those accounts, as well as other market participants, for the execution of the same or similar trades.
Employees
Registrant has no employees. Management and administrative services for Registrant are performed by the Managing Owner or third parties pursuant to the Trust Agreement, as further discussed in Notes 3 and 4 of Registrant’s financial statements included in its annual report for the year ended December 31, 2008 (“Registrant’s 2008 Annual Report”), which is filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Critical Accounting Policies
Preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the application of appropriate accounting rules and guidance. Applying these policies requires the Managing Owner to make judgments, estimates and assumptions in connection with the preparation of Registrant’s financial statements. Actual results may differ from the estimates used.
The Managing Owner has evaluated Registrant’s financial statements and related disclosures and has determined that the policies discussed below are critical accounting policies because they involve estimates, judgments and assumptions that are particularly complex, subjective or uncertain. For further discussion of Registrant’s significant accounting policies, see Note 2 to Registrant’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, which is filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
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The valuation of Registrant’s investments that are not traded on a United States or internationally recognized futures exchange is a critical accounting policy. The market values of futures (exchange traded) contracts is verified by Registrant’s administrator, which obtains valuation data from third party data providers such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Super Derivatives and compares those prices with Registrant’s clearing broker. The market value of currency swap and forward (non-exchange traded) contracts is extrapolated on a forward basis from the spot prices quoted as of 4 PM on the last business day of the reporting period. All values assigned by the administrator and confirmed by the Managing Owner are final and conclusive as to all of Registrant’s Unitholders.
As such, if actual results vary from estimates used, they are not anticipated to have a material impact on the financial statements and related disclosures.
Registrant records all investments at fair value in its financial statements, with changes in fair value reported as a component of Revenues—Unrealized in the Condensed Statements of Operations. Registrant considers prices for exchange traded commodity futures and options contracts to be based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1). The values of forwards, swaps, and certain option contracts for which market quotations are not readily available are priced by third party data providers such as Bloomberg, Reuters and or Super Derivatives who derive fair values for those assets from observable inputs (Level 2). Level 3 inputs reflect Registrant’s assumptions that it believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Registrant develops Level 3 inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, which may include indirect correlation to a market value, combinations of market values or Registrant’s proprietary data. Level 3 inputs generally include information derived through extrapolation or interpolation of observable market data.
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that Registrant recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. In connection with the adoption of FIN 48, Registrant has elected an accounting policy to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest or other expense. All tax years which are statutorily open are subject to examination by the appropriate taxing authorities. The Managing Owner evaluated the impact of adopting FIN 48 on Registrant’s financial statements. The adoption of FIN 48 had no material impact on Registrant, as Registrant’s tax positions are based on established tax precedence for the tax treatment of investment partnerships as flow through tax entities.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), “Fair Value Measurements”. SFAS 157 requires use of a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels: quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1), inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly (Level 2), and unobservable inputs for the asset or liability (Level 3). SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.
Registrant adopted SFAS 157 in the first quarter of 2008. The adoption of SFAS 157 had no impact to the items required to be carried at fair value (investments) in Registrant’s financial statements. $0 or 0.00% of Registrant’s investments at March 31, 2009 are classified as Level 1 or Level 3 and $3,579,036 or 100.00% are classified as Level 2 using the fair value hierarchy of SFAS 157. $0 or 0.00% of Registrant’s investments at December 31, 2008 are classified as Level 1 or Level 3 and $3,929,018 or 100.00% are classified as Level 2 using the fair value hierarchy of SFAS 157.
Investment classified as Level 3 under SFAS 157 represents the Registrant’s investment in the Trading Vehicle and is valued monthly at the net asset value as reported by the Trading Vehicle. The Trading Vehicle’s net asset value is determined based upon its management’s best estimate of the fair value of its underlying net assets, substantially all of which are investments valued using Level 1 inputs but include certain assets and liabilities where the inputs into the determination of fair value require management judgment or estimation. The Managing Owner determined that certain of the Trading Vehicle’s assets and liabilities which require management judgment or estimation were not material to the Registrant’s financial statements and therefore the Registrant’s investment in the Trading Vehicle should be classified as Level 2 at December 31, 2008. A table presenting the changes in the Level 3 fair value categories for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 is provided in Note 5 of Registrant’s financial statements. Of the $431,026 gain for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 respectively, reported on Level 3 investment in Note 5, $(107,173) represent a change in unrealized loss allocated from WCM Pool on Registrant’s condensed statements of operations.
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In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active” (“FSP FAS 157-3”). FSP FAS 157-3 clarified the application of SFAS 157. FSP FAS 157-3 demonstrated how the fair value of a financial asset is determined when the market for that financial asset is inactive. FSP FAS 157-3 was effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements had not been issued. The Managing Owner evaluated the impact of adopting FSP FAS 157-3 and its impact on the Registrant’s financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Registrant’s financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP FAS 157-4”). FSP FAS 157-4 clarified the application of SFAS 157. FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance for how the fair value of a financial asset or liability is determined when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for interim and annual periods after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009, and is to be applied prospectively. The Registrant adopted FSP FAS 157-4 effective January 1, 2009. As required, the Registrant also adopted FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments,” effective January 1, 2009. The Managing Owner evaluated the impact of adopting FSP FAS 157-4 and FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 and their impact on Registrant’s financial statements. The adoption of these standards did not have an impact on Registrant’s financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, including an amendment of SFAS 115. This statement provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 with early adoption permitted. The Managing Owner evaluated the impact of adopting SFAS 159 and its impact on the Registrant’s financial statements. The Registrant adopted SFAS 159 during the first quarter of 2008, and it did not have a material effect on the Registrant’s financial statements, as the Registrant did not elect the fair value option for any eligible financial assets or liabilities.
In April 2007, the FASB released FASB Staff Position FIN No. 39-1 “Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts” (“FSP FIN 39-1”). FSP FIN 39-1 requires that offsetting of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet is improper except where a right of setoff exists. The application of FSP FIN 39-1 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim period within those fiscal years. The Managing Owner evaluated the impact of adopting FSP FIN 39-1 and its impact on the Registrant’s financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Registrant’s financial statements.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 establishes, among other things, the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Managing Owner evaluated the impact of adopting SFAS 161 and its impact on the Registrant’s financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Registrant’s financial statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Registrant commenced operations on May 1, 1996. Additional contributions were raised through the continuous offering of limited interests (“Limited Interests”) and general interests (“General Interests” and, together with the Limited Interests, “Interests”) of beneficial ownership in Registrant through January 31, 1998. The continuous offering period expired on January 31, 1998.
Limited Interests in Registrant may be redeemed on a monthly basis. For First Quarter 2009, redemptions of Limited Interests and General Interests were $203,698 and $38,718, respectively. For the quarter ending March 31, 2008 (“First Quarter 2008”), redemptions of Limited Interests and General Interests were $51,180 and $1,231, respectively. Future redemptions will impact the amount of funds available for investment in commodity contracts in subsequent periods.
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For First Quarter 2009 and First Quarter 2008, there were no subscriptions in Limited Interests and General Interests.
At March 31, 2009, 99.94% of Registrant’s net assets were allocated to commodities trading through its investment in the Trading Vehicle. A significant portion of Registrant’s net assets invested in the Trading Vehicle was held in cash, which was used as margin for trading in commodities. In as much as the sole business of Registrant is to trade in commodities (through its investment in the Trading Vehicle), Registrant continues to own such liquid assets to be used as margin. The clearing broker and bank credit Registrant (either directly or through the Trading Vehicle) with interest income on 100% of its average daily equity maintained in its accounts with the clearing broker and bank during each month at competitive interest rates.
The commodities contracts may be subject to periods of illiquidity because of market conditions, regulatory considerations and other reasons. For example, commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in certain commodity futures contract prices during a single day by regulations referred to as “daily limits.” During a single day, no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limit. Once the price of a futures contract for a particular commodity has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in the commodity can neither be taken nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Commodity futures prices have occasionally moved the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading. Such market conditions could prevent the Trading Vehicle (and, in turn, Registrant) from promptly liquidating its commodity futures positions.
Since Registrant’s business is to trade futures and forward contracts (through its investment in the Trading Vehicle), its capital is at risk due to changes in the value of these contracts (market risk) or the inability of counterparties to perform under the terms of the contracts (credit risk). Registrant’s exposure to market risk is influenced by a number of factors including the volatility of interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, the liquidity of the markets in which the contracts are traded and the relationships among the contracts held. The inherent uncertainty of Registrant’s speculative trading as well as the development of drastic market occurrences could result in losses considerably beyond Registrant’s experience to date and could ultimately lead to a loss of all or substantially all of investors’ capital. The Managing Owner attempts to minimize these risks by requiring Registrant, the Trading Vehicles and Trading Advisors to abide by various trading limitations and policies, which include limiting margin amounts, trading only in liquid markets and permitting the use of stop loss provisions. See Note 7 to the financial statements for a further discussion on the credit and market risks associated with Registrant’s futures, forwards and option contracts.
Registrant does not have, nor does it expect to have, any capital assets.
Market Overview
Following is a market overview for First Quarter 2009 and First Quarter 2008:
First Quarter 2009
Many of the same economic problems that faced the US economy in the last months of 2008 were still apparent in the first three months of 2009 as President Obama was inaugurated. However, as the quarter progressed, there was at least a glimmer of hope, particularly in March. The “fear factor” was still very much in place, but to a somewhat lesser degree than at the start of the year. The major feature of the first quarter was a series of massive liquidity additions from the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) as they spent, lent or guaranteed $12.8 trillion. Also, the Fed announced they would buy significant quantities of Treasury paper going forward, resulting in the worst quarter for US Treasuries since 1996, as the Merrill Lynch Master Index plunged.
US economic data during the first quarter can only be described as bleak, as neither housing nor employment showed signs of imminent improvement. The Unemployment Rate rose to over 8.1% at the end of the quarter and payroll fell by an additional 650,000 in March as the economy lost over 5 million jobs since the US recession began. Housing Starts showed improvement in February, rising over 20% after it dropped nearly 40% in the three preceding months. Industrial production recorded consecutive months of decline through the first quarter. The latest fourth quarter Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) revision came in at -6.3%, which is the worst in nearly three decades. The consumer held retrenched as Retail Sales fell 1.1% in March, were off 1.2% for the quarter and down 9.4% in the past twelve months.
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Europe and Asia experienced a quarter similar to the US, with the exception of China. China’s GDP projections, however, were downgraded by almost 2%. As in the US, foreign central banks engaged in massive liquidity additions and bank bailout initiatives. The UK was particularly aggressive as the Bank of England cut its key lending rate to a record low 0.5% and announced an unprecedented plan to buy 75 billion pounds of commercial paper. The European Central Bank cut rates consistently throughout the quarter but at a less aggressive pace, despite anemic economic conditions. Concerns surrounding the health of the Eastern European banking sector lingered as the quarter concluded. Japan’s recession worsened materially during the first quarter, even as the Bank of Japan engaged in three liquidity-adding measures. Japan appears to be behind both the US, UK and Western Europe in its economic recovery mode. Australia and New Zealand suffered as the leading economic index for Australia hit a 26-year low in February.
Currencies:The Dollar Index ended March down overall. However, the dollar continued as the currency of choice on a flight-to-safety basis, despite noises from China and Russia regarding a proposed new global currency. The Obama administration quickly emphasized a continued policy for a strong dollar. During the quarter, the euro gained ground to the pound, while the US dollar advanced versus both. At one point, sterling was under $1.38 before ending the quarter at approximately $1.44, as the UK economy holds a basket case, led by plunging house prices. The yen periodically attracted flight-to-safety demand but that steadily lessened as the quarter developed. Japanese GDP continued to retract and there were few apparent inflationary pressures, while technical indicators pointed to modest additional weakness for the yen vs. the dollar and euro. The Australian and New Zealand dollars scored gains to both the yen and dollar to cap the quarter.
Energies:Crude ended the quarter at almost $50 per barrel, an 11% overall gain, as the market appeared to run into resistance at that level. At one point in early February, crude was down over 23% year-to-date before rallying 12% in the final week of the month. Crude closed March with a double-digit gain, clearly aided by the global equity rally. Demand destruction is still apparent with the latest data showing declines in consumption. OPEC’s member compliance appeared to hold, although there were rumblings of possible erosion. Reformulated gasoline prices edged up in March as gasoline at the pump rose. Natural gas inventories remained well above 5-year averages, which drove prices lower to close the quarter.
Indices:March proved to be the best month for US equities since 2002. However, the overall quarterly result was not pretty as the Dow Jones fell an overall approximate 13.3%. Only three of thirty components ended the period with higher prices; IBM, Home Depot and Intel. The NASDAQ lost over 3% for the quarter and the broad based S&P 500 fell over 11%. After being a severe drag on the market for months, financial and banking issues led a late first quarter rally. Asian and European equities experienced an overall positive March but, as in the US, lost ground for the quarter. The key European markets, FTSE, DAX and CAC ended the quarter down overall 10%, 17% and 15%, respectively. The leading Asian equity indices, the Nikkei and Hang Seng, ended the quarter down 14% and 6%, respectively. Korea’s Kospi ended the period with an overall 5% gain as buyers were encouraged by liquidity measures to aid the Korean economy. Australia and New Zealand both scored gains in March, however they suffered quarterly losses. Russia broke a six month losing streak with an approximate 27% surge to cap the quarter.
Agriculturals:Compared to the year-end rally seen in December 2008, during the first quarter of 2009, the agricultural markets saw both price and participation decline. The drop in Open Interest was the most notable, especially given its relative levels, as compared to historical pricing. In all of the four major markets, corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton, the Open Interest fell to the lowest levels seen since 2005. Prices, however, remained well above both comparative and historical norms and only the cotton market showed a resemblance to its historic norm during the quarter.
Metals:Copper rebounded in January despite a huge rise in inventories. Aluminum did not fare as well, losing over 10% following evidence of increased Chinese exports. Zinc and nickel experienced losses within the DJ AIG Index as both saw huge increases. Gold continued upwards through February as a steady pattern of flight-to-safety demand continued to emanate from plunging global equity values and the severe global banking crisis. Silver followed gold’s pattern and realized a positive overall February. Platinum and palladium posted gains for February as well. As for base metals, increased Chinese demand drove prices higher for copper and zinc. However, sluggish global steel demand persists for nickel with few indications of imminent improvement. Following four consecutive monthly gains, gold fell slightly in March. The metal was hurt toward month-end by a firmer US dollar as well as reduced flight-to-quality demand. A rally in global equities and benign global inflation data also contributed to lower performance. Physical demand outside of jewelry remained strong, with the notable exception of India where imports were flat in March. Silver traded in a volatile pattern and ended March with overall losses. Copper staged a limited rally in March and posted overall gains, attributable to China’s inventory stockpiling. Aluminum, zinc and lead posted gains in March as nickel prices fell modestly.
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Softs and Livestock:In January, coffee rose over 8% within the DJ AIG Index, despite some end-of-month producer selling. Crop concerns surrounding Colombia and Central America were among the supportive factors. Coffee and cocoa prices both edged up in March. In January, sugar turned in solid performance, gaining over 6.5% within the DJ AIG Index and extended its rally into February. Cattle prices fell seven consecutive months within the DJ AIG Index on poor US demand and weak exports but rose finally in March. Live hogs rose over 3% in January on rumors of increased Russian purchases but fell again in February and March due to high corn prices and weak demand.
First Quarter 2008
General market consensus is that the US is in a recession. The question remains how long and deep it will be. Persistent liquidity problems, spreading credit market contagion and the worst stock market response to Federal Reserve (“Fed”) easing in the postwar era reveal the unusually intractable nature of the problems with which the Fed is presently grappling with. Perhaps more telling is the inability of the Fed to arrest the spread of liquidity problems across the credit market landscape and recurring spikes in the Ted-spread, the difference between the T-bill and LIBOR, and its extraordinarily high level, even after steep rate cuts and unprecedented actions through the discount window. Credit is the lifeblood of capitalist economies and a dysfunctional financial system appears to be threatening the US and the global economies.
US Treasuries finished the first quarter lower than year end 2007. The 10-year yield benchmark fell approximately to 3.41% from 4.00%. The 2-year yield was virtually unchanged in February but declined in March to near 1.60%. The 30-year note fell in March as well. The Fed lowered rates to 2.25% through three separate easing sessions during the quarter, which is a 2% decline. On March 11, the Fed announced a plan to lend up to $200 billion of Treasury securities in exchange for debt, including private mortgage backed securities that have been in a severe slump as homeowners default on payments. The biggest event of the quarter was the March 14 “rescue” of Bear Stearns & Co. Inc. through the sponsorship of the Fed and JP Morgan Chase & Co. after the investment house giant admitted its liquidity had significantly declined.
US first quarter economic data displayed little indication of a speedy housing recovery. Housing starts fell, building permits dropped to a 16-year low, confidence among home builders plummeted and mortgage delinquencies hit their highest levels since the Regan era. The outlook for employment worsened as the unemployment rate rose to 5.1% from 4.8%, which is the highest level since September 2005. In March, nonfarm payrolls plunged and January and February estimates were significantly revised downward, which made the data even harder to swallow. As far as inflation is concerned, the Fed continues to express its usual caution but the economic slump seems to be taking precedence.
Outside the US, European Central Bank (“ECB”) rates remained unchanged throughout the first quarter and ECB president, Jean Claude Trichet, continued his hawkish stance giving no indication the ECB would detour from its tight monetary policy. Inflation in the Eurozone ran a bit high and closed the quarter at 3.50%. However, consumer and business confidence was stable. The Bank of England (“BOE”) seemed to be in an easing mode during the first three months of the year as UK economic data, housing in particular, were on the weak side. Also, UK GDP was only 0.6% for the fourth quarter 2007 and the first quarter data does not appear to have improved. The People’s Bank of the Republic of China maintained a tight monetary policy in an effort to curb inflation and comments from the Bank indicate they might press tighter in the coming months as the inflation threat thickens. In addition, eyes are on the Tibet crisis and its impact on the upcoming summer Olympic Games. The Bank of Canada lowered its benchmark rate by 50 basis points on March 4 and Canadian GDP growth is minimal. The Bank of Japan remained on hold throughout the quarter. The Tankan report indicated decreased confidence as the manufacturing sector and the quarterly index fell.
Currencies:The US Dollar remained under pressure for most of March, extending the patterns of January and February. During the quarter, the US Dollar Index realized the weakest monthly close since its 1973 inception. Trading patterns in March were somewhat more two-sided than the straight down tone of January and February but the dollar was consistently unable to maintain consolidation rallies. The dollar continues to suffer from diversification efforts by foreign central banks such as China, Russia and some petro nations.
The euro continued its steep strengthening on the greenback through the first three months of 2008. The euro traded over an historical high-point prior to ending the quarter. The British pound concluded March little changed from February and January and ended the period slightly lower than year-end 2007. UK housing prices declined for five consecutive months as the subprime/credit concerns still hounded the British landscape. After closing out
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February at a three-year low, the dollar lost additional ground to the yen in March. The Japanese economy appears to be in better shape than the US as the yen continued its 2007 rally through to 2008. The Chinese yuan extended its gradual advance on the US dollar during the quarter. On a positive note for the greenback, the dollar strengthened on the Canadian dollar, Korean won and South African rand.
Energies:Record highs were set during the quarter as New York Mercantile Exchange crude futures traded over $110 in mid-March. Under March’s commodity deleveraging pressure, oil dropped and closed the quarter with a year-to-date gain over 6% within the Dow Jones AIG Index (“DJAIG”). A mid-March pipeline sabotage attempt in Iraq proved to be a limited disruption. Global demand, led primarily by China and India, remains the number one bullish factor for energy prices. Heating oil and natural gas performed handsomely in the first quarter, ending with gains of over 12% and 32%, respectively. Reformulated gasoline declined almost 3% during the three months as refining margins have been lean and, thus, production has lagged.
Agriculturals:Prior to the deleveraging commodity drawdown in late March, a weakening US dollar and supply side deficits drove agricultural prices to historical levels during the quarter. Corn began each month with prices on the upswing, which was followed at some point during the month with a temporary, profit taking sell-off. The fundamental reasons behind corn’s rally is the ethanol story, the growing potential of an eventual global food shortage and capital flows pouring into this “non-traditional” asset class. Wheat started the year off rather stable trading in the $9 to $10 per bushel (“pb”) range. As global fears of a wheat shortage hit the markets in February, prices launched to a record $25 pb but fell back to around $12 pb by the end of March, which capped off a positive quarter. Soybean prices encountered a similar trading pattern with a 28% increase by the end of February as increasing improvements in the quality of life in emerging nations drove the bean consumption pattern. As the March deleveraging took shape and rattled the markets, bean prices dropped 30%, ending the quarter with an overall loss.
Indices:It was a rocky quarter for the global equity markets. Cash flowed heavily from stocks to alternative assets in the wake of financial liquidity concerns and a weakening economic landscape. US stocks ended the quarter with their worst performance in six years. After a rally during the last week of the period, the Dow Jones Industrial Index finished down approximately 7.6% for the quarter, with financial stocks among the worst performers. The NASDAQ and S&P 500 dove 14% and 9.4% for the quarter, respectively. The US indices were presented with challenges related to the US financial mess along with the prolonged housing malaise.
Equities in Europe experienced their worst quarter in six years as well. Similar to the US, a shift to alternative assets and the surrounding credit and liquidity disaster drove the negative performance. In contrast, Europe could count on the strength in the euro and sterling as compared to the weak dollar. The broad based Dow Jones STOXX 600® index was down overall for the quarter. Financials, telecoms and tech represented the weakest sectors. The German DAX closed the quarter down nearly 19%. The French CAC 40 ended the quarter with losses over 16%. London’s FTSE had the benefit of a more accommodative BOE but still lost more than 11.5% during the quarter.
Once again, Asia was a hotbed of volatility as the major indices incurred double-digit declines. Akin to the US and Europe, financial and credit issues were key negative factors. Japan was impacted by negative economic data and, unlike the US, Japan concluded the period on a defensive note. The Nikkei lost 2.3% in the final session, finishing down over 18% for the quarter. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index exhibited extreme volatility and ended the quarter with an almost 19% loss. In Australia, the All Ordinaries Index benefited from high commodity prices but not from the Reserve Bank’s very tight monetary policy and ended the quarter down roughly 15.7%
Metals:March was a bumpy month for gold. The metal reached an all-time high of approximately $1,034 on March 17. Also, commodities as an asset group experienced deleveraging, the result being a slide in gold prices. The quarter closed at over $921, resulting in a loss of approximately 6% for March, lowering the quarterly gain to plus 8.5%. Silver followed its parasitic role and followed gold through a very volatile trading pattern and finished with strong quarterly performance over 15%. The slowing demand for jewelry had less of an impact on silver than on gold. Platinum had a positive month but prices were rocky as Asian demand for jewelry cooled and power and labor problems in South Africa remained a concern. Palladium followed suit and had a positive quarter.
Prices increased across the board for base metals during the first quarter despite being affected by the deleveraging process in March. Copper gained a hefty 25.7% as demand outside the US remained strong. Power problems in South Africa and China lent support to aluminum. Increasing stainless steel production and demand resulted in an approximate 9.4% gain for nickel within the DJAIG. Mounting battery related demand and a narrowing production deficit resulted in a profitable quarter for lead. Tin and zinc witnessed profitable quarters as well.
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Softs and Livestock:During the quarter, sugar prices exhibited extreme volatility, falling over 20% in March after a stellar February, bringing their quarterly gain to over 4% within the DJAIG. Higher production forecasts and inventory levels and the commodity pull-back were factors that promoted the 20% drop in March. Coffee lost over 8% within the DJAIG for the quarter and was the index’s worst performance component for March. Cocoa hit a 28-year high during the period and finished the quarter with positive overall performance. Citrus prices fell about 24% on indications of increased production as inventories topped two-year levels.
Live cattle extended its 2007 slide into the first quarter as performance finished down over 13.4%. Some blame the economic slump and oversupply for bad performance. After plummeting a hefty 11.6% in March, live hogs hold the dubious honor of being the weakest component within the DJAIG during the first quarter, closing down over 18.5%. On a positive note, demand in Asia remained strong.
Sector Performance
Due to the nature of Registrant’s trading activities, a period-to-period comparison of its trading results is not meaningful. However, a discussion of Registrant’s trading results for the major sectors in which Registrant traded for First Quarter 2009 and First Quarter 2008 are presented below.
First Quarter 2009
Currencies: (-)Registrant experienced a majority of its gains in the Canadian dollar and British pound. Losses were incurred in Japanese yen, euro, Australian and New Zealand dollars.
Energies: (+) Registrant experienced gains in natural gas, crude oil and Brent crude. Losses were incurred in reformulated gasoline.
Grains: (+) Registrant experienced gains in wheat, soybeans, cotton, bean oil and corn.
Indices: (+) Registrant experienced gains in DAX, DJ STOXX, S&P 500, CAC and the FTSE. Losses were incurred in the Nasdax.
Interest Rates: (-)Registrant experienced a majority of its gains in Euribor, Eurodollar and 2 year German bonds. Losses were incurred in US Treasury Notes, German Bund, Japanese Government Bonds and the London Gilt.
Meats: (+) Registrant experienced gains in live cattle and live hogs.
Metals: (-)Registrant experienced gains in nickel and aluminum. Losses were incurred in copper, silver, gold and zinc.
Softs: (-)Registrant experienced losses in sugar, coffee and cocoa.
First Quarter 2008
Currencies: (+) Registrant experienced a majority of its gains in the Swiss franc, euro, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, Brazilian real, Mexican peso and Polish zloty. The majority of losses were experienced in the British pound, Canadian dollar and the euro versus the Japanese yen.
Energies: (+) Registrant experienced gains in gasoline, heating oil, crude oil and gas oil. Losses were incurred in natural gas.
Grains: (+) Registrant experienced gains in corn, bean oil, canola oil, wheat, soy oil and soybeans. Losses were seen in cotton and soybean meal.
Indices: (-)Registrant experienced a majority of its losses in the All Ordinaries, DAX, DJ Stoxx 50, Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Taiwan SIMEX. The majority of gains were made in the CAC 40, Nikkei and the FTSE 100.
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Interest Rates: (+) Registrant experienced a majority of its gains in Eurodollars Japanese Government Bonds, US Treasury Notes and the German Bund. The majority of losses were incurred in Australian Bonds, Eurobonds and British Gilts.
Meats: (+) Registrant experienced gains in feeder cattle and live hogs. Losses were incurred in live cattle.
Metals: (+) Registrant experienced losses in copper, aluminum, zinc and nickel. Gains were made in gold, platinum and silver.
Softs: (+) Registrant experienced gains in coffee and cocoa. Losses were seen in sugar.
Results of Operations
The net asset value (“Net Asset Value”) per Interest as of March 31, 2009 was $119.13, a decrease of 3.39% from the December 31, 2008 Net Asset Value per Interest of $123.31. The Net Asset Value per Interest as of March 31, 2008 was $121.03, an increase of 8.45% from the December 31, 2007 Net Asset Value per Interest of $111.60.
Registrant’s trading gains (losses) before commissions and related fees during First Quarter 2009 and First Quarter 2008 were approximately $(30,000) and $548,000, respectively.
Registrant’s average net asset level decreased during the First Quarter 2009 in comparison to the First Quarter 2008 primarily due to the effects of negative trading performance and redemptions. Registrant’s average net asset level decreased during the First Quarter 2008 in comparison to the First Quarter 2007 primarily due to the effect of redemptions.
Interest income is earned on the average daily equity maintained with the clearing broker and bank at competitive interest rates and, therefore, varies monthly according to interest rates, trading performance and redemptions. Interest income during First Quarter 2009 was approximately $200, a decrease of approximately $20,000, as compared to First Quarter 2008 primarily due to declining interest rates and decreased average net asset levels as discussed above. Interest income during First Quarter 2008 was approximately $20,000, a decrease of approximately $38,000 as compared to First Quarter 2007 primarily due to a decrease in interest rates and the impact of reduced average net asset levels as discussed above.
Commissions and administrative services are calculated on Registrant’s Net Asset Value on the first day of each month and, therefore, vary according to monthly trading performance and redemptions. Other transaction fees consist of NFA, exchange and clearing fees as well as floor brokerage costs and give-up charges, which are based on the number of trades the Trading Advisor executes, as well as which exchange, clearing firm or bank on, or through, which the contract is traded. Commissions, administrative services and other transaction fees during First Quarter 2009 were approximately $73,000, a decrease of approximately $9,000, as compared to First Quarter 2008 primarily due to a decrease in average net asset levels as discussed above. Commissions, administrative services and other transaction fees during First Quarter 2008 were approximately $82,000, a decrease of approximately $15,000 as compared to First Quarter 2007 primarily due to a decline in average net asset levels as discussed above.
Management fees are calculated on Registrant’s share of the Trading Vehicle’s Net Asset Value at the end of each month, and therefore, are affected by monthly trading performance and redemptions. Management fees to the Trading Advisor during First Quarter 2009 were approximately $19,000, a decrease of approximately $4,000, as compared to First Quarter 2008 primarily due to a decrease in average net asset values as discussed above. Management fees to the Trading Advisor during First Quarter 2008 were approximately $23,000, a decrease of approximately $15,000 as compared to First Quarter 2007 primarily due to a decrease in average net asset values as discussed above.
Incentive fees, which are based on the “New High Net Trading Profits” (as defined in the applicable Advisory Agreement) generated by the Trading Advisor, are accrued monthly and are ultimately determined as of the close of business on the last business day of each calendar quarter. Incentive fees were approximately $200 in First Quarter 2009 and approximately $103,000 in First Quarter 2008.
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General and administrative expenses net of any reimbursement from the Managing Owner were approximately $8,000 and $6,000 during First Quarter 2009 and First Quarter 2008, respectively. These expenses include accounting, audit, tax, and legal fees allocated from the Trading Vehicle. Reimbursement received by the Registrant from the Managing Owner totaled approximately $2,000 and $3,000 in First Quarter 2009 and First Quarter 2008, respectively.
Inflation
Inflation has had no material impact on the operations or on the financial condition of Registrant from inception through March 31, 2009.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
As of March 31, 2009, Registrant had not utilized special purpose entities to facilitate off-balance sheet financing arrangements and has no loan guarantee arrangements or off-balance sheet arrangements of any kind other than agreements entered into in the normal course of business, which may include indemnification provisions related to certain risks service providers, such as our accountants, undertake in performing services which are in the best interests of Registrant. While Registrant’s exposure under such indemnification provisions cannot be estimated, these general business indemnifications are not expected to have a material impact on Registrant’s financial position.
Registrant’s contractual obligations are with the Managing Owner and the Trading Vehicle and, as a result of its investment in the Trading Vehicle, with the Trading Advisor and the Trading Vehicle’s commodity broker. Management fees payable by Registrant to the Trading Advisor (through its investment in the Trading Vehicle) and administrative services and other transaction fees payable to the Managing Owner are calculated as a fixed percentage of the Trading Vehicle and Registrant’s Net Asset Value, respectively. Incentive fees payable by the Registrant to the Trading Advisor (through its investment in the Trading Vehicle) are at a fixed rate, calculated as a percentage of the Trading Vehicle’s “New High Net Trading Profits”. As such, the Managing Owner cannot anticipate the amounts to be paid for future periods as Net Asset Values and “New High Net Trading Profits” are not known until a future date. Commissions payable to the Trading Vehicle’s commodity broker are based on a cost per executed trade and, as such, the Managing Owner cannot anticipate the amount that will be required under the brokerage agreement, as the level of executed trades are not known until a future date. These agreements are effective for one-year terms, renewable automatically for additional one-year terms unless terminated. Additionally, these agreements may be terminated by either party thereto for various reasons. For a further discussion of Registrant’s contractual obligations, see Notes 1, 3 and 4 to Registrant’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, which is filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
Information regarding quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk is not required pursuant to Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K.
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Registrant’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Registrant in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and that such information is accumulated and communicated to Registrant’s management, including the Managing Owner’s Co-Chief Executive Officers and Director of Fund Administration (who, in these capacities, function as the Principal Executive Officers and Principal Financial Officer, respectively, of Registrant), as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In designing and evaluating Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures, the Managing Owner recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the
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benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of the controls can prove absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Registrant have been detected.
The Managing Owner’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of certain officers of the Managing Owner (including the Managing Owner’s Co-Chief Executive Officers and Director of Fund Administration), has evaluated the effectiveness of Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon such evaluation, the Managing Owner’s Co-Chief Executive Officers and Director of Fund Administration have concluded that, as of the end of such period, Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a – 15(f) and 15d – 15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the first quarter of 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
There are no legal proceedings pending by or against Registrant or the Managing Owner, or to which Registrant or Managing Owner was a party during the period covered by this Report.
There have been no changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in Registrant’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
None
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
None
Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
None
None
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31.1 | | Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 (filed herewith) |
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31.2 | | Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 (filed herewith) |
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32.1 | | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith) |
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32.2 | | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith) |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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FUTURES STRATEGIC TRUST | | | | |
| | | |
By: | | Preferred Investment Solutions Corp., its managing owner | | | | Date: May 15, 2009 |
| | | | | |
| | By: | | /s/ Kenneth A. Shewer | | | | | | |
| | | | Name: | | Kenneth A. Shewer | | | | | | |
| | | | Title: | | Co-Chief Executive Officer | | | | | | |
| | | | | | (Principal Executive Officer) | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | By: | | /s/ David K. Spohr | | | | Date: May 15, 2009 |
| | | | Name: | | David K. Spohr | | | | | | |
| | | | Title: | | Senior Vice President and Director of Fund Administration | | | | | | |
| | | | | | (Principal Financial/Accounting Officer) | | | | | | |
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