SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________________________
FORM 10-K
| | T | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007
| | ¨ | 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: 000-50728
FUTURES PORTFOLIO FUND, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | Maryland | | 52-1627106 | |
| | (State of Incorporation) | | ( IRS Employer Identification No.) | |
c/o Steben & Company, Inc.
2099 Gaither Road, Suite 200
Rockville, Maryland 20850
(Address of Principal Executive Office)(zip code)
(240) 631-9808
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
________________________________
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. T Yes £ No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. £
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. £ Yes T No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. £ Yes T No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer £ | Accelerated filer £ | Non-accelerated filer T |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). £ Yes T No
Aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates: the registrant is a limited partnership; as of December 31, 2007, 94,188.7078 Class A units and 36,968.6171 Class B units with an aggregate value of $364,289,314 and $180,817,671 respectively, were outstanding.
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Limited Partnership Interests
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Registrant's Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 with Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the annual report to security holders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, is incorporated by reference into Part II Item 8 and Part IV hereof and filed as an exhibit herewith.
| Part I |
| | | |
| Item 1: | | 3 |
| | | |
| Item 1A: | | 8 |
| | | |
| Item 1B: | | 11 |
| | | |
| Item 2: | | 11 |
| | | |
| Item 3: | | 12 |
| | | |
| Item 4: | | 12 |
| | | |
| Part II |
| | | |
| Item 5: | | 12 |
| | | |
| Item 6: | | 13 |
| | | |
| Item 7: | | 18 |
| | | |
| Item 7A: | | 29 |
| | | |
| Item 8: | | 34 |
| | | |
| Item 9: | | 34 |
| | | |
| Item 9A: | | 35 |
| | | |
| Item 9B: | | 36 |
| | | |
| Part III |
| | | |
| Item 10: | | 36 |
| | | |
| Item 11: | | 39 |
| | | |
| Item 12: | | 39 |
| | | |
| Item 13: | | 40 |
| | | |
| Item 14: | | 40 |
| | | |
| Part IV |
| | | |
| Item 15: | | 41 |
| (a) | General development of business. |
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership (“the Fund”) is a Maryland limited partnership, formed on May 11, 1989, that utilizes professional trading advisors to engage in the trading of commodity futures contracts, other commodity interests, options, securities and forward contracts. The Fund began trading on January 2, 1990. The Fund is an actively managed account with speculative trading profits as its objective.
Under its Limited Partnership Agreement (“Partnership Agreement”), the Fund has delegated the exclusive management of all aspects of the business and administration of the Fund to the Fund’s general partner, Steben & Company, Inc. (“Steben & Company”, or the “General Partner”), a Maryland corporation organized in February 1989. Steben & Company is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) as a Commodity Pool Operator (“CPO”) and an Introducing Broker and is a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”) in such capacities. Steben & Company is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as a broker dealer and is a member of FINRA in such capacity. Steben & Company is registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission as a registered investment advisor. The Fund is not a registered investment company.
The Fund will automatically terminate on December 31, 2025, unless terminated earlier as provided in the Partnership Agreement. The General Partner has no present intention of withdrawing and intends to continue the Fund’s business as long as it believes that it is in the best interest of the Partners to do so. In addition, certain events may occur which could result in early termination.
The Fund’s assets are allocated among accounts managed by professional commodity trading advisors (the “Trading Advisors” or “Traders”). While it is not currently the case, portions of the Fund’s assets may be allocated to other investment funds or pools at the discretion of the General Partner in order to access the services of particular Trading Advisors. The General Partner is responsible for selecting and monitoring the Trading Advisors, and it may add new Trading Advisors in the future, terminate the current Trading Advisors, and will, in general, allocate and reallocate the Fund’s assets among the Trading Advisors as it deems is in the best interests of the Fund.
As of December 31, 2007, the aggregate capitalization of the Fund was $545,106,985. The net asset value per limited partnership interest (“Unit”) of the Class A Units was $3,867.65, and the net asset value of the Class B Units was $4,891.11.
| (b) | Financial information about segments. |
The Fund’s business constitutes only one segment for financial reporting purposes, i.e., a speculative “commodity pool.” The Fund does not engage in sales of goods or services.
| (c) | Narrative description of business. |
General
The purpose of the Fund is to engage in the speculative trading, buying, selling, or otherwise acquiring, holding or disposing of commodities, including futures contracts, option contracts, forward contracts, swaps and any other rights pertaining thereto for such other purposes as may be incidental or related thereto.
The Fund trades speculatively in a fully diversified portfolio of U.S. and international futures markets, including energy products, agricultural products, precious and base metals, stock market indices, interest rates (short-term and long-term) and foreign currencies (majors, minors and cross rates). The Fund also trades currency forwards, as well as options, swaps, and may trade forwards on markets other than currencies in the future.
The Fund trades on a variety of United States and foreign futures exchanges. Approximately 70-75% of the Fund’s trading is currently in the form of exchange traded futures, and the balance is in off exchange currency forwards. 100% of the Fund’s off-exchange trading takes place in the highly liquid, institutionally-based currency forward markets, although other types of forward contracts may be traded in the future.
As in the case of its market sector allocations, the Fund’s commitments to different types of markets - U.S. and non-U.S., regulated and non-regulated - differ substantially from time to time, as well as over time, and may change at any time if the Fund’s Trading Advisors, with the approval of the General Partner determines such change to be in the best interests of the Fund.
General Partner
The General Partner manages all aspects of the Fund’s business, including selecting the Fund’s Trading Advisors; allocating the Fund’s assets among them; possibly investing a portion of the Fund’s assets in other investment pools; selecting the Fund’s Futures Broker(s), accountants and attorneys; computing the Fund’s Net Assets; reporting to Limited Partners; directing the investment of Fund excess margin monies in interest-bearing instruments and/or cash; and handling Partners’ redemptions of their Units. The General Partner will maintain office facilities for and furnish administrative and clerical services to the Fund. The General Partner will be reimbursed for certain out of pocket expenses for the Fund, including clerical, accounting, legal, postage and shipping, offering costs, printing and other expenses of the Fund. There have been no material administrative, civil or criminal actions within the past five years against the general partner or its principals and no such actions currently are pending.
Trading Advisors and Allocations of the Fund
As of December 31, 2007 the Trading Advisors of the Fund and the allocation of the Fund’s assets are reflected as follows:
| | | As a % of Total Allocations | | | As a % of Total Fund Equity | |
| Altis Partners (Jersey), Ltd. | | | 17 | % | | | 22 | % |
| Aspect Capital, Ltd. | | | 25 | % | | | 32 | % |
| Campbell & Company, Inc. | | | 1 | % | | | 1 | % |
| Quantitative Investment Management, LLC | | | 18 | % | | | 23 | % |
| Sunrise Capital Partners, LLC | | | 16 | % | | | 20 | % |
| Winton Capital Management, Ltd. | | | 23 | % | | | 30 | % |
These allocations are subject to change at the General Partner’s sole discretion.
While past performance is not indicative of future results, the General Partner believes it is in the interests of the Fund to select those Trading Advisors who have demonstrated ability during their trading history. Consideration is given to the consistency of past returns. Also considered are each Trading Advisor’s reputation, personnel, integrity and trading psychology, as well as its overall trading skill, money management, administrative support and the total amount of funds under management. Finally, the General Partner uses its discretion and judgment in applying each of the above factors in making a final determination to include a particular Trading Advisor in the Fund.
Charges
Each A Unit is subject to the same ongoing charges as all other A Units. Each B Unit is subject to the same ongoing charges as all other B Units.
Total expenses, other than the Trader’s performance incentive fees, as a percentage of the Fund's average month-end net assets for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were 6.06%, 6.37%, and 6.7%, respectively.
Recipient | Nature of Payment | Amount of Payment |
| Steben & Company, Inc. | Management Fee (asset-based) | A monthly management fee of 0.1625% per month (1.95% annually) for Class A units & 0.1625% (1.95% annually) for Class B units of Fund Net Assets at the end of each month. Steben & Company may pay a portion of its monthly management fee on an ongoing basis to selected agents who have sold the Units, in return for their provision of ongoing services to the Limited Partners. The General Partner will receive an allocation pro rata from the other Partners of 1% of any increase (or decrease) in the Fund’s Net Assets, without regard to additions and withdrawals. |
| Trading Advisors | Management Fees (asset-based) | The Trading Advisors will receive monthly management fees based upon the assets under their management as follows: · Altis Partners (Jersey), Ltd: 0.083% monthly (1% per year) · Aspect: 0.167% monthly (2% per year) · Campbell*: 0.083% monthly (1% per year) · Quantitative Investment: 0 % monthly (0% per year) · Sunrise: 0.083% monthly (1% per year) · Winton Capital Management, Ltd: 0.167% monthly (2% per year) *As of January 1, 2008, Campbell & Company, Inc. is no longer a Trading Advisor for the Fund. As of January 2, 2008, BlueCrest Capital Management, L.P. has been added as a Trading Advisor of the Fund with 0.167% monthly (2% per year) management fees. |
Recipient | Nature of Payment | Amount of Payment |
| Trading Advisors | Incentive Fees | The Trading Advisors receive incentive fees for any “Net New Trading Profits” generated on the portion of the Fund the respective Trading Advisor manages as follows: · Altis Partners (Jersey), Ltd 25% · Aspect: 20% · Campbell*: 25% · Quantitative Investment: 30% · Sunrise: 25% · Winton Capital Management Ltd.: 20% *As of January 1, 2008, Campbell & Company, Inc. is no longer a Trading Advisor for the Fund. As of January 2, 2008, BlueCrest Capital Management, L.P. has been added as a Trading Advisor of the Fund with 20% incentive fee. |
| Commodity brokerage commissions and related fees | Clearing Brokers | Effective January 1, 2007, the Fund paid brokerage commissions on U.S. futures exchanges at the rate of $2.44 to $11.04 per “round-turn” futures transaction which includes NFA, execution, clearing and exchange fees. Brokerage commissions will be higher for trades executed on some foreign exchanges. Effective December 1, 2007, the Fund pays commissions at the rate of $1.00 to $10.32 per “round-turn” transaction. |
| Newedge Financial, Inc. | Forward Counterparty Execution | A portion of the forward counterparty’s execution costs are included in the price of each forward contract purchased or sold, and, accordingly, such costs cannot be determined but are charged. Prime brokerage fees, combined with the futures broker’s charges, usually equal approximately 1% of the Fund’s net assets. Newedge Financial Services, Inc., the Fund’s primary forward counterparty charges a $20 per million per round turn service charge. |
| Selling Agents | Selling Agent Fees | A monthly fee of 0.1667% (2% per year) of the net asset value for A units and 0.0167% (0.2% per year) of the net asset value for B units will be charged to the Fund and paid to the Selling Agents. To the extent the General Partner is responsible for the sale of Units, or in cases where the Selling Agent does not receive this fee, the General Partner will retain these monthly fees. |
| Steben & Company | Professional Fees | The Fund paid its accounting, audit, legal, administrative and offering expenses estimated at approximately 0.75% of the average month-end net asset value during January and February 2007 and at 0.65% of the average month-end net asset value effective March 2007. However, if and to the extent these expenses (other than extraordinary costs, none of which are anticipated) exceed 1.00% of the Fund’s average month-end net assets per calendar year, the General Partner will reimburse the Fund for such excess after the close of the applicable year. These expenses during the years ended 2007, 2006 and 2005 were 0.67%, 0.75%, and 0.84% of the Fund’s average net asset value, respectively. There may be extraordinary expenses (including any extraordinary legal and accounting fees) the Fund may have, although none are anticipated. |
Regulation
Under the Commodity Exchange Act, commodity exchanges and commodity futures trading are subject to regulation by the CFTC. The NFA, a registered futures association under the Commodity Exchange Act, is the only non-exchange self-regulatory organization for commodity industry professionals. The CFTC has delegated to the NFA responsibility for the registration of “commodity trading advisors,” “commodity pool operators,” “futures commission merchants,” “introducing brokers” and their respective “associated persons” and “floor brokers.” The Commodity Exchange Act requires “commodity pool operators,” and “commodity trading advisors” and “futures brokers” or “futures commission merchants” such as the Fund’s futures broker to be registered and to comply with various reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Steben & Company and the Fund’s futures broker are members of the NFA. The CFTC may suspend a commodity pool operator’s or trading advisor’s registration if it finds that its trading practices tend to disrupt orderly market conditions, or as the result of violations of the Commodity Exchange Act or rules and regulations promulgated there under. In the event the General Partner’s registration as a commodity pool operator were terminated or suspended, the General Partner would be unable to continue to manage the business of the Fund. Should the General Partner’s registration be suspended, termination of the Fund might result.
In addition to such registration requirements, the CFTC and certain commodity exchanges have established limits on the maximum net long and net short positions which any person, including the Fund, may hold or control in particular commodities. Most exchanges also limit the maximum changes in futures contract prices that may occur during a single trading day. The Fund also trades in dealer markets for forward contracts, which are not regulated by the CFTC. Federal and state banking authorities also do not regulate forward trading or forward dealers. In addition, the Fund trades on foreign commodity exchanges, which are not subject to regulation by any United States government agency.
(i) through (xii) – not applicable.
(xiii) The Fund has no employees.
(d) Financial Information about Geographic Areas
The Fund does not engage in material operations in foreign countries (although it does trade from the United States in foreign currency forward contracts and on foreign futures exchanges), nor is a material portion of its revenues derived from foreign customers.
(e) Available Information
The Fund files 10Q, 10K, 8K, Form 3, and Form 4, as required, with the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Additional information about the Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. Additional reports, proxy and information statements, and other reports filed electronically with the SEC may be found at http://www.sec.gov.
(f) Reports to Security Holders
None.
(g) Enforceability of Civil Liabilities Against Foreign Persons
None.
No Limitations on Trading Policies. The Fund’s partnership agreement places no limitation on the trading policies the General Partner may pursue for the Fund.
Potential Increase in Leverage. The General Partner may increase the leverage utilized with a particular Trader by the use of notional funds (notional funds are utilized when a Trader is instructed to trade an account according to its trading system under the assumption that the account is larger than the actual cash or securities on hand). This additional leverage, while creating additional profit potential which the General Partner feels may be appropriate with certain Traders in light of the Fund’s multi-trader diversification, also increases the risk of loss to the Fund.
Volatility. The volatility of the Fund is expected to be similar to what it has been in the past, although it could be more or less volatile in the future depending upon the volatility of the market, the success of the Traders and the degree of notional funding utilized by the General Partner in its allocations to the Traders.
Liquidity. Although the Fund offers monthly redemptions, the Fund may delay payment if special circumstances require, such as a market emergency that prevents the liquidation of commodity positions or a delay or default in payment to the Fund by the Futures Broker or a counterparty.
Complex Fee Structure. Allocation to more than one Trader makes the Fund’s fee structure more complex which in turn could diminish the pool’s profit potential.
Fund Expenses Will Be Substantial. The Fund will be obligated to pay brokerage commissions, the management fees to the Traders and other operating expenses regardless of whether it realizes profits. The Fund will need to make substantial trading profits to avoid depletion of its assets from these expenses.
Reliance on General Partner. The Fund’s success will depend significantly on the General Partner’s ability to select successful Traders.
Dependence on Key Personnel. The General Partner is dependent on the services of Mr. Steben and key management personnel. If Mr. Steben’s services became unavailable, another principal of the firm or a new principal (whose experience cannot be known at this time) will need to take charge of the General Partner.
Reliance on the Traders. The Fund’s success depends largely on the ability of its Traders. There can be no assurance that their trading methods will produce profits (or not generate losses). Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Reliance on Broker’s Financial Condition. If a Broker becomes insolvent, the Fund might incur a loss of all or a portion of the funds it had deposited directly or indirectly with the Broker. There is no government insurance for commodity brokerage accounts. Such a loss could occur if the Broker unlawfully failed to segregate its customers’ funds or if a customer failed to pay a deficiency in its account.
Use of Money Market Instruments. Prior to the issuance of Units at monthly closings, an investor’s subscription proceeds are maintained in an escrow account at Bank of America, which earns interest that will accrue to the benefit of the investor. The Fund also maintains an operating account at Bank of America which earns interest that will accrue to the benefit of the Fund. In addition, a percentage of the Fund’s assets may be maintained in a money market account with UBS Financial Services, Inc. which earns interest that will accrue for the benefit of the Fund. These money market accounts invest primarily in high quality short term money market instruments. Although these investments are considered to be high quality, some of the securities utilized by the money market funds are neither guaranteed by the U.S. government nor supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. There is some default risk that an issuer of the short term money market instruments utilized in the money market accounts may fail to pay the interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions about the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of these instruments to decline in value.
Investment in Other Investment Pools. The Fund may invest in other pools. The Fund expects to be liable to those pools (e.g., limited partnerships) only for the amount of its investment plus any undistributed profits. However, there can be no assurance in this regard, and the Fund might invest as a general partner if the situation warranted, and thus be liable for additional amounts.
The Fund’s policy of investment in pools (or similar investment vehicles), as distinguished from direct participation in the markets through individual managed accounts, has several potential disadvantages. Those investments may increase the Fund’s expenses, since the Fund will have to pay its pro rata share of the expenses borne by the investors in the pools, and the pools may have higher expenses than managed accounts. The Fund will generally be a minority investor in those pools and thus lack control over the pools. The pools might (a) change trading policies, strategies and traders without prior notice to the Fund; (b) substantially restrict the ability of their investors to withdraw their capital from the pools; (c) be new ventures with little or no operating history; (d) be general rather than limited partnerships, thus increasing the Fund’s liability; and/or (e) use aggressive leveraging policies.
Use of Electronic Trading. The Traders may utilize electronic trading while implementing their strategies on behalf of the Partnership’s account. Electronic trading differs from traditional methods of trading. Electronic system transactions are subject to the rules and regulations of the exchanges offering the system or listing the specific contracts. Attributes of electronic trading may vary widely among the various electronic trading systems with respect to order requirements, processes and administration. There may also be differences regarding conditions for access and reasons for termination and limitations on the types of orders that may be placed into the system. These factors may present various risk factors with respect to trading on or using a specific system. Electronic trading systems may also possess particular risks related to system access, varying response times and security procedures. Internet enabled systems may also have additional risks associated with service providers and the delivery and monitoring of electronic communications.
Electronic trading may also be subject to risks associated with system or component failure. In the event of system or component failure, it is possible that a Trader may not be able to initiate new orders, fill existing orders or modify or cancel orders that were previously entered, as well as exit existing positions. System or component failure may also result in loss of orders or order priority. Some contracts offered on an electronic trading system may also be traded electronically and through open outcry during the same trading hours. Exchanges offering an electronic trading system which lists contracts may have implemented rules to limit their liability, the liability of futures brokers, as well as software and communication system vendors and the damages that may be collected for system inoperability and delays. These limitations of liability provisions may vary among the various exchanges.
Changes in Trading Strategies. The trading strategies of the Traders are continually developing. They are free to make any changes in their trading strategies, without notice, if they feel that doing so will be in the Fund’s best interest. The General Partner will notify the Limited Partners of any such changes that the General Partner considers being material. Changes in commodities or the markets traded shall not be deemed a change in trading strategy.
Disadvantages of Periodic Incentive Fees. Because the Traders’ incentive fees will be paid on a quarterly or monthly basis, they could receive incentive fees for a period even though their trading for the year was unprofitable. Once an incentive fee is paid, they retain the fee regardless of its subsequent performance, but no new incentive fees will be paid until after any previous losses have been recovered.
Disadvantages of Multi-Trader Structure. The Partnership’s use of multiple Traders to conduct its trading has several potential disadvantages.
Each Trader will be paid incentive fees solely on the basis of its trading for the Partnership. The Partnership therefore could have periods in which it pays fees to one or more Traders even though the Partnership as a whole has a loss for the period (because the losses incurred by the Partnership from unprofitable Traders exceed the profits earned by the Partnership from profitable Traders).
Because the Traders trade independently of each other, they may establish offsetting positions for the Partnership. For example, one Trader may sell 10 March wheat contracts at the same time another Trader buys 10 March wheat contracts. The net effect for the Partnership will be the incurring of two brokerage commissions without the potential for earning a profit (or incurring a loss).
Under certain unusual circumstances, the Partnership might have to direct a Trader to liquidate positions in order to generate funds needed to meet margin calls, to fund the redemption of Units, or to permit the reallocation of funds to another Trader. Such liquidations could disrupt the Trader’s trading system or method.
Replacement of Traders. The General Partner has the authority to reallocate the Fund’s assets among the Traders, terminate Traders and allocate assets to a new Trader or Traders or invest the Fund’s assets in other investment funds or commodity pools.
Disadvantages of Replacing Traders. Traders generally have to “make up” previous trading losses incurred by the Fund on portions of the Fund the Traders are managing, before they can earn an incentive fee. However, a Trader might terminate its services to the Fund or the General Partner might decide to replace a Trader when it has such a “loss carry-forward.” The Fund might have to pay a new trader higher advisory fees than are currently being paid to the current Trader. In addition, the Fund would lose the potential benefit of not having to pay the Trader an incentive fee during the time that the Trader was generating profits that made up for the prior losses. In addition, the replacement trader would “start from scratch;” that is, the Fund would have to pay the trader an incentive fee for each dollar of profits it generated for the Fund, regardless of the Fund’s previous experience.
Limited Partners Do Not Participate in Management. Limited Partners are not entitled to participate in the management of the Fund or the conduct of its business.
Non-Transferability of Units. Investors may acquire Units only for investment and not for resale, and the Units are transferable only with the General Partner’s discretionary consent, provided that the economic benefits of ownership of a Limited Partner may be transferred or assigned without the consent of the General Partner. There will be no resale market for the Units. However, a Partner may redeem all or (subject to certain limitations) any portion of their Units at the end of any month, on 15 days written notice to the General Partner.
Possible Adverse Effect of Large Redemptions. The Traders’ trading strategies could be disrupted by large redemptions by Limited Partners. For example, such redemptions could require the Traders to prematurely liquidate futures positions they had established for the Fund.
Mandatory Redemptions. The General Partner may require a Limited Partner to withdraw from the Fund if the General Partner deems the withdrawal (a) necessary to prevent or correct the occurrence of a nonexempt prohibited transaction under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or (b) beneficial to the Fund or (c) necessary to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, (e.g., in the event of the death of a limited partner).
Indemnification. The Fund is required to indemnify the General Partner, the Traders and the Futures Broker, and their affiliates, against various liabilities they may incur in providing services to the Fund, provided the indemnified party met the standard of conduct specified in the applicable indemnification clause. The Fund’s indemnification obligations could require the Fund to make substantial indemnification payments.
Termination of Fund. The Fund will automatically terminate on December 31, 2025, unless terminated earlier as provided in the Partnership Agreement. For example, the General Partner can withdraw as the general partner on 90 days prior written notice, which withdrawal could result in termination of the Fund. The General Partner has no present intention of withdrawing and intends to continue the Fund business as long as it believes that it is in the best interest of all Partners to do so. In addition, certain events may occur which could result in early termination.
Lack of Regulation. The Fund is not an Investment Company under the federal securities laws. Thus, Limited Partners will not have the benefits of federal regulation of Investment Companies. In addition, this offering is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state.
Conflicts of Interest. The Fund is subject to certain conflicts of interest.
Not Applicable.
The Fund does not use any physical properties in the conduct of its business. Its assets currently consist of futures and other contracts, cash and high grade short-term fixed income securities (one year or under).
ITEM 3: Legal Proceedings
Neither the Fund nor Steben & Company has ever been the subject of any material litigation, nor is the Fund aware of any pending legal proceedings to which any of its assets are subject.
ITEM 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
ITEM 5: Markets for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Neither A Units nor B Units of the Fund are publicly traded. Both A Units and B Units may be transferred or redeemed subject to the conditions imposed by the Partnership Agreement.
As of December 31, 2007, there were 4,958 and 1,961 holders of A Units and B Units, respectively.
The General Partner has sole discretion in determining what distributions, if any, the Fund will make to its limited partners. The General Partner has not made any distributions as of the date hereof.
| (d) | Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans |
None
| (e) | Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities, Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities |
A and B units are being offered on a continuous basis at subsequent closing dates at a price equal to the net asset value per unit as of the close of business on each applicable closing date, which is the last business day of each month. Sales of the A Units and B Units during the fourth quarter 2007 were as follows:
| | | OCTOBER | | | NOVEMBER | | | DECEMBER | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| A UNITS | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Units Sold | | | 948.8223 | | | | 1,515.5398 | | | | 866.7780 | |
| Net Asset Value / Unit | | $ | 3,553.16575 | | | $ | 3,851.67952 | | | $ | 3,776.43408 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| B UNITS | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Units Sold | | | 255.4590 | | | | 314.4430 | | | | 338.6421 | |
| Net Asset Value / Unit | | $ | 4,473.32091 | | | $ | 4,856.37714 | | | $ | 4,768.60428 | |
The proceeds of the offering are deposited in the Fund’s bank and brokerage accounts for the purpose of engaging in trading activities in accordance with the Fund’s trading policies and its trading advisors' respective trading strategies.
ITEM 6: Selected Financial Data.
| | | For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | For the Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | For the Year Ended December 31, 2005 | | | For the Year Ended December 31, 2004 | | | For the Year Ended December 31, 2003 | |
| Income Statement Items: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gain(loss) from Trading – Realized and unrealized | | $ | 48,018,852 | | | $ | 46,500,317 | | | $ | 29,400,404 | | | $ | 16,756,129 | | | $ | 9,008,846 | |
| Brokerage commissions | | | (2,283,456 | ) | | | (1,715,388 | ) | | | (1,551,942 | ) | | | (1,346,001 | ) | | | (246,478 | ) |
| Gain from trading | | | 45,735,396 | | | | 44,784,929 | | | | 27,848,462 | | | | 15,410,128 | | | | 8,762,368 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest income | | | 26,770,478 | | | | 22,657,865 | | | | 10,397,655 | | | | 1,863,091 | | | | 339,961 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| General Partner management fee | | | 10,186,030 | | | | 8,822,422 | | | | 6,106,364 | | | | 3,397,591 | | | | 655,881 | |
| General Partner 1 percent allocation | | | 250,318 | | | | 347,793 | | | | 127,493 | | | | 21,822 | | | | 51,412 | |
| Trading Advisor management fees | | | 9,712,368 | | | | 8,858,211 | | | | 5,730,444 | | | | 2,517,558 | | | | 384,029 | |
| Advisor incentive fee | | | 16,604,111 | | | | 4,989,571 | | | | 6,384,615 | | | | 4,956,093 | | | | 2,101,829 | |
| Selling agents’ fee | | | 7,375,387 | | | | 6,385,159 | | | | 4,727,082 | | | | 2,733,183 | | | | 480,685 | |
| Net Operating expenses | | | 3,596,134 | | | | 3,608,118 | | | | 2,548,276 | | | | 1,486,548 | | | | 338,913 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Income (loss) | | $ | 24,781,526 | | | $ | 34,431,520 | | | $ | 12,621,843 | | | $ | 2,160,424 | | | $ | 5,089,580 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance Sheet Items: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total assets | | $ | 562,253,689 | | | $ | 525,148,484 | | | $ | 400,445,406 | | | $ | 263,976,749 | | | $ | 88,617,926 | |
| Total Partners’ capital | | $ | 545,106,985 | | | $ | 504,060,093 | | | $ | 376,392,113 | | | $ | 254,801,257 | | | $ | 77,765,859 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Class A Units: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net asset value per Unit | | $ | 3,867.65 | | | $ | 3,725.59 | | | $ | 3,489.13 | | | $ | 3,429.59 | | | $ | 3,418.95 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Increase in net asset value per Unit | | $ | 142.06 | | | $ | 236.46 | | | $ | 59.54 | | | $ | 10.64 | | | $ | 452.19 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Class B Units: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net asset value per Unit | | $ | 4,891.11 | | | $ | 4,627.81 | | | $ | 4,257.03 | | | $ | 4,110.43 | | | $ | 4,022.67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Increase in net asset value per Unit | | $ | 263.30 | | | $ | 370.78 | | | $ | 146.60 | | | $ | 87.76 | | | $ | 597.05 | |
FUTURES PORTFOLIO FUND
Supplementary Summarized Quarterly Data
For the First and Second Quarters for 2007 and 2006
| | | March 31, 2007 | | | June 30, 2007 | |
| | | Class A Interests | | | Class B Interests | | | Class A Interests | | | Class B Interests | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Income (Loss) | | $ | (26,781,365 | ) | | $ | (12,250,407 | ) | | $ | 52,861,529 | | | $ | 26,208,096 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value Per Unit | | $ | (286.85 | ) | | $ | (337.44 | ) | | $ | 558.70 | | | $ | 719.84 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Asset Value Per Unit | | $ | 3,438.74 | | | $ | 4,290.37 | | | $ | 3,997.44 | | | $ | 5,010.21 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ending Net Asset Value | | $ | 321,774,891 | | | $ | 154,267,270 | | | $ | 373,991,499 | | | $ | 180,083,561 | |
| | | March 31, 2006 | | | June 30, 2006 | |
| | | Class A Interests | | | Class B Interests | | | Class A Interests | | | Class B Interests | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Income (Loss) | | $ | 8,853,281 | | | $ | 4,801,852 | | | $ | (7,305,227 | ) | | $ | (2,883,650 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value Per Unit | | $ | 111.05 | | | $ | 155.19 | | | $ | (83.54 | ) | | $ | (82.99 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Asset Value Per Unit | | $ | 3,600.18 | | | $ | 4,412.22 | | | $ | 3,516.64 | | | $ | 4,329.23 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ending Net Asset Value | | $ | 281,239,646 | | | $ | 135,640,168 | | | $ | 304,374,244 | | | $ | 149,438,511 | |
FUTURES PORTFOLIO FUND
Supplementary Summarized Quarterly Data
For the Third and Fourth Quarters for 2007 and 2006
| | | September, 2007 | | | December, 2007 | |
| | | Class A Interests | | | Class B Interests | | | Class A Interests | | | Class B Interests | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Income (Loss) | | $ | (41,814,715 | ) | | $ | (19,437,527 | ) | | $ | 30,216,360 | | | $ | 15,779,555 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value Per Unit | | $ | (444.27 | ) | | $ | (536.89 | ) | | $ | 314.48 | | | $ | 417.79 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Asset Value Per Unit | | $ | 3,553.17 | | | $ | 4,473.32 | | | $ | 3,867.65 | | | $ | 4,891.11 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ending Net Asset Value | | $ | 339,417,709 | | | $ | 167,999,274 | | | $ | 364,289,314 | | | $ | 180,817,671 | |
| | | September, 2006 | | | December, 2006 | |
| | | Class A Interests | | | Class B Interests | | | Class A Interests | | | Class B Interests | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Income (Loss) | | $ | (13,889,200 | ) | | $ | (6,212,830 | ) | | $ | 33,783,249 | | | $ | 17,284,045 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value Per Unit | | $ | (156.20 | ) | | $ | (173.76 | ) | | $ | 365.15 | | | $ | 472.34 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Asset Value Per Unit | | $ | 3,360.44 | | | $ | 4,155.47 | | | $ | 3,725.59 | | | $ | 4,627.81 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ending Net Asset Value | | $ | 302,370,665 | | | $ | 153,473,905 | | | $ | 341,384,123 | | | $ | 162,675,970 | |
Supplementary Financial Information
| Futures Portfolio Fund (Class A Units) | |
| NAV per Unit | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| January | | $ | 3,827.77 | | | $ | 3,530.23 | | | $ | 3,202.63 | | | $ | 3,486.39 | | | $ | 3,298.81 | |
| February | | $ | 3,594.35 | | | $ | 3,467.04 | | | $ | 3,215.17 | | | $ | 3,801.30 | | | $ | 3,566.57 | |
| March | | $ | 3,438.74 | | | $ | 3,600.18 | | | $ | 3,256.96 | | | $ | 3,800.61 | | | $ | 3,329.98 | |
| April | | $ | 3,625.90 | | | $ | 3,659.24 | | | $ | 3,164.24 | | | $ | 3,477.92 | | | $ | 3,370.95 | |
| May | | $ | 3,838.15 | | | $ | 3,567.64 | | | $ | 3,256.47 | | | $ | 3,442.62 | | | $ | 3,493.74 | |
| June | | $ | 3,997.44 | | | $ | 3,516.64 | | | $ | 3,359.43 | | | $ | 3,255.89 | | | $ | 3,331.19 | |
| July | | $ | 3,651.43 | | | $ | 3,398.67 | | | $ | 3,319.98 | | | $ | 3,206.99 | | | $ | 3,143.59 | |
| August | | $ | 3,322.12 | | | $ | 3,400.31 | | | $ | 3,270.90 | | | $ | 3,129.38 | | | $ | 3,204.49 | |
| September | | $ | 3,553.17 | | | $ | 3,360.44 | | | $ | 3,353.14 | | | $ | 3,131.05 | | | $ | 3,164.24 | |
| October | | $ | 3,851.68 | | | $ | 3,474.10 | | | $ | 3,393.57 | | | $ | 3,299.78 | | | $ | 3,281.63 | |
| November | | $ | 3,776.43 | | | $ | 3,498.74 | | | $ | 3,543.88 | | | $ | 3,449.68 | | | $ | 3,238.83 | |
| December | | $ | 3,867.65 | | | $ | 3,725.59 | | | $ | 3,489.13 | | | $ | 3,429.59 | | | $ | 3,418.95 | |
| Futures Portfolio Fund (Class B Units) | |
| NAV per Unit | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| January | | $ | 4,761.78 | | | $ | 4,313.61 | | | $ | 3,845.00 | | | $ | 4,108.34 | | | $ | 3,814.99 | |
| February | | $ | 4,477.84 | | | $ | 4,242.72 | | | $ | 3,864.82 | | | $ | 4,486.70 | | | $ | 4,131.04 | |
| March | | $ | 4,290.37 | | | $ | 4,412.22 | | | $ | 3,920.90 | | | $ | 4,492.74 | | | $ | 3,862.80 | |
| April | | $ | 4,530.63 | | | $ | 4,491.29 | | | $ | 3,814.89 | | | $ | 4,117.57 | | | $ | 3,916.34 | |
| May | | $ | 4,803.19 | | | $ | 4,385.40 | | | $ | 3,931.95 | | | $ | 4,081.99 | | | $ | 4,065.30 | |
| June | | $ | 5,010.21 | | | $ | 4,329.23 | | | $ | 4,062.34 | | | $ | 3,866.47 | | | $ | 3,881.99 | |
| July | | $ | 4,583.36 | | | $ | 4,190.24 | | | $ | 4,020.63 | | | $ | 3,814.21 | | | $ | 3,668.83 | |
| August | | $ | 4,176.22 | | | $ | 4,198.52 | | | $ | 3,967.04 | | | $ | 3,727.61 | | | $ | 3,747.25 | |
| September | | $ | 4,473.32 | | | $ | 4,155.47 | | | $ | 4,072.85 | | | $ | 3,735.31 | | | $ | 3,705.83 | |
| October | | $ | 4,856.38 | | | $ | 4,302.46 | | | $ | 4,128.12 | | | $ | 3,942.68 | | | $ | 3,849.25 | |
| November | | $ | 4,768.60 | | | $ | 4,339.43 | | | $ | 4,317.40 | | | $ | 4,128.13 | | | $ | 3,804.86 | |
| December | | $ | 4,891.11 | | | $ | 4,627.81 | | | $ | 4,257.03 | | | $ | 4,110.43 | | | $ | 4,022.67 | |
FUTURES PORTFOLIO FUND, L.P. (CLASS A UNITS)
| Rate of Return | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| January | | | 2.74 | | | | 1.18 | | | | (6.62 | ) | | | 1.97 | | | | 11.19 | |
| February | | | (6.10 | ) | | | (1.79 | ) | | | 0.39 | | | | 9.03 | | | | 8.12 | |
| March | | | (4.33 | ) | | | 3.84 | | | | 1.30 | | | | (0.02 | ) | | | (6.63 | ) |
| April | | | 5.44 | | | | 1.64 | | | | (2.85 | ) | | | (8.49 | ) | | | 1.23 | |
| May | | | 5.85 | | | | (2.50 | ) | | | 2.91 | | | | (1.01 | ) | | | 3.64 | |
| June | | | 4.15 | | | | (1.43 | ) | | | 3.16 | | | | (5.42 | ) | | | (4.65 | ) |
| July | | | (8.66 | ) | | | (3.35 | ) | | | (1.17 | ) | | | (1.50 | ) | | | (5.63 | ) |
| August | | | (9.02 | ) | | | 0.05 | | | | (1.48 | ) | | | (2.42 | ) | | | 1.94 | |
| September | | | 6.95 | | | | (1.17 | ) | | | 2.51 | | | | 0.05 | | | | (1.26 | ) |
| October | | | 8.40 | | | | 3.38 | | | | 1.21 | | | | 5.39 | | | | 3.71 | |
| November | | | (1.95 | ) | | | 0.71 | | | | 4.43 | | | | 4.54 | | | | (1.30 | ) |
| December | | | 2.42 | | | | 6.48 | | | | (1.55 | ) | | | (0.58 | ) | | | 5.56 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year | | | 3.81 | | | | 6.78 | | | | 1.74 | | | | 0.31 | | | | 15.25 | |
FUTURES PORTFOLIO FUND, L.P. (CLASS B UNITS)
| Rate of Return | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| January | | | 2.89 | | | | 1.33 | | | | (6.48 | ) | | | 2.13 | | | | 11.37 | |
| February | | | (5.96 | ) | | | (1.64 | ) | | | 0.54 | | | | 9.21 | | | | 8.28 | |
| March | | | (4.19 | ) | | | 4.00 | | | | 1.45 | | | | 0.13 | | | | (6.49 | ) |
| April | | | 5.60 | | | | 1.79 | | | | (2.70 | ) | | | (8.35 | ) | | | 1.39 | |
| May | | | 6.02 | | | | (2.36 | ) | | | 3.07 | | | | (0.86 | ) | | | 3.80 | |
| June | | | 4.31 | | | | (1.28 | ) | | | 3.32 | | | | (5.28 | ) | | | (4.51 | ) |
| July | | | (8.52 | ) | | | (3.21 | ) | | | (1.03 | ) | | | (1.35 | ) | | | (5.49 | ) |
| August | | | (8.88 | ) | | | 0.20 | | | | (1.33 | ) | | | (2.27 | ) | | | 2.14 | |
| September | | | 7.11 | | | | (1.03 | ) | | | 2.67 | | | | 0.21 | | | | (1.11 | ) |
| October | | | 8.56 | | | | 3.54 | | | | 1.36 | | | | 5.55 | | | | 3.87 | |
| November | | | (1.81 | ) | | | 0.86 | | | | 4.59 | | | | 4.70 | | | | (1.15 | ) |
| December | | | 2.57 | | | | 6.65 | | | | (1.40 | ) | | | (0.43 | ) | | | 5.72 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year | | | 5.69 | | | | 8.71 | | | | 3.57 | | | | 2.18 | | | | 17.43 | |
ITEM 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Introduction
Gains or losses are realized when contracts are liquidated. Net unrealized gains or losses on open contracts (the difference between contract price and market price) are reported in the statement of financial condition as a net gain or loss, as there exists a right of offset of unrealized gains or losses in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 39 – “Offsetting of Amounts Relating to Certain Contracts”. Any change in net unrealized gain or loss from the preceding period is reported in the statement of operations. United States government agency securities are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value. For purposes of both financial reporting and calculation of redemption value, net asset value per unit is calculated by dividing the net asset value of Class A or Class B by the number of outstanding Class A or Class B units.
Results of Operations
The returns for A units for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were 3.81%, 6.78%, and 1.74%, respectively. The returns for B units for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were 5.69%, 8.71%, and 3.57%, respectively. Further analysis of the trading gains and losses is provided below.
2007
A Units of the Fund were up 2.74% for the month of January 2007 and B Units were up 2.89%. In January the Fund generated profits in four out of the six market sectors. The Fund’s strongest gains came from short positions in interest rate instruments. Domestic housing, manufacturing and employment data pointed to unexpected strength in the US economy which dampened prospects for rate cuts and pushed bond prices lower. International bond prices also fell after the UK announced its surprise decision to raise its core interest rate. The Fund’s long positions in equity indices posted gains on upward trends in domestic and international stock indices. Short positions in crude oil and related energy contracts were profitable as unseasonably warm winter weather in the northern hemisphere continued to drive up oil inventories. The Bank of Japan’s decision to hold its core interest rates steady surprised currency markets, driving the yen lower against other foreign currencies including the euro, British pound and US dollar. Metals registered a small loss in January with copper and zinc experiencing a fall in prices that moved against the Fund’s long positions.
A Units of the Fund were down 6.10% for the month of February 2007 and B Units were down 5.96%. Sharp price reversals in equity indices, currencies and interest rate instruments in the last two days of the month changed the Fund’s picture from a profitable position to disappointing losses. On February 27th, shares in the Chinese stock market fell nearly 9%, which set off a wave of selling in international equity markets. The worldwide sell-off erased earlier gains from the Fund’s long positions in domestic and international equity indices. The Fund’s most significant losses for the month came from short positions in interest rate instruments. Earlier in the month, interest rates began to decline, moving against the Fund’s short positions. Late in the month, government bond prices accelerated higher as investors jumped from equities into the relative “safety” of government bonds. The Japanese yen, which had been declining, strengthened significantly against major currencies, including the U.S. dollar. A rally in energy prices also went against the Fund’s short positions. In the agricultural sector, long positions in the soy complex produced some profit.
A Units of the Fund were down 4.33% for the month of March 2007 and B Units were down 4.19%. The reversals that began at the end of last month continued to affect the Fund’s performance in early March. The global sell-off in international stock markets that began in the final days of February stretched into the first three days of March, moving against the Fund’s long equity indices positions. Concerns of a slowing Chinese economy changed the demand outlook for physical commodities, including metals and certain agricultural commodities. While commodities had been in a long uptrend, the resulting shift in market sentiment caused prices of commodities to fall which moved against the Fund’s long positions. Short positions in the Japanese yen were particularly impacted as investors continued to buy Japanese yen and sell other foreign currencies. In response to the increased market volatility, the Fund’s trading programs systematically reduced contract positions in each market sector. Eventually the market turmoil subsided and the Fund began a slow recovery. The recovery was not sufficient to offset the earlier losses however, and the Fund ended the month in negative territory.
A Units of the Fund were up 5.44% for the month of April 2007 and B Units were up 5.60%. Favorable trends in five out of the Fund’s six market sectors yielded profits for the Fund in April. The strongest profits came from foreign currencies, where the U.S. dollar weakened against most foreign currencies. Long positions in the euro, British pound, Australian dollar and New Zealand dollar profited as the US dollar weakened. The fall in the U.S. dollar was fueled after release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Open Market Committee suggested that U.S. interest rates would probably remain steady or be cut later in the year. In equity indices, both domestic and international stock prices continued to rally, which benefited the Fund’s long positions in that sector. Prices for raw materials continued to trend higher, resulting in gains for the Fund's long positions in the base metals markets, including copper and nickel. Analysts renewed expectations of continued demand from China and worries about a lack of supply. Late in the month, prices in precious metals fell sharply, which offset some of the gains in the metals sector. In the Agricultural sector, a fall in cocoa and soybean prices moved against the Fund’s long positions which led to some losses in that sector.
A Units of the Fund were up 5.85% for the month of May 2007 and B Units were up 6.02%. The Fund profited in May as stock indices, interest rate instruments and foreign currencies offset losses from metals, agricultural commodities and energy. The strongest gains came from interest rate instruments as the Fund’s short positions benefited from a rise in global interest rates. US and international bond prices fell on strong economic data along with continued inflationary concerns. The Fund’s long positions in stock indices benefited from upward trends in both US and international stock indices. Many of the broad equity indices hit new highs, including the S&P 500 which hit its highest level since March 2000. The Fund’s long positions in metals lost ground this month as prices were generally down on concerns over the strength of future Chinese imports. In agricultural commodities, the Fund’s long positions in soybean and bean oil were the sector’s most profitable contracts, although these gains were offset by losses from short positions in coffee.
A Units of the Fund were up 4.15% for the month of June 2007 and B Units were up 4.31%. The Fund was profitable in June with gains from five of the six major market sectors. Interest rate instruments and foreign currencies generated the Fund’s strongest profits. A downward price trend in interest rate instruments continued from prior months benefiting the Fund's short positions. Stronger than expected US retail sales and hawkish comments from the US Federal Reserve pushed US interest rates higher. In Europe, news of short term rate increases by the European Central Bank pushed international bond prices to multi-year lows including the UK Gilt and the 10-Year German Bund. In related moves, investors generally bought currencies in countries with rising interest rates and sold currencies with lower yielding rates. As a result, the Fund’s long positions in the euro, British pound, Australian and New Zealand dollar profited along with its short positions in the Japanese yen.
A Units of the Fund were down 8.66% for the month of July 2007 and B Units were down 8.52%. The Fund finished down for the month as global equity markets and interest rates reversed from previous trends. In previous months, the Fund’s long positions in equity indices profited from record breaking upward trends in both domestic and international equity indices. In July, growing concerns surrounding the instability of the US sub-prime mortgage market fueled reversals in equity markets that went against the Fund’s long positions. In the final week of the month equities sold off sharply, including the S&P 500, DAX, FTSE, CAC, Hang Seng and Nikkei indices. The increased volatility in the equity markets sparked a flight to safety in bonds that reversed previous downward trends in both domestic and international interest rate instruments. The sudden move in interest rates went against the Fund’s short positions creating losses for the Fund. In foreign currencies, the Japanese yen rose sharply as investors unwound their “carry” trades that also went against the Fund’s short yen positions. Energies and metals finished in positive territory offsetting some of the losses in the other sectors.
A Units of the Fund were down 9.02% for the month of August 2007 and B Units were down 8.88%. The Fund finished down in August as dramatic market reversals spilled over into additional market sectors. The sectors that began reversing in late July continued to move against their long term trends. Concerns about losses in the sub-prime mortgage markets and liquidity shortages triggered sharp reversals in energies, metals and foreign currencies. The global sell-off in equities that began in mid-July, continued into August. As equity prices fell and credit spreads widened, investors raised liquidity by selling long positions in other market sectors including metals and energies. Prices in crude oil, heating oil, copper and gold reversed from their previous trends, which went against the Fund’s long positions. Carry trades, where investors had borrowed certain foreign currencies at low interest rates and purchased higher yielding fixed income instruments in other currencies, were abruptly unwound. This unwinding of positions caused sharp devaluations of the Australian and New Zealand dollar and strong appreciation of the Japanese yen. Each of these currency re-valuations occurred simultaneously and went against the Fund’s positions. Although the results for the month were disappointing, the trading systems responded appropriately to the sudden market volatility. The systematic programs significantly reduced the Fund’s open positions in the effected market sectors and reduced risk.
A Units of the Fund were up 6.95% for the month of September 2007 and B Units were up 7.11%. The Fund had a strong finish to September with significant profits in four out of the six market sectors. The Fund’s biggest profits came from long positions in foreign currencies. The US dollar fell against most major foreign currencies following the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points. The Euro, Australian dollar and Canadian dollar posted the largest gains against the dollar, which benefited the Fund's long foreign currency positions. The weaker dollar also pushed several dollar-denominated commodities to record highs. Wheat prices, which were already in an upward trend from rising demand and low inventory levels, hit a record high of $9.39 a bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade. Oil hit an all time high of $83.90 a barrel and gold climbed $742.80 an ounce. The Fund profited from long positions in each of these markets. World stock indices rallied on the Fed’s interest rate decision benefiting the Fund’s long positions, with the strongest profits coming from the Hang Seng stock index.
A Units of the Fund were up 8.40% for the month of October 2007 and B Units were up 8.56%. Significant profits in four out of six market sectors led to another strong month for the Fund. The biggest profits came from long positions in the energy and foreign currency sectors. Tensions in the Middle East and a falling US dollar contributed to record price increases in the energy complex. By the end of the month crude oil closed at an all-time nominal high of $94.53 a barrel. Rising prices in energy benefited the Fund’s long crude oil and heating oil positions. Expectations that the Federal Reserve might lower short-term interest rates in the U.S. fueled selling pressure on the US dollar that gave rise to profits from long positions in the Australian dollar, euro, Canadian dollar and British pound. World stock indices also continued to rise, benefiting the Fund’s long positions in equity indices. In metals, the lower dollar stimulated a rise in the price of precious metals. By the end of the month, gold hit $795 an ounce; its highest level since January 1980. The upward trends in precious metals created profits for the Fund’s long metals positions.
A Units of the Fund were down 1.95% for the month of November 2007 and B Units were down 1.81%. The Fund experienced a net loss in November as profits from interest rate instruments and agricultural commodity sectors were offset by losses in currencies, equity indices and metals. News surrounding sub-prime mortgage problems continued to affect most financial markets. Long positions in Eurodollars, international bonds and domestic bonds created the Fund’s largest profits. Concerns that the credit market problems might slow capital spending helped erode U.S. and international equity prices, which hurt the Fund’s net long positions in those markets. As U.S. interest rates fell, the value of the U.S. dollar declined against many foreign currencies, which led to losses in that sector by the end of the month. Base metal prices fell this month on fears of a slowing economy including copper which fell to its lowest level since March 2007. The fall in prices went against the long term upward trend in metals creating losses for the Fund’s long positions.
A Units of the Fund were up 2.42% for the month of December 2007 and B Units were up 2.57%. The Fund generated a profit in December and closed out the year with a positive return. Profits from agricultural commodities, energy and metals offset losses from interest rate instruments, equity indices and foreign currencies. Agricultural commodity prices continued to trend higher on growing global demand and supply constraints. The rise in agricultural prices benefited the Fund’s long commodity positions including soybeans, corn and wheat. Long energy positions profited from rising prices, including light crude oil which ended the year near $98 per barrel. Metals prices, including gold, zinc, copper and aluminum trended higher, benefiting the Fund’s long positions in those contracts. A sell-off in long term interest rate instruments this month went against the Fund’s long positions. The sharp fall in prices came after the Federal Reserve announced a smaller than anticipated interest rate cut.
2006
A Units of the Fund were up 1.18% for the month of January 2006 and B Units were up 1.33%. In January, profits from metals, equity indices, energy and agricultural commodities offset losses from interest rate instruments and foreign currencies. The Fund’s long positions in zinc, aluminum and copper generated the strongest profits in the metals sector. The strong upward trends in metals from 2005 continued into January as capacity constrained producers tried to keep pace with industrial growth. Global stock prices also continued their upward trends into 2006 benefiting the Fund’s long positions in equity indices. Long positions in the energy sector delivered good profits as the price for light crude approached $70 per barrel. Interest rate instruments were the poorest performing sector this month. Medium to long-term bond prices declined which went against the Fund’s long positions.
A Units of the Fund were down 1.79% for the month of February 2006 and B Units were down 1.64%. Losses from energy, metals, foreign currencies and agricultural commodities offset profits from equity indices and interest rate instruments. The Fund’s most significant losses came from long positions in crude oil after the price of crude dropped nearly $10 per barrel following stronger than expected inventory reports. Prices rebounded somewhat later in the month after reports of violence in Nigeria and an attempted refinery bombing in Saudi Arabia. Short positions in natural gas produced positive returns as the price continued its strong downward trend despite a short cold snap in North America. Short positions in the Japanese yen lost ground against several foreign currencies including the US Dollar, euro, Swiss franc and British pound as the yen strengthened amid speculation that Japanese interest rates might be raised sooner than expected. The best single market was in the interest rates sector, where short positions in the Eurodollar profited from market expectations of further US interest rate hikes.
A Units of the Fund were up 3.84% for the month of March 2006 and B Units were up 4.00%. Profits in March came from interest rate instruments, equity indices, metals and energy sectors. The Fund’s most significant profits came from short positions in interest rate instruments. Worldwide bond prices continued a downward trend that gained momentum following comments from U.S. Federal Reserve and European central bank officials that fueled expectations of further rate hikes. The Bank of Japan’s decision to drop its policy of “quantitative easing” caused yields on the Japanese government bond to rise sharply, while the yield on the US 10-year Treasury note rose to its highest level since the start of the rate-tightening cycle in June 2004. Despite rising interest rates, long positions in equity indices in U.S., European and Asian markets benefited from upward trends in those markets. Metals profits were from long positions in both base and precious metals including silver, which reached a 22 year high.
A Units of the Fund were up 1.64% for the month of April 2006 and B Units were up 1.79%. The Fund’s most significant profits in April came from long positions in metals and short positions in interest rate instruments. An upward trend in metals prices continued in April with aluminum, copper, gold and silver reaching record highs. The rise in base metals prices were fueled by revised international growth forecasts such as China, which reported a surprising first quarter growth of over 10%. Tensions over Iran’s nuclear pursuits and fears of a potential conflict between the U.S. and Iran helped push gold and silver prices higher. Iran’s threat to withhold critical oil exports drove crude oil prices to record highs, benefiting the Fund’s long energy positions. The Fund’s short positions in long term interest rate instruments profited after the release of key US economic data sent bond prices lower. Statements from the U.S. Federal Reserve suggesting it might be close to ending the rate tightening policy caused a sell-off in the US dollar. The falling dollar hurt the Fund’s short foreign currency positions.
A Units of the Fund were down 2.50% for the month of May 2006 and B Units were down 2.36%. Price reversals across multiple market segments resulted in a net loss for the Fund in May. Equity market prices fell sharply on inflation concerns and speculation on whether the U.S. Federal Reserve would continue its rate tightening policy. The trend reversals in domestic and international stock indices, including the Nikkei, FTSE, S&P and CAC, hurt the Fund’s long indices positions. Prices in energy contracts including light crude and heating oil fell from previous month’s highs as China announced its intention to allow further appreciation in the value of the Yuan. The higher priced currency would make Chinese exports more expensive and thus curb demand for raw materials. Energy and other commodity prices tumbled on the news, hurting the Fund’s long energy and metals positions. Despite a pull-back from record highs however, net profits from metals prices remained positive.
A Units of the Fund were down 1.43% for the month of June 2006 and B Units were down 1.28%. Price reversals across several market sectors resulted in a net loss for the Fund in June. Economists speculated that price reversals in stock indices, metals and currencies were a consequence of short-term interest rate increases by the world’s central banks. The Fund's short positions in the US dollar relative to some foreign currencies, including the British pound, Euro and Australian dollar were negatively impacted by a rise in the US currency this month. Base metal prices including copper, nickel, zinc and aluminum fell on expectations of slower economic growth, hurting the Fund’s long positions. International equity indices including the Nikkei 225, DAX, and S&P 500 also moved lower and against the Fund’s long positions in those contracts. Profits from short positions in interest rate instruments offset some of the losses from the other sectors, although bond prices experienced significant price volatility during the month. The energy sector held on to modest profits as crude oil prices fell from earlier highs following positive news in Iraq and some easing of political tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.
A Units of the Fund were down 3.35% for the month of July 2006 and B Units were down 3.21%. Sharp price fluctuations across several market sectors resulted in a net loss for the Fund in July. The most significant losses came from interest rate instruments. Domestic and international bond prices moved higher reversing from their downward trends. This moved against the Fund’s short bond positions. Weaker than expected US employment and retail sales data fueled speculation that the US Federal Reserve might finally curtail its rate tightening policy. By the end of the month, weak GDP growth figures gave additional weight to that sentiment, sending domestic bond prices even higher. Euro zone government bonds also reversed on weak regional economic data announcements. Agricultural commodities including coffee and cocoa saw sharp price declines that hurt the Fund’s long positions. Crude oil prices also had a volatile month. WTI (West Texas Intermediate) hit an all-time high of US$79.45 a barrel amid worries that the conflict between Israel and Lebanon could spread to oil producing nations in the Middle East. Later in the month oil prices reversed amid calmer sentiment, which hurt the Fund's long energy positions. Currencies and metals finished the month in positive territory.
A Units of the Fund were up 0.05% for the month of August 2006 and B Units were up 0.20%. The Fund finished positive in August after profits from foreign currencies, equity indices, agricultural products and metals edged out losses from energy and interest rate instruments. The Fund’s most significant profits came from short positions in the Japanese yen and long positions in the British Pound. The release of softer than expected inflation data from Japan sent the yen lower against most major foreign currencies. Equity prices trended higher across many international exchanges benefiting the Fund’s long positions in indices. In agricultural products, the Fund’s short positions in soybeans benefited from a downward price trend that began in July. Coffee prices rose sharply throughout August on supply concerns that benefited the Fund’s long positions. The Fund’s long energy positions lost ground this month as rising inventory levels and lower risk to oil supplies pushed crude oil prices lower. Unleaded gasoline prices also fell after reports of a milder than expected Atlantic hurricane season suggested there would be fewer seasonal supply disruptions. Bond prices continued to rally throughout August hurting the Fund’s short positions in interest rate instruments. Overall the Fund was up an estimated 5.8% over the last 12 months.
A Units of the Fund were down 1.17% for the month of September 2006 and B Units were down 1.03%. The Fund finished lower in September after losses in energy, metals, agricultural products and interest rate instruments offset gains from equity indices. The Fund’s most significant losses came from long positions in crude oil, heating oil and unleaded gas. Crude oil experienced its steepest decline in more than a decade as high inventories, lower geopolitical tensions and a mild hurricane season eased supply concerns. Oil prices fell about 20 percent in the last two months which is the steepest decline since the Gulf War in 1991. Losses from long positions in the metals sector came primarily from zinc, gold and silver. Metal prices fell on general fears that a possible global economic slowdown might curtail demand. Stock indices continued to rally this month on positive economic data and indications of lower interest rates. The rising stock indices benefited the Fund’s long indices positions.
A Units of the Fund were up 3.38% for the month of October 2006 and B Units were up 3.54%. The Fund's profits in October came from stock indices, currencies, metals and the energy sector. Domestic and international stock indices continued to rally this month benefiting the Fund’s long positions. US Stock indices posted a series of record highs including the Dow Jones Industrial Average which passed through the 12,000 mark for the first time. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ indices continued their upward trend as did the DAX, Nikkei and FTSE. Short US dollar positions were also profitable for the Fund. The dollar traded lower after the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank announced it would leave short-term interest rates at 5.25%. The dollar fell to three-week lows against the yen and euro. The Fund profited from rising base metal prices including lead, zinc, nickel and aluminum. Gains in the energy sector came from the Fund’s short crude and heating oil positions. A broad downtrend in energy prices persisted for much of the month amid market perceptions of ample oil supplies.
A Units of the Fund were up 0.71% for the month of November 2006 and B Units were up 0.86%. Profits from currencies, stock indices, and agricultural commodities offset losses from energy, interest rate instruments and metals. The dollar fell against most major foreign currencies on concerns of slowing growth in the U.S. economy. The possibility of easier U.S. monetary policy and rising European interest rates pushed the dollar to nineteen-month lows against the euro and eighteen-month lows against the British pound. The Fund’s long positions in both the euro and British pound profited. Domestic and international stock indices continued to rise which benefited the Fund’s long positions. US Stock indices posted a series of record highs including the Dow Jones Industrial Average which passed through the 12,000 mark. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ indices also continued their upward trend along with the DAX, Nikkei and FTSE. In agricultural commodities, corn prices reached ten year highs benefiting the Fund’s long corn positions. The Fund’s short positions in the energy sector were hurt by a price rally in crude oil late in the month. Cold weather in the western US and news that Sudan and Angola might join OPEC, pushed prices up to a two month high.
A Units of the Fund were up 6.48% for the month of December 2006 and B Units were up 6.65%. In December, profits from currencies, equity indices, energy and interest rate instruments offset small losses in metals and agricultural products. The Fund’s strongest gains in the month came from short positions in the Japanese yen and Swiss franc as each currency fell relative to the US dollar. The yen hit an eight-week low against the US dollar. Long positions in international equity indices finished higher as global equity markets continued an upward trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a record close 22 times this year ending with its best year since 2003 after gaining 16%. The Fund’s short positions in natural gas contracts benefited from a sharp sell-off following a forecast released by the National Weather Service. The forecast predicted a continuation of above normal temperatures for most of the continental US, which put downward pressure on natural gas, crude and heating oil prices. Metals registered a small loss for December with long positions hurt by falling silver and copper prices.
2005
A Units of the Fund were down 6.62% for the month of January 2005 and B Units were down 6.48%. A strong, abrupt rally in the U.S. dollar along with a sell-off in metals and equity indices resulted in significant losses for the Fund in January. The dollar’s reversal strengthened after official minutes from the Federal Reserve Bank’s December policy meeting were released early in the month. The minutes revealed that several key members were far more concerned about inflationary pressures than was previously known, which suggested to some that the Fed might become more aggressive with its short term rate hikes. The currency markets reacted sending the dollar sharply higher against major foreign currencies, including the euro, yen and British pound. In the metals sector, aluminum and copper price trends also reversed sharply as demand for raw materials continued to decline, in part due to China’s softening economy. The Fund did earn some profits this month from its positions in the interest rate sector, including gains from short-term and long-term bond instruments.
A Units of the Fund were up 0.39% for the month of February 2005 and B Units were up 0.54%. The Fund finished flat this month with profits from energy, equity indices, agricultural commodities and metals edging out losses from long term interest rate instruments. Profits in energy resulted from the Fund’s long positions in crude oil, gas and heating oil where renewed trends pushed crude oil prices past $50/barrel for the first time since November. Equity prices trended higher across many international exchanges benefiting the Fund’s long positions in indices. Tightening coffee supplies led coffee prices to a near five year high, which also generated profits. However, while the Fund’s long positions in medium to long term interest rate instruments have generated steady profits in recent months, yields began reversing this month, generating losses in several contracts including the 10 year T-Note, Japanese government bond, long gilt and euro bund.
A Units of the Fund were up 1.30% for the month of March 2005 and B Units were up 1.45%. Gains from the energy, interest rate and metals sectors offset losses from the Fund’s positions in foreign currencies and equity indices. Futures prices in heating oil, unleaded gas and crude oil continued their upward trends this month, benefiting the Fund’s long positions. Analysts suggested the rally was a continuation of bullish momentum supported by strong demand and tight supply in gasoline and crude oil ahead of the high-demand summer season. Concerns that rising energy costs might slow industrial growth weakened international equity prices and pushed European bond prices higher. This benefited the Fund’s positions in long term interest rate instruments but hurt the Fund’s long positions in equity indices. Renewed concerns over inflation coupled with an expected short term rate hike by the Federal Reserve, fueled a rally in the U.S. dollar that hurt some of the Fund’s positions in foreign currencies. Profits from agricultural commodities and base metals including aluminum and copper, helped to end the month with positive returns.
A Units of the Fund were down 2.85% for the month of April 2005 and B Units were down 2.70%. Losses from the energy, equity indices and metals sectors offset modest profits from the Fund’s positions in foreign currencies and interest rate instruments. Oil prices fell below $50 per barrel for the first time since February on reports that crude oil inventories were at their highest level since mid-2002. Futures prices in heating oil, unleaded gas and crude oil reversed from record highs hurting the Fund’s long positions. Weak economic data, including the Michigan consumer confidence survey which fell to its lowest level in 18 months, caused a sell-off in equities. The Fund’s long position in equity indices, including the DAX, NIKKEI and S&P500 experienced losses. Price reversals in base metals, including aluminum, copper and zinc, also generated losses for the Fund.
A Units of the Fund were up 2.91% for the month of May 2005 and B Units were up 3.07%. Profits from interest rate instruments and foreign exchange contracts offset small losses from the agricultural, energy, equity indices and metals markets. Longer term government bond prices in the US, euro zone and Asia continued to trend higher this month. Although the decline in long-term yields continued to confound central banking officials, economists and speculators, the Fund’s trend following systems captured significant profits from long positions in multiple interest rate instruments. France’s decision not to ratify a new European constitution contributed significantly to a late sell-off in the euro, which also generated significant profits from the Fund’s short positions. Modest losses came from base metals (copper and zinc), equity indices (NASDAQ, S&P500, DAX), energy (unleaded gas and heating oil) and some agricultural contracts (cotton and coffee).
A Units of the Fund were up 3.16% for the month of June 2005 and B Units were up 3.32%. Profits from foreign exchange, interest rate instruments, equity indices and energy contracts offset losses from the agricultural and metals markets. Despite growing trade imbalances, the U.S. dollar continued to trend higher relative to other major currencies. Speculators saw the cut in interest rates by the Swedish central bank as further evidence of an economic slowdown in Europe. At the same time, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised short-term rates by another quarter point. The growing spread between U.S. and European interest rates added further fuel to the dollar’s upward trend, which benefited the Fund’s short positions in the euro, Swiss franc and yen. The Fund also saw significant profits from its long positions in long-term interest rate instruments. Crude oil and natural gas prices experienced a strong rally in June benefiting the Fund’s energy positions. The most significant losses came from long positions in soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil.
A Units of the Fund were down 1.17% for the month of July 2005 and B Units were down 1.03%. Losses from interest rate instruments offset profits from the energy, equity indices and metals markets. Long and medium term interest rate instruments reversed from previous month’s highs, hurting the Fund’s long positions. Interest rate instrument prices fell after European Central Bank officials softened their stance on possible rate cuts in the Euro-zone, while minutes from June’s Federal Reserve committee meeting suggested further increases in short term U.S. interest rates were likely. The Chinese government later announced that it would no longer peg its currency to the US dollar fueling speculation that China might curb its large purchases of US Treasuries, which further weakened interest rate instrument prices. Long positions in the energy sector profited as supply uncertainties from the effects of Hurricane Dennis and two large oil refinery fires in the US caused crude oil prices to increase. Additional profits came from the Fund’s long positions in several international equity indices including the DAX, S&P500, FTSE and Hang Seng Indices.
A Units of the Fund were down 1.48% for the month of August 2005 and B Units were down 1.33%. Losses from currencies and interest rate instruments offset significant profits from the energy sector this month. Short and medium term interest rates fell. This adversely affected the Fund’s short positions in Eurodollars, Japanese government bonds and US treasury bonds. Traders speculated that higher energy costs might impact U.S. economic growth and force the Federal Reserve to modify its current rate tightening policy. The effects of Hurricane Katrina late in the month exacerbated that view sending bond prices even higher. Energy prices however, continued to rise benefiting the Fund’s long positions in light crude oil, natural gas, heating oil and unleaded gasoline. Oil supply and distribution concerns grew stronger in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Crude oil breached $70 a barrel before administration officials announced they would tap strategic oil reserves.
A Units of the Fund were up 2.51% for the month of September 2005 and B Units were up 2.67%. Profits from equity indices, foreign currencies, metals and agricultural commodities offset losses from energy and interest rate instruments. The Fund’s long positions in Japanese and German stock indices generated the strongest profits. The Tokyo Stock Exchange's Nikkei index increased 23 percent since May and was bolstered this month by upbeat economic reports as well as Prime Minister Koizumi’s election victory in Japan. The US dollar continued to strengthen, generating profits for the Fund’s short positions in the yen, euro and Australian dollar. Crude oil prices retreated from August’s highs after the impact from Hurricane Rita was determined to be much less than anticipated. Fortunately, losses in the energy sector were largely offset by the Fund’s long positions in natural gas which reached all-time highs in September. Fixed income markets also retreated, hurting some of the Fund’s long positions in foreign interest rate instruments.
A Units of the Fund were up 1.21% for the month of October 2005 and B Units were up 1.36%. The Fund posted a profit in October with profits from currencies, instrument rate instruments and metals offsetting losses from energy and equity indices. The majority of the Fund’s short positions in foreign currencies profited as the U.S. dollar continued to gain strength and trend higher. The Fund’s most significant profits came from short positions in the Japanese yen, which hit a 25-month low against the U.S. dollar. Additional profits resulted from short positions in domestic and international interest rate instruments, which trended downward on expectations of rising U.S. inflation and interest rates. Long positions in the energy sector lost some ground as prices retreated from last month’s highs. Base metal prices, including aluminum, zinc, copper and nickel also profited this month. Overall, we were pleased with the performance this month in what has been a volatile and difficult economic environment for trend following systems.
A Units of the Fund were up 4.43% for the month of November 2005 and B Units were up 4.59%. The Fund posted significant profits in November. The Fund’s strongest profits came from long positions in the US dollar which continued to strengthen against other foreign currencies. Positions in the Japanese yen were particularly profitable. Long positions in the metals sector, including zinc, aluminum, copper and silver also contributed profits as increased demand from Asia helped push metals prices higher. The FOMC released meeting minutes in November that suggested the Federal Reserve might be nearing the end of its interest rate tightening cycle. That news sparked a rally in the U.S. financial markets driving U.S. fixed income products higher. The rally neutralized earlier gains from the Fund’s short positions in interest rate instruments. Long positions in the energy sector lost some ground as prices retreated from previous highs.
A Units of the Fund were down 1.55% for the month of December 2005, ending the year up 1.74%. B Units were down 1.40% for the month and up 3.57% for the year. Losses from currencies, interest rate instruments and energy offset profits from the metals, equity indices and agricultural commodities markets. The Fund’s long positions in the U.S. dollar generated the strongest losses. Foreign currencies rallied against the dollar after the Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee signaled it might be nearing the end of its credit tightening cycle. News that the U.S. trade deficit hit record highs sent the dollar even lower against the yen, which posted its largest single-day rally against the dollar since March 2002. Short positions in medium and long-term interest rate instruments also lost ground, as the spread between short-term and long-term rates narrowed. Metals delivered another positive month as long positions in aluminum, zinc, copper and gold continued to trend higher.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of the Fund’s 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.
Futures, options on futures and forward contracts are recorded on a trade date basis and gains or losses are realized when contracts are liquidated. Unrealized gains or losses on open contracts (the difference between contract trade price and market price) are reported in the statement of financial condition as a net gain or loss, as there exists a right of offset of unrealized gains or losses in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 39 - -"Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts." The market value of futures (exchange-traded) contracts is determined by the various futures exchanges, and reflects the settlement price for each contract as of the close of the last business day of the reporting period. Any change in net unrealized gain or loss from the preceding period is reported in the statement of operations. United States government and government sponsored agency securities, and commercial paper are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.
For purposes of both financial reporting and calculation of redemption value, the Net Asset Value per Class A or Class B Unit is calculated by dividing the Net Asset Value of A Units by the number of A Units outstanding, and by dividing the Net Asset Value of B Units by the number of B Units outstanding.
Off-Balance Sheet Risk
The term “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. The Fund trades in futures and forward contracts and is therefore a party to financial instruments with elements of off-balance sheet market and credit risk. In entering into these contracts there exists a risk to the Fund, market risk, that such 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 futures interests positions of the Fund at the same time, and if the commodity trading advisors were unable to offset futures interest positions of the Fund, the Fund could lose all of its assets and the Limited Partners would realize a 100% loss. Steben & Company, the General Partner, minimizes market risk through diversification of the portfolio allocations to multiple trading advisors, and maintenance of a margin-to-equity ratio that rarely exceeds 30%.
In addition to market risk, in entering into futures and forward contracts there is a risk that the counterparty will not be able to meet its obligations to the Fund. The counterparty for futures contracts traded in the United States and on most foreign 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 non-performance by one of their members and, as such, should significantly reduce this risk. In cases where the clearinghouse is not backed by the clearing members, like some foreign exchanges, it is normally backed by a consortium of banks or other financial institutions.
In the case of forward contracts, which are traded on the inter-bank market rather than on exchanges, the counterparty is generally a single bank or other financial institution, rather than a group of financial institutions; thus there may be a greater counterparty risk. Steben & Company utilizes only those counterparties that it believes to be creditworthy for the Fund. All positions of the Fund are valued each 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 Fund.
The Fund will utilize high grade short-term commercial paper, which is an unsecured, short-term debt instrument issued by a corporation with maturities rarely longer than 270 days. Commercial paper is not usually backed by any form of collateral, so only firms with high-quality debt rating will be used. As commercial paper is not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, if the issuing corporation defaults on their obligations to the Fund, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received.
Contractual Obligations
The Fund does not have any contractual obligations of the type contemplated by Regulation S-K 303(a)(5). The Fund’s sole business is trading futures and forward currency contracts, both long (contracts to buy) and short (contracts to sell).
Liquidity
Most United States commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in futures contracts 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 futures contract has reached the daily limit for that day, positions in that contract can neither be taken nor liquidated. Futures prices have occasionally moved the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading. Similar occurrences could prevent the Fund from promptly liquidating unfavorable positions and subject the Fund to substantial losses which could exceed the margin initially committed to such trades. In addition, even if futures prices have not moved the daily limit, the Fund may not be able to execute futures trades at favorable prices if little trading in such contracts is taking place. Other than these limitations on liquidity, which are inherent in the Fund’s futures trading operations, the Fund’s assets are expected to be highly liquid. Redemptions may be made by a Limited Partner as of the last trading day of any month at the Net Asset Value of the redeemed Units (or portion thereof) on that date, on 15 days prior written notice to the General Partner. Partial redemptions must be for at least $1,000, unless such requirement is waived by the General Partner. In addition, the Limited Partner, if making a partial redemption, must maintain at least $10,000 or his original investment amount, whichever is less, in the Fund unless such requirement is waived by the General Partner.
Capital Resources
The Fund intends to raise additional capital only through the sale of Units offered pursuant to the continuing offering, and does not intend to raise any capital through borrowing. Due to the nature of the Fund’s business, the Fund does not contemplate making capital expenditures.
ITEM 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Introduction
Past Results Are Not Indicative of Future Performance
The Fund 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 the Fund'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 the Fund's main line of business.
Market movements result in frequent changes in the fair market value of the Fund's open positions and, consequently, in its earnings and cash flow. The Fund'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, the diversification effects among the Fund's open positions and the liquidity of the markets in which it trades.
The Fund 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, and the Fund's past performance is not indicative of its future results.
Value at Risk is a measure of the maximum amount which the Fund could reasonably be expected to lose in a given market sector. However, the inherent uncertainty of the Fund's speculative trading and the recurrence in the markets traded by the Fund of market movements far exceeding expectations could result in actual trading or non-trading losses far beyond the indicated Value at Risk or the Fund's experience to date (i.e., "risk of ruin"). Risk of ruin is defined to be no more than a 5% chance of losing 20% or more on a monthly basis. In light of the foregoing as well as the risks and uncertainties intrinsic to all future projections, the inclusion of the quantification included in this section should not be considered to constitute any assurance or representation that the Fund's losses in any market sector will be limited to Value at Risk or by the Fund's attempts to manage its market risk.
Standard of Materiality
Materiality as used in this section, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk," 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 the Fund's market sensitive instruments.
Quantifying the Fund’s Trading Value at Risk
Quantitative Forward-Looking Statements
The following quantitative disclosures regarding the Fund'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 disclosures in this section are deemed to be forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor, except for statements of historical fact (such as the dollar amount of maintenance margin required for market risk sensitive instruments held at the end of the reporting period).
The Fund's risk exposure in the various market sectors traded by the Fund’s Trading Advisors is quantified below in terms of Value at Risk. Due to mark-to-market accounting, any loss in the fair value of the Fund's open positions is directly reflected in the Fund's earnings (realized or unrealized).
Exchange maintenance margin requirements have been used by the Fund as the measure of its Value at Risk. Maintenance margin requirements are set by exchanges to equal or exceed the maximum losses reasonably expected to be incurred in the fair value of any given contract in 95% - 99% of any one-day interval. The maintenance margin levels are established by dealers and exchanges using historical price studies as well as an assessment of current market volatility and economic fundamentals to provide a probabilistic estimate of the maximum expected near-term one-day price fluctuation. Maintenance margin has been used rather than initial margin, because initial margin includes a credit risk component which is not relevant to Value at Risk.
In the case of market sensitive instruments which are not exchange-traded (which includes currencies and some energy products and metals in the case of the Fund), the margin requirements required by the forward counterparty is used as Value at Risk.
In quantifying the Fund's Value at Risk, 100% positive correlation in the different positions held in each market risk category has been assumed. Consequently, the margin requirements applicable to the open contracts have simply been aggregated to determine each trading category's aggregate Value at Risk. The diversification effects resulting from the fact that the Fund's positions are rarely, if ever, 100% positively correlated, have not been reflected.
Value at Risk as calculated herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by others.
The Fund’s Trading Value at Risk in Different Market Sectors
The following tables indicate the trading Value at Risk associated with the Fund's open positions by market category as of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. All open position trading risk exposures of the Fund have been included in calculating the figures set forth below. As of December 31, 2007, the Fund's total capitalization was $545,106,985. As of December 31, 2006, the Fund’s total capitalization was $504,060,093.
FISCAL YEAR 2007
| | | 2007 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2006 | |
| Market Sector | | Value at Risk | | | % of Total Capitalization | | | Value at Risk | | | % of Total Capitalization | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Agricultural Commodities | | $ | 9,269,647 | | | | 1.70 | % | | $ | 3,360,108 | | | | 0.67 | % |
| Currencies | | $ | 20,235,368 | | | | 3.71 | % | | $ | 41,858,070 | | | | 8.30 | % |
| Energy | | $ | 14,281,139 | | | | 2.62 | % | | $ | 8,864,330 | | | | 1.76 | % |
| Interest Rates | | $ | 16,934,317 | | | | 3.11 | % | | $ | 14,401,557 | | | | 2.86 | % |
| Metals | | $ | 10,337,905 | | | | 1.90 | % | | $ | 5,009,708 | | | | 0.99 | % |
| Stock Indices | | $ | 11,788,343 | | | | 2.16 | % | | $ | 27,654,490 | | | | 5.49 | % |
| Total | | $ | 82,846,719 | | | | 15.20 | % | | $ | 101,148,263 | | | | 20.07 | % |
Of the 3.81% return for the year ended December 31, 2007 for A Units, approximately 8.45% was due to trading gains (after commissions) and approximately 5.17% was due to interest income, offset by approximately 9.81% in performance fees, management fees, selling agent fees and operating costs borne by the Fund. Of the 5.69% return for the year ended December 31, 2007 for B Units, approximately 8.53% was due to trading gains (after commissions) and approximately 5.21% was due to interest income, offset by approximately 8.06% in performance fees, management fees, selling agent fees and operating costs borne by the Fund.
Material Limitations on Value at Risk as an Assessment of Market Risk.
The face value of the market sector instruments held by the Fund is typically many times the applicable maintenance margin requirement (maintenance margin requirements generally ranging between approximately 1% and 10% of contract face value) as well as many times the capitalization of the Fund. The magnitude of the Fund'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 the Fund to incur severe losses over a short period of time. The foregoing Value at Risk tables - as well as the past performance of the Fund - gives no indication of this "risk of ruin."
Non-Trading Risk
The Fund 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. The Fund also has non-trading market risk as a result of investing a substantial portion of its available assets in U.S. government sponsored securities and high grade commercial paper. The market risk represented by these investments is immaterial.
Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Primary Trading Risk Exposures.
The following qualitative disclosures regarding the Fund's market risk exposures - except for (i) those disclosures that are statements of historical fact and (ii) the descriptions of how the Fund manages its primary market risk exposures - constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. The Fund's primary market risk exposures as well as the strategies used and to be used by the Fund’s Trading Advisors for managing such exposures are subject to numerous uncertainties, contingencies and risks, any one of which could cause the actual results of the Fund'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 the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund's current market exposure and/or risk management strategies will not change materially or that any such strategies will be effective in either the short- or long-term. Investors must be prepared to lose all or substantially all of their investment in the Fund.
The following were the primary trading risk exposures of the Fund as of December 31, 2007, by market sector.
Agricultural
The Fund's agricultural exposure is primarily to soybeans, wheat, corn, coffee and cotton.
Currencies
Exchange rate risk is the principal market exposure of the Fund. The Fund's currency exposure is to exchange rate fluctuations, primarily fluctuations which 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. The Fund trades various currencies, including cross-rates - i.e., positions between two currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. The General Partner does not anticipate that the risk profile of the Fund's currency sector will change significantly in the future.
Energy
The Fund's primary energy market exposure is to gas and oil price movements, often resulting from political developments, ongoing conflicts or production interruptions in the Middle East and other oil producing nations. Crude oil, heating oil and unleaded gas are the dominant energy market exposures of the Fund. Oil and gas prices can be volatile and substantial profits and losses have been and are expected to continue to be experienced in this market.
Interest Rates
Interest rate risk is a significant market exposure of the Fund. Interest rate movements directly affect the price of the sovereign bond futures positions held by the Fund and indirectly 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 the Fund's profitability. The Fund's primary interest rate exposure is to interest rate fluctuations in the United States, Japan, Great Britain, the Economic Union, Sweden, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The General Partner anticipates that interest rates fluctuations will remain the primary market exposure of the Fund for the foreseeable future.
Metals
The Fund's metals market exposure is primarily to fluctuations in the price of aluminum, copper, gold, nickel and zinc.
Stock Indices
The Fund's primary equity exposure is to equity price risk in many countries other than the U.S. The stock index futures traded by the Fund are limited to futures on broadly based indices. The Fund is primarily exposed to the risk of adverse price trends or static markets in the major U.S., European and Japanese indices. (Static markets would not cause major market changes but would make it difficult for the Fund to avoid being "whipsawed" into numerous small losses.)
Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Non-Trading Risk Exposure.
The following were the only non-trading risk exposures of the Fund as of December 31, 2007.
Foreign Currency Balances
The Fund's primary foreign currency balances are in Euros, Japanese Yen, British Pounds, Australian Dollars, Hong Kong dollars and Canadian dollars. The Fund controls the non-trading risk of these balances by regularly converting these balances back into dollars (no less frequently than once a week).
U.S. Government and Government Sponsored Agency Securities and Commercial Paper Positions
The Fund utilizes UBS Financial Services, Inc. as its cash management securities broker for the investment of some margin excess amounts into short-term fixed income instruments including high grade commercial paper (interest bearing with some credit risk), U.S. government sponsored agency securities (interest bearing and credit risk free) with durations no longer than one year. In addition, U.S. government securities are held with Newedge Financial, Inc. Violent fluctuations in prevailing interest rates could cause immaterial mark-to-market losses on the Fund's short term investments; although substantially all of these short term investments are held to maturity.
Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Means of Managing Risk Exposure
The means by which the Fund and the Fund’s Trading Advisors, severally, attempt to manage the risk of the Fund's open positions is essentially the same in all market categories traded. The Fund’s Advisors apply risk management policies to their respective trading which generally limit the total exposure that may be taken. In addition, the Trading Advisors generally follow proprietary diversification guidelines (often formulated in terms of the balanced volatility between markets and correlated groups).
The Fund is unaware of any (i) anticipated known demands, commitments or capital expenditures; (ii) material trends, favorable or unfavorable, in its capital resources; or (iii) trends or uncertainties that will have a material effect on operations. From time to time, certain regulatory agencies have proposed increased margin requirements on futures contracts. Because the Fund generally will use a small percentage of assets as margin, the Fund does not believe that any increase in margin requirements, as proposed, will have a material effect on the Fund's operations.
ITEM 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Financial statements meeting the requirements of Regulation S-X appear in Part IV of this report. The supplementary financial information specified by Item 302 of Regulation S-K is included in this report under the heading "Selected Financial Data" above.
The supplementary financial information (“information about oil and gas producing activities”) specified by Item 302 of Regulation S-K is not applicable.
ITEM 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures.
The Board of Directors of Steben & Company, Inc., the General Partner for Futures Portfolio Fund, LP (“Fund”) has engaged McGladrey & Pullen, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fund for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. The auditor of the Fund for 2005 was Altschuler, Melvoin and Glasser LLP. On January 17, 2007, the General Partner was notified that a majority of the partners of Altschuler, Melvoin and Glasser LLP (AM&G) had become partners of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP and, as a consequence, that AM&G had resigned and would no longer be the auditor for the Fund. McGladrey & Pullen, LLP was appointed as the Fund’s new auditor.
ITEM 9A: Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of the management of the General Partner, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Fund evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13(a)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of December 31, 2007 (the “Evaluation Date”). Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable (not absolute) assurance that its objectives will be met. Furthermore, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Based upon our evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the General Partner concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that they are timely alerted to the material information relating to the Fund required to be included in the Fund’s periodic SEC filings.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The management of the General Partner is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting by the Fund.
The General Partner’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The Fund’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Fund; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures of the Fund are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management of the Fund; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Fund’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention of overriding controls. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2007, the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.
Management’s annual report was not subject to attestation by the Fund’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit the Fund to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no significant changes made in our internal controls during the most recently completed fiscal quarter or, to our knowledge, in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their last evaluation.
ITEM 9B: Other Information
None
ITEM 10: Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
10(a) and 10(b) Identification of Directors and Executive Officers
The Fund itself has no directors or officers and has no employees. It is managed by the General Partner in its capacity as General Partner. The Kenneth E. Steben Revocable Trust dated January 29, 2008 (“Trust”) is the sole shareholder of the General Partner and Mr. Kenneth E. Steben is the sole trustee and beneficiary of the Trust. The directors and executive officers of the General Partner are Kenneth E. Steben, Ahmed S. Hassanein, Michael D. Bulley, Barry R. Gainsburg, and Neil D. Menard.
Executive Officers
Kenneth E. Steben is the General Partner’s founder, President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director. Mr. Steben is registered with the CFTC as an associated person and with FINRA as a general securities principal. Mr. Steben, born in 1955, received his Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a concentration in Accounting in 1979 from Maharishi University of Management. Mr. Steben has been a licensed stockbroker since 1981 and a licensed commodities broker since 1983. From 1981 to 1989, Mr. Steben was, sequentially, a registered representative and associated person of Moseley Securities and Dean Witter, and a General Securities, Commodities, Municipal and Options Principal for Carey Jamison & Company. Mr. Steben founded Steben & Company, Inc. in 1989. He was a registered representative of H. Beck, Inc., a broker-dealer, until August 2002, at which time Steben & Company, Inc. became registered as a broker dealer. Mr. Steben holds his Series 3, 5, 7, 24, 63 and 65 FINRA and NFA licenses. Mr. Steben is a Member of the CPO/CTA Advisory Committee to the NFA. Mr. Steben has been a Principal, and an Associated Person since March 15, 1989 and is a General Securities Principal of Steben & Company, Inc.
Ahmed S. Hassanein, is Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and a Director. Mr. Hassanein, born in 1972, received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland at College Park in 1994 and his Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Marymount University in 2000. Prior to joining Steben & Company in April 2007, Mr. Hassanein served in a number of key positions at Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc., a financial services firm that provides investment banking, institutional brokerage and research, and asset management services in the United States and Europe, from March 1997 to March 2007. Most recently, Mr. Hassanein was Senior Vice President of the Asset Management Group where he was responsible for the oversight of all finance, accounting, operational and administration functions for the Alternative Asset, Mutual Fund and Private Wealth Groups which, on a combined basis, managed approximately $2.5 billion in assets. Prior to that, Mr. Hassanein was part of Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc.’s Principal Investing Group where he was responsible for the administration, marketing and investor relations of two commercial paper conduits with a combined program size of $17 billion. Before joining the Principal Investing Group, Mr. Hassanein spent over six years in Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc.'s Finance Group where he was an integral part of the firm’s Initial Public Offering in December 1997 and served in various capacities including Corporate Controller. From August 1994 to February 1997, Mr. Hassanein was an Audit Senior at Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. Hassanein is a Certified Public Accountant, holds his Series 7 and 63 FINRA licenses and is a registered representative and the Financial Operations Principal of Steben & Company.
Michael D. Bulley is Senior Vice President of Research and Risk Management, and a Director. Mr. Bulley, born in 1957, received his Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1980 and his Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Johns Hopkins University in 1998. Prior to joining Steben & Company in November 2002, Mr. Bulley was CEO of Adaptive Digital Technologies, Inc., a telecommunications digital signal processor software development company from October 2001 to December 2002. From April 1999 to October 2001, Mr. Bulley was Vice President, Telecommunications Technology for TriCapital Corporation, a boutique investment banking and venture capital firm. From January 1981 to April 1999, Mr. Bulley served in various management positions at telecommunications and satellite communications companies, including Motorola, Loral Advanced Technology Laboratory, GTE Spacenet, Comsat RSI and RSI (Tri-Point Global). Mr. Bulley was a staff instructor in financial modeling at Johns Hopkins School of Professional Studies in Business & Education on a part time basis from January 2000 until December 2005. Mr. Bulley holds his Series 3, 28 and 30 FINRA and NFA licenses. Mr. Bulley has been a Principal and an Associated Person of Steben & Company, Inc. since February 11, 2003 and January 18, 2003, respectively.
Barry R. Gainsburg is the General Partner’s General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. Mr. Gainsburg, born in 1968, received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University in 1990 and his Juris Doctorate from Hofstra Law School in 1993. Mr. Gainsburg joined Steben & Company, Inc. in November 2007 and became a registered Principal and Associated Person of the firm in December 2007. Prior to joining Steben & Company, Mr. Gainsburg was Director of Compliance at John W. Henry & Company, Inc., a commodity trading advisor and commodity pool operator, from March 2001 to November 2007, as well as its affiliates Westport Capital Management Corporation, Global Capital Management Limited and JWH Securities, Inc. From October 2000 through January 2001, Mr. Gainsburg was Director of Compliance for Sterling Financial Investment Group, Inc. From March 2000 to September 2000, Mr. Gainsburg was General Counsel and Director of Compliance at Colonial Direct Financial Group, Inc. From April 1999 to March 2000, Mr. Gainsburg was an attorney at Stein, Rosenberg & Winikoff, P.A., primarily engaged in securities related matters. From June 1996 to January 1999, Mr. Gainsburg was Corporate Counsel and Compliance Officer at Adams, Viner & Mosler Ltd./III Offshore Advisors. Mr. Gainsburg is admitted to practice law in the states of New York and Florida. Mr. Gainsburg holds his Series 3, 7, 24 and 63 NFA and FINRA licenses.
Neil D. Menard is Director of Sales and Marketing. Mr. Menard, born in 1967, graduated from Colby College in 1989 with a BA in political science. Prior to joining Steben & Company in July of 2006, Mr. Menard was the Director of Sales for Engagement Systems, LLC, a strategic outsource solution for independent financial advisors from October 2004 to June of 2006. From July 1997 to October 2004, Mr. Menard served in a number of key positions for SEI Investments. As the Managing Director of New Business Development, Mr. Menard created sales and selection systems for the new business development team and utilized these processes to select independent investment advisors for SEI. Previously, he served as an SEI regional director with responsibility for sales and marketing activities within the Registered Investment Advisor (“RIA”) market. He also collaborated with clients to develop business and marketing plans, consulted with RIAs on business issues, and worked extensively with individual and institutional investors. Mr. Menard holds his Series 3, 7, 24 and 63 FINRA and NFA licenses and is a General Securities Principal. Mr. Menard has been an Associated Person and a Principal of Steben & Company, Inc. since August 7, 2006 and July 6, 2007, respectively.
Since February 29, 2004, Steben & Company acts as general partner to another Maryland limited partnership. Sage Fund, L.P., whose units of limited partnership interest are not registered with the SEC. As of March 27, 2007, Steben & Company acts as the general partner of a Delaware limited partnership, Aspect Global Diversified Fund LP, whose units of limited partnership interest are pending registration with the SEC pursuant to a public offering which is anticipated to occur in the second quarter 2008. Because Steben & Company serves as the sole general partner of both of these funds, the officers and directors of Steben & Company effectively manage them as officers and directors of the respective funds.
(c) Identification of certain significant employees
The General Partner is dependent on the services of Mr. Steben and key management personnel. If Mr. Steben’s services became unavailable, another principal of the firm or a new principal (whose experience cannot be known at this time) will need to take charge of the General Partner.
(d) Family relationships
None.
(e) Business experience
See Item 10 (a) and (b) above.
(f) Involvement in certain legal proceedings
None.
(g) Promoters and control persons
Not applicable.
Section 16 (A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires that reports of beneficial ownership of limited partnership units and changes in such ownership be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Section 16 “reporting persons.” The Fund is required to disclose in this Annual Report on Form 10K each reporting person whom it knows to have failed to file any required reports under Section 16 on a timely basis during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, all reporting persons compiled with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them.
Code of Ethics
The General Partner on behalf of the Fund has adopted a code of ethics, as of the period covered by this report, which applies to the Fund’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the code of ethics is available without charge upon request by calling 240-631-9808.
ITEM 11: Executive Compensation
The Fund does not itself have any officers, directors or employees. The Fund pays management fees and performance fees to the General Partner, Steben & Company. The managing officers of Steben & Company are remunerated by Steben & Company in their respective positions. As compensation for its services in managing the Fund, the General Partner will receive a monthly management fee of 0.1625% of the month-end Net Assets of the Fund (1.95% annually). To the extent permitted by law, the General Partner may also participate in Selling Agent commissions. The General Partner pays the selling agent’s fee to the respective selling agent. If the selling agent’s fee is not paid to the selling agent, or the General Partner was the selling agent, such portion of the selling agents’ fee is retained by the General Partner.
In addition, the General Partner will receive an allocation pro rata from the other Partners of 1% of any increase (or decrease) in the Fund’s Net Assets, without regard to additions and withdrawals. In cases where the Selling Agent does not receive the continuing Selling Agent compensation as described herein, this fee will be retained by the General Partner.
The directors and managing officers receive no “other compensation” from the Fund. There are no compensation plans or arrangements relating to a change in control of either the Fund or Steben & Company.
ITEM 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
The Fund has no officers or directors. Its affairs are managed by its General Partner, Steben & Company, Inc. Set forth in the table below is information regarding the beneficial ownership of the officers of the Fund’s General Partner as of December 31, 2007. There are no securities authorized for issuance under an equity compensation plan.
(a) Security ownership of certain beneficial owners.
As of December 31, 2007, no person or “group” is known to have been the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Units.
All of the Fund’s general partner interest is held by the General Partner.
(b) Security ownership of management
As of December 31, 2007, Steben & Company did not own any Units. The principals of Steben & Company, owned a total of 34.50465 B Units, the value of which represents 0.0310% of the total value of the fund.
As of December 31, 2007, the directors, executive officers, and principals of the General Partner own beneficially Units as follows.
| Name | | Value of Unit | | | Percentage of Limited Partnership | |
| Kenneth E. Steben | | $ | 151,289 | | | | 0.0278 | % |
| Michael D. Bulley | | | 1,092 | | | | 0.0002 | % |
| Neil D. Menard | | | 16,384 | | | | 0.0030 | % |
| Total directors and executive officers of the General Partner as a group | | $ | 168,765 | | | | 0.0310 | % |
(c) Changes in Control.
None.
The Fund allocated to the General Partner $10,186,030 in monthly management fees and $7,375,387 in Selling Agent commissions for the year ended December 31, 2007. The General Partner in turn pays the Selling Agent commissions to the Selling Agents except for units for which it served as the Selling Agent or where there is currently no designated Selling Agent. The General Partners 1 percent allocation of income amounted to $250,318 for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The Fund will pay its accounting, audit, legal, administrative and offering expenses estimated at approximately .67% per year. However, if and to the extent these expenses (other than extraordinary costs, none of which are anticipated) exceed 1.0% of the Fund’s assets per calendar year, the General Partner will reimburse the Fund for such excess after the close of the applicable year. For the years ended December 31, 2007, and 2006, the Fund paid approximately $3,420,036 and $3,030,593 to the General Partner for these expenses.
For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, actual operating expenses exceeded (under) 1.0% of average month-end net assets of the Partnership by ($335,443) and $148,806, respectively. Additionally, for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the General Partner voluntarily paid $ 1,718,767 and $1,112,845, respectively, of operating expenses of the Partnership.
The Fund does not and will not make any loans to the General Partner, its affiliates, or their respective officers, directors or employees.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The following table sets forth the fees billed to the Fund for professional audit services provided by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accountant, for the audit of the Fund’s annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and fees billed for other professional services rendered by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP and RSM McGladrey, Inc. (an associated entity of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP) during those years.
| FEE CATEGORY | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | |
Audit Fees(1) | | $ | 172,000 | | | $ | 75,000 | |
| Audit-Related Fees | | | - | | | | - | |
Tax Fees(2) | | | 41,000 | | | | 40,000 | |
| All Other Fees | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| TOTAL FEES | | $ | 213,000 | | | $ | 115,000 | |
_________
| (1) | Audit fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for the audit of the Fund’s financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Fund’s quarterly reports, as well as services normally provided by the independent accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. |
| (2) | Tax fees consist of compliance fees for the preparation of original tax returns. |
The Audit Committee of the Fund’s general partner, Steben & Company pre-approves all audit and permitted non-audit services of the Fund’s independent accountants, including all engagement fees and terms. The Audit Committee of Steben & Company approved all the services provided by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP and RSM McGladrey, Inc. (collectively “McGladrey”) during 2007 and 2006 to the Fund described above. The Audit Committee has determined that the payments made to McGladrey for these services during 2007 and 2006 are compatible with maintaining that firm’s independence.
ITEM 15: Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)(1) Financial Statements
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
The following are included with the 2007, 2006, and 2005 Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms, a copy of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 13.01.
Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2007 and 2006
Condensed Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2007 and 2006
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Statements of Changes in Partner’s Capital for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Notes to Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Partners of
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition, including the condensed schedules of investments, of Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”), as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related statements of operations, cash flows, and changes in partners’ capital (net asset value) for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations, cash flows, and changes in partners’ capital (net asset value) for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We were not engaged to examine management’s assertion about the effectiveness of Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion thereon.
/s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 20, 2008
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Partners of
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
We have audited the accompanying statements of operations, cash flows and changes in partners’ capital (net asset value) for the year ended December 31, 2005 of Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects the results of operations, cash flows and changes in partners’ capital of Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2005 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Altschuler, Melvoin and Glasser LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 21, 2006
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Statements of Financial Condition
| December 31, 2007 and 2006 |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Assets | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Equity in broker trading accounts | | | | | | |
| Cash | | $ | 61,033,411 | | | $ | 114,555,783 | |
| Interest receivable | | | 239,155 | | | | 668,446 | |
| Net unrealized gain on open futures contracts | | | 31,261,259 | | | | 16,301,679 | |
| Deposits with brokers | | | 92,533,825 | | | | 131,525,908 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | | 24,504,401 | | | | 55,063,952 | |
Commercial paper (cost - $ 392,780,866 and $186,966,935) | | | 396,351,403 | | | | 189,632,965 | |
United States government and government sponsored agency securities (cost - $ 48,771,500 and $132,721,765) | | | 49,838,000 | | | | 135,581,067 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Net unrealized gain (loss) on open forward currency contracts | | | (973,940 | ) | | | 13,344,592 | |
| Total assets | | $ | 562,253,689 | | | $ | 525,148,484 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Accounts payable — General Partner | | $ | 888,469 | | | $ | 725,166 | |
| Commissions and other trading fees on open contracts | | | 99,972 | | | | 133,220 | |
| General Partner management fee | | | 896,247 | | | | 827,470 | |
| General Partner 1 percent allocation | | | 250,318 | | | | 347,793 | |
| Advisor management fees | | | 1,353,970 | | | | 1,809,601 | |
| Advisor incentive fees | | | 4,301,628 | | | | 1,652,466 | |
| Selling agents’ fee | | | 646,034 | | | | 607,065 | |
| Redemptions payable | | | 4,753,938 | | | | 8,411,042 | |
| Subscriptions received in advance | | | 3,956,128 | | | | 6,574,568 | |
| Total liabilities | | | 17,146,704 | | | | 21,088,391 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Partners' Capital (Net Asset Value) | | | | | | | | |
| Class A Interests - 94,188.7078 and 91,632.3257 units outstanding at December 31, 2007 and 2006 | | | 364,289,314 | | | | 341,384,123 | |
| Class B Interests - 36,968.6171 and 35,151.8276 units outstanding at December 31, 2007 and 2006 | | | 180,817,671 | | | | 162,675,970 | |
| Total partners' capital (net asset value) | | | 545,106,985 | | | | 504,060,093 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total liabilities and partners' capital | | $ | 562,253,689 | | | $ | 525,148,484 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Condensed Schedule of Investments
United States Government Securities
| Face Value | | Maturity Date | Description | | Value | | | % of Net Asset Value | |
| $ | 10,000,000 | | 01/24/08 | US Treasury Bill, 4.860% | | $ | 9,967,600 | | | | 1.83 | % |
| | 8,000,000 | | 01/24/08 | US Treasury Bill, 4.860% | | | 7,974,080 | | | | 1.46 | % |
| | 32,000,000 | | 01/24/08 | US Treasury Bill, 4.860% | | | 31,896,320 | | | | 5.85 | % |
| | | | | Total United States government securities * (cost - $48,771,500) | | $ | 49,838,000 | | | | 9.14 | % |
| Face Value | | Maturity Date | Description | | Value | | | % of Net Asset Value | |
| $ | 35,180,000 | | 01/10/08 | UBS Finance Delaware Llc, 5.19% | | $ | 35,134,354 | | | | 6.45 | % |
| | 26,083,000 | | 01/14/08 | Societe Generale N Amer, 5.175% | | | 26,034,257 | | | | 4.78 | % |
| | 26,714,000 | | 03/13/08 | HSBC Finance Corp, 4.91% | | | 26,451,669 | | | | 4.85 | % |
| | 22,533,000 | | 04/17/08 | Calyon North America Inc, 4.705% | | | 22,217,892 | | | | 4.08 | % |
| | 45,000,000 | | 04/24/08 | Bank Of America Corp, 4.65% | | | 44,337,375 | | | | 8.13 | % |
| | 45,195,000 | | 04/28/08 | Morgan Stanley, 4.91% | | | 44,467,637 | | | | 8.16 | % |
| | 20,456,000 | | 05/01/08 | Citigroup Funding Inc, 4.58% | | | 20,141,103 | | | | 3.69 | % |
| | 30,655,000 | | 05/01/08 | General Elec Cap Corp, 4.47% | | | 30,194,434 | | | | 5.54 | % |
| | 11,000,000 | | 05/01/08 | UBS Finance Delaware Llc, 4.54% | | | 10,832,146 | | | | 1.99 | % |
| | 17,990,000 | | 05/07/08 | HSBC Finance Corp, 4.43% | | | 17,708,851 | | | | 3.25 | % |
| | 15,264,000 | | 05/07/08 | Societe Generale N Amer, 4.54% | | | 15,019,530 | | | | 2.76 | % |
| | 43,035,000 | | 06/05/08 | Merrill Lynch & Co, 4.89% | | | 42,123,088 | | | | 7.73 | % |
| | 15,000,000 | | 06/09/08 | General Elec Cap Corp, 4.53% | | | 14,698,000 | | | | 2.70 | % |
| | 23,000,000 | | 06/10/08 | Calyon North America Inc, 4.7% | | | 22,516,553 | | | | 4.13 | % |
| | 25,000,000 | | 06/10/08 | Credit Suisse New York, 4.7% | | | 24,474,514 | | | | 4.49 | % |
| | | | | Total commercial paper (cost - $392,780,866) | | $ | 396,351,403 | | | | 72.73 | % |
| | | Description | | Unrealized gain (loss) on open long contracts | | | % of Net Asset Value | |
| | | Agricultural | | $ | 12,384,858 | | | | 2.27 | % |
| | | Currency | | | (509,514 | ) | | | (0.09 | %) |
| | | Energy | | | 9,308,530 | | | | 1.71 | % |
| | | Interest Rate | | | 5,952,412 | | | | 1.09 | % |
| | | Metal | | | 1,156,795 | | | | 0.21 | % |
| | | Stock Index | | | 183,977 | | | | 0.03 | % |
| | | Total long futures contracts | | $ | 28,477,058 | | | | 5.22 | % |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Condensed Schedule of Investments
Short Futures Contracts**
| | | Description | | Unrealized gain (loss) on open short contracts | | | % of Net Asset Value | |
| | Agricultural | | $ | (92,135 | ) | | | (0.02 | %) |
| | | Currency | | | (888,121 | ) | | | (0.16 | %) |
| | | Energy | | | (1,899,737 | ) | | | (0.35 | %) |
| | | Interest Rate | | | 699,401 | | | | 0.13 | % |
| | | Metal | | | 4,059,755 | | | | 0.74 | % |
| | | Stock Index | | | 905,038 | | | | 0.17 | % |
| | | Total short futures contracts | | $ | 2,784,201 | | | | 0.51 | % |
| | | Total futures contracts | | $ | 31,261,259 | | | | 5.73 | % |
Forward Currency Contracts**
| | | Description | | Unrealized gain (loss) on open long/short contracts | | | % of Net Asset Value | |
| | | Long forward currency contracts | | $ | (1,814,218 | ) | | | (0.33 | %) |
| | | Short forward currency contracts | | | 840,278 | | | | 0.15 | % |
| | | Total forward currency contracts | | $ | (973,940 | ) | | | (0.18 | %) |
* Pledged as collateral for the trading of futures and options on futures contracts.
** No individual futures and forward contract position constituted greater than 1 percent of net asset value. Accordingly, the number of contracts and expiration dates are not presented.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Condensed Schedule of Investments
United States Government Sponsored Agency Securities
Face Value | | Maturity Date | Description | | Value | | | % of Net Asset Value | |
| $ | 40,000,000 | | 01/10/07 | Fannie Mae Discount Note, zero coupon | | $ | 39,941,833 | | | | 7.92 | % |
| | 40,000,000 | | 01/23/07 | Freddie Mac Discount Note, zero coupon | | | 39,866,345 | | | | 7.91 | % |
| | 35,116,000 | | 02/07/07 | Fannie Mae Discount Note, zero coupon | | | 34,923,623 | | | | 6.93 | % |
| | 21,025,000 | | 02/28/07 | Fannie Mae Discount Note, zero coupon | | | 20,849,266 | | | | 4.14 | % |
| | | | | Total United States government sponsored agency securities (cost - $132,721,765) | | $ | 135,581,067 | | | | 26.90 | % |
Face Value | | Maturity Date | Description | | Value | | | % of Net Asset Value | |
| $ | 33,363,000 | | 01/11/07 | UBS Finance Delaware LLC, 5.29% | | $ | 33,309,123 | | | | 6.61 | % |
| | 15,000,000 | | 01/16/07 | Societe Generale N Amer, 5.28% | | | 14,964,800 | | | | 2.97 | % |
| | 35,000,000 | | 01/25/07 | Credit Suisse Fb USA Inc, 5.32% | | | 34,870,694 | | | | 6.92 | % |
| | 40,645,000 | | 02/07/07 | Daimlerchrysler Na Hldg, 5.34% | | | 40,415,898 | | | | 8.02 | % |
| | 26,208,000 | | 02/22/07 | Societe Generale N Amer, 5.17% | | | 26,008,521 | | | | 5.16 | % |
| | 20,446,000 | | 05/21/07 | General Elec Cap Corp, 5.17% | | | 20,031,986 | | | | 3.97 | % |
| | 20,488,000 | | 06/04/07 | Bank of America Corp, 5.17% | | | 20,031,943 | | | | 3.97 | % |
| | | | | Total commercial paper (cost - $186,966,935) | | $ | 189,632,965 | | | | 37.62 | % |
| | | Description | | Unrealized gain (loss) on open long contracts | | | % of Net Asset Value | |
| | | Agricultural | | $ | 929,873 | | | | 0.18 | % |
| | | Currency | | | (3,973 | ) | | | 0.00 | % |
| | | Energy | | | (2,281,709 | ) | | | (0.45 | %) |
| | | Interest Rate | | | (1,322,155 | ) | | | (0.26 | %) |
| | | Metal | | | 1,983,883 | | | | 0.39 | % |
| | | Stock Index | | | 5,984,921 | | | | 1.19 | % |
| | | Total long futures contracts | | $ | 5,290,840 | | | | 1.05 | % |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Condensed Schedule of Investments
Short Futures Contracts
| | | Description | | Unrealized gain (loss) on open short contracts | | | % of Net Asset Value | |
| | | Agricultural | | $ | 71,994 | | | | 0.01 | % |
| | | Currency | | | 94,425 | | | | 0.02 | % |
| | | Energy | | | 3,624,770 | | | | 0.72 | % |
| | | Interest Rate | | | 7,782,306 | | | | 1.54 | % |
| | | Metal | | | (560,509 | ) | | | (0.11 | %) |
| | | Stock Index | | | (2,147 | ) | | | 0.00 | % |
| | | Total short futures contracts | | $ | 11,010,839 | | | | 2.18 | % |
| | | Total futures contracts | | $ | 16,301,679 | | | | 3.23 | % |
Forward Currency Contracts
| | | Description | | Unrealized gain (loss) on open long/short contracts | | | % of Net Asset Value | |
| | | Long forward currency contracts | | $ | (1,270,471 | ) | | | (0.25 | %) |
| | | Short forward currency contracts | | | | | | | | |
| | | United States Dollar – 03/21/07 | | | 6,310,208 | | | | 1.25 | % |
| | | United States Dollar – 03/22/07 | | | 5,506,273 | | | | 1.09 | % |
| | | Other | | | 2,817,481 | | | | 0.56 | % |
| | | Total short forward currency contracts | | | 14,633,962 | | | | 2.90 | % |
| | | Pending option premiums | | | (18,899 | ) | | | 0.00 | % |
| | | Total forward currency contracts | | $ | 13,344,592 | | | | 2.65 | % |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Statements of Operations
| Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Trading Gains | | | | | | | | | |
| Net realized gains | | $ | 47,377,804 | | | $ | 18,594,300 | | | $ | 34,349,531 | |
| Change in unrealized gains | | | 641,048 | | | | 27,906,017 | | | | (4,949,127 | ) |
| Brokerage commissions | | | (2,283,456 | ) | | | (1,715,388 | ) | | | (1,551,942 | ) |
| Net gains from trading | | | 45,735,396 | | | | 44,784,929 | | | | 27,848,462 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Investment Loss | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest income | | | 26,770,478 | | | | 22,657,865 | | | | 10,397,655 | |
| Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| General Partner management fee | | | 10,186,030 | | | | 8,822,422 | | | | 6,106,364 | |
| General Partner 1 percent allocation | | | 250,318 | | | | 347,793 | | | | 127,493 | |
| Advisor management fees | | | 9,712,368 | | | | 8,858,211 | | | | 5,730,444 | |
| Advisor incentive fee | | | 16,604,111 | | | | 4,989,571 | | | | 6,384,615 | |
| Selling agents’ fee | | | 7,375,387 | | | | 6,385,159 | | | | 4,727,082 | |
| Operating expenses | | | 4,979,458 | | | | 4,869,769 | | | | 4,120,404 | |
| Total expenses | | | 49,107,672 | | | | 34,272,925 | | | | 27,196,402 | |
| Operating expenses waived | | | (1,383,324 | ) | | | (1,261,651 | ) | | | (1,572,128 | ) |
| Net total expenses | | | 47,724,348 | | | | 33,011,274 | | | | 25,624,274 | |
| Net investment loss | | | (20,953,870 | ) | | | (10,353,409 | ) | | | (15,226,619 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Income | | $ | 24,781,526 | | | $ | 34,431,520 | | | $ | 12,621,843 | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
| | | Class A | | | Class B | | | Class A | | | Class B | | | Class A | | | Class B | |
| Increase in Net Asset Value Per Unit | | $ | 142.06 | | | $ | 263.30 | | | $ | 236.46 | | | $ | 370.78 | | | $ | 59.54 | | | $ | 146.60 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Statements of Cash Flows
| Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash flows from (for) operating activities | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | 24,781,526 | | | $ | 34,431,520 | | | $ | 12,621,843 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash for operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net change in unrealized gains | | | (641,048 | ) | | | (27,906,017 | ) | | | 4,949,127 | |
| Decrease in interest receivable | | | 429,291 | | | | 26,925 | | | | (695,371 | ) |
| Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses | | | 2,431,332 | | | | (78,769 | ) | | | 3,479,185 | |
| Increase in General Partner 1 percent allocation | | | (97,475 | ) | | | 198,477 | | | | 127,494 | |
| Net purchases of commercial paper | | | (206,718,438 | ) | | | (64,911,649 | ) | | | (124,721,316 | ) |
| Net proceeds (purchases) of investments in United States government and government sponsored agency securities | | | 85,743,067 | | | | (115,749,956 | ) | | | 26,105,384 | |
| Net cash for operating activities | | | (94,071,745 | ) | | | (173,989,469 | ) | | | (78,133,654 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash flows from (for) financing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Additions of units | | | 86,364,306 | | | | 152,284,070 | | | | 141,771,582 | |
| Subscriptions received in advance | | | 3,956,128 | | | | 6,574,568 | | | | 15,743,538 | |
| Redemption of units | | | (80,330,612 | ) | | | (68,706,788 | ) | | | (37,274,985 | ) |
| Net cash from financing activities | | | 9,989,822 | | | | 90,151,850 | | | | 120,240,135 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | | (84,081,923 | ) | | | (83,837,619 | ) | | | 42,106,481 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of year | | | 169,619,735 | | | | 253,457,354 | | | | 211,350,873 | |
| End of year | | $ | 85,537,812 | | | $ | 169,619,735 | | | $ | 253,457,354 | |
| End of year cash and cash equivalents consists of: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash in broker trading accounts | | $ | 61,033,411 | | | $ | 114,555,783 | | | $ | 198,497,253 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | | 24,504,401 | | | | 55,063,952 | | | | 54,960,101 | |
| Total end of year cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 85,537,812 | | | $ | 169,619,735 | | | $ | 253,457,354 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital (Net Asset Value)
| Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
| | | Class A Interests | | | Class B Interests | | | | |
| | | Units | | | Value | | | Units | | | Value | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at December 31, 2004 | | | 56,716.3746 | | | $ | 194,513,666 | | | | 14,666.9737 | | | $ | 60,287,591 | | | $ | 254,801,257 | |
| Net income | | | | | | | 7,206,949 | | | | | | | | 5,414,894 | | | | 12,621,843 | |
| Additions | | | 27,524.1876 | | | | 90,751,374 | | | | 14,128.3246 | | | | 56,326,876 | | | | 147,078,250 | |
| Redemptions | | | (8,412.2820 | ) | | | (27,910,430 | ) | | | (2,536.4068 | ) | | | (10,198,807 | ) | | | (38,109,237 | ) |
| Transfers | | | (449.6833 | ) | | | (1,556,125 | ) | | | 376.2402 | | | | 1,556,125 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at December 31, 2005 | | | 75,378.5969 | | | $ | 263,005,434 | | | | 26,635.1317 | | | $ | 113,386,679 | | | $ | 376,392,113 | |
| Net income | | | | | | | 21,442,103 | | | | | | | | 12,989,417 | | | | 34,431,520 | |
| Additions | | | 30,279.5071 | | | | 106,165,077 | | | | 14,353.8625 | | | | 61,862,531 | | | | 168,027,608 | |
| Redemptions | | | (13,508.4970 | ) | | | (47,448,810 | ) | | | (6,255.2669 | ) | | | (27,342,338 | ) | | | (74,791,148 | ) |
| Transfers | | | (517.2813 | ) | | | (1,779,681 | ) | | | 418.1003 | | | | 1,779,681 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at December 31, 2006 | | | 91,632.3257 | | | $ | 341,384,123 | | | | 35,151.8276 | | | $ | 162,675,970 | | | $ | 504,060,093 | |
| Net income | | | | | | | 14,481,809 | | | | | | | | 10,299,717 | | | | 24,781,526 | |
| Additions | | | 16,692.1516 | | | | 61,337,528 | | | | 6,911.4374 | | | | 31,601,346 | | | | 92,938,874 | |
| Redemptions | | | (13,602.7165 | ) | | | (50,952,284 | ) | | | (5,520.7112 | ) | | | (25,721,224 | ) | | | (76,673,508 | ) |
| Transfers | | | (533.0530 | ) | | | (1,961,862 | ) | | | 426.0633 | | | | 1,961,862 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at December 31, 2007 | | | 94,188.7078 | | | $ | 364,289,314 | | | | 36,968.6171 | | | $ | 180,817,671 | | | $ | 545,106,985 | |
| Net Asset Value Per Unit | |
| December 31, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | | | December 31, 2004 | |
| Class A | | | Class B | | | Class A | | | Class B | | | Class A | | | Class B | | | Class A | | | Class B | |
| $ | 3,867.65 | | | $ | 4,891.11 | | | $ | 3,725.59 | | | $ | 4,627.81 | | | $ | 3,489.13 | | | $ | 4,257.03 | | | $ | 3,429.59 | | | $ | 4,110.43 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements
| Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
| Note 1: | ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
General Description of the Partnership:
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”) is a Maryland limited partnership which operates as a commodity investment pool. The Partnership utilizes professional trading advisors to engage in the trading of futures contracts, forward currency contracts, and other financial instruments.
The Fund will automatically terminate on December 31, 2025, unless terminated earlier as provided in the Limited Partnership Agreement.
Regulation:
The Partnership is a registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”). As a registrant, the Partnership is subject to the regulations of the SEC and the informational requirements of the Act. As a commodity pool, the Partnership is subject to the regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, 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 commodity exchanges where the Partnership executes transactions. Additionally, the Partnership is subject to the requirements of Futures Commission Merchants (brokers) and interbank market makers through which the Partnership trades.
Classes of Interests:
The Partnership has two classes of limited partnership interests (“Interests”), Class A and Class B. The General Partner may offer additional classes at its discretion. Both Class A and Class B Interests are traded pursuant to identical trading programs and differ only in respect to the selling agents’ fees. Class B Interests are issued only at the General Partner’s discretion and are generally intended for investors who are participating in fee based investment advisory programs. All items of income or loss, except for the selling agents’ fees, are allocated pro rata between Class A and Class B Interests. The selling agents’ fees applicable to each class of Interest are then charged to each class. All items of income or loss allocated to each class of Interest are then allocated pro rata to each Limited Partner within each class. For purposes of both financial reporting and calculation of redemption value, net asset value per Class A or Class B unit is calculated by dividing the net asset value of Class A or Class B by the number or outstanding units of Class A or Class B.
Significant accounting policies are as follows:
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements
| Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
Revenue Recognition:
Futures options on futures and forward contracts are recorded on a trade date basis, and gains or losses are realized when contracts are liquidated. Unrealized gains and losses on open contracts (the difference between contract trade price and market price) are reported in the statement of financial condition as a net gain or loss, as there exists a right of offset of unrealized gains or losses in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 39 – Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts. Any change in net unrealized gain or loss from the preceding period is reported in the statement of operations. The market value of non-exchange traded contracts is based on third-party quoted dealer values on the inter-bank market. United States government and government sponsored agency securities and commercial paper are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition that are not held for sale in the normal course of business. The Partnership is at risk to the extent that it maintains balances with such institutions in excess of insured limits.
Brokerage Commissions:
Brokerage commissions include other trading fees and are charged to expense when contracts are opened.
Redemption Payable:
Redemptions payable represent redemptions approved by the General Partner prior to period end, including those that are not effective until subsequent periods. These redemptions have been recorded using the period end net asset value per unit in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.
Income Taxes:
The Partnership prepares calendar year U.S. and applicable state information tax returns. The Partnership is not subject to federal income taxes as each partner is individually liable for his or her allocable share of the Partnership’s income, expenses and trading gains or losses. The Partnership, however, may be required to file returns in various state and local jurisdictions as a result of its operations or the residency of its partners.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
The fair value of the Partnership’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments, approximates the carrying amounts presented in the statements of financial condition.
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 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 as part of trading gains.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements
| Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurement. SFAS No. 157 also emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and sets out a fair value hierarchy with the highest priority being quoted prices in active markets. Under SFAS No. 157, fair value measurements are disclosed by level within that hierarchy. This Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Subsequent to December 31, 2007, the Partnership adopted SFAS No. 157 and concluded that SFAS No. 157 will not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements:
In January 2007, the Partnership adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“Fin 48”). This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements. FIN 48 requires companies to determine whether it is “more likely than not” that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on the recognition, measurement and classification of income tax uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties. Adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material effect on the Partnership’s financial position or results of operations.
The General Partner of the Partnership is Steben & Company, Inc., which conducts and manages the business of the Partnership. During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the General Partner did not maintain a capital balance in the Partnership; however, the sole shareholder of the General Partner has an investment in Class B Interests of the Partnership.
During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the General Partner received the following compensation:
| | · | Class A Interests paid a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.95 percent (1.95 percent per annum) of the net asset value of the Class A Interests as of the last day of each month. |
| | · | Class A Interests paid a monthly selling agents’ fee equal to 1/12 of 2 percent (2 percent per annum) of the net asset value of the Class A Interests as of the last day of each month. The General Partner, in turn, pays the selling agents’ fees to the respective selling agents. If the selling agents’ fees are not paid to the selling agent, or the General Partner was the selling agent, such portions of the selling agents’ fees are retained by the General Partner. |
| | · | Class B Interests paid a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.95 percent (1.95 percent per annum) of the net asset value of the Class B Interests as of the last day of each month. |
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements
| Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
| | · | Class B Interests paid a monthly selling agents’ fee equal to 1/12 of .20 percent (.20 percent per annum) of the net asset value of the Class B Interests as of the last day of each month. The General Partner, in turn, pays the selling agents’ fees to the respective selling agents. If the selling agents’ fees are not paid to the selling agent, or the General Partner was the selling agent, such portions of the selling agents’ fees are retained by the General Partner. |
Pursuant to the terms of the Limited Partnership Agreement, the General Partner receives 1 percent of any increase or decrease in the Partnership’s net assets. Such amount is reflected as the General Partner 1 percent allocation in the statement of financial condition and the statement of operations.
| Note 3: | COMMODITY TRADING ADVISORS |
The Partnership has Advisory Agreements with various commodity trading advisors, pursuant to which the Partnership pays each commodity trading advisor a monthly or quarterly management fee equal to 1 percent or 2 percent per annum of allocated net assets (as separately defined in each respective Advisory Agreement) and a quarterly or annual incentive fee equal to 20 percent, 25 percent or 30 percent of net new Trading Profits (as separately defined in each respective Advisory Agreement).
| Note 4: | DEPOSITS WITH BROKERS |
The Partnership deposits funds with brokers, subject to Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulations and various exchange and broker requirements. Margin requirements are satisfied by the deposit of cash with such brokers. The Partnership earns interest income on its assets deposited with the brokers.
| Note 5: | OPERATING EXPENSES |
The Partnership is responsible for all of its operating expenses such as accounting, audit, legal, administrative, marketing and offering expenses. Operating expenses also include salary and administrative costs incurred by the General Partner relating to marketing and administration of the Partnership, such as salaries and commissions of General Partner marketing personnel, and administrative employee salaries and related costs. Pursuant to the terms of the Limited Partnership Agreement, operating expenses that exceed 1 percent of the average month-end net assets of the Partnership are the responsibility of the General Partner. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, actual operating expenses exceeded (were below) 1 percent (pro rated operating expense limitation) of average month-end net assets of the Partnership by ($335,443), $148,806, and $1,047,482, respectively, with such amounts included in operating expenses waived in the statement of operations. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the General Partner voluntarily paid $1,718,767, $1,112,845, and $524,646, respectively, of operating expenses of the Partnership, with such amounts also included in operating expenses waived in the statement of operations. As of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, $888,469, $725,166, and $533,744, respectively, were payable to the General Partner for such operating expenses not waived by the General Partner incurred on behalf on the Partnership. Such amounts are presented as accounts payable in the statements of financial condition.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements
| Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
| Note 6: | SUBSCRIPTIONS, DISTRIBUTIONS, AND REDEMPTIONS |
Investments in the Partnership are made by subscription agreement, subject to acceptance by the General Partner. Units are sold at the net asset value per Class A or Class B unit as of the close of business on the last day of the month in which the subscription is accepted. Investors whose subscriptions are accepted are admitted as Limited Partners as of the beginning of the month following the month in which their subscriptions were accepted. At December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Partnership had received subscriptions of $3,956,128, $6,574,568 and $15,743,538, respectively, which were additions to the Partnership effective January 1, 2008, January 1, 2007 and January 1, 2006, respectively.
The Partnership is not required to make distributions, but may do so at the sole discretion of the General Partner. A Limited Partner may request and receive redemption of Class A or Class B units owned at the end of any month, subject to 15 days written notice to the General Partner and restrictions in the Limited Partnership Agreement. The Partnership may delay redemption payments if special circumstances require as described in the Limited Partnership Agreement.
The General Partner may require a limited partner to redeem from the Partnership if the General Partner deems the redemption (a) necessary to prevent or correct the occurrence of a nonexempt prohibited transaction (see SA-4, “Investment by Employee Benefit Plans”) under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or (b) beneficial to the Partnership or (c) necessary to comply state, federal, or other self-regulatory organization regulations.
| Note 7: | TRADING ACTIVITIES AND RELATED RISKS |
The Partnership engages in the speculative trading of U.S. and foreign futures contracts and forward currency contracts (collectively, “derivatives”). 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.
Purchase and sale of futures contracts requires margin deposits with the brokers. Additional deposits may be necessary for any loss on contract value. The Commodity Exchange Act requires a broker to segregate all customer transactions and assets from such broker’s proprietary activities. A customer’s cash and other property (for example, U.S. Treasury Bills) deposited with a broker are considered commingled with all other customer funds subject to the broker’s segregation requirements. In the event of a broker’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 total cash and other property deposited.
The Partnership trades forward currency contracts in unregulated markets between principals and assumes the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. Accordingly, the risks associated with forward currency contracts are generally greater than those associated with exchange traded contracts because of the greater risk of counterparty default. Additionally, the trading of forward currency contracts typically involves delayed cash settlement.
The Partnership has a substantial portion of its assets on deposit with interbank market makers and other financial institutions in connection with its trading of forward currency contracts and its cash management activities. In the event of an interbank market maker’s or financial institution’s insolvency, recovery of Partnership assets on deposit may be limited to account insurance or other protection afforded such deposits.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements
| Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
The Partnership utilizes UBS Financial Services, Inc. as its cash management securities broker for the investment of some margin excess amounts into short-term fixed income instruments including high grade commercial paper (interest bearing with some credit risk), U.S. government and government sponsored agency securities (interest bearing and credit risk free) with durations no longer than one year. In addition, U.S. government securities are held with Newedge Financial, Inc. The Partnership invests in certain commercial paper issued by an affiliate of UBS Financial Services, Inc. Fluctuations in prevailing interest rates could cause immaterial market-to-market losses on the Partnership’s Treasury Bills, although substantially all of the short-term investments are held to maturity.
For derivatives, risks arise from changes in the market value of the contracts. Theoretically, the Partnership is exposed to a market risk equal to the notional contract value of futures and forward currency contracts purchased and unlimited liability on such contracts sold short.
The unrealized gain (loss) on open futures and forward currency contracts is comprised of the following:
| | | Futures Contracts (exchange traded) | | | Forward Currency Contracts (non-exchange traded) | |
| | | December 31, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | | | December 31, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | |
| Gross unrealized gains | | $ | 41,301,339 | | | $ | 24,068,514 | | | $ | 16,127,549 | | | $ | 1,944,903 | | | $ | 21,807,092 | | | $ | 8,821,813 | |
| Gross unrealized losses | | | (10,040,080 | ) | | | (7,766,835 | ) | | | (7,437,973 | ) | | | (2,918,843 | ) | | | (8,462,500 | ) | | | (15,771,135 | ) |
| Net unrealized gain (loss) | | $ | 31,261,259 | | | $ | 16,301,679 | | | $ | 8,689,576 | | | $ | (973,940 | ) | | $ | 13,344,592 | | | $ | (6,949,322 | ) |
The General Partner has established procedures to actively monitor market risk and minimize credit risk, although there can be no assurance that it will, in fact, succeed in doing so. The Limited Partners bear the risk of loss only to the extent of the market value of their respective investments and, in certain specific circumstances, distributions and redemptions received.
In the normal course of business, the Partnership may enter 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 cannot be estimated. However, the Partnership believes that it is unlikely it will have to make material payments under these arrangements and has not recorded any continent liability in the financial statements for such indemnifications.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements
| Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
| Note 9: | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
The following information presents per unit operating performance data and other supplemental financial data for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements.
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
| | | Class A | | | Class B | | | Class A | | | Class B | | | Class A | | | Class B | |
| | | Interests | | | Interests | | | Interests | | | Interests | | | Interests | | | Interests | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Per Unit Performance (for a unit outstanding throughout the entire year) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net asset value per unit at beginning of year | | $ | 3,725.59 | | | $ | 4,627.81 | | | $ | 3,489.13 | | | $ | 4,257.03 | | | $ | 3,429.59 | | | $ | 4,110.43 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income from operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain from trading (1) | | | 314.98 | | | | 395.22 | | | | 340.44 | | | | 418.38 | | | | 242.28 | | | | 294.60 | |
Net investment loss (1) | | | (172.92 | ) | | | (131.92 | ) | | | (103.98 | ) | | | (47.60 | ) | | | (182.74 | ) | | | (148.00 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total income from operations | | | 142.06 | | | | 263.30 | | | | 236.46 | | | | 370.78 | | | | 59.54 | | | | 146.60 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net asset value per unit at end of year | | $ | 3,867.65 | | | $ | 4,891.11 | | | $ | 3,725.59 | | | $ | 4,627.81 | | | $ | 3,489.13 | | | $ | 4,257.03 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total Return | | | 3.81 | % | | | 5.69 | % | | | 6.78 | % | | | 8.71 | % | | | 1.74 | % | | | 3.57 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Supplemental data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ratios to average net asset value: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses prior to advisor incentive fees (2), (3) | | | 6.65 | % | | | 4.83 | % | | | 6.96 | % | | | 5.16 | % | | | 6.78 | % | | | 5.02 | % |
| Advisor incentive fees | | | 3.24 | % | | | 3.22 | % | | | 1.14 | % | | | 1.12 | % | | | 2.09 | % | | | 2.10 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total expenses | | | 9.89 | % | | | 8.05 | % | | | 8.10 | % | | | 6.28 | % | | | 8.87 | % | | | 7.12 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (2), (3) | | | (4.68 | %) | | | (2.85 | %) | | | (2.96 | %) | | | (1.10 | %) | | | (5.48 | %) | | | (3.66 | %) |
Total returns are calculated based on the change in value of a Class A or Class B unit during the year. An individual partner’s total returns and ratios may vary from the above total returns and ratios based on the timing of additions and redemptions.
Futures Portfolio Fund, Limited Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements
| Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
(1) The net investment loss per unit is calculated by dividing the net investment loss by the average number of Class A or Class B units outstanding during the year. Gain from trading is a balancing amount necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per unit with the other per unit information. Such balancing amount may differ from the calculation of gain from trading per unit due to the timing of trading gains and losses during the period relative to the number of units outstanding.
(2) All of the ratios under the supplemental data are computed net of voluntary and involuntary waivers of operating expenses. For 2007, 2006 and 2005, the ratios are net of approximately 0.33%, 0.25% and 0.16% respectively, of average net asset value relating to the voluntary waiver of operating expenses. Both the nature and the amounts of the waivers are more fully explained in Note 5.
(3) The net investment loss includes interest income and excludes gains from trading activities as shown on the statement of operations. The total amount is then reduced by all expenses. The resulting amount is divided by the average net asset value for the year.
Also included herewith:
(a)(2) Financial statement schedules not included in this Form 10K have been omitted for the reason that they are not required or are not applicable or that equivalent information has been included in the financial notes or statements thereto.
(b) Exhibits.
The following exhibits are filed herewith.
| Exhibit Number | Description of Document |
| 1.1 | Form of Selling Agreement.* |
| 3.1 | Maryland Certificate of Limited Partnership.* |
| 4.1 | Limited Partnership Agreement.* |
| 10.1 | Form of Subscription Agreement. * |
| 13.01 | Annual Report to Security Holders |
| 16.1 | Letter regarding change in certifying accountant.* |
| Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer |
| Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer |
| Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer |
| Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer |
* Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the Registrant’s registration statement (File no. 000-50728) filed on April 29, 2004 on Form 10 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the General Partner of the Registrant in the capacities and on the date indicated.
| Name | Title | Date |
/s/ Kenneth E. Steben Kenneth E. Steben | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | March 28, 2008 |
/s/ Ahmed S. Hassanein Ahmed S. Hassanein | Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director | March 28, 2008 |
/s/ Michael Bulley Michael D. Bulley | Senior Vice President, Research & Risk Management and Director | March 28, 2008 |
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Dated March 28, 2008 | FUTURES PORTFOLIO FUND, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
| | | |
| | By: | Steben & Company, Inc. |
| | | General Partner |
| | | |
| | | |
| | By: | /s/ Kenneth E. Steben |
| | Name: | Kenneth E. Steben |
| | Title: | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the General Partner |
60
