Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended: September 30, 2013
o 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: 0-50316
Grant Park Futures Fund
Limited Partnership
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Illinois | | 36-3596839 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
c/o Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C.
626 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 600
Chicago, Illinois 60661
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 756-4450
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 o
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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
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 definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | | Accelerated filer o |
| | |
Non-accelerated filer x | | Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Yes o No x
Table of Contents
GRANT PARK FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
INDEX
Table of Contents
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
| | September 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | |
Assets | | | | | |
Equity in brokers’ trading accounts: | | | | | |
Cash | | $ | 77,449,598 | | $ | 94,093,764 | |
Unrealized gain (loss) on open contracts, net | | (2,851,650 | ) | 3,681,219 | |
Total equity in brokers’ trading accounts | | 74,597,948 | | 97,774,983 | |
| | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 102,848,527 | | 204,384,040 | |
Securities owned, at fair value (cost $325,279,464 and $358,405,739, respectively) | | 325,611,997 | | 358,679,830 | |
Interest receivable | | 13,979 | | 34,479 | |
Total assets | | $ | 503,072,451 | | $ | 660,873,332 | |
| | | | | |
Liabilities and Partners’ Capital (Net Asset Value) | | | | | |
Liabilities | | | | | |
Brokerage commission payable | | $ | 2,930,074 | | $ | 3,785,102 | |
Organization and offering costs payable | | 121,458 | | 158,430 | |
Accrued operating expenses | | 104,642 | | 136,985 | |
Pending limited partner additions | | 686,511 | | 3,226,078 | |
Redemptions payable to limited partners | | 18,071,953 | | 16,826,687 | |
Total liabilities | | 21,914,638 | | 24,133,282 | |
| | | | | |
Partners’ Capital (Net Asset Value) | | | | | |
General Partner | | | | | |
Class A (763.99 and 2,499.78 units outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) | | 852,419 | | 3,040,653 | |
Legacy 1 Class (1,025.00 units outstanding at both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012) | | 837,921 | | 897,998 | |
Legacy 2 Class (1,000.00 units outstanding at both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012) | | 805,333 | | 864,602 | |
Global 1 Class (1,372.89 units outstanding at both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012) | | 1,088,088 | | 1,160,812 | |
Global 2 Class (1,974.70 units outstanding at both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012) | | 1,543,606 | | 1,649,835 | |
Limited Partners | | | | | |
Class A (19,631.83 and 25,707.33 units outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) | | 21,904,256 | | 31,269,640 | |
Class B (252,629.15 and 322,257.31 units outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) | | 236,377,138 | | 330,303,791 | |
Legacy 1 Class (3,638.94 and 4,395.66 units outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) | | 2,974,775 | | 3,851,016 | |
Legacy 2 Class (8,988.00 and 12,793.52 units outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) | | 7,238,325 | | 11,061,307 | |
Global 1 Class (10,810.40 and 12,449.60 units outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) | | 8,567,792 | | 10,526,414 | |
Global 2 Class (21,742.19 and 27,930.65 units outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) | | 16,995,696 | | 23,335,702 | |
Global 3 Class (252,671.78 and 280,522.12 units outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) | | 181,972,464 | | 218,778,280 | |
Total partners’ capital (net asset value) | | 481,157,813 | | 636,740,050 | |
Total liabilities and partners’ capital (net asset value) | | $ | 503,072,451 | | $ | 660,873,332 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2013
(Unaudited)
Futures, Forwards, and Options on Futures and Forward Contracts
| | Unrealized gain/(loss) on open long contracts | | Percent of Partners’ Capital (Net Asset Value) | | Unrealized gain/(loss) on open short contracts | | Percent of Partners’ Capital (Net Asset Value) | | Net unrealized gain/(loss) on open contracts | | Percent of Partners’ Capital (Net Asset Value) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures Contracts * | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Futures Positions: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Agriculturals | | $ | (334,283 | ) | (0.07 | )% | $ | 949,817 | | 0.20 | % | $ | 615,534 | | 0.13 | % |
Currencies | | $ | 2,960,152 | | 0.62 | % | $ | (232,566 | ) | (0.05 | )% | $ | 2,727,586 | | 0.57 | % |
Energy | | $ | (1,246,955 | ) | (0.26 | )% | $ | 85,485 | | 0.02 | % | $ | (1,161,470 | ) | (0.24 | )% |
Interest rates | | $ | 616,267 | | 0.12 | % | $ | (261,396 | ) | (0.05 | )% | $ | 354,871 | | 0.07 | % |
Meats | | $ | 86,149 | | 0.02 | % | $ | (3,248 | ) | (0.00 | )% | $ | 82,901 | | 0.02 | % |
Metals | | $ | (201,505 | ) | (0.04 | )% | $ | 3,570 | | 0.00 | % | $ | (197,935 | ) | (0.04 | )% |
Soft commodities | | $ | 353,390 | | 0.07 | % | $ | 46,632 | | 0.01 | % | $ | 400,022 | | 0.08 | % |
Stock indices and single stock futures | | $ | (533,541 | ) | (0.11 | )% | $ | (22,125 | ) | (0.01 | )% | $ | (555,666 | ) | (0.12 | )% |
Total U.S. Futures Positions | | $ | 1,699,674 | | | | $ | 566,169 | | | | $ | 2,265,843 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign Futures Positions: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Agriculturals | | $ | — | | 0.00 | % | $ | (2,860 | ) | (0.00 | )% | $ | (2,860 | ) | (0.00 | )% |
Energy | | $ | (868,974 | ) | (0.18 | )% | $ | 12,300 | | 0.00 | % | $ | (856,674 | ) | (0.18 | )% |
Interest rates | | $ | 2,126,961 | | 0.44 | % | $ | (3,146,914 | ) | (0.65 | )% | $ | (1,019,953 | ) | (0.21 | )% |
Metals | | $ | (598,600 | ) | (0.12 | )% | $ | (861,175 | ) | (0.18 | )% | $ | (1,459,775 | ) | (0.30 | )% |
Soft commodities | | $ | 11,411 | | 0.00 | % | $ | 8,149 | | 0.00 | % | $ | 19,560 | | 0.00 | % |
Stock indices | | $ | (1,648,298 | ) | (0.34 | )% | $ | 11,579 | | 0.00 | % | $ | (1,636,719 | ) | (0.34 | )% |
Total Foreign Futures Positions | | $ | (977,500 | ) | | | $ | (3,978,921 | ) | | | $ | (4,956,421 | ) | | |
Total Futures Contracts | | $ | 722,174 | | 0.15 | % | $ | (3,412,752 | ) | (0.71 | )% | $ | (2,690,578 | ) | (0.56 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Forward Contracts * | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Currencies | | $ | 146,763 | | 0.03 | % | $ | (307,835 | ) | (0.06 | )% | $ | (161,072 | ) | (0.03 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Options on Forward Contracts * | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Currencies | | $ | 104,246 | | 0.02 | % | $ | (104,246 | ) | (0.02 | )% | $ | — | | 0.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Futures, Forward and Options on Futures and Forward Contracts | | $ | 973,183 | | 0.20 | % | $ | (3,824,833 | ) | (0.79 | )% | $ | (2,851,650 | ) | (0.59 | )% |
* No individual futures, forward, and options on futures and forward contract position constituted greater than 1 percent of partners’ capital (net asset value). Accordingly, the number of contracts and expiration dates are not presented.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (continued)
September 30, 2013
(Unaudited)
Securities owned
U.S. Commercial paper
| | | | | | | | Percent of Partners’ Capital | |
Face Value | | Maturity Date | | Description | | Fair Value | | (net asset value) | |
$ | 4,800,000 | | 11/14/2013 | | National Grid plc, 0.4% (cost of $4,795,093) | | $ | 4,797,653 | | 1.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises
| | | | | | | | Percent of Partners’ Capital | |
Face Value | | Maturity Dates | | Description | | Fair Value | | (net asset value) | |
$ | 192,700,000 | | 11/18/2013-7/15/2016 | | Federal Farm Credit Banks, 0.2-0.9% | | $ | 192,747,166 | | 40.06 | % |
$ | 55,000,000 | | 6/17/2016-9/27/2016 | | Federal Home Loan Banks, 0.8-1.2% | | 55,078,396 | | 11.44 | % |
Total U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (cost of $247,673,754) | | $ | 247,825,562 | | 51.50 | % |
Corporate Bonds
| | | | | | | | Percent of Partners’ Capital | |
Face Value | | Maturity Dates | | Description | | Fair Value | | (net asset value) | |
$ | 69,919,000 | | 1/15/2014-2/15/2015 | | Other, 0.5-1.5% ** (cost of $72,810,617) | | $ | 72,988,782 | | 15.17 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Percent of Partners’ Capital | |
| | Fair Value | | (net asset value) | |
Total securities owned | | $ | 325,611,997 | | 67.67 | % |
| | | | | | |
** No individual position constituted greater than 1 percent of partners’ capital (net asset value).
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments
December 31, 2012
Futures, Forwards and Options on Futures and Forward Contracts
| | Unrealized gain/(loss) on open long contracts | | Percent of Partners’ Capital (Net Asset Value) | | Unrealized gain/(loss) on open short contracts | | Percent of Partners’ Capital (Net Asset Value) | | Net unrealized gain/(loss) on open contracts | | Percent of Partners’ Capital (Net Asset Value) | |
Futures Contracts * | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Futures Positions: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Agriculturals | | $ | (804,167 | ) | (0.13 | )% | $ | 958,379 | | 0.15 | % | $ | 154,212 | | 0.02 | % |
Currencies | | $ | 484,754 | | 0.07 | % | $ | 2,401,456 | | 0.38 | % | $ | 2,886,210 | | 0.45 | % |
Energy | | $ | 202,322 | | 0.03 | % | $ | 87,791 | | 0.02 | % | $ | 290,113 | | 0.05 | % |
Interest rates | | $ | (288,575 | ) | (0.05 | )% | $ | (585,295 | ) | (0.09 | )% | $ | (873,870 | ) | (0.14 | )% |
Meats | | $ | (45,249 | ) | (0.01 | )% | $ | (16,937 | ) | (0.00 | )% | $ | (62,186 | ) | (0.01 | )% |
Metals | | $ | (131,884 | ) | (0.02 | )% | $ | (103,513 | ) | (0.02 | )% | $ | (235,397 | ) | (0.04 | )% |
Soft commodities | | $ | (53,248 | ) | (0.01 | )% | $ | 457,114 | | 0.07 | % | $ | 403,866 | | 0.06 | % |
Stock indices and single stock futures | | $ | (32,573 | ) | (0.01 | )% | $ | (341,224 | ) | (0.05 | )% | $ | (373,797 | ) | (0.06 | )% |
Total U.S. Futures Positions | | $ | (668,620 | ) | | | $ | 2,857,771 | | | | $ | 2,189,151 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign Futures Positions: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Agriculturals | | $ | 938 | | 0.00 | % | $ | 8,031 | | 0.00 | % | $ | 8,969 | | 0.00 | % |
Energy | | $ | 266,288 | | 0.04 | % | $ | 71,740 | | 0.01 | % | $ | 338,028 | | 0.05 | % |
Interest rates | | $ | 1,449,503 | | 0.23 | % | $ | 3,028 | | 0.00 | % | $ | 1,452,531 | | 0.23 | % |
Metals | | $ | 367,534 | | 0.06 | % | $ | (2,657,731 | ) | (0.42 | )% | $ | (2,290,197 | ) | (0.36 | )% |
Soft commodities | | $ | (709 | ) | (0.00 | )% | $ | 8,911 | | 0.00 | % | $ | 8,202 | | 0.00 | % |
Stock indices | | $ | 1,242,638 | | 0.19 | % | $ | (723,586 | ) | (0.11 | )% | $ | 519,052 | | 0.08 | % |
Total Foreign Futures Positions | | $ | 3,326,192 | | | | $ | (3,289,607 | ) | | | $ | 36,585 | | | |
Total Futures Contracts | | $ | 2,657,572 | | 0.42 | % | $ | (431,836 | ) | (0.07 | )% | $ | 2,225,736 | | 0.35 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Forward Contracts * | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Currencies | | $ | 804,604 | | 0.13 | % | $ | 640,241 | | 0.10 | % | $ | 1,444,845 | | 0.23 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Options on Forward Contracts * | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Currencies | | $ | 10,638 | | 0.00 | % | $ | — | | (0.00 | )% | $ | 10,638 | | 0.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Futures, Forward and Options on Futures and Forward Contracts | | $ | 3,472,814 | | 0.55 | % | $ | 208,405 | | 0.03 | % | $ | 3,681,219 | | 0.58 | % |
* No individual futures, forward, and options on futures and forward contract position constituted greater than 1 percent of partners’ capital (net asset value). Accordingly, the number of contracts and expiration dates are not presented.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (continued)
December 31, 2012
Securities owned
U.S. Commercial paper
| | | | | | | | Percent of Partners’ Capital | |
Face Value | | Maturity Dates | | Description | | Fair Value | | (net asset value) | |
$ | 10,000,000 | | 3/14/2013 | | Dell Inc., 0.3% | | $ | 9,994,400 | | 1.57 | % |
$ | 8,700,000 | | 3/4/2013 | | Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, 0.2% | | 8,696,404 | | 1.37 | % |
$ | 7,100,000 | | 3/25/2013-4/09/2013 | | Other, 0.4-0.6% ** | | 7,091,265 | | 1.11 | % |
| | Total U.S. Commercial paper (cost of $25,763,509) | | | | $ | 25,782,069 | | 4.05 | % |
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises
| | | | | | | | Percent of Partners’ Capital | |
Face Value | | Maturity Dates | | Description | | Fair Value | | (net asset value) | |
$ | 207,700,000 | | 9/23/2013-12/15/2014 | | Federal Farm Credit Banks, 0.2-0.4% | | $ | 207,717,382 | | 32.62 | % |
$ | 46,500,000 | | 3/6/2013-7/22/2013 | | Federal Home Loan Banks, 0.2-0.3% | | 46,514,106 | | 7.31 | % |
$ | 12,000,000 | | 1/9/2015 | | Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, 0.9% | | 12,051,027 | | 1.89 | % |
| | Total U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (cost of $266,171,482) | | | | $ | 266,282,515 | | 41.82 | % |
Corporate Bonds
| | | | | | | | Percent of Partners’ Capital | |
Face Value | | Maturity Dates | | Description | | Fair Value | | (net asset value) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
$ | 53,066,000 | | 9/15/2013-12/1/2014 | | Other, 0.7-1.5% ** (cost of $56,488,948) | | $ | 56,629,696 | | 8.89 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Government securities
| | | | | | | | Percent of Partners’ Capital | |
Face Value | | Maturity Date | | Description | | Fair Value | | (net asset value) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
$ | 10,000,000 | | 10/17/2013 | | U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.2% (cost of $9,981,800) | | $ | 9,985,550 | | 1.57 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Percent of Partners’ Capital | |
| | Fair Value | | (net asset value) | |
Total securities owned | | $ | 358,679,830 | | 56.33 | % |
| | | | | | |
** No individual position constituted greater than 1 percent of partners’ capital (net asset value).
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Consolidated Statements of Operations
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | (Unaudited) | | (Unaudited) | |
Net trading gains (losses) | | | | | | | | | |
Net gain (loss) from futures and forward trading | | | | | | | | | |
Realized | | $ | (282,527 | ) | $ | 14,788,854 | | $ | (7,587,747 | ) | $ | 56,265,301 | |
Change in unrealized | | (7,289,668 | ) | 2,549,890 | | (6,517,269 | ) | (5,996,953 | ) |
Commissions | | (1,965,466 | ) | (2,774,556 | ) | (6,550,233 | ) | (8,596,684 | ) |
Net gains (losses) from futures and forward trading | | (9,537,661 | ) | 14,564,188 | | (20,655,249 | ) | 41,671,664 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | | | | |
Income | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | 333,173 | | 481,491 | | 966,240 | | 1,425,155 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Expenses from operations | | | | | | | | | |
Brokerage commission | | 7,348,924 | | 10,501,801 | | 24,549,669 | | 32,674,197 | |
Incentive fees | | — | | 2,737,006 | | 339,819 | | 8,917,234 | |
Organizational and offering costs | | 380,255 | | 534,770 | | 1,264,968 | | 1,655,799 | |
Operating expenses | | 327,578 | | 462,427 | | 1,091,706 | | 1,432,781 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses | | 8,056,757 | | 14,236,004 | | 27,246,162 | | 44,680,011 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (7,723,584 | ) | $ | (13,754,513 | ) | $ | (26,279,922 | ) | $ | (43,254,856 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | (17,261,245 | ) | $ | 809,675 | | $ | (46,935,171 | ) | $ | (1,583,192 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) per unit (based on weighted average number of units outstanding during the period) and increase (decrease) in net asset value per unit for the period: | | | | | | | | | |
General Partner & Limited Partner Class A Units | | $ | (38.24 | ) | $ | 0.40 | | $ | (100.62 | ) | $ | (5.30 | ) |
General Partner & Limited Partner Class B Units | | $ | (33.65 | ) | $ | (1.44 | ) | $ | (89.30 | ) | $ | (9.80 | ) |
General Partner & Limited Partner Legacy 1 Class Units | | $ | (23.15 | ) | $ | 5.61 | | $ | (58.62 | ) | $ | 11.93 | |
General Partner & Limited Partner Legacy 2 Class Units | | $ | (23.32 | ) | $ | 5.02 | | $ | (59.27 | ) | $ | 9.55 | |
General Partner & Limited Partner Global 1 Class Units | | $ | (21.30 | ) | $ | 6.71 | | $ | (52.97 | ) | $ | 16.09 | |
General Partner & Limited Partner Global 2 Class Units | | $ | (21.52 | ) | $ | 6.10 | | $ | (53.80 | ) | $ | 14.19 | |
General Partner & Limited Partner Global 3 Class Units | | $ | (23.08 | ) | $ | 2.11 | | $ | (59.71 | ) | $ | 2.85 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital (Net Asset Value)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(Unaudited)
| | Class A | | Class B | | Legacy 1 Class | | Legacy 2 Class | |
| | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | General Partner | | Limited Partners | |
| | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | |
| | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Partners’ capital, (net asset value) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2012 | | 2,499.78 | | $ | 3,040,653 | | 25,707.33 | | $ | 31,269,640 | | — | | $ | — | | 322,257.31 | | $ | 330,303,791 | | 1,025.00 | | $ | 897,998 | | 4,395.66 | | $ | 3,851,016 | | 1,000.00 | | $ | 864,602 | | 12,793.52 | | $ | 11,061,307 | |
Contributions | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 493.95 | | 426,064 | |
Redemptions | | (1,735.79 | ) | (2,000,000 | ) | (6,075.50 | ) | (7,167,774 | ) | — | | — | | (69,628.16 | ) | (68,573,933 | ) | — | | — | | (756.72 | ) | (653,564 | ) | — | | — | | (4,299.47 | ) | (3,637,135 | ) |
Net income (loss) | | — | | (188,234 | ) | — | | (2,197,610 | ) | — | | — | | — | | (25,352,720 | ) | — | | (60,077 | ) | — | | (222,677 | ) | — | | (59,269 | ) | — | | (611,911 | ) |
Partners’ capital, (net asset value) September 30, 2013 | | 763.99 | | $ | 852,419 | | 19,631.83 | | $ | 21,904,256 | | — | | $ | — | | 252,629.15 | | $ | 236,377,138 | | 1,025.00 | | $ | 837,921 | | 3,638.94 | | $ | 2,974,775 | | 1,000.00 | | $ | 805,333 | | 8,988.00 | | $ | 7,238,325 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at December 31, 2012 | | | | $ | 1,216.37 | | | | | | | | $ | 1,024.97 | | | | | | | | $ | 876.10 | | | | | | | | $ | 864.60 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at September 30, 2013 | | | | $ | 1,115.75 | | | | | | | | $ | 935.67 | | | | | | | | $ | 817.48 | | | | | | | | $ | 805.33 | | | | | |
| | Global 1 Class | | Global 2 Class | | Global 3 Class | | | |
| | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | | |
| | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Total | |
| | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Amount | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Partners’ capital, (net asset value) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2012 | | 1,372.89 | | $ | 1,160,812 | | 12,449.60 | | $ | 10,526,414 | | 1,974.70 | | $ | 1,649,835 | | 27,930.65 | | $ | 23,335,702 | | — | | $ | — | | 280,522.12 | | $ | 218,778,280 | | $ | 636,740,050 | |
Contributions | | — | | — | | 1,049.77 | | 889,871 | | — | | — | | 2,344.85 | | 1,955,847 | | — | | — | | 30,415.54 | | 23,210,114 | | 26,481,896 | |
Redemptions | | — | | — | | (2,688.97 | ) | (2,208,058 | ) | — | | — | | (8,533.31 | ) | (6,934,624 | ) | — | | — | | (58,265.88 | ) | (43,953,874 | ) | (135,128,962 | ) |
Net income (loss) | | — | | (72,724 | ) | — | | (640,435 | ) | — | | (106,229 | ) | — | | (1,361,229 | ) | — | | — | | — | | (16,062,056 | ) | (46,935,171 | ) |
Partners’ capital, (net asset value) September 30, 2013 | | 1,372.89 | | $ | 1,088,088 | | 10,810.40 | | $ | 8,567,792 | | 1,974.70 | | $ | 1,543,606 | | 21,742.19 | | $ | 16,995,696 | | — | | $ | — | | 252,671.78 | | $ | 181,972,464 | | $ | 481,157,813 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at December 31, 2012 | | | | $ | 845.52 | | | | | | | | $ | 835.49 | | | | | | | | $ | 779.90 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at September 30, 2013 | | | | $ | 792.55 | | | | | | | | $ | 781.69 | | | | | | | | $ | 720.19 | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital (Net Asset Value) (continued)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
(Unaudited)
| | Class A | | Class B | | Legacy 1 Class | | Legacy 2 Class | |
| | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | General Partner | | Limited Partners | |
| | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | |
| | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Partners’ capital, (net asset value) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2011 | | 3,008.66 | | $ | 3,898,734 | | 32,119.81 | | $ | 41,622,105 | | 427.01 | | $ | 469,305 | | 419,169.11 | | $ | 460,685,410 | | 1,025.00 | | $ | 935,031 | | 5,210.84 | | $ | 4,753,458 | | 1,000.00 | | $ | 903,063 | | 16,534.92 | | $ | 14,932,071 | |
Contributions | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 367.22 | | 346,650 | | — | | — | | 920.85 | | 834,958 | |
Redemptions | | (508.88 | ) | (650,000 | ) | (4,793.03 | ) | (6,254,267 | ) | (427.01 | ) | (461,824 | ) | (74,755.94 | ) | (82,382,649 | ) | — | | — | | (458.31 | ) | (422,823 | ) | — | | — | | (3,653.09 | ) | (3,332,001 | ) |
Net income (loss) | | — | | (22,685 | ) | — | | (101,672 | ) | — | | (7,481 | ) | — | | (3,152,920 | ) | — | | 12,229 | | — | | 54,161 | | — | | 9,542 | | — | | 161,364 | |
Partners’ capital, (net asset value) September 30, 2012 | | 2,499.78 | | $ | 3,226,049 | | 27,326.78 | | $ | 35,266,166 | | — | | $ | — | | 344,413.17 | | $ | 375,149,841 | | 1,025.00 | | $ | 947,260 | | 5,119.75 | | $ | 4,731,446 | | 1,000.00 | | $ | 912,605 | | 13,802.68 | | $ | 12,596,392 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at December 31, 2011 | | | | $ | 1,295.84 | | | | | | | | $ | 1,099.04 | | | | | | | | $ | 912.23 | | | | | | | | $ | 903.06 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at September 30, 2012 | | | | $ | 1,290.54 | | | | | | | | $ | 1,089.24 | | | | | | | | $ | 924.16 | | | | | | | | $ | 912.61 | | | | | |
| | Global 1 Class | | Global 2 Class | | Global 3 Class | | | |
| | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | General Partner | | Limited Partners | | | |
| | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Total | |
| | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Units | | Amount | | Amount | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Partners’ capital, (net asset value) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2011 | | 1,372.89 | | $ | 1,200,376 | | 14,017.11 | | $ | 12,255,712 | | 1,974.70 | | $ | 1,710,523 | | 30,586.54 | | $ | 26,494,677 | | 500.00 | | $ | 411,298 | | 277,864.25 | | $ | 228,570,428 | | $ | 798,842,191 | |
Contributions | | — | | — | | 3,246.90 | | 2,887,903 | | — | | — | | 3,647.07 | | 3,215,424 | | — | | — | | 31,699.92 | | 26,390,390 | | 33,675,325 | |
Redemptions | | — | | — | | (4,625.68 | ) | (4,112,172 | ) | — | | — | | (4,966.26 | ) | (4,388,557 | ) | (500.00 | ) | (406,616 | ) | (29,325.79 | ) | (24,389,168 | ) | (126,800,077 | ) |
Net income (loss) | | — | | 22,083 | | — | | 222,035 | | — | | 28,019 | | — | | 445,699 | | — | | (4,682 | ) | — | | 751,116 | | (1,583,192 | ) |
Partners’ capital, (net asset value) September 30, 2012 | | 1,372.89 | | $ | 1,222,459 | | 12,638.33 | | $ | 11,253,478 | | 1,974.70 | | $ | 1,738,542 | | 29,267.35 | | $ | 25,767,243 | | — | | $ | — | | 280,238.38 | | $ | 231,322,766 | | $ | 704,134,247 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at December 31, 2011 | | | | $ | 874.34 | | | | | | | | $ | 866.22 | | | | | | | | $ | 822.60 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at September 30, 2012 | | | | $ | 890.43 | | | | | | | | $ | 880.41 | | | | | | | | $ | 825.45 | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of business: Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”) was organized as a limited partnership under Illinois law in August 1988 and will continue until December 31, 2027, unless terminated sooner as provided for in its Limited Partnership Agreement. As a commodity investment pool, the Partnership 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 Partnership executes transactions. Additionally, the Partnership is subject to the requirements of futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) and interbank and other market makers through which the Partnership trades. The Partnership is a registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and, accordingly is subject to the regulatory requirements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The Partnership engages in the speculative trading of futures and forward contracts for commodities, financial instruments or currencies, any rights pertaining thereto and any options thereon, or on physical commodities, equities, listed options, and broad based exchange-traded funds. The Partnership may also engage in hedge, arbitrage and cash trading of commodities and futures.
The Partnership is a multi-advisor commodity pool that carries out its purpose through trading by independent professional commodity trading advisors retained by Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C. (the “General Partner”), the Partnership and, the Partnership’s subsidiary limited liability trading companies (each, a “Trading Company” and collectively, the “Trading Companies”). The Trading Companies were set up to, among other things, segregate risk by commodity trading advisor. Effectively, this structure isolates one trading advisor from another and any losses from one Trading Company will not carry over to the other Trading Companies. The following is a list of the Trading Companies, for which the Partnership is the sole member and all of which were organized as Delaware limited liability companies:
GP 1, LLC (“GP 1”) | | GP 6, LLC (“GP 6”) | | GP 10, LLC (“GP 10”) | | GP 15, LLC (“GP 15”) |
GP 3, LLC (“GP 3”) | | GP 7, LLC (“GP 7”) | | GP 11, LLC (“GP 11”) | | GP 16, LLC (“GP 16”) |
GP 4, LLC (“GP 4”) | | GP 8, LLC (“GP 8”) | | GP 12, LLC (“GP 12”) | | GP 17, LLC (“GP 17”) |
GP 5, LLC (“GP 5”) | | GP 9, LLC (“GP 9”) | | GP 14, LLC (“GP 14”) | | GP 18, LLC (“GP 18”) |
There were no assets allocated to GP 5, GP 7 and GP 11 as of September 30, 2013.
Additionally, GP Cash Management, LLC (“GP Cash Management”) was created as a Delaware limited liability company to collectively manage and invest excess cash not required to be held at clearing brokers. The members of GP Cash Management are the Trading Companies.
Classes of interests: The Partnership has seven classes of limited partner interests (each, a “Class” and collectively, the “Interests”), Class A, Class B, Legacy 1 Class, Legacy 2 Class, Global Alternative Markets 1 (“Global 1”) Class, Global Alternative Markets 2 (“Global 2”) Class and Global Alternative Markets 3 (“Global 3”) Class units.
The Class A and Class B units are outstanding but are no longer offered by the Partnership. Both Class A and Class B units are traded pursuant to identical trading programs and differ only in respect to the brokerage commission payable to the General Partner.
The Legacy 1 Class and Legacy 2 Class units are traded pursuant to trading programs pursuing a technical trend trading philosophy, which is the same trading philosophy used for the Class A and Class B units. The Legacy 1 Class and Legacy 2 Class units differ in respect to the General Partner’s brokerage commission and organization and offering costs. The Legacy 1 Class and Legacy 2 Class units are offered only to investors who are represented by approved selling agents who are directly compensated by the investor for services rendered in connection with an investment in the Partnership (such arrangements commonly referred to as “wrap-accounts”).
The Global 1 Class, Global 2 Class and Global 3 Class units are traded pursuant to trading programs pursuing technical trend trading philosophies, as well as pattern recognition philosophies. The Global 1 Class, Global 2 Class and Global 3 Class units differ in respect to the General Partner’s brokerage commission. The Global 1 Class and Global 2 Class units are offered only to investors in wrap accounts.
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Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The Partnership’s significant accounting policies are as follows:
Pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), audited consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) as established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) to ensure consistent reporting of financial condition and results of operations.
Consolidation: The Partnership is the sole member of each of the Trading Companies. The Trading Companies, in turn, are the only members of GP Cash Management. The Partnership presents consolidated financial statements, which include the accounts of the Trading Companies and GP Cash Management. All material inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management 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 revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents may include cash, overnight investments, commercial paper, U.S. treasury bills and short-term investments in interest-bearing demand deposits with banks and cash managers with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition.
Valuation of investments: All investments are used for trading purposes and recorded at their estimated fair value, as described in Note 2.
Investment transactions, investment income and expenses: Futures contracts, forward contracts and options on futures and forward contracts are recorded on a trade date basis and realized gains or losses are recognized when contracts/positions are liquidated. Unrealized gains or losses on open contracts/positions (the difference between contract trade price and market price) or securities are reported in the consolidated statement of financial condition as a net unrealized gain or loss, as there exists a right of offset of unrealized gains or losses in accordance with FASB ASC 210-20, Balance Sheet, Offsetting. Any change in net unrealized gain or loss from the preceding period is reported in the consolidated statement of operations. Interest income and expense is recognized under the accrual basis.
Set forth in Note 10 are instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the consolidated statement of financial condition and which are subject to derivative clearing agreements with the Partnership’s clearing brokers. Each clearing broker nets margin held on behalf of the Partnership or payment obligations of the clearing broker to the Partnership against any payment obligations of the Partnership to the clearing broker. The Partnership is required to deposit margin at each clearing broker to meet the original and maintenance requirements established by that clearing broker, and/or the exchange or clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the instrument is traded. The derivative clearing agreements give each clearing broker a security interest in this margin to secure any liabilities owed to the clearing broker arising from a default by the Partnership.
Commissions: Commissions and other trading fees are reflected separately in the consolidated statement of operations.
Redemptions payable: Pursuant to the provisions of FASB ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, redemptions approved by the General Partner prior to month end with a fixed effective date and fixed amount are recorded as redemptions payable as of month end.
Income taxes: No provision for income taxes has been made in these consolidated financial statements as each partner is individually responsible for reporting income or loss based on its respective share of the Partnership’s income and expenses as reported for income tax purposes.
The Partnership follows the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes. FASB guidance requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Partnership’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are more-likely-than-not” of being sustained “when challenged” or “when examined” by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense and liability in the current year. As of September 30, 2013, management has determined that there are no material uncertain income tax positions and, accordingly, has not recorded a liability. The Partnership is generally not subject to examination by U.S. federal or state taxing authorities for tax years before 2010.
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Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Organization and offering costs: All expenses incurred in connection with the organization and the ongoing public offering of partnership interests are paid by the General Partner and are reimbursed to the General Partner by the Partnership. This reimbursement is made monthly. In its discretion, the General Partner may require the Partnership to reimburse the General Partner in any subsequent calendar year for amounts that exceed the limits in Note 5 in any calendar year, provided that the maximum amount reimbursed by the Partnership will not exceed the overall limit. Amounts reimbursed by the Partnership with respect to ongoing public offering expenses are charged to expense from operations at the time of reimbursement or accrual. Any amounts reimbursed by the Partnership with respect to organizational expenses are expensed at the time the reimbursement is incurred or accrued. If the Partnership terminates prior to completion of payment of the calculated amounts to the General Partner, the General Partner will not be entitled to any additional payments, and the Partnership will have no further obligation to the General Partner. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, all organization and offering costs incurred by the General Partner have been reimbursed.
Foreign currency transactions: The Partnership’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 consolidated statement of financial condition. Income and expense items denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar 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 income currently.
The Partnership does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized or unrealized gain or loss from investments.
Statement of cash flows: The Partnership has elected not to provide statements of cash flows as permitted by FASB ASC 230, Statement of Cash Flows. The Partnership noted that as of and for the periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, substantially all investments were highly liquid, all investments are carried at fair value, the Partnership carried no debt, and the statements of changes in partners’ capital (net asset value) is presented.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements: In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11-Balance Sheet (Topic 210) containing new guidance that requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01- Balance Sheet (Topic 210) clarifying the scope of disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. An entity should provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The Partnership adopted ASU 2011-11 and 2013-01 as of January 1, 2013 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-08 - Financial Services - Investments Companies (Topic 946) containing new guidance that changes the approach to the investment company assessment, requires non-controlling ownership interests in other investment companies to be measured at fair value, and requires additional disclosures about the investment company’s status as an investment company. The amendments in the update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. The Partnership is currently evaluating the impact this pronouncement would have on its consolidated financial statements.
Note 2. Fair Value Measurements
As described in Note 1, the Partnership follows the provisions of FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. FASB ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and sets out a fair value hierarchy. The Partnership utilizes valuation techniques to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized within the fair value hierarchy based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Inputs are broadly defined as assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1. Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2. Inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. A significant adjustment to a Level 2 input could result in the Level 2 measurement becoming a Level 3 measurement.
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Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Level 3. Inputs that are unobservable for the asset or liability. The Partnership does not have any assets classified as Level 3.
The following section describes the valuation techniques used by the Partnership to measure different financial instruments at fair value and includes the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the financial instrument is categorized.
Fair value of exchange-traded futures contracts and options on futures contracts are based upon exchange settlement prices as of the last business day of the reporting period. These financial instruments are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The Partnership values forward contracts and options on forward contracts based on the average bid and ask price of quoted forward spot prices obtained as of the last business day of the reporting period, and forward contracts and options on forward contracts are classified in Level 2.
The Partnership values bank deposits, which consist of interest bearing demand deposits and are included in cash and cash equivalents in the statements of financial condition, at face value plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value based on prevailing interest rates, and these financial instruments are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
U.S. Government securities, U.S. Government-sponsored enterprise securities and commercial paper are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value based on quoted market prices in an active market. The Partnership compares market prices quoted by dealers to the cost plus accrued interest to ensure a reasonable approximation of fair value. These securities are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Partnership values corporate bonds at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Corporate bonds purchased are of a high credit quality and have observable market price quotations. The fair value of corporate bonds is evaluated considering market prices of the issuer quoted by dealers. Corporate bonds are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following table presents the Partnership’s fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013:
Assets | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total | |
Equity in brokers’ trading accounts | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. and foreign futures contracts | | $ | (2,690,578 | ) | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | (2,690,578 | ) |
Forward contracts | | — | | (161,072 | ) | — | | (161,072 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | | | | |
Bank deposits | | 2,567,619 | | — | | — | | 2,567,619 | |
U.S. Commercial paper | | — | | 99,608,111 | | — | | 99,608,111 | |
Securities owned | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Commercial paper | | — | | 4,797,653 | | — | | 4,797,653 | |
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises | | — | | 247,825,562 | | — | | 247,825,562 | |
Corporate bonds | | — | | 72,988,782 | | — | | 72,988,782 | |
Total | | $ | (122,959 | ) | $ | 425,059,036 | | $ | — | | $ | 424,936,077 | |
The gross presentation of the fair value of the Partnership’s derivatives by contract type is shown in Note 10. See the consolidated condensed schedule of investments for additional detail categorization.
The following table presents the Partnership’s fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012:
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Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Assets | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total | |
Equity in brokers’ trading accounts | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. and foreign futures contracts | | $ | 2,225,736 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 2,225,736 | |
Forward contracts | | — | | 1,444,845 | | — | | 1,444,845 | |
Options on forward contracts | | — | | 10,638 | | — | | 10,638 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | | | | |
Bank deposits | | — | | 17,348,124 | | — | | 17,348,124 | |
U.S. Commercial paper | | 183,847,222 | | — | | — | | 183,847,222 | |
Securities owned | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Commercial paper | | 25,782,069 | | — | | — | | 25,782,069 | |
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises | | 266,282,515 | | — | | — | | 266,282,515 | |
Corporate bonds | | — | | 56,629,696 | | — | | 56,629,696 | |
U.S. Government securities | | 9,985,550 | | — | | — | | 9,985,550 | |
Total | | $ | 488,123,092 | | $ | 75,433,303 | | $ | — | | $ | 563,556,395 | |
The gross presentation of the fair value of the Partnership’s derivatives by contract type is shown in Note 10. See the consolidated condensed schedule of investments for additional detail categorization.
The Partnership assesses the level of the investments at each measurement date, and transfers between levels are recognized on the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer in accordance with the Partnership’s accounting policy regarding the recognition of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. During the three months ended June 30, 2013, the Partnership transferred securities owned, including U.S commercial paper of $15,999,008 and U.S. Government-sponsored enterprise securities of $228,724,592 from Level 1 to Level 2. The Partnership believes that this transfer reflects a better classification of the instruments based on the inputs available and market activity levels of the securities described above. There was no effect on the consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. There were no other significant transfers among Levels 1, 2 and 3 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and year ended December 31, 2012.
Note 3. Deposits with Brokers
The Partnership, through the Trading Companies, deposits assets with clearing brokers subject to CFTC regulations and various exchange and broker requirements. Margin requirements may be satisfied by the deposit of U.S. Treasury bills, Government- sponsored enterprise securities and/or cash with such clearing brokers. The Partnership earns interest income on its assets deposited with the clearing brokers.
Note 4. Commodity Trading Advisors
The Partnership, through the Trading Companies, allocates assets to the commodity trading advisors. Each Trading Company has entered into an advisory contract with its own Advisor. The commodity trading advisors are Alder Capital Limited, Amplitude Capital International Limited, Denali Asset Management, LLLP, EMC Capital Management, Inc., Eckhardt Trading Co., Eagle Trading Systems Inc., Lynx Asset Management AB, Quantica Capital AG, Rabar Market Research, Inc., Transtrend B.V. and Winton Capital Management Limited (collectively, the “Advisors”). On July 31, 2013, Sunrise Capital Partners, LLC and Quantitative Investment Management, LLC were terminated as trading advisors for the Partnership. The Advisors are paid a consulting fee, either monthly or quarterly, ranging from 0 percent to 2 percent per annum of the Partnership’s month-end allocated net assets and a quarterly or semi-annual incentive fee ranging from 20 percent to 24 percent of the new trading profits on the allocated net assets of the Advisor.
Note 5. General Partner and Related Party Transactions
The General Partner shall at all times, so long as it remains a general partner of the Partnership, own Units in the Partnership: (i) in an amount sufficient, in the opinion of counsel for the Partnership, for the Partnership to be taxed as a partnership rather than as an association taxable as a corporation; and (ii) during such time as the Units are registered for sale to the public, in an amount at least equal to the greater of: (a) 1 percent of all capital contributions of all Partners to the Partnership; or (b) $25,000; or such other amount satisfying the requirements then imposed by the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. (NASAA) Guidelines. Further, during such time as the Units are registered for sale to the public, the General Partner shall, so long as it remains a general partner of the Partnership, maintain a net worth (as such term may be defined in the NASAA Guidelines) at least equal to the greater of: (i) 5 percent of the total capital contributions of all partners and all limited partnerships to which it is a general partner (including
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Table of Contents
Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
the Partnership) plus 5 percent of the Units being offered for sale in the Partnership; or (ii) $50,000; or such other amount satisfying the requirements then imposed by the NASAA Guidelines. In no event, however, shall the General Partner be required to maintain a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or such other maximum amount satisfying the requirements then imposed by the NASAA Guidelines.
Ten percent of the General Partner limited partnership interest in the Partnership is characterized as a general partnership interest. Notwithstanding, the general partnership interest will continue to pay all fees associated with a limited partnership interest.
The Partnership pays the General Partner a monthly brokerage commission, organization and offering costs and operating expenses as presented in the table below:
| | | | Organization and Offering | | | |
| | Brokerage Commission* | | Reimbursement* | | Operating Expense* | |
Class A units | | 7.50 | % | 0.10 | % | 0.25 | % |
Class B units | | 7.95 | % | 0.30 | % | 0.25 | % |
Legacy 1 Class units | | 5.00 | % | 0.30 | % | 0.25 | % |
Legacy 2 Class units | | 5.25 | % | 0.30 | % | 0.25 | % |
Global 1 Class units | | 4.45 | % | 0.30 | % | 0.25 | % |
Global 2 Class units | | 4.70 | % | 0.30 | % | 0.25 | % |
Global 3 Class units | | 6.45 | % | 0.30 | % | 0.25 | % |
*The fees are calculated and payable monthly on the basis of month-end adjusted net assets. “Adjusted net assets” is defined as the month-end net assets of the particular class before accruals for fees and expenses and redemptions.
Included in the total brokerage commission are amounts paid to the clearing brokers for execution and clearing costs, which are reflected in the commissions line of the consolidated statements of operations, and the remaining amounts are management fees paid to the Advisors, compensation to the selling agents and an amount to the General Partner for management services rendered, which are reflected in the brokerage commission line on the consolidated statements of operations. The brokerage commission in the amount of $7,348,924 and $24,549,669, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $10,501,801 and $32,674,197, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, are shown on the consolidated statements of operations.
Ongoing organization and offering costs of the Partnership are paid for by the General Partner and reimbursed by the Partnership. The organization and offering costs in the amounts of $380,255 and $1,264,968, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $534,770 and $1,655,799, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, are shown on the consolidated statements of operations.
Operating expenses of the Partnership are paid by the General Partner and reimbursed by the Partnership. To the extent operating expenses are less than 0.25 percent of the Partnership’s average month-end net assets during the year, the difference may be reimbursed pro rata to record-holders as of December 31 of each year. The operating expenses in the amounts of $327,578 and $1,091,706, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $462,427 and $1,432,781, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, are shown on the consolidated statements of operations.
Note 6. Subscriptions, Redemptions and Allocation of Net Income or Loss
Subscriptions received in advance, if any, represent cash received prior to September 30 for contributions of the subsequent month and do not participate in earnings of the Partnership until the following October.
Class A, Class B, Legacy 1 Class, Legacy 2 Class, Global 1 Class, Global 2 Class and Global 3 Class Limited Partners have the right to redeem units as of any month-end upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice to the Partnership. The General Partner, however, may permit earlier redemptions in its discretion. Legacy 1 Class, Legacy 2 Class, Global 1 Class, Global 2 Class and Global 3 Class Limited Partners are prohibited from redeeming such units for the three months following the subscription for units. Global 3 Class Limited Partners who redeem their units after the three-month lock-up, but prior to the one-year anniversary of their subscriptions for the redeemed units, will pay the applicable early redemption fee. There are no redemption fees applicable to Legacy 1 Class, Legacy 2 Class, Global 1 Class and Global 2 Class Limited Partners or to Global 3 Class Limited Partners who redeem their units on or after the one-year anniversary of their subscription. Redemptions will be made as of the last day of the month for an
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
amount equal to the net asset value per unit, as defined, represented by the units to be redeemed. The right to obtain redemption is also contingent upon the Partnership’s having property sufficient to discharge its liabilities on the redemption date and may be delayed if the General Partner determines that earlier liquidation of commodity interest positions to meet redemption payments would be detrimental to the Partnership or nonredeeming Limited Partners.
In addition, the General Partner may at any time cause the redemption of all or a portion of any Limited Partner’s units upon fifteen (15) days’ written notice. The General Partner may also immediately redeem any Limited Partner’s units without notice if the General Partner believes that (i) the redemption is necessary to avoid having the assets of the Partnership deemed Plan Assets under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), (ii) the Limited Partner made a misrepresentation in connection with its subscription for the units, or (iii) the redemption is necessary to avoid a violation of law by the Partnership or any Partner.
In accordance with the Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, net income or loss of the Partnership is allocated to partners according to their respective interests in the Partnership as of the beginning of the month.
Note 7. Financial Highlights
The following financial highlights reflect activity related to the Partnership. Total return is based on the change in value during the period of a theoretical investment made by a limited partner at the beginning of each calendar month during the period and is not annualized. Individual limited partners’ ratios may vary from these ratios based on various factors, including but not limited to the timing of capital transactions.
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total return — Class A Units | | (3.31 | )% | 0.03 | % | (8.27 | )% | (0.41 | )% |
Total return — Class B Units | | (3.47 | )% | (0.13 | )% | (8.71 | )% | (0.89 | )% |
Total return — Legacy 1 Class Units | | (2.75 | )% | 0.61 | % | (6.69 | )% | 1.31 | % |
Total return — Legacy 2 Class Units | | (2.81 | )% | 0.55 | % | (6.86 | )% | 1.06 | % |
Total return — Global 1 Class Units | | (2.62 | )% | 0.76 | % | (6.26 | )% | 1.84 | % |
Total return — Global 2 Class Units | | (2.68 | )% | 0.70 | % | (6.44 | )% | 1.64 | % |
Total return — Global 3 Class Units | | (3.11 | )% | 0.26 | % | (7.66 | )% | 0.35 | % |
Ratios as a percentage of average net assets: | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses prior to incentive fees (1) | | 6.28 | % | 6.35 | % | 6.28 | % | 6.36 | % |
Incentive fees (2) | | 0.00 | % | 0.38 | % | 0.06 | % | 1.19 | % |
Total expenses | | 6.28 | % | 6.73 | % | 6.34 | % | 7.55 | % |
Net investment loss (1) (3) | | (6.02 | )% | (6.09 | )% | (6.06 | )% | (6.10 | )% |
(1) Annualized.
(2) Not annualized.
(3) Excludes incentive fee.
The expense ratios above are computed based upon the weighted average net assets of the Partnership for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (annualized).
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The following per unit performance calculations reflect activity related to the Partnership for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | |
Class A Units | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Per Unit Performance (for unit outstanding throughout the entire period): | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at beginning of period | | $ | 1,153.99 | | $ | 1,290.14 | | $ | 1,216.37 | | $ | 1,295.84 | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) from trading* | | (20.46 | ) | 25.55 | | (44.02 | ) | 71.10 | |
Expenses net of interest income* | | (17.78 | ) | (25.15 | ) | (56.60 | ) | (76.40 | ) |
Total income (loss) from operations | | (38.24 | ) | 0.40 | | (100.62 | ) | (5.30 | ) |
Net asset value per unit at end of period | | $ | 1,115.75 | | $ | 1,290.54 | | $ | 1,115.75 | | $ | 1,290.54 | |
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | |
Class B Units | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Per Unit Performance (for unit outstanding throughout the entire period): | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at beginning of period | | $ | 969.32 | | $ | 1,090.68 | | $ | 1,024.97 | | $ | 1,099.04 | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) from trading* | | (17.21 | ) | 21.72 | | (37.20 | ) | 60.38 | |
Expenses net of interest income* | | (16.44 | ) | (23.16 | ) | (52.10 | ) | (70.18 | ) |
Total income (loss) from operations | | (33.65 | ) | (1.44 | ) | (89.30 | ) | (9.80 | ) |
Net asset value per unit at end of period | | $ | 935.67 | | $ | 1,089.24 | | $ | 935.67 | | $ | 1,089.24 | |
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | |
Legacy 1 Class Units | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Per Unit Performance (for unit outstanding throughout the entire period): | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at beginning of period | | $ | 840.63 | | $ | 918.55 | | $ | 876.10 | | $ | 912.23 | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) from trading* | | (15.20 | ) | 18.09 | | (32.93 | ) | 50.06 | |
Expenses net of interest income* | | (7.95 | ) | (12.48 | ) | (25.69 | ) | (38.13 | ) |
Total income (loss) from operations | | (23.15 | ) | 5.61 | | (58.62 | ) | 11.93 | |
Net asset value per unit at end of period | | $ | 817.48 | | $ | 924.16 | | $ | 817.48 | | $ | 924.16 | |
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| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | |
Legacy 2 Class Units | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Per Unit Performance (for unit outstanding throughout the entire period): | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at beginning of period | | $ | 828.65 | | $ | 907.59 | | $ | 864.60 | | $ | 903.06 | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) from trading* | | (14.89 | ) | 18.13 | | (31.96 | ) | 50.02 | |
Expenses net of interest income* | | (8.43 | ) | (13.11 | ) | (27.31 | ) | (40.47 | ) |
Total income (loss) from operations | | (23.32 | ) | 5.02 | | (59.27 | ) | 9.55 | |
Net asset value per unit at end of period | | $ | 805.33 | | $ | 912.61 | | $ | 805.33 | | $ | 912.61 | |
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | |
Global 1 Class Units | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Per Unit Performance (for unit outstanding throughout the entire period): | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at beginning of period | | $ | 813.85 | | $ | 883.72 | | $ | 845.52 | | $ | 874.34 | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) from trading* | | (14.65 | ) | 18.03 | | (31.51 | ) | 49.21 | |
Expenses net of interest income* | | (6.65 | ) | (11.32 | ) | (21.46 | ) | (33.12 | ) |
Total income (loss) from operations | | (21.30 | ) | 6.71 | | (52.97 | ) | 16.09 | |
Net asset value per unit at end of period | | $ | 792.55 | | $ | 890.43 | | $ | 792.55 | | $ | 890.43 | |
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | |
Global 2 Class Units | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Per Unit Performance (for unit outstanding throughout the entire period): | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at beginning of period | | $ | 803.21 | | $ | 874.31 | | $ | 835.49 | | $ | 866.22 | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) from trading* | | (14.42 | ) | 17.51 | | (30.85 | ) | 48.39 | |
Expenses net of interest income* | | (7.10 | ) | (11.41 | ) | (22.95 | ) | (34.20 | ) |
Total income (loss) from operations | | (21.52 | ) | 6.10 | | (53.80 | ) | 14.19 | |
Net asset value per unit at end of period | | $ | 781.69 | | $ | 880.41 | | $ | 781.69 | | $ | 880.41 | |
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| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | |
Global 3 Class Units | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Per Unit Performance (for unit outstanding throughout the entire period): | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value per unit at beginning of period | | $ | 743.27 | | $ | 823.34 | | $ | 779.90 | | $ | 822.60 | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) from trading* | | (13.28 | ) | 16.50 | | (28.44 | ) | 45.75 | |
Expenses net of interest income* | | (9.80 | ) | (14.39 | ) | (31.27 | ) | (42.90 | ) |
Total income (loss) from operations | | (23.08 | ) | 2.11 | | (59.71 | ) | 2.85 | |
Net asset value per unit at end of period | | $ | 720.19 | | $ | 825.45 | | $ | 720.19 | | $ | 825.45 | |
* Expenses net of interest income per unit are calculated by dividing the expenses net of interest income by the average number of units outstanding during the period. The net realized and change in unrealized gain from trading is a balancing amount necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per unit with the other per unit information.
Note 8. Trading Activities and Related Risks
The Partnership, through its Advisors, engages in the speculative trading of a variety of instruments, including U.S. and foreign futures contracts, options on U.S. and foreign futures contracts and forward contracts (collectively, derivatives; see Note 10). These derivatives include both financial and nonfinancial contracts held as part of a diversified trading strategy. Additionally, the Partnership’s speculative trading includes equities and exchange-traded funds. The Partnership is exposed to both market risk, the risk arising from changes in the market value of the contracts, and credit risk, the risk of failure by another party to perform according to the terms of a contract.
The purchase and sale of futures and options on futures contracts require margin deposits with FCMs. Additional deposits may be necessary for any loss on contract value. The Commodity Exchange Act requires an FCM to segregate all customer transactions and assets from the FCM’s proprietary activities. A customer’s cash and other property (for example, U.S. Treasury bills) deposited with an FCM are considered commingled with all other customer funds subject to the FCM’s segregation requirements. In the event of an FCM’s insolvency, recovery may be limited to a pro rata share of segregated funds available. It is possible that the recovered amount could be less than the total of cash and other property deposited. The Partnership utilizes Jefferies Bache, LLC, R.J. O’Brien & Associates, LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Newedge USA LLC as its clearing brokers.
The amount of required margin and good faith deposits with the FCMs and interbank market makers usually ranges from 5% to 35% of the Partnership’s net asset value. The cash deposited with the FCMs and interbank market makers at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $77,449,598 and $94,093,764, respectively, which was 16.1% and 14.8% of the net asset value, respectively.
For derivatives, risks arise from changes in the fair value of the contracts. Theoretically, the Partnership is exposed to a market risk equal to the value of futures and forward contracts purchased and unlimited liability on such contracts sold short. As both a buyer and seller of options, the Partnership pays or receives a premium at the outset and then bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the price of the contract underlying the option. Written options expose the Partnership to potentially unlimited liability; for purchased options the risk of loss is limited to the premiums paid.
In addition to market risk, in entering into commodity interest contracts there is a credit risk that a counterparty will not be able to meet its obligations to the Partnership. The counterparty for futures and options on futures contracts traded in the United States and on most non-U.S. futures exchanges is the clearinghouse associated with such exchange. In general, clearinghouses are backed by the corporate members of the clearinghouse who are required to share any financial burden resulting from the nonperformance by one of their members and, as such, should significantly reduce this credit risk. In cases in which the clearinghouse is not backed by the clearing members, like some non-U.S. exchanges, it is normally backed by a consortium of banks or other financial institutions.
In the case of forward contracts, over-the-counter options contracts or swap contracts, which are traded on the interbank or other institutional markets rather than on exchanges, the counterparty is generally a single bank or other financial institution, rather than a clearinghouse backed by a group of financial institutions; thus, there likely will be greater counterparty credit risk. The Partnership trades only with those counterparties that it believes to be creditworthy. All positions of the Partnership are valued each
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
day on a mark-to-market basis. There can be no assurance that any clearing member, clearinghouse or other counterparty will be able to meet its obligations to the Partnership.
Securities sold short represent obligations of the Partnership to deliver specific securities and thereby create a liability to purchase these instruments in the open market at prevailing prices. These transactions may result in market risk not reflected in the consolidated statement of financial condition as the Partnership’s ultimate obligation to satisfy its obligation for trading liabilities may exceed the amount reflected in the consolidated statement of financial condition.
The Partnership maintains deposits with high quality financial institutions in amounts that are in excess of federally insured limits; however, the Partnership does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk.
The General Partner has established procedures to actively monitor and minimize market and credit risks. The limited partners bear the risk of loss only to the extent of the fair value of their respective investments and, in certain specific circumstances, distributions and redemptions received.
Note 9. Indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Partnership enters into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. The Partnership’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Partnership that have not yet occurred. The Partnership expects the risk of any future obligation under these indemnifications to be remote.
Note 10. Derivative Instruments
The Partnership follows the provisions of FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. FASB ASC 815 is intended to improve transparency in financial reporting by requiring enhanced disclosures of an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities and their effects on the entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. FASB ASC 815 applies to all derivative instruments within the scope of FASB ASC 815-10-05. It also applies to non-derivative hedging instruments and all hedged items designated and qualifying as hedges under FASB ASC 815-10-05. FASB ASC 815 amends the current qualitative and quantitative disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities set forth in FASB ASC 815-10-05 and generally increases the level of disaggregation that will be required in an entity’s financial statements. FASB ASC 815 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements (see Trading Activities and Related Risks, Note 8).
The Partnership’s business is speculative trading. The Partnership intends to close out all futures, options on futures and forward contracts prior to their expiration. The Partnership trades in futures and other commodity interest contracts and is therefore a party to financial instruments with elements of off-balance sheet market and credit risk. In entering into these contracts, the Partnership faces the market risk that these contracts may be significantly influenced by market conditions, such as interest rate volatility, resulting in such contracts being less valuable. The Partnership minimizes market risk through real-time monitoring of open positions, diversification of the portfolio and maintenance of a margin-to-equity ratio that rarely exceeds 25%.
In addition to market risk, in entering into commodity interest contracts there is a credit risk that a counter party will not be able to meet its obligations to the Partnership. In general, clearing organizations are backed by the corporate members of the clearing organization 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 in which the clearing organization is not backed by the clearing members, like some non-U.S. exchanges, it is normally backed by a consortium of banks or other financial institutions.
In the case of forward contracts, over-the-counter options contracts or swap contracts, which are traded on the interbank or other institutional market rather than on exchanges, the counterparty is generally a single bank or other financial institution, rather than a central clearing organization backed by a group of financial institutions. As a result, there will likely be greater counterparty credit risk in these transactions. The Partnership trades only with those counterparties that it believes to be creditworthy. Nonetheless, the clearing member, clearing organization or other counterparty to these transactions may not be able to meet its obligations to the Partnership, in which case the Partnership could suffer significant losses on these contracts.
The Partnership does not designate any derivative instruments as hedging instruments under FASB ASC 815-10-05. The monthly average futures contracts, forward contracts and options on futures contracts bought and sold was approximately 3,995 and
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
5,795, respectively, for three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 7,573 and 8,099, respectively, for three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. The following tables summarize the quantitative information required by FASB ASC 815:
| | Asset | | Liability | | | |
| | Derivatives* | | Derivatives* | | | |
| | 9/30/2013 | | 9/30/2013 | | Fair Value | |
| | | | | | | |
Agriculturals contracts | | $ | 1,709,706 | | $ | (1,097,032 | ) | $ | 612,674 | |
Currencies contracts | | 7,630,784 | | (5,064,270 | ) | 2,566,514 | |
Energy contracts | | 183,173 | | (2,201,317 | ) | (2,018,144 | ) |
Interest rates contracts | | 2,808,066 | | (3,473,148 | ) | (665,082 | ) |
Meats contracts | | 151,424 | | (68,523 | ) | 82,901 | |
Metals contracts | | 1,657,424 | | (3,315,134 | ) | (1,657,710 | ) |
Soft commodities contracts | | 575,889 | | (156,307 | ) | 419,582 | |
Stock indices contracts | | 1,486,359 | | (3,678,744 | ) | (2,192,385 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
| | $ | 16,202,825 | | $ | (19,054,475 | ) | $ | (2,851,650 | ) |
* The fair values of all asset and liability derivatives, including agriculturals, currencies, energy, interest rates, meats, metals, soft commodities and stock indices contracts, are included in unrealized gain (loss) on open contracts within equity in broker trading accounts in the consolidated statement of financial condition.
| | Asset | | Liability | | | |
| | Derivatives* | | Derivatives* | | | |
| | 12/31/2012 | | 12/31/2012 | | Fair Value | |
| | | | | | | |
Agriculturals contracts | | $ | 1,010,073 | | $ | (846,892 | ) | $ | 163,181 | |
Currencies contracts | | 12,045,469 | | (7,703,776 | ) | 4,341,693 | |
Energy contracts | | 1,028,505 | | (400,364 | ) | 628,141 | |
Interest rates contracts | | 2,816,093 | | (2,237,432 | ) | 578,661 | |
Meats contracts | | 11,264 | | (73,450 | ) | (62,186 | ) |
Metals contracts | | 4,252,379 | | (6,777,973 | ) | (2,525,594 | ) |
Soft commodities contracts | | 745,230 | | (333,162 | ) | 412,068 | |
Stock indices contracts | | 2,679,422 | | (2,534,167 | ) | 145,255 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | $ | 24,588,435 | | $ | (20,907,216 | ) | $ | 3,681,219 | |
* The fair values of all asset and liability derivatives, including agriculturals, currencies, energy, interest rates, meats, metals, soft commodities and stock indices contracts, are included in unrealized gain (loss) on open contracts within equity in broker trading accounts in the consolidated statement of financial condition.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The Effect of Derivative Instruments, Included in Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) from Futures and Forward Trading, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
| | Three Months Ended | | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
Type of Contract | | September 30, 2013* | | September 30, 2012* | | September 30, 2013* | | September 30, 2012* | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Agriculturals contracts | | $ | 2,120,366 | | $ | 7,723,465 | | $ | 643,353 | | $ | 2,375,611 | |
Currencies contracts | | (7,019,806 | ) | 2,266,712 | | (11,873,213 | ) | (13,142,642 | ) |
Energy contracts | | (2,311,917 | ) | (832,921 | ) | (18,974,078 | ) | 7,479,531 | |
Interest rates contracts | | (5,038,592 | ) | (695,497 | ) | (20,084,977 | ) | 27,145,170 | |
Meats contracts | | 282,774 | | (448,911 | ) | 1,515,652 | | (826,717 | ) |
Metals contracts | | (7,293,482 | ) | (491,246 | ) | 4,744,670 | | (4,161,259 | ) |
Soft commodities contracts | | (220,697 | ) | (2,602,074 | ) | 1,033,065 | | 860,514 | |
Stock indices | | 11,909,159 | | 12,419,216 | | 28,890,512 | | 30,538,140 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | (7,572,195 | ) | $ | 17,338,744 | | $ | (14,105,016 | ) | $ | 50,268,348 | |
* The gains or losses on derivatives, including agriculturals, currencies, energy, interest rates, meats, metals, soft commodities and stock indices contracts are included in the realized and change in unrealized gains (loss) from futures and forward trading in the consolidated statement of operations.
Line Item in Consolidated Statement of | | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
Operations | | September 30, 2013 | | September 30, 2012 | | September 30, 2013 | | September 30, 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net gain (loss) from futures and forward trading | | | | | | | | | |
Realized | | $ | (282,527 | ) | $ | 14,788,854 | | $ | (7,587,747 | ) | $ | 56,265,301 | |
Change in unrealized | | (7,289,668 | ) | 2,549,890 | | (6,517,269 | ) | (5,996,953 | ) |
Total realized and changed in unrealized net gain (loss) from futures and forward trading | | $ | (7,572,195 | ) | $ | 17,338,744 | | $ | (14,105,016 | ) | $ | 50,268,348 | |
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The tables below show the gross and net information related to derivatives eligible for offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Offsetting of Derivative Assets
As of September 30, 2013
| | | | | | Net Amount of | |
| | | | Gross Amounts | | Unrealized Gain | |
| | | | Offset in the | | Presented in | |
| | Gross Amount of | | Consolidated | | the Consolidated | |
| | Recognized | | Statement of | | Statement of | |
Type of Instrument | | Assets | | Financial Condition | | Financial Condition | |
| | | | | | | |
U.S. and foreign futures contracts | | $ | 12,691,361 | | $ | (15,381,939 | ) | $ | (2,690,578 | ) |
Forward contracts | | 3,407,219 | | (3,568,291 | ) | (161,072 | ) |
Options on forward contracts | | 104,246 | | (104,246 | ) | — | |
Total derivatives | | $ | 16,202,826 | | $ | (19,054,476 | ) | $ | (2,851,650 | ) |
Derivatives Assets and Collateral Received by Counterparty
As of September 30, 2013
| | Net Amount of | | | | | | | |
| | Unrealized Gain | | | | | | | |
| | Presented in | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated | | | |
| | the Consolidated | | Statement of Financial Condition | | | |
| | Statement of | | Financial | | Cash Collateral | | | |
Counterparty | | Financial Condition | | Instruments | | Received | | Net Amount | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Bank of America N.A. | | $ | (444,121 | ) | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | (444,121 | ) |
Deutsche Bank AG | | (342,208 | ) | — | | — | | (342,208 | ) |
Jefferies Bache, LLC | | (3,177,767 | ) | — | | — | | (3,177,767 | ) |
Newedge USA, LLC | | 644,609 | | — | | — | | 644,609 | |
R.J. O’Brien & Associates, LLC | | 1,748,445 | | — | | — | | 1,748,445 | |
UBS Securities LLC | | (1,280,608 | ) | — | | — | | (1,280,608 | ) |
Total | | $ | (2,851,650 | ) | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | (2,851,650 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Offsetting of Derivative Assets
As of December 31, 2012
| | | | | | Net Amount of | |
| | | | Gross Amounts | | Unrealized Gain | |
| | | | Offset in the | | Presented in | |
| | Gross Amount of | | Consolidated | | the Consolidated | |
| | Recognized | | Statement of | | Statement of | |
Type of Instrument | | Assets | | Financial Condition | | Financial Condition | |
| | | | | | | |
U.S. and foreign futures contracts | | $ | 17,323,529 | | $ | (15,097,793 | ) | $ | 2,225,736 | |
Forward contracts | | 7,254,268 | | (5,809,423 | ) | 1,444,845 | |
Options on futures and forward contracts | | 10,638 | | — | | 10,638 | |
Total derivatives | | $ | 24,588,435 | | $ | (20,907,216 | ) | $ | 3,681,219 | |
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Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Derivatives Assets and Collateral Received by Counterparty
As of December 31, 2012
| | Net Amount of | | | | | | | |
| | Unrealized Gain | | | | | | | |
| | Presented in | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated | | | |
| | the Consolidated | | Statement of Financial Condition | | | |
| | Statement of | | Financial | | Cash Collateral | | | |
Counterparty | | Financial Condition | | Instruments | | Received | | Net Amount | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Bank of America N.A. | | $ | 1,327,621 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 1,327,621 | |
Deutsche Bank AG | | (178,677 | ) | — | | — | | (178,677 | ) |
Jefferies Bache, LLC | | 724,791 | | — | | — | | 724,791 | |
Newedge USA, LLC | | 1,098,091 | | — | | — | | 1,098,091 | |
R.J. O’Brien & Associates, LLC | | 1,714,310 | | — | | — | | 1,714,310 | |
UBS Securities LLC | | (1,004,917 | ) | — | | — | | (1,004,917 | ) |
Total | | $ | 3,681,219 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 3,681,219 | |
Note 11. Subsequent Events
The Partnership has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure. Subsequent to September 30, 2013, there were contributions and redemptions totaling approximately $1,177,000 and $0, respectively.
EMC Capital Advisors, LLC is an Illinois limited liability company formed in August 2013. From January 1989 until September 2013, EMC Capital Management, Inc. was allocated and traded a portion of the Partnership’s assets. On October 1, 2013, EMC Capital Management, Inc. assigned its obligations, rights and interests to EMC, including the trading agreement under which EMC Capital Management, Inc. had previously traded on behalf of the Partnership.
As of October 1, 2013, Mr. Kavanagh, who indirectly controls and is president of the general partner and Mr. Al Rayes, who is a principal of the general partner, each indirectly owns a minority interest in EMC Capital Advisors, LLC, one of the Partnership’s commodity trading advisors.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Introduction
Grant Park is a multi-advisor commodity pool organized to pool assets of its investors for the purpose of trading in the U.S. and international spot and derivatives markets for currencies, interest rates, stock indices, agricultural and energy products, precious and base metals and other commodities and underliers. The Partnership also engages in equity securities, listed options, broad-based exchange traded funds, hedge, arbitrage and cash trading of commodities and futures. Grant Park has been in continuous operation since it commenced trading on January 1, 1989. Grant Park’s general partner, commodity pool operator and sponsor is Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C., an Illinois limited liability company. The manager of Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C. is David M. Kavanagh, its President.
Organization of Grant Park
Grant Park invests through different commodity trading advisors retained by the general partner. However, instead of each trading advisor maintaining a separate account in the name of Grant Park, the assets of Grant Park are invested in various Trading Companies, each of which is organized as a limited liability company. Each Trading Company allocates those assets to one of the commodity trading advisors retained by the general partner. The following is a list of the Trading Companies, for which Grant Park is the sole member and all of which were organized as Delaware limited liability companies:
GP 1, LLC (“GP 1”) GP 6, LLC (“GP 6”) GP 10, LLC (“GP 10”) GP 15, LLC (“GP 15”)
GP 3, LLC (“GP 3”) GP 7, LLC (“GP 7”) GP 11, LLC (“GP 11”) GP 16, LLC (“GP 16”)
GP 4, LLC (“GP 4”) GP 8, LLC (“GP 8”) GP 12, LLC (“GP 12”) GP 17, LLC (“GP 17”)
GP 5, LLC (“GP 5”) GP 9, LLC (“GP 9”) GP 14, LLC (“GP 14”) GP 18, LLC (“GP 18”)
There were no assets allocated to GP 5, GP 7 and GP 11 as of September 30, 2013.
Grant Park invests through the Trading Companies with independent professional commodity trading advisors retained by the general partner. Alder Capital Limited, Amplitude Capital International Limited, Denali Asset Management, LLLP, EMC Management, Inc., Eckhardt Trading Co., Eagle Trading Systems Inc., Lynx Asset Management AB, Quantica Capital AG, Rabar Market Research, Inc., Transtrend B.V. and Winton Capital Management Limited serve as Grant Park’s commodity trading advisors. Each of the trading advisors is registered as a commodity trading advisor under the Commodity Exchange Act and is a member of the NFA. As of September 30, 2013, the general partner allocated between 5% to 20% of Grant Park’s net assets through the respective Trading Companies among its trading advisors Alder, Amplitude, Denali, EMC, ETC, Eagle, Lynx, Quantica, Rabar, Transtrend and Winton. No more than 20% of Grant Park’s assets are allocated to any one Trading Company and, in turn, any one trading advisor. The general partner may terminate or replace the trading advisors or retain additional trading advisors in its sole discretion.
The table below illustrates the trading advisors for each class of Grant Park’s outstanding limited partnership units as of September 30, 2013:
| | Alder | | Amplitude | | Denali | | EMC | | ETC | | Eagle | | Lynx | | Quantica | | Rabar | | Transtrend | | Winton | |
Class A | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | |
Class B | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | |
Legacy 1 | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | |
Legacy 2 | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | |
Global 1 | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | |
Global 2 | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | |
Global 3 | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | | X | |
The trading advisors for the Legacy 1 Class and Legacy 2 Class units pursue a technical trend trading philosophy, which is the same trading philosophy the trading advisors have historically used for the Class A and Class B units. The trading advisors for the Global 1 Class, Global 2 Class and Global 3 Class units pursue technical trend trading philosophies, as well as pattern recognition.
The general partner may, in its sole discretion, reallocate assets among the trading advisors upon termination of a trading advisor or retention of any new trading advisors, or at the commencement of any month.
Critical Accounting Policies
Grant Park’s most significant accounting policy is the valuation of its assets invested in U.S. and international futures and forward contracts, options contracts, other interests in commodities, and fixed income products. The majority of these investments are exchange-traded contracts, valued based upon exchange settlement prices. The remainder of its investments are non-exchange-traded contracts with valuation of those investments based on quoted forward spot prices and fixed income products, including securities of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises, corporate bonds and commercial paper, which are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which
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approximates fair value based on quoted market prices in an active market. With the valuation of the investments easily obtained, there is little or no judgment or uncertainty involved in the valuation of investments, and accordingly, it is unlikely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions using different but reasonably plausible assumptions.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management 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 revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Grant Park’s significant accounting policies are described in detail in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements.
Grant Park is the sole member of each of the Trading Companies. The Trading Companies, in turn, are the only members of GP Cash Management, LLC. Grant Park presents consolidated financial statements which include the accounts of the Trading Companies and GP Cash Management, LLC. All material inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Valuation of Financial Instruments
Grant Park follows the provisions of FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. FASB ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurement and also emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Grant Park records all investments at fair value in the financial statements. Changes in fair value from the prior period are recorded as unrealized gain or losses and are reported in the consolidated statement of operations. Fair value of exchange-traded futures contracts and options on futures contracts are based upon exchange settlement prices. Grant Park values forward contracts and options on forward contracts based on the average bid and ask price of quoted forward spot prices obtained. U.S. Government securities, securities of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises, corporate bonds and commercial paper are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value based on quoted market prices in an active market. Grant Park compares market prices quoted by dealers to the cost plus accrued interest to ensure a reasonable approximation of fair value. Grant Park values bank deposits at face value plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.
Results of Operations
Grant Park’s returns, which are Grant Park’s trading gains plus interest income less brokerage fees, performance fees, operating costs and offering costs borne by Grant Park, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, are set forth in the table below:
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
Total return — Class A Units | | (3.31 | )% | 0.03 | % | (8.27 | )% | (0.41 | )% |
Total return — Class B Units | | (3.47 | )% | (0.13 | )% | (8.71 | )% | (0.89 | )% |
Total return — Legacy 1 Class Units | | (2.75 | )% | 0.61 | % | (6.69 | )% | 1.31 | % |
Total return — Legacy 2 Class Units | | (2.81 | )% | 0.55 | % | (6.86 | )% | 1.06 | % |
Total return — Global 1 Class Units | | (2.62 | )% | 0.76 | % | (6.26 | )% | 1.84 | % |
Total return — Global 2 Class Units | | (2.68 | )% | 0.70 | % | (6.44 | )% | 1.64 | % |
Total return — Global 3 Class Units | | (3.11 | )% | 0.26 | % | (7.66 | )% | 0.35 | % |
Grant Park’s total net asset value at September 30, 2013 was approximately $481.2 million, at December 31, 2012 was approximately $636.7 million and at September 30, 2012 was approximately $704.1 million. Results from past periods are not indicative of results that may be expected for any future period.
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The table below sets forth Grant Park’s trading gains or losses by sector for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
| | % Gain (Loss) | |
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
Agriculturals | | 0.4 | % | 1.1 | % | 0.1 | % | 0.3 | % |
Currencies | | (1.5 | ) | 0.3 | | (2.5 | ) | (1.9 | ) |
Energy | | (0.5 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (3.9 | ) | 1.1 | |
Interest rates | | (1.1 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (4.1 | ) | 3.9 | |
Meats | | 0.1 | | (0.1 | ) | 0.3 | | (0.1 | ) |
Metals | | (1.5 | ) | (0.1 | ) | 1.0 | | (0.6 | ) |
Soft commodities | | — | | (0.4 | ) | 0.2 | | 0.1 | |
Stock indices | | 2.5 | | 1.8 | | 6.0 | | 4.3 | |
| | (1.6 | )% | 2.4 | % | (2.9 | )% | 7.1 | % |
Three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to three months ended September 30, 2012
For the three months ended September 30, 2013, Grant Park had a negative return of approximately 3.3% for the Class A units, a negative return of approximately 3.5% for the Class B units, a negative return of approximately 2.8% for the Legacy 1 Class units, a negative return of approximately 2.8% for the Legacy 2 Class units, a negative return of approximately 2.6% for the Global 1 Class units, a negative return of approximately 2.7% for the Global 2 Class units and negative return of approximately 3.1% for the Global 3 Class units. On a combined basis prior to expenses, Grant Park had trading losses of approximately 1.6%, which were partially offset by gains of approximately 0.1% from interest income. These trading losses were increased by approximately 1.8% in combined brokerage fees, performance fees and operating and offering costs borne by Grant Park. For the same period in 2012, Grant Park had a positive return of approximately 0.0% for the Class A units, a negative return of approximately 0.1% for the Class B units, a positive return of approximately 0.6% for the Legacy 1 Class units, a positive return of approximately 0.6% for the Legacy 2 Class units, a positive return of approximately 0.8% for the Global 1 Class units, a positive return of approximately 0.7% for the Global 2 Class units and a positive return of approximately 0.3% for the Global 3 Class units. On a combined basis prior to expenses, Grant Park had trading gains of approximately 2.4%, which were further increased by gains of approximately 0.1% from interest income. These trading gains were decreased by approximately 2.4% in combined brokerage fees, performance fees and operating and offering costs borne by Grant Park.
Nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2012
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Grant Park had a negative return of approximately 8.3% for the Class A units, a negative return of approximately 8.7% for the Class B units, a negative return of approximately 6.7% for the Legacy 1 Class units, a negative return of approximately 6.9% for the Legacy 2 Class units, a negative return of approximately 6.3% for the Global 1 Class units, a negative return of approximately 6.4% for the Global 2 Class units and negative return of approximately 7.7% for the Global 3 Class units. On a combined basis prior to expenses, Grant Park had trading losses of approximately 2.9%, which were partially offset by gains of approximately 0.2% from interest income. These trading losses were increased by approximately 5.4% in combined brokerage fees, performance fees and operating and offering costs borne by Grant Park. For the same period in 2012, Grant Park had a negative return of approximately 0.4% for the Class A units, a negative return of approximately 0.9% for the Class B units, a positive return of approximately 1.3% for the Legacy 1 Class units, a positive return of approximately 1.1% for the Legacy 2 Class units, a positive return of approximately 1.8% for the Global 1 Class units, a positive return of approximately 1.6% for the Global 2 Class units and a positive return of approximately 0.4% for the Global 3 Class units. On a combined unit basis prior to expenses, Grant Park had trading gains of approximately 7.1%, which were further increased by gains of approximately 0.2% from interest income. These trading gains were decreased by approximately 7.6% in combined brokerage fees, performance fees and operating and offering costs borne by Grant Park.
Nine months ended September 30, 2013
Crude oil markets finished below their quarterly highs due to rising inventory levels. Gasoline futures prices fell over 4% and reached their lowest level in ten months as the summer-driving season came to an end.
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Corn prices fell 35% after the USDA announced a projected record harvest for the year and cited increased farm utilization and increased production. A supply shortage in West Africa, coupled with increased demand from developed and emerging economies, combined to cause cocoa prices to surge by more than 20%.
In an attempt to raise prices by the world’s largest tin producer, after Indonesian officials announced plans to withhold exporting the metal until it is first traded locally. This policy caused prices to rise by over 18%. Precious metal markets rallied following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to continue with its policy of quantitative easing.
The New Zealand dollar appreciated by more than 7% after the U.S. Federal Reserve decided not to taper its bond buying program until the U.S. economy is more stable. The U.S. dollar fell sharply on the same news.
The Hang Seng rallied by more than 10% as Chinese companies reported strong earnings and as the U.S. Federal Reserve decided not to curb its monetary stimulus program. The S&P 500 fell on the on the same news.
U.K. government bonds ended the quarter down by more than 1% despite a mid-quarter rally that followed the Bank of England’s announcement to continue to sustain low interest rates. Japanese government bond prices rallied as the price for U.S. treasuries fell.
Key trading developments for Grant Park during the first nine months of 2013 included the following:
January. Grant Park recorded gains during the month. Class A units were up 1.47%, Class B units were up 1.42%, Legacy 1 Class units were up 1.66%, Legacy 2 Class units were up 1.64%, Global 1 Class units were up 1.69%, Global 2 Class units were up 1.67% and Global 3 Class units were up 1.53%. The Japanese yen continued to depreciate as Prime Minister Abe announced plans to pursue aggressive monetary expansion. In the process, the yen fell to a 30-month low against the U.S. dollar and a 21-month low against the euro. Reports indicating increased economic confidence in the Eurozone also helped to push the euro to its highest point against the U.S. dollar since December 2011. Crude oil markets rallied over 6%, to a new four-month high following an unexpected drop in inventories. Gasoline Blendstock markets also rose, driven higher by scheduled refinery maintenance in the Gulf of Mexico and constricted supplies in New York Harbor. The Japanese Nikkei 225 extended a 12-week winning streak and ended the month with a gain of nearly 7%. A materially weaker yen and optimism for recovering export industries in Japan fostered investor confidence and drove the rally. The S&P 500 Index passed 1,500 for the first time in five years as it gained over 5% in January. Upward price action near month-end was driven by the release of better-than-expected earnings reports. German Bund markets fell on news that European banks plan to pay off €137 billion in bailout loans. Strong demand at an Italian 5- and 10-year bond auction added to downward pressure on Bund markets. Corn and soybean prices rallied over 6% and 3%, respectively, due to speculative buying in reaction to the possibility of continued drought conditions in Argentina and Brazil. In the foods markets, sugar prices fell in January because of stronger-than-expected global supply forecasts. Silver markets gained as investors sought to hedge against inflation and currency debasement as the U.S., China and Japan announced plans of sustained economic stimulus. Base metals rallied towards the end of the month as investors began to speculate that the U.S. and China were going to release positive economic data in the beginning of February.
February. Grant Park recorded losses during the month. Class A units were down 2.86%, Class B units were down 2.91%, Legacy 1 Class units were down 2.68%, Legacy 2 Class units were down 2.70%, Global 1 Class units were down 2.63%, Global 2 Class units were down 2.65% and Global 3 Class units were down 2.79%. The Japanese yen continued to depreciate as Japanese Prime Minister Abe continued a program of sustained monetary stimulus in hopes of aiding Japan’s ailing export industries. Political uncertainty in Italy and the U.S. put downward pressure on the euro, which fell by nearly 4%. Crude oil markets declined in excess of 5% because of growing inventories, a struggling Italian economy, and positive rhetoric out of Iran regarding its relations with the West. Natural gas markets rallied more than 4% as sustained cold weather in the U.S. and falling inventories supported increased prices. Revised 4Q 2012 GDP figures showed the U.S. economy expanded slightly, as opposed to earlier reports of contraction. This increased investor risk appetite and helped the S&P 500 advance by more than 1%. The Nikkei 225 continued to advance, gaining over 3% for the month as a weakening yen supported Japanese export industries. Italian bond yields soared after national elections did not produce a clear majority in the upper house. The resulting political gridlock added to the uncertainty regarding the bailout conditions outlined by the European Central Bank last fall. As a result, investors fled to German bond markets, which drove Bund prices up by 2%. Falling exports, a positive outlook regarding crop yields, and decreasing demand for ethanol caused corn prices to fall more than 2%. Wheat prices plummeted more than 9% as persistent precipitation in wheat-producing states eased concerns about crop-growing conditions. Gold prices declined by 5% as optimism regarding the global economic recovery gave hedge fund investors enough confidence to liquidate gold positions in favor of stocks. Copper prices fell by more than 5% as a result of reduced industrial demand.
March. Grant Park recorded gains during the month. Class A units were up 1.22%, Class B units were up 1.17%, Legacy 1 Class units were up 1.40%, Legacy 2 Class units were up 1.39%, Global 1 Class units were up 1.47%, Global 2 Class units were up
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1.45% and Global 3 Class units were up 1.30%. The Australian dollar strengthened against counterparts as bullish economic indicators reduced the likelihood of further quantitative easing by the Reserve Bank of Australia. The Japanese yen sustained its downward trend as the Bank of Japan continued to ease monetary policy and depreciate the currency. Crude oil markets advanced over 5% as signs of a stronger economy in the U.S. and record-high stock markets fueled prices. Natural gas prices rose more than 15% because of sustained cold weather across the U.S. Positive news regarding the U.S. economy and improved investor sentiment drove the S&P 500 to record highs. Bullish U.S. housing data also supported higher share prices. Conversely, European equity markets fell on concerns that the ongoing political and financial instability in Italy and Cyprus would slow the economic recovery in the Eurozone. German Bund markets rose as investors sought safe-haven assets after European policymakers failed to make progress in Cyprus. The price of ten-year U.S. Treasury Notes fell modestly, pressured by positive U.S. housing and manufacturing data. Sugar markets fell to their lowest levels in nearly three years as forecasts for record Brazilian crop yields weighed heavily on prices. Corn, wheat, and soybean markets experienced declines after the U.S. Department of Agriculture raised supply estimates. Copper prices fell over 3% as speculators believed the European banking crisis would further depress industrial demand in the Eurozone. Precious metals markets rallied as expectations of further quantitative easing in the U.S. and Europe fueled demand for gold and silver as a means to hedge against inflation.
April. Grant Park recorded gains during the month. Class A units were up 1.01%, Class B units were up 0.96%, Legacy 1 Class units were up 1.19%, Legacy 2 Class units were up 1.17%, Global 1 Class units were up 1.22%, Global 2 Class units were up 1.20% and Global 3 Class units were up 1.06%. The Australian dollar depreciated against counterparts after poor economic data renewed fears of a global economic slowdown and decreased the demand for higher-yielding assets. The Japanese yen continued to weaken as the Bank of Japan continued to expand its long-term debt purchases. Crude oil was down nearly 4% as demand forecasts fell in response to weak economic data from the European and Chinese economies. Despite finishing lower, crude oil ended April on a slight rally spurred by refinery maintenance in Nigeria. Natural gas prices rose as unseasonably cold weather continued across the U.S. The Nikkei 225 gained nearly 12% on speculation that the ongoing aggressive quantitative easing by the Bank of Japan will continue to bolster Japan’s export industries. The S&P 500 ended a whipsaw month slightly positive. Bullish earnings reports and upbeat housing data were the main drivers behind the late-month rally. The price for U.S. 30-year Treasury bonds gained more than 3% as disappointing U.S., Chinese, and Eurozone data weighed on investor sentiment in early April. Corn prices fell as rainfall in key corn-producing states provided optimism for the 2013 crop yield. Cotton prices declined nearly 3% as strong supplies continued to add to already substantial inventories. Gold prices plummeted nearly 9% in one day due to liquidations which were prompted by news that Cyprus would sell a portion of its gold reserves to help fund its bailout. By month-end, gold markets retraced slightly, driven by U.S. dollar weakness, but finished the month down 7.7%.
May. Grant Park recorded losses during the month. Class A units were down 2.83%, Class B units were down 2.88%, Legacy 1 Class units were down 2.66%, Legacy 2 Class units were down 2.67%, Global 1 Class units were down 2.61%, Global 2 Class units were down 2.63% and Global 3 Class units were down 2.76%. The value of the Australian dollar fell compared to counterpart currencies in reaction to optimistic U.S. economic data, which put downward pressure on higher-yielding currencies. The Japanese yen continued in response to the Bank of Japan’s aggressive monetary easing policy. Natural gas prices fell 7% during a volatile month. The movement was driven by weak demand, which was spurred by moderate temperatures in the U.S. Crude oil prices ended modestly lower, following weak Eurozone economic growth data. The S&P 500 posted monthly gains in reaction to positive economic indicators in the U.S. which included improved consumer sentiment, employment, and housing data. In Asia, the Japanese Nikkei 225 and Hong Kong Hang Seng Index declined following the release of weak manufacturing data from China. U.S. Treasury markets fell as investors liquidated debt positions due to fears the U.S. Federal Reserve may soon begin to taper bond-buying. German Bund marks fell sharply as stock indices in the U.S. and Europe experienced sharp rallies, which put pressure on safe-haven demand in the region. Corn prices fell in May as sustained rainfall in key farming areas supported forecasts for strong yields. Coffee prices tumbled by nearly 6% and reached three and a half year lows as Brazilian output continued to increase. U.S. dollar strength caused precious metal markets to continue their price downtrends. Gold and silver dropped by 5.5% and 8%, respectively, throughout the month. Base metals markets generally registered gains as equity market strength in North America and the Eurozone supported industrial demand forecasts.
June. Grant Park recorded losses during the month. Class A units were down 3.12%, Class B units were down 3.18%, Legacy 1 Class units were down 2.91%, Legacy 2 Class units were down 2.93%, Global 1 Class units were down 2.83%, Global 2 Class units were down 2.85% and Global 3 Class units were down 3.01%. The U.S. dollar finished June nearly flat, as weakness ahead of the U.S. unemployment report was offset by gains prompted by speculation about a reduction in the U.S. Federal Reserve’s bond-buying program. The Canadian dollar declined due to weak domestic retail sales data and steep declines in commodities prices. In Asia, the Japanese yen rallied as investors attempted to take profits from the yen’s recent downtrend. Crude oil markets rallied nearly 5% as the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a larger-than-expected decrease in U.S. inventories. Supply concerns, which stemmed from political and civil unrest in the Middle East, added to gains. Natural gas markets experienced a sharp decline as elevated inventories and mild temperatures in the U.S. weighed on prices. Global equity markets generally declined in June. The main drivers behind the selloff included concerns surrounding the impact of a shift in U.S. monetary policy, weak Eurozone manufacturing and growth data, and uncertainty surrounding the outlook for the Chinese economy. U.S. Treasury markets finished
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sharply weaker, driven lower by concerns surrounding the Federal Reserve’s plans to scale back bond buying. Wheat markets fell sharply due to increased year-over-year acreage in the U.S. and weak export data. Sugar prices fell in response to forecasts that global supplies will continue to outpace demand. Cotton prices rallied in excess of 4%, propelled by strong Chinese demand and supply weakness from India. Gold and silver markets both fell in excess of 12% due to depressed precious metals demand fostered by bullish U.S. economic indicators throughout June. U.S. dollar strength also contributed to weakness in the precious metals markets. Base metals prices predominantly fell, under pressure from weak industrial demand forecasts supported by disappointing Eurozone data and tight credit conditions in China.
July. Grant Park recorded losses during the month. Class A units were down 0.24%, Class B units were down 0.30%, Legacy 1 Class units were down 0.05%, Legacy 2 Class units were down 0.07%, Global 1 Class units were down 0.00%, Global 2 Class units were down 0.02% and Global 3 Class units were down 0.17%. The New Zealand dollar appreciated by nearly 3%, reaching a five-year high in the process, after the governor of the country’s Reserve Bank announced plans to raise interest rates. Gains were accelerated when the governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia expressed plans to cut interest rates in the near future. The Australian dollar depreciated materially on the same news. Crude oil markets rallied nearly 7% as the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported the largest two-week decrease in U.S. crude inventories on record. Supply concerns stemming from political and civil unrest in the Middle East added to gains. Natural gas markets continued to experience sharp declines as moderate weather covered the Midwest and Northeast regions of the U.S., putting pressure on demand. The Hang Seng Index made gains in excess of 5% as the People’s Bank of China allowed banks to determine their own interest rates on loans for the first time in history and ensured that it will intervene if the economy’s slowdown continues to accelerate. The S&P 500 reached record highs as major U.S. companies reported strong earnings, supporting bullish sentiments in the markets. Prices for 30-Year U.S. Treasury Bonds decreased by more than 1% as investors speculated about a possible tapering of the Federal Reserve’s Quantitative Easing policy in the near future. Corn prices plummeted by 27% as ideal growing conditions persisted throughout a crucial pollination period for the crop, which drove the yield estimate to a record high. Soybean markets also depreciated materially on news of a record harvest out of Brazil and favorable weather forecasts in the U.S. Gold prices gained 8% as the U.S. dollar depreciated against most global currencies and investors attempted to cover their short positions. Silver prices appreciated modestly on the same news. Base metal markets finished the month slightly higher as investors reacted to mixed news out of China concerning the current state of its economy.
August. Grant Park recorded losses during the month. Class A units were down 2.22%, Class B units were down 2.28%, Legacy 1 Class units were down 2.04%, Legacy 2 Class units were down 2.06%, Global 1 Class units were down 2.00%, Global 2 Class units were down 2.02% and Global 3 Class units were down 2.17%. The New Zealand and Australian dollars fell in reaction to the adverse events in the Middle East and central bank actions in the two countries. The Canadian dollar depreciated following reports which showed Canada’s economy grew at a slower-than-expected pace in the second quarter. The crude oil complex experienced significant price increases due to regional unrest throughout the Middle East. Natural gas prices rose because of warmer temperatures across the U.S. The S&P 500 suffered a 3% correction in response to poor earnings reports from U.S. companies and possible military intervention in the Middle East. The Australian SPI 200 Index gained more than 2% on positive earnings reports from Australian companies. German Bund and British Long Gilt markets fell sharply on speculation about the end of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing efforts, as well as actions by other central banks around the world. Wheat prices fell as ideal growing conditions in important growing areas across the U.S. continued to improve the size of this season’s crop. Coffee prices fell to their lowest levels since 2009 in reaction to estimates of rising supplies from South America. Precious metal markets surged as investors sought safe-haven assets. Uncertainty about the timing of the Federal Reserve’s tapering of its quantitative easing program and widening unrest in the Middle East caused investors to seek safe-haven assets. Base metal markets also rallied, fueled by increased demand from China.
September. Grant Park recorded losses during the month. Class A units were down 0.87%, Class B units were down 0.93%, Legacy 1 Class units were down 0.68%, Legacy 2 Class units were down 0.70%, Global 1 Class units were down 0.63%, Global 2 Class units were down 0.65% and Global 3 Class units were down 0.79%. The U.S. dollar declined sharply against global counterparts after the Federal Reserve implied monetary stimulus may continue into 2014. The Canadian dollar rallied due to increases in commodity prices and in anticipation ongoing quantitative easing in the U.S. will benefit the Canadian economy. The British pound strengthened as economic indicators provided support for a bullish economic outlook. Crude oil markets rallied sharply during early September over fears a possible intervention by the U.S. in the Syrian conflict could disrupt Middle Eastern supplies. As the likelihood of U.S. involvement fell, concerns began to ease and drove crude oil prices sharply lower. Forecasts for weak industrial demand added further pressure and caused crude oil prices to finish the month lower. Global equity markets rallied on upbeat economic data in Europe and hopes for ongoing stimulus in the U.S. U.S. Treasury markets finished higher as uncertainty surrounding the U.S. fiscal policy decisions shifted investor focus towards safe-haven debt instruments. German Bund markets finished lower due to losses fostered by sharp rallies in the global equity markets and early-month bullish economic data in the U.S. Corn and soybean prices fell over 10% as U.S. Department of Agriculture data forecasted stronger-than-expected supplies. Wheat markets rallied due to strong U.S. exports data. Cocoa markets moved higher because of increased global demand and unfavorable weather conditions in West Africa. Precious metals markets fell as investors liquidated dollar-hedging assets in anticipation U.S. policy makers will continue quantitative easing initiatives. Conversely, base metals markets moved sharply higher as speculators believed ongoing stimulus would bode well for industrial production.
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Nine months ended September 30, 2012
Natural gas markets rallied nearly 17% as exceptionally warm temperatures in July spurred energy demand for cooling purposes. The potential impact of hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico was a factor which drove natural gas prices higher. Crude oil prices also increased, as ongoing tensions in the Middle East drove concerns about future supplies. Additional data showed a decline in domestic inventories.
Grains markets were generally higher for the quarter. Massive droughts in the Midwest, led to declines in the forecasts for futures supply. In September, an improvement in growing conditions helped to ease supply concerns and caused a sharp reversal in the grains markets. In the foods markets, sugar prices dropped following bullish supply data from Brazil, cocoa prices rallied because civil unrest in the Ivory Coast depressed production.
Precious metals markets rose due to heavy buying by investors who attempted to hedge against inflation. Base metals markets finished higher on speculation the new plans for quantitative easing both in the U.S. and abroad would help improve global industrial demand. Gains in the base metals markets were aided by the announcement of new government-funded infrastructure projects in China, which is the world’s largest consumer of copper.
The U.S. was under heavy pressure following the announcement of QE3 by the U.S. Federal Reserve. The euro strengthened relative to counterpart currencies as news regarding the newly expanded bailout fund for Greece and Spain aided investor confidence in the region. Riskier currencies, including the Australian and New Zealand dollars, moved higher as confident investors sought higher-yielding investments.
North American and European equity markets rallied as an improved overall outlook for the global economy spurred investor risk appetite. The Japanese Nikkei 225 registered setbacks for the quarter, however, as investors feared ongoing slow growth in China would have a negative financial impact on the economy.
U.S. Treasury markets finished modestly higher due to a rally which was spurred by unmet expectations of new stimulus policies in August. German Bunds rallied during the same period as investors feared weak growth prospects in the U.S. would have a negative effect on the Eurozone.
Key trading developments for Grant Park during the first nine months of 2012 included the following:
January. Grant Park recorded gains and losses during the month. Class A units were down 0.00%, Class B units were down 0.06%, Legacy 1 Class units were up 0.18%, Legacy 2 Class units were up 0.17%, Global 1 Class units were up 0.39%, Global 2 Class units were up 0.37% and Global 3 Class units were up 0.22%. European currencies generally rose against the U.S. dollar, following bullish news that the region’s financial outlook may be improving. The euro strengthened following news that the International Monetary Fund was considering increasing aid to smaller European nations. The Swiss franc also posted gains following a jump in investor confidence, which was the largest since the second quarter of 2011. The combination of unusually warm weather and increased supplies drove natural gas prices nearly 15% lower for the month. Crude oil markets posted modest gains due to ongoing supply concerns stemming from tension surrounding Iran. In Asia, speculators drove Japanese equity markets higher on beliefs the Chinese government might stimulate the nation’s economy in response to data which showed decreasing inflation. North American equity markets also moved higher, supported by bullish domestic housing and manufacturing data and strong earnings reports by several key U.S. firms. European equity markets rose as investors believed Greece and its creditors were nearing an agreement on a new debt restructuring deal. In the U.S. fixed-income markets, there was a sharp increase in demand for safe-haven assets after Standard & Poor’s downgraded French debt. Reports which showed weaker-than-expected GDP growth data for the U.S. also prompted buying in the debt markets, which drove prices higher. Corn prices fell nearly 2% after recent supply concerns eased due to improved weather conditions in South America. Wheat prices also declined, driven lower by U.S. Department of Agriculture reports which showed an upward revision to 2012 harvest estimates. In the livestock markets, increased buying by large commodity funds led to gains in the lean hogs and live cattle markets. Concerns surrounding the Eurozone economy and tensions between Iran and the West caused an increase in demand for safe-haven assets, which drove gold and silver prices higher. Investors increased buying in an attempt to hedge against U.S. inflation, which also played a role in driving precious metals prices higher. Base metals prices also moved higher due to an improved growth outlook for China and beliefs that the strength in the global equity markets will foster industrial demand.
February. Grant Park recorded gains during the month. Class A units were up 0.80%, Class B units were up 0.75%, Legacy 1 Class units were up 1.00%, Legacy 2 Class units were up 0.98%, Global 1 Class units were up 0.96%, Global 2 Class units were up 0.94% and Global 3 Class units were up 0.79%. The euro and Swiss franc posted strong gains against counterparts following the announcement of the new Greek debt plan. Rising consumer confidence in Germany also boded well for the euro and franc. The Japanese yen weakened sharply following reports that the nation’s current account surplus had fallen to a 15-year low and on
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speculation of further monetary easing by the Bank of Japan. Crude oil prices rallied nearly 10% due to potential supply concerns stemming from ongoing tensions between Iran and Western nations. U.S. Energy Information Administration Reports showing increased petroleum byproduct production supported crude oil prices. Natural gas markets moved lower following decreased heating demand caused by this winter’s abnormally warm weather. U.S. equity markets moved higher to levels unseen since pre-2008 due to optimistic economic data and strong earnings reports from key U.S. firms. European and Asian markets moved higher as well, fueled by optimism surrounding Greece and strong industrial production data from the UK, Germany, and China. Positive economic data and an overall positive outlook for the Eurozone weighed on the global debt markets, moving prices lower. Moody’s Investors Service downgraded several European nations near month-end, which had a bullish impact on the Bund markets and nearly offset early-month losses. Soybean prices rose after the release of strong U.S. grains export data and news that the Chinese and U.S. governments had agreed to cooperate on farm trade. Wheat markets registered profits because of reports the Russian government was contemplating another grain export tax. Reports which showed depressed agriculture production in Brazil had a bullish effect on the sugar markets and drove prices over 12% higher. Precious metals posted gains due to a surge in safe-haven buying amidst tensions regarding the Iranian nuclear program. Speculation that the U.S. government may begin another round of stimulus activity also added to precious metals profits. Base metals markets moved higher due to the Chinese government’s decision to ease lending policies and on the belief that the signed Greek debt deal would help the ailing Eurozone economy.
March. Grant Park recorded losses during the month. Class A units were down 2.21%, Class B units were down 2.27%, Legacy 1 Class units were down 2.03%, Legacy 2 Class units were down 2.04%, Global 1 Class units were down 1.97%, Global 2 Class units were down 1.99% and Global 3 Class units were down 2.13%. The Japanese yen declined sharply as investors believed the Bank of Japan was considering new economic stimulus initiatives. The Swiss franc strengthened against international counterparts due to reports which showed an upward revision to recent economic growth data. The U.S. dollar also posted gains as investors moved their focus to the U.S. markets amidst growing concerns regarding the Eurozone debt markets. Natural gas prices declined nearly 19% in March as steadily rising domestic inventories and mild temperatures across the U.S. put pressure on prices. Crude oil markets fell due to speculation U.S. officials were considering tapping emergency oil reserves. Decreased demand from China for crude oil also weighed on prices. North American equity markets rallied due to bullish economic data in the U.S. and strong earnings forecasts for the first quarter. Japanese equity indices rose to levels unseen since last year’s devastating earthquake due to strong forecasts for the nation’s export industries stemming from yen weakness. German Bund prices declined because of early-month optimism surrounding the new Greek debt deal. U.S. Treasury markets also experienced setbacks as rallies in the equity markets and bullish intramonth economic indicators put pressure on demand for safe-haven assets. Soybean prices moved higher due to increased demand for U.S. crops after severe droughts in South America impacted supplies. Corn and wheat markets moved lower as favorable weather conditions in key U.S. farming regions lifted supply forecasts. Sugar prices also declined due to speculation that global supplies could begin to outpace demand. Precious metals markets fell due to a decrease in safe-haven demand fostered by bullish economic data in the U.S. Base metal markets declined as renewed Eurozone debt concerns, stemming from troubling reports in Spain and Portugal, weighed heavily on industrial demand forecasts.
April. Grant Park recorded gains and losses during the month. Class A units were down 0.00%, Class B units were down 0.05%, Legacy 1 Class units were up 0.18%, Legacy 2 Class units were up 0.16%, Global 1 Class units were up 0.27%, Global 2 Class units were up 0.25% and Global 3 Class units were up 0.10%. The euro weakened against major currencies over renewed debt default concerns for smaller Eurozone nations. The Japanese yen strengthened sharply following the Bank of Japan’s decisions to keep interest rates unchanged and to employ new stimulus initiatives, which speculators viewed as harbingers for an improved Japanese economy. Natural gas prices rallied in excess of 7% in April due to news that U.S. producers were considering slowing production because of record-high domestic inventories. Crude oil prices moved modestly higher, supported by better-than-expected manufacturing data from Europe and China. European equity markets experienced declines due to a weaker economic outlook for Europe stemming from the downgrading of Spanish debt. Japanese equity markets predominantly fell as a strong yen weighed on the nation’s export industries. U.S. equity prices finished mixed as bearish economic data was offset by strong first-quarter earnings reports from key U.S. firms. German Bund markets moved strongly higher as investors sought safer investments amidst ongoing turmoil in the sovereign debt markets of several smaller European nations. The U.S. Treasury markets also rallied, supported by weak economic indicators in the U.S. and data showing slowing Chinese economic growth. Soybean markets rallied sharply following continued supply concerns that stemmed from production disruptions in South America. Conversely, wheat prices declined because of favorable weather conditions in the Midwest, which supported supply forecasts. Base metals markets were generally flat as the bearish impact of slowing Chinese economic growth was offset by the bullish influence of weaker-than-expected U.S. jobless claims data. Gold markets fell slightly, unable to overcome early-month losses stemming from U.S. dollar strength.
May. Grant Park recorded gains during the month. Class A units were up 6.19%, Class B units were up 6.13%, Legacy 1 Class units were up 6.24%, Legacy 2 Class units were up 6.16%, Global 1 Class units were up 6.32%, Global 2 Class units were up 6.27% and Global 3 Class units were up 6.16%. The euro fell to a recent low as investors were concerned about the economic impact of a Greek exit from the European Union. Growing uncertainty surrounding the Spanish debt markets, coupled with steadily rising borrowing costs, also pressured the euro. The U.S. dollar benefitted from the euro’s weakness as investors shifted their focus towards safe-haven dollar-denominated assets. Crude oil prices declined nearly 18% after the U.S. Energy Information Administration
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reported domestic inventories rose to 22-year highs. Ongoing forecasts of weak industrial demand and a bearish outlook for the global economy also added to declines. Natural gas markets moved modestly higher as warmer weather in the U.S. supported energy demand. Global equity markets fell as weak global economic indicators weighed on investor sentiment. In the U.S., news that J.P. Morgan had incurred over $2 billion in losses due to bad trades in the credit-derivatives markets added to equity market pressure. U.S. Treasury and German Bund markets finished May substantially higher as the financial and political instability in Europe drove investors across the globe towards safer assets. Ailing Spanish and Italian debt markets, continued political uncertainty in Greece, and the threat of a Greek exit from the Eurozone all contributed to increase safe-haven demand. Corn prices fell sharply due to favorable weather conditions in key farming regions and weaker-than-expected export sales data. In the foods markets, coffee and sugar prices decreased as speculators forecasted depressed demand due to the ongoing financial turmoil in Europe. Gold markets tumbled in May as a stronger U.S. dollar prompted investors to liquidate dollar-hedging gold positions. Base metals markets also experienced setbacks as demand fell due to fears of slowing growth in China. Weak Chinese and European industrial production data also contributed to the decline in base metals prices.
June. Grant Park recorded losses during the month. Class A units were down 4.88%, Class B units were down 4.93%, Legacy 1 Class units were down 4.57%, Legacy 2 Class units were down 4.60%, Global 1 Class units were down 4.59%, Global 2 Class units were down 4.59% and Global 3 Class units were down 4.73%. The euro rallied sharply against counterparts following reports that Eurozone officials were planning to come to the aid of the ailing European banking sector. The Japanese yen declined because of fears surrounding further intervention by the Bank of Japan to counter recent strength in the yen. Crude oil markets breached an eight-month low after the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported steadily rising domestic supplies. Weak demand forecasts followed disappointing industrial production reports and the ongoing financial turmoil in Europe weighed on oil prices. Elevated temperatures in the U.S. created strong demand for natural gas and prices increased over 13% higher. Global equity markets rose due to speculation that Eurozone officials were beginning to prepare to take positive steps towards aiding the ailing economies of Greece, Portugal, and Spain. Anticipation that the U.S. Federal Reserve would soon be announcing new stimulus initiatives also boded well for the equity markets. Global fixed-income markets declined as investors shifted their focus towards riskier assets and away from safe-haven debt instruments. Potential improvement in the financial situation in Europe was a main driver in reducing global safe-haven demand. U.S. grains markets moved sharply higher as supply concerns fostered by ongoing warm and dry weather in the Midwest supported prices. Ongoing droughts in Russia reduced wheat supply forecasts which, in turn, grains prices. Sugar prices rallied as a result of processing delays in Brazil caused by heavy rain. Gold prices finished June modestly higher due to investor beliefs that further quantitative easing by the U.S. Federal Reserve was imminent. Base metals markets posted mixed results as the bearish impact of weak industrial production data was offset by hopes that upcoming stimulus activity in the U.S. and abroad would stimulate industrial demand in the global economy.
July. Grant Park recorded gains. Class A units were up 3.56%, Class B units were up 3.51%, Legacy 1 Class units were up 3.73%, Legacy 2 Class units were up 3.71%, Global 1 Class units were up 3.85%, Global 2 Class units were up 3.80% and Global 3 Class units were up 3.66%. The euro declined to multi-year lows as investors feared the on-going European debt crisis. Increased Italian and Spanish borrowing costs, the inactivity of the European Central Bank and fear that Greece might exit the European Union all contributed to investor pessimism. Safe-haven currencies, including the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen, benefitted from the euro’s decline, and posted overall gains for the month. Natural gas prices rallied nearly 14% in July as extraordinarily warm temperatures in the U.S. caused a surge in energy demand. Crude oil markets moved higher, supported by intra-month declines in U.S. inventories and beliefs of additional, imminent sanctions on Iran. The energy markets also received support from hopes the forecasted stimulus activity in China would boost industrial demand. European and North American equity markets finished higher due to a late-month rally caused by a possible Central Bank stimulus. The president of the European Central Bank stated the ECB would do “whatever it needed to support the euro” which also bolstered investor confidence. In Asia, the Japanese Nikkei 225 declined due to the foreseen economic impacts of slowing growth in China. U.S. Treasury markets rallied due to heavy safe-haven buying caused by early-month concerns surrounding a lack of stimulus activity from the world’s global economic powers. German Bund markets moved higher as investors attempted to diversify away from the sovereign debt of smaller European nations. Grains markets experienced extended rallies as abnormally warm temperatures and severe droughts in the U.S. Midwest weighed on supplies. Coffee and sugar markets also moved higher, driven by supply constraints fostered by heavy rains in South America. Base metals markets were generally under pressure throughout July due to weak industrial demand forecasts. Ongoing Eurozone concerns and slowing Chinese growth were the main drivers behind weak demand. Precious metals finished modestly higher, supported by short-term weakness in the U.S. dollar.
August. Grant Park recorded losses. Class A units were down 1.30%, Class B units were down 1.36%, Legacy 1 Class units were down 1.10%, Legacy 2 Class units were down 1.12%, Global 1 Class units were down 1.15%, Global 2 Class units were down 1.16% and Global 3 Class units were down 1.31%. The euro rallied against counterparts as the European Central Bank indicated it had new plans to buy Spanish and Italian bonds in order to aid the ailing economies. In the U.S., the dollar finished lower as optimism about Europe caused investors to liquidate dollar-denominated assets. The Australian dollar also weakened on speculation the Reserve Bank of Australia would cut interest rates in the near future. Crude oil markets rallied nearly 10% as hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico threatened energy supplies. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a decline in U.S. crude oil inventories, which also had a bullish effect on prices. Natural gas markets fell as energy demand needed for cooling fell as the widespread heat
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waves began to subside. Global equity markets and investor confidence generally rose based on optimism surrounding quantitative easing. Bullish economic data in the U.S., including retail sales and housing, also supported global share prices. U.S. Treasury markets registered mixed results. In anticipation of new U.S. Federal Reserve bond-buying initiatives, investors expanded their fixed-income exposure, which drove prices higher. Gains were offset, however, as rallies in the equity markets and improving investor confidence caused investors to refocus towards riskier assets. Soybean markets continued their uptrend on speculation the current droughts had a worse-than-expected impact on crops. Cocoa markets registered a near 12% gain as ongoing civil unrest and dry weather in the Ivory Coast supported prices. Sugar prices declined as improved weather conditions in Brazil supported production. Metals markets generally rose as investors anticipated the announcement of new stimulus initiatives by the U.S. Federal Reserve. In the precious metals markets, investors built dollar-hedging gold positions, which drove prices higher. Base metals prices were supported by hopes economic stimulus would boost industrial demand.
September. Grant Park recorded losses. Class A units were down 2.13%, Class B units were down 2.19%, Legacy 1 Class units were down 1.93%, Legacy 2 Class units were down 1.94%, Global 1 Class units were down 1.85%, Global 2 Class units were down 1.85% and Global 3 Class units were down 2.00%. The euro surged against counterparts as Eurozone financial officials released plans for a new bond-buying program designed to aid the ailing economies of smaller European nations. Higher-yielding currencies, including the New Zealand dollar, moved higher as optimism surrounding the Eurozone caused a surge in risk appetite. The U.S. dollar fell sharply as investors liquidated positions in anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s QE3 announcement. Natural gas markets rallied sharply as U.S. Energy Information Administration reports showed a larger-than-expected decrease in domestic supplies. Early-month supply concerns stemming from increased hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico also added to gains in natural gas. Crude oil markets fell as ongoing weak industrial demand forecasts weighed on prices. Global equity markets rallied in September, propelled by optimism over stimulus initiatives in the U.S. and abroad. Better-than-expected industrial production data from Germany also served as a bullish driver in the equity markets. Fixed Income prices moved lower as equity market strength caused investors to liquidate safe-haven debt positions. German Bund markets also fell as investors shifted their focus towards the sovereign debt of smaller European nations as they believed quantitative easing in the Eurozone would aid their ailing debt markets. Corn and soybean prices fell due to data showing recent droughts in the U.S. have had a weaker-than-expected impact on crop yields. Optimal weather conditions near month-end supported supply forecasts, putting further pressure on grains prices. Coffee prices rallied nearly 5% because of data showing depressed supplies in Brazil. Base metals markets rose as investors believed new stimulus initiatives proposed by the U.S. Federal Reserve would bolster industrial demand. News the Chinese government had approved a large-scale infrastructure project added to the base metals rally. Gold markets rallied in excess of 5% due to heavy buying from investors attempting to hedge against inflation.
Capital Resources
Grant Park plans to raise additional capital only through the sale of units pursuant to the continuous offering and does not intend to raise any capital through borrowing. Due to the nature of Grant Park’s business, it does not make any capital expenditures and does not have any capital assets that are not operating capital or assets.
Grant Park maintains 65% to 95% of its net asset value in cash, cash equivalents or other liquid positions over and above that needed to post as collateral for trading. These funds are available to meet redemptions each month.
Liquidity
Most U.S. futures exchanges limit fluctuations in some futures and options contract prices during a single day by regulations referred to as daily price fluctuation limits or daily limits. During a single trading day, no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limit. Once the price of a contract has reached the daily limit for that day, positions in that contract can neither be taken nor liquidated. Futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading. Similar occurrences could prevent Grant Park from promptly liquidating unfavorable positions and subject Grant Park to substantial losses that could exceed the margin initially committed to those trades. In addition, even if futures or options prices do not move to the daily limit, Grant Park may not be able to execute trades at favorable prices, if little trading in the contracts is taking place. Other than these limitations on liquidity, which are inherent in Grant Park’s futures and options trading operations, Grant Park’s assets are expected to be highly liquid.
A portion of each Trading Company’s assets is used as margin to support its trading. Margin requirements are satisfied by the deposit of U.S. Treasury bills, obligations of Government-sponsored enterprises and/or cash with brokers subject to CFTC regulations and various exchange and broker requirements.
Grant Park maintains a portion of its assets at its clearing brokers as well as at Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company. These assets, which may range from 5% to 35% of Grant Park’s value, are held in cash, U.S. Treasury securities, commercial paper and/or securities of Government-sponsored enterprises. The balance of Grant Park’s assets, which range from 65% to 95%, are invested in
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investment grade money market instruments purchased and managed by Middleton Dickinson Capital Management, LLC which are held in a separate, segregated account at State Street Bank and Trust Company. Violent fluctuations in prevailing interest rates or changes in other economic conditions could cause mark-to-market losses on Grant Park’s cash management income.
Off-Balance Sheet Risk
Off-balance sheet risk refers to an unrecorded potential liability that, even though it does not appear on the balance sheet, may result in future obligation or loss. Grant Park trades in futures and other commodity interest contracts and is therefore a party to financial instruments with elements of off-balance sheet market and credit risk. In entering into these contracts, Grant Park faces the market risk that these contracts may be significantly influenced by market conditions, such as interest rate volatility, resulting in such contracts being less valuable. If the markets should move against all of the commodity interest positions of Grant Park at the same time, and if Grant Park were unable to offset positions, Grant Park could lose all of its assets and the limited partners would realize a 100% loss. Grant Park minimizes market risk through real-time monitoring of open positions, diversification of the portfolio and maintenance of a margin-to-equity ratio that rarely exceeds 25%. All positions of Grant Park are valued each day on a mark-to-market basis.
In addition to market risk, when entering into commodity interest contracts there is a credit risk that a counterparty will not be able to meet its obligations to Grant Park. The counterparty for futures and options on futures contracts traded in the United States and on most non-U.S. futures exchanges is the clearing organization associated with such exchange. In general, clearing organizations are backed by the corporate members of the clearing organization who are required to share any financial burden resulting from the nonperformance by one of their members and, as such, should significantly reduce this credit risk.
In cases where the clearing organization is not backed by the clearing members, like some non- U.S. exchanges, it is normally backed by a consortium of banks or other financial institutions.
In the case of forward contracts, over-the-counter options contracts or swap contracts, which are traded on the interbank or other institutional market rather than on exchanges, the counterparty is generally a single bank or other financial institution, rather than a central clearing organization backed by a group of financial institutions. As a result, there likely will be greater counterparty credit risk in these transactions. Grant Park trades only with those counterparties that it believes to be creditworthy. Nonetheless, the clearing member, clearing organization or other counterparty to these transactions may not be able to meet its obligations to Grant Park, in which case Grant Park could suffer significant losses on these contracts.
In the normal course of business, Grant Park enters into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. Grant Park’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against Grant Park that have not yet occurred. Grant Park expects the risk of any future obligation under these indemnifications to be remote.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Introduction
Grant Park is a speculative commodity pool. The market sensitive instruments held by it are acquired for speculative trading purposes, and all or a substantial amount of Grant Park’s assets are subject to the risk of trading loss. Unlike an operating company, the risk of market sensitive instruments is integral, not incidental, to Grant Park’s business.
Market movements result in frequent changes in the fair market value of Grant Park’s open positions and, consequently, in its earnings and cash flow. Grant Park’s market risk is influenced by a wide variety of factors, including the level and volatility of exchange rates, interest rates, equity price levels, the market value of financial instruments and contracts, market prices for base and precious metals, energy complexes and other commodities, the diversification effects among Grant Park’s open positions and the liquidity of the markets in which it trades.
Grant Park rapidly acquires and liquidates both long and short positions in a wide range of different markets. Consequently, it is not possible to predict how a particular future market scenario will affect performance. Erratic, choppy, sideways trading markets and sharp reversals in movements can materially and adversely affect Grant Park’s results. Likewise, markets in which a potential price trend may start to develop but reverses before an actual trend is realized may result in unprofitable transactions. Grant Park’s past performance is not necessarily indicative of its future results.
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Materiality, as used in this section, is based on an assessment of reasonably possible market movements and the potential losses caused by such movements, taking into account the leverage, and multiplier features of Grant Park’s market sensitive instruments.
The following quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding Grant Park’s market risk exposures contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor from civil liability provided for such statements by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (set forth in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). All quantitative and qualitative disclosures in this section are deemed to be forward-looking statements, except for statements of historical fact and descriptions of how Grant Park manages its risk exposure. Grant Park’s primary market risk exposures, as well as the strategies used and to be used by its trading advisors for managing such exposures, are subject to numerous uncertainties, contingencies and risks, any one of which could cause the actual results of Grant Park’s risk controls to differ materially from the objectives of such strategies. Government interventions, defaults and expropriations, illiquid markets, the emergence of dominant fundamental factors, political upheavals, changes in historical price relationships, an influx of new market participants, increased regulation and many other factors could result in material losses as well as in material changes to the risk exposures and the risk management strategies of Grant Park. Grant Park’s current market exposure and/or risk management strategies may not be effective in either the short-or long-term and may change materially.
Quantitative Market Risk
Grant Park’s approximate risk exposure in the various market sectors traded by its trading advisors is quantified below in terms of Value at Risk (VaR). Due to Grant Park’s mark-to-market accounting, any loss in the fair value of Grant Park’s open positions is directly reflected in Grant Park’s earnings, realized or unrealized.
Grant Park uses an Aggregate Returns Volatility method to calculate VaR for the portfolio. The method consists of creating a historical price time series for each instrument or its proxy instrument for the past 200 days, and then measuring the standard deviation of that return history. Then, using a normal distribution (a normal distribution curve has a mean of zero and a standard deviation of one), the standard deviation measurement is scaled up in order to achieve a result in line with the 95% degree of confidence, which corresponds to a scaling factor of approximately 1.645 times of standard deviations.
The VaR for each market sector represents the one day risk of loss for the aggregate exposures associated with that sector. The current methodology used to calculate VaR represents the VaR of Grant Park’s open positions across all market sectors and is less than the sum of the VaR of the individual market sectors due to the diversification benefit across all market sectors combined.
Grant Park’s VaR methodology and computation is based on the underlying risk of each contract or instrument in the portfolio and does not distinguish between exchange and non-exchange traded contracts. It is also not based on exchange maintenance margin requirements. VaR does not typically represent the worst case outcome.
VaR is a measure of the maximum amount that Grant Park could reasonably be expected to lose in a given market sector in a given day; however, VaR does not typically represent the worst case outcome. The inherent uncertainty of Grant Park’s speculative trading and the recurrence in the markets traded by Grant Park of market movements far exceeding expectations could result in actual trading or non-trading losses far beyond the indicated value at risk or Grant Park’s experience to date. This risk is often referred to as the risk of ruin. In light of the preceding information, as well as the risks and uncertainties intrinsic to all future projections, the inclusion of the quantification in this section should not be considered to constitute any assurance or representation that Grant Park’s losses in any market sector will be limited to VaR or by Grant Park’s attempts to manage its market risk. VaR models, including Grant Park’s, are continually evolving as trading portfolios become more diverse and modeling systems and techniques continue to evolve. Moreover, value at risk may be defined differently as used by other commodity pools or in other contexts.
The composition of Grant Park’s trading portfolio, based on the nature of its business of speculative trading of futures, forwards and options, can change significantly, over any period of time, including a single day of trading. These changes can have a positive or negative material impact on the market risk as measured by VaR.
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Value at Risk by Market Sectors
The following tables indicate the trading value at risk associated with Grant Park’s open positions by market category as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and the trading gains/losses by market category for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012. All open position trading risk exposures of Grant Park have been included in calculating the figures set forth below. As of September 30, 2013, Grant Park’s net asset value was approximately $481.2 million. As of December 31, 2012, Grant Park’s net asset value was approximately $636.7 million.
| | September 30, 2013 | |
Market Sector | | Value at Risk* | | Trading Gain/(Loss) | |
| | | | | |
Stock indices | | 0.8 | % | 6.0 | % |
Currencies | | 0.6 | | (2.5 | ) |
Agriculturals/softs/meats | | 0.2 | | 0.6 | |
Energy | | 0.2 | | (3.9 | ) |
Interest rates | | 0.2 | | (4.1 | ) |
Metals | | 0.1 | | 1.0 | |
| | | | | |
Aggregate/Total | | 1.1 | % | (2.9 | )% |
| | December 31, 2012 | |
Market Sector | | Value at Risk* | | Trading Gain/(Loss) | |
| | | | | |
Currencies | | 0.5 | % | (0.8 | )% |
Interest rates | | 0.3 | | 2.3 | |
Stock indices | | 0.3 | | 5.3 | |
Energy | | 0.1 | | (0.6 | ) |
Metal | | 0.1 | | (2.0 | ) |
Agriculturals/softs/meats | | 0.1 | | (0.7 | ) |
| | | | | |
Aggregate/Total | | 0.6 | % | 3.5 | % |
* The VaR for a market sector represents the one-day risk of loss for the aggregate exposure for that particular sector. The aggregate VaR represents the VaR of Grant Park’s open positions across all market sectors and is less than the sum of the VaR of the individual market sectors due to the diversification benefit across all market sectors combined.
Material Limitations of Value at Risk as an Assessment of Market Risk
Past market risk factors will not always result in an accurate prediction of future distributions and correlations of future market movements. Changes in the portfolio value caused by market movements may differ from those measured by the VaR model. The VaR model reflects past trading positions, while future risk depends on future trading positions. VaR using a one-day time horizon does not fully capture the market risk of positions that cannot be liquidated within one day. The historical market risk data for the VaR model may provide only limited insight into the losses that could be incurred under unusual market movements. The magnitude of Grant Park’s open positions creates a risk of ruin not typically found in most other investment vehicles. Because of the size of its positions, certain market conditions-unusual, but historically recurring from time to time-could cause Grant Park to incur severe losses over a short period of time. The value at risk table above, as well as the past performance of Grant Park, gives no indication of this risk of ruin.
Non-Trading Risk
Grant Park has non-trading market risk on its foreign cash balances not needed for margin. However, these balances, as well as the market risk they represent, are immaterial. Grant Park may also have non-trading market risk as a result of investing a substantial portion of its available assets in U.S. Treasury bills. The market risk represented by these investments is also immaterial.
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Qualitative Market Risk
Trading Risk
The following were the primary trading risk exposures of Grant Park as of September 30, 2013, by market sector.
Stock Indices
Grant Park’s primary equity exposure is due to equity price risk in the G-7 countries as well as other jurisdictions including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, South Africa, India, Turkey, Singapore, South Korea, and Australia. The stock index futures contracts currently traded by Grant Park are generally futures on broadly based indices, although Grant Park also trades narrow-based stock index or single-stock futures contracts. As of September 30, 2013, Grant Park was predominantly long equities in the U.S., Eurozone, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and Taiwan and short equities in Hong Kong, China, India, Sweden, Canada, South Africa, Turkey, Singapore, and Mexico.
Currencies
Exchange rate risk is a significant market exposure of Grant Park. Grant Park’s currency exposure is due to exchange rate fluctuations, primarily fluctuations that disrupt the historical pricing relationships between different currencies and currency pairs. These fluctuations are influenced by interest rate changes as well as political and general economic conditions. Grant Park trades in a large number of currencies, including cross-rates, which are positions between two currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The general partner anticipates that the currency sector will remain one of the primary market exposures for Grant Park for the foreseeable future. As of September 30, 2013, Grant Park was long the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen, British pound, Australian dollar, New Zealand dollar, Canadian dollar, and Mexican peso, and short the U.S. dollar against the euro and Swiss franc. In general, a stronger U.S. dollar against most major currencies would benefit Grant Park.
Agriculturals/Softs/Meats
Grant Park’s primary commodities exposure is due to agricultural price movements, which are often directly affected by severe or unexpected weather conditions as well as other factors. As of September 30, 2013, in the grains markets, Grant Park had short positions in soybean oil, wheat, corn, and rough rice, and long positions in soybeans, soybean meal, and oats. In the livestock markets, Grant Park was short live cattle, feeder cattle, and long lean hogs. In the foods/industrials markets, Grant Park was short sugar, coffee, cocoa, orange juice, and rubber, and long cotton and crude palm oil.
Energy
Grant Park’s primary energy market exposure is due to gas and oil price movements, often resulting from political developments in the Middle East, Nigeria, Russia, and South America. As of September 30, 2013, the energy market exposure of Grant Park was predominantly long crude oil and natural gas and short Brent crude, heating oil, gas oil, gasoline Blendstock, kerosene and Phelix Baseload futures. Energy prices can be volatile and substantial profits and losses have been and are expected to continue to be experienced in these markets.
Interest Rates
Interest rate risk is a principal market exposure of Grant Park. Interest rate movements directly affect the price of the futures positions held by Grant Park and indirectly affect the value of its stock index and currency positions. Interest rate movements in one country as well as relative interest rate movements between countries materially impact Grant Park’s profitability. Grant Park’s primary interest rate exposure is due to interest rate fluctuations in the United States and the other G-7 countries. Grant Park also takes futures positions on the government debt of smaller nations, such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Mexico. The general partner anticipates that G-7 interest rates will remain the primary market exposure of Grant Park for the foreseeable future. As of September 30, 2013, Grant Park was predominantly short interest rate instruments in the Eurozone, United Kingdom, U.S., Canada, Japan, and Singapore and long interest rate instruments in Australia and New Zealand.
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Metals
Grant Park’s metals market exposure is due to fluctuations in the price of both precious metals, including gold and silver, as well as base metals including aluminum, lead, copper, tin, nickel, and zinc. As of September 30, 2013, in the precious metals sector Grant Park had short positions in gold, platinum, silver, and palladium. In the base metals markets, Grant Park was short aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel and tin, and long lead.
Non-Trading Risk Exposure
The following were the only non-trading risk exposures of Grant Park as of September 30, 2013.
Foreign Currency Balances
Grant Park’s primary foreign currency balances are in Japanese yen, British pounds, euros and Australian dollars. The trading advisors regularly convert foreign currency balances to U.S. dollars in an attempt to control Grant Park’s non-trading risk.
Managing Risk Exposure
The general partner monitors and controls Grant Park’s risk exposure on a daily basis through financial, credit and risk management monitoring systems and, accordingly, believes that it has effective procedures for evaluating and limiting the credit and market risks to which Grant Park is subject.
The general partner monitors Grant Park’s performance and the concentration of its open positions and consults with the trading advisors concerning Grant Park’s overall risk profile. If the general partner felt it necessary to do so, the general partner could require the trading advisors to close out individual positions as well as enter positions traded on behalf of Grant Park. However, any intervention would be a highly unusual event. The general partner primarily relies on the trading advisors’ own risk control policies while maintaining a general supervisory overview of Grant Park’s market risk exposures. The trading advisors apply their own risk management policies to their trading. The trading advisors often follow diversification guidelines, margin limits and stop loss points to exit a position. The trading advisors’ research of risk management often suggests ongoing modifications to their trading programs.
As part of the general partner’s risk management, the general partner periodically meets with the trading advisors to discuss their risk management and to look for any material changes to the trading advisors’ portfolio balance and trading techniques. The trading advisors are required to notify the general partner of any material changes to their programs.
General
From time to time, certain regulatory or self-regulatory organizations have proposed increased margin requirements on futures contracts. Because Grant Park generally will use a small percentage of assets as margin, Grant Park does not believe that any increase in margin requirements, as proposed, will have a material effect on Grant Park’s operations.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the general partner carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the general partner’s management including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Grant Park’s disclosure controls and procedures as contemplated by Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on, and as of the date of that evaluation, the general partner’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that Grant Park’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective, in all material respects, in timely alerting them to material information relating to Grant Park required to be included in the reports required to be filed or submitted by Grant Park with the SEC under the Exchange Act.
There were no changes in Grant Park’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Grant Park’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II- OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors relating to Grant Park from those previously disclosed in Grant Park’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, in response to Item 1A to Part 1 of Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(a) None.
(b) None.
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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(c) The following table provides information regarding the total Class A, Class B, Legacy 1 Class, Legacy 2 Class, Global 1 Class, Global 2 Class and Global 3 Class units redeemed by Grant Park during the three months ended September 30, 2013.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period | | Total Number of Class A Units Redeemed | | Weighted Average Price Paid per Unit | | Total Number of Class B Units Redeemed | | Weighted Average Price Paid per Unit | | Total Number of Legacy 1 Class Units Redeemed | | Weighted Average Price Paid per Unit | | Total Number of Legacy 2 Class Units Redeemed | | Weighted Average Price Paid per Unit | | Total Number of Global 1 Class Units Redeemed | | Weighted Average Price Paid per Unit | | Total Number of Global 2 Class Units Redeemed | | Weighted Average Price Paid per Unit | | Total Number of Global 3 Class Units Redeemed | | Weighted Average Price Paid per Unit | | Total Number of Units Redeemed as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(1) | | Maximum Number of Units that May Yet Be Redeemed Under the Plans/ Program(1) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
07/01/2013 through 07/31/2013 | | 962.95 | | $ | 1,151.21 | | 6,499.40 | | $ | 966.45 | | 15.21 | | $ | 840.22 | | 379.86 | | $ | 828.07 | | 446.78 | | $ | 813.84 | | 1,305.11 | | $ | 803.02 | | 7,720.08 | | $ | 742.02 | | 17,329.39 | | (2) | |
08/01/2013 through 08/31/2013 | | 391.64 | | $ | 1,125.59 | | 11,513.77 | | $ | 944.44 | | 172.47 | | $ | 823.11 | | 658.63 | | $ | 811.04 | | 489.62 | | $ | 797.54 | | 1,342.57 | | $ | 786.78 | | 9,050.99 | | $ | 725.94 | | 23,619.69 | | (2) | |
09/01/2013 through 09/30/2013 | | 1,577.83 | | $ | 1,115.75 | | 10,948.70 | | $ | 935.67 | | 36.10 | | $ | 817.48 | | 188.91 | | $ | 805.33 | | 556.14 | | $ | 792.55 | | 977.53 | | $ | 781.69 | | 6,499.07 | | $ | 720.19 | | 20,784.28 | | (2) | |
Total | | 2,932.42 | | $ | 1,128.71 | | 28,961.87 | | $ | 946.06 | | 223.78 | | $ | 823.36 | | 1,227.40 | | $ | 815.43 | | 1,492.54 | | $ | 800.56 | | 3,625.21 | | $ | 791.25 | | 23,270.14 | | $ | 729.67 | | 61,733.36 | | (2) | |
(1) As previously disclosed, pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, investors in Grant Park may redeem their units for an amount equal to the net asset value per unit at the close of business on the last business day of any calendar month if at least 10 days prior to the redemption date, or at an earlier date if required by the investor’s selling agent, the general partner receives a written request for redemption from the investor. Generally, redemptions are paid in the month subsequent to the month requested. The general partner may permit earlier redemptions in its discretion.
(2) Not determinable.
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Item 5. Other Information
Effective as of October 1, 2013, certain affiliates/principals of Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C., the general partner of Grant Park, purchased an aggregate 49.9% minority ownership interest in EMC Capital Advisors, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company formed in August 2013 (“EMC”). Also effective as of October 1, 2013, EMC Capital Management, Inc., one of Grant Park’s commodity trading advisors from January 1989 until September 2013, assigned its obligations, rights and interests to EMC, including the trading agreement under which it had previously traded on behalf of Grant Park. Accordingly, effective October 1, 2013, Mr. Kavanagh, who indirectly controls and is president of the general partner, and Mr. Al Rayes, who is a principal of the general partner, collectively indirectly own a minority interest in EMC, one of Grant Park’s trading advisors.
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) | Exhibits |
| |
| 31.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
| | |
| 31.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
| | |
| 32.1 | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | |
| 101.1 | The following financial statements from the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition; (ii) Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital (Net Asset Value); and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| GRANT PARK FUTURES FUND |
| LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
| | |
| | |
Date: November 14, 2013 | by: | Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C. |
| | its general partner |
| | |
| | By: | /s/ David M. Kavanagh |
| | | David M. Kavanagh |
| | | President |
| | | (principal executive officer) |
| | | |
| | By: | /s/ Maureen O’Rourke |
| | | Maureen O’Rourke |
| | | Chief Financial Officer |
| | | (principal financial and accounting officer) |
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