Back to GetFilings.com



Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                      to                     

 

Commission File Number 0-50316

 

GRANT PARK FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Illinois   36-3546839

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

c/o Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C.

555 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 600

Chicago, Illinois

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

60661

(Zip Code)

 

(312) 756-4450

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Class A Limited Partnership Units

Class B Limited Partnership Units

(Title of Class)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if the disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the 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.    x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

As of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recent completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the Class A units outstanding and held by non-affiliates was $57,730,413. The aggregate market value of the Class B units outstanding and held by non-affiliates was $147,469,650.

 

As of December 31, 2004, there were 60,634.01 Class A Limited Partnership Units and 223,055.67 Class B Limited Partnership Units issued and outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Prospectus dated December 1, 2004 included within the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119338) are incorporated by reference into Part I of this Form 10-K.

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

PART I

ITEM 1.

   BUSINESS    1

ITEM 2.

   PROPERTIES    3

ITEM 3.

   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    3

ITEM 4.

   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS    3
PART II

ITEM 5.

   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES    3

ITEM 6.

   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA    4

ITEM 7.

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    5

ITEM 7A.

   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    16

ITEM 8.

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA    21

ITEM 9.

   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE    21

ITEM 9A.

   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    21

ITEM 9B.

   OTHER INFORMATION    21
PART III

ITEM 10.

   DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT    21

ITEM 11.

   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION    23

ITEM 12.

   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS    24

ITEM 13.

   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS    24

ITEM 14.

   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES    24
PART IV

ITEM 15.

   EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES    25
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    F-1

SIGNATURES

    

 

 

i


Table of Contents

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Grant Park Futures Fund Limited Partnership, which is referred to in this report as Grant Park, is a multi-advisor commodity pool organized to pool assets of investors for the purpose of investing those assets in U.S. and international futures and forward contracts, options contracts and other interests in commodities. Grant Park, which is not registered as a mutual fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, has been in continuous operation since January 1989. It is managed by its general partner, Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C., and invests through independent professional commodity trading advisors.

 

Grant Park has been organized to pool assets of investors for the purpose of trading in the U.S. and international markets for currencies, interest rates, stock indices, agricultural and energy products, precious and base metals and other commodities. In trading on these markets, Grant Park may employ futures and forward contracts, security futures contracts, options contracts and other interests in commodities. Grant Park’s general partner, commodity pool operator and sponsor is Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C., an Illinois limited liability company. The limited partnership agreement requires the general partner to own units in Grant Park in an amount at least equal to the greater of (1) 1% of the aggregate capital contributions of all limited partners or (2) $25,000, during any time that units in Grant Park are publicly offered for sale. The managing member of Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C. is Dearborn Capital Management, Ltd., an Illinois corporation whose sole shareholder is David M. Kavanagh.

 

Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C., along with its managing member and predecessor as general partner and commodity pool operator, Dearborn Capital Management Ltd., has had management responsibility for Grant Park since its inception. The general partner has been registered as a commodity pool operator and a commodity trading advisor under the Commodity Exchange Act and has been a member of the NFA since December 1995. Dearborn Capital Management Ltd., which served as Grant Park’s general partner, commodity pool operator and sponsor from 1989 through 1995, was registered as a commodity pool operator between August 1988 and March 1996 and as a commodity trading advisor between September 1991 and March 1996 and was a member of the NFA between August 1988 and March 1996.

 

Grant Park invests through independent professional commodity trading advisors retained by the general partner. Presently, Rabar Market Research, Inc., EMC Capital Management, Inc., Eckhardt Trading Company, or ETC, Graham Capital Management, L.P., Winton Capital Management Limited and Saxon Investment Corporation serve as Grant Park’s commodity trading advisors. As of December 31, 2004, the general partner allocated Grant Park’s net assets among the trading advisors as follows: 23% to Rabar, 21% to EMC, 6% to ETC, 23% to Graham, 17% to Winton and 10% to Saxon. Each of the trading advisors employs technical and trend-following trading strategies through proprietary trading programs, in an effort to achieve capital appreciation while controlling risk and volatility. As of December 31, 2004, Grant Park had a net asset value of approximately $289.7 million and 10,008 limited partners. As of the close of business on December 31, 2004, the net asset value per unit of the Class A units was $1,103.525, and the net asset value of the Class B units was $986.167. Since its inception and through February 28, 2003, Grant Park offered its beneficial interests exclusively to qualified investors on a private placement basis. Effective June 30, 2003, Grant Park began publicly offering both Class A and Class B units for sale.

 

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.

 

Grant Park has been trading continuously since January 1989. Since its inception and through February 28, 2003, Grant Park offered its beneficial interests exclusively to qualified investors on a private placement basis. Grant Park converted its interests to units effective April 1, 2003, with all existing limited partners at that date converting to Class A units with a price of $1,000 per unit. Effective June 30, 2003, Grant Park registered up to an aggregate of $200 million of Class A and Class B units pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1

 

1


Table of Contents

(File No. 333-104317), and began publicly offering both Class A and Class B units for sale. Class B units began trading on August 1, 2003 and were offered at a price of $1,000 per unit. Grant Park subsequently registered up to an additional $200 million in aggregate of Class A and Class B units for sale on a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-113297) on March 30, 2004, and an additional $700 million in aggregate of Class A and Class B units for sale on a Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-119338) on December 1, 2004 (the “Registration Statement”). Since July 1, 2003, Grant Park has raised approximately $281,600,000 of new capital through December 1, 2004, and is continuing to offer up to an additional $818,400,000 of units pursuant to the Registration Statement, on a continuous basis 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. The proceeds of the offering are deposited in Grant Park’s bank and brokerage accounts for the purpose of engaging in trading activities in accordance with Grant Park’s trading policies and its trading advisors’ respective trading strategies.

 

The affairs of Grant Park will be wound up and Grant Park will be liquidated upon the happening of any of the following events (1) expiration of Grant Park’s term on December 31, 2027, (2) a decision by the limited partners to liquidate Grant Park, (3) withdrawal or dissolution of the general partner and the failure of the limited partners to elect a substitute general partner to continue Grant Park, or (4) assignment for the benefit of creditors or adjudication of bankruptcy of the general partner or appointment of a receiver for or seizure by a judgment creditor of the general partner’s interest in Grant Park.

 

Regulation

 

Under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (the “Act”), commodity exchanges and commodity futures trading are subject to regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”). The National Futures Association (the “NFA”), a registered futures association under the 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 Act requires “commodity pool operators,” and “commodity trading advisors” such as Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C., and commodity brokers or “futures commission merchants” such as Grant Park’s commodity brokers to be registered and to comply with various reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dearborn Capital Management L.L.C. and Grant Park’s commodity brokers 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 Act or rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. In the event Dearborn Capital Management L.L.C.’s registration as a commodity pool operator or commodity trading advisor were terminated or suspended, Dearborn Capital Management L.L.C. would be unable to continue to manage the business of Grant Park. Should Dearborn Capital Management L.L.C.’s registration be suspended, termination of Grant Park 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 Grant Park, 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. Grant Park also trades in dealer markets for forward and swap contracts, which are not regulated by the CFTC. Federal and state banking authorities also do not regulate forward trading or forward dealers. In addition, Grant Park trades on foreign commodity exchanges, which are not subject to regulation by any United States government agency.

 

Operations

 

A description of the business of Grant Park, including trading approaches, rights and obligations of the unitholders, compensation arrangements and fees and expenses is contained in the prospectus included in Pre-effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119338) (the “Prospectus”) under the sections captioned “Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “The General Partner,” “The Trading Advisors,” “Conflicts of Interest” and “Fees and Expenses,” and such description is incorporated herein by reference from the Prospectus.

 

2


Table of Contents

Grant Park trades in U.S. and international futures and forward contracts and other interests in commodities, including options contracts on futures, forwards and commodities, spot contracts, swap contracts and security futures contracts. The commodities underlying these contracts may include stock indices, interest rates, currencies, or physical commodities, such as agricultural products, energy products or metals. A brief description of Grant Park’s main types of investments is set forth below.

 

    A futures contract is a standardized contract traded on an exchange that calls for the future delivery of a specified quantity of a commodity at a specified time and place.

 

    A forward contract is an individually negotiated contract between principals, not traded on an exchange, to buy or sell a specified quantity of a commodity at or before a specified date at a specified price.

 

    An option on a futures contract, forward contract or a commodity gives the buyer of the option the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract, forward contract or a commodity, as applicable, at a specified price on or before a specified date. Options on futures contracts are standardized contracts traded on an exchange, while options on forward contracts and commodities, referred to collectively in this prospectus as over-the-counter options, generally are individually negotiated, principal-to-principal contracts not traded on an exchange.

 

    A spot contract is a cash market transaction in which the buyer and seller agree to the immediate purchase and sale of a commodity, usually with a two-day settlement. Spot contracts are not uniform and not exchange-traded.

 

    A swap contract generally involves an exchange of a stream of payments between the contracting parties. Swap contracts generally are not uniform and not exchange-traded.

 

    A security futures contract is a futures contract on a single equity security or narrow-based stock index. Security futures contracts are relatively new financial instruments, having only begun trading in the United States in November 2002. Security futures contracts are exchange-traded. A trading advisor generally may choose to trade security futures contracts for Grant Park’s account if the trading advisor determines that the market for the particular contract is sufficiently liquid and that trading the contract is consistent with the trading advisor’s trading program.

 

For convenience and unless otherwise specified, futures contracts, forward contracts, options contracts and all other commodity interests collectively are referred to as commodity interests.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

Grant Park does not own or use any physical properties in the conduct of its business. Its assets currently consist of U.S. and international futures and forward contracts and other interests in commodities, including options contracts on futures, forwards and commodities, spot contracts, swap contracts and security futures contracts. Grant Park’s main office is located at 555 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 600, Chicago, Illinois 60661.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Grant Park is not a party to any pending material legal proceedings.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

None.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Neither the Class A units nor the Class B units of Grant Park are publicly traded. Both Class A and Class B units may be transferred or redeemed subject to the conditions imposed by the Third Amended and Restated

 

3


Table of Contents

Limited Partnership Agreement. As of December 31, 2004, there were 558 and 9,450 holders of Class A units and Class B units, respectively, and 63,146.613 Class A units and 223,055.674 Class B units outstanding.

 

Dearborn Capital Management L.L.C. has sole discretion in determining what distributions, if any, Grant Park will make to its unit holders. Dearborn Capital Management L.L.C. has not made any distributions as of the date hereof.

 

Class A and Class B units are being offering 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 Class A units and Class B units during the fourth quarter 2004 were as follows:

 

Units


   October

   November

   December

Class A Units

                    

Units sold

     399.488      722.586      3,344.665

Net asset value

   $ 992.576    $ 1,026.590    $ 1,113.382

Class B Units

                    

Units sold

     8,323.586      7,983.919      6,478.839

Net asset value

   $ 889.107    $ 918.880    $ 995.768

 

The proceeds of the offering are deposited in Grant Park’s bank and brokerage accounts for the purpose of engaging in trading activities in accordance with Grant Park’s trading policies and its trading advisors’ respective trading strategies.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The following table provides information regarding the total Class A and Class B units redeemed by Grant Park during the three months ended December 31, 2004.

 

     (a)

   (b)

   (a)

   (b)

   (c)

   (d)

Period


   Total Number
of Class A Units
Redeemed


   Average
Price Paid
per Unit


   Total Number
of Class B
Units
Redeemed


   Average
Price Paid
per Unit


   Total Number of Units
Redeemed as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs(1)


   Maximum Number of
Units that May Yet Be
Redeemed Under the
Plans/Program(1)


10/01/04 through 10/31/04

   120.50    $ 1,026.59    421.43    $ 918.88    541.93    (2)

11/01/04 through 11/30/04

   1,693.39    $ 1,113.38    430.30    $ 995.77    2,123.69    (2)

12/01/04 through 12/31/04

   338.69    $ 1,103.53    1,181.25    $ 986.17    1,519.94    (2)
    
  

  
  

  
  

Total

   2,152.58    $ 1,081.17    2,032.98    $ 966.94    4,185.56    (2)
    
  

  
  

  
  

(1) As previously disclosed, pursuant to Grant Park’s Limited Partnership Agreement, investors in Grant Park may redeem their units for an amount equal to the net asset value per unit at the close of business on the last business day of any calendar month if at least 10 days prior to the redemption date, or at an earlier date if required by the investor’s selling agent, the General Partner receives a written request for redemption from the investor. The General Partner may permit earlier redemptions in its discretion.
(2) Not determinable.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The selected financial information for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000 is taken from the financial statements of Grant Park audited by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. On March 10, 2003, the

 

4


Table of Contents

general partner engaged the accounting firm of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP as Grant Park’s independent accountants. McGladrey & Pullen replaced Taglia and Associates, Grant Park’s previous accountants. In addition to auditing Grant Park’s financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, McGladrey & Pullen also reaudited Grant Park’s financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000.

 

You should read this information in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report. Results from past periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any future period.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,

     2004

    2003

   2002

   2001

   2000

Total assets

   $ 304,631,802     $ 87,861,740    $ 15,791,790    $ 12,218,595    $ 14,015,746

Total partners’ capital

     289,654,031       67,418,046      14,605,959      11,567,075      12,086,390

Gains (losses) from trading

     4,281,201       10,149,161      2,971,464      1,570,432      1,512,800

Interest income

     3,005,585       247,863      173,351      399,709      797,560

Total expenses

     20,995,234       4,080,495      1,356,610      1,149,598      1,239,549

Net income (loss)

     (13,708,448 )     6,316,529      1,788,205      820,543      1,070,811

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Introduction

 

Grant Park is a multi-advisor commodity pool organized to pool assets of its investors for purposes of investing those assets in U.S. and international commodity futures and forward contracts and other commodity interests, including options contracts on futures, forwards and commodities, spot contracts, swap contracts and security futures. The commodities underlying these contracts may include stock indices, interest rates, currencies or physical commodities, such as agricultural products, energy products or metals. Grant Park has been in continuous operation since it commenced trading on January 1, 1989. Grant Park’s general partner, commodity pool operator and sponsor is Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C., an Illinois limited liability company. The managing member of Dearborn Capital Management, L.L.C. is Dearborn Capital Management, Ltd., an Illinois corporation whose sole shareholder is David M. Kavanagh.

 

Grant Park invests through independent professional commodity trading advisors retained by the general partner. Rabar Market Research, Inc., EMC Capital Management, Inc., Eckhardt Trading Company, or ETC, Graham Capital Management, L.P., Winton Capital Management Limited and Saxon Investment Corporation serve as Grant Park’s commodity trading advisors. As of December 31, 2004, the general partner allocated Grant Park’s net assets among the trading advisors as follows: 23% to Rabar, 21% to EMC, 6% to ETC, 23% to Graham, 17% to Winton and 10% to Saxon.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Grant Park’s only critical accounting policy is the valuation of its assets invested in U.S. and international futures and forward contracts, options contracts and other interests in commodities. The substantial majority of these investments are exchange-traded contracts, valued based upon exchange settlement prices. The remainder of its investments are non-exchange-traded contracts with valuation of those investments based on third-party quoted dealer values on the Interbank market. With the valuation of the investments easily obtained, there is little or no judgment or uncertainty involved in the valuation of investments, and accordingly, it is unlikely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions using different but reasonably plausible assumptions.

 

5


Table of Contents

Results of Operations

 

Grant Park’s returns, which are Grant Park’s trading gains plus interest income less brokerage fees, performance fees, operating costs and offering costs borne by Grant Park, for the year ended December 31, 2004, were (7.6)% for Class A units and (8.4)% for Class B units, and for the year ended December 31, 2003 were 20.0% for Class A units and 7.7% for Class B units and for the year ended December 31, 2002 was 15.3% for the Class A units. Grant Park’s total net asset value at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $289.7 million, $67.4 million and $14.6 million, respectively.

 

The table below sets forth Grant Park’s trading gains or losses by sector for each of the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

     % Gain (Loss)

 
     Year Ended December 31,

 

Sector


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Interest Rates

   (1.0 )%   6.3 %   10.1 %

Currencies

   1.3     17.9     14.6  

Stock Indices

   (1.2 )   3.6     (0.1 )

Energy

   3.2     (0.2 )   1.6  

Agriculturals

   2.1     1.7     4.7  

Meats

   0.3     (0.3 )   —    

Metals

   (1.0 )   4.3     (2.0 )

Softs

   (1.0 )   (0.4 )   (1.9 )

Miscellaneous

   (0.7 )   1.5     (1.8 )
    

 

 

Total

   2.0 %   34.4 %   25.2 %
    

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2004

 

In 2004, Grant Park suffered its first losing year since 1999. Class B units finished the year down 8.4%. The majority of the year’s losses were experienced in the second quarter and early third quarter. Those losses were the result of significant trend reversals in markets that had been an important source of profits in 2003 and the first quarter of 2004. These reversals included monthly peak to trough reversals in the following markets: nickel down 20.0%, silver down 31.0%, U.S. bonds down 9.8%, copper down 16.6% and soybeans down 24.0%. During the same period, short positions in the U.S. dollar saw a rally of 4.9%. As a result of these historically significant reversals, Grant Park experienced a drawdown of (23.65)%, which lasted six months, from February, 2004 to August, 2004.

 

The principal economic driver of the market reversals during this time period was the Central Bank of China’s decision to increase loan reserve requirements in certain targeted sectors of the Chinese economy for the third time in four months. This was done in an effort to cool down what was perceived to be an overheating Chinese economy. The “China Story” had been a prime fundamental driver in the prices for base metals, precious metals and grain markets. Once the Central Bank of China raised its reserve requirements for the third time, the markets feared that the “China Story” may be coming to an end and a rush to liquidate positions in metals and grains occurred.

 

At the same time in April, the U.S. reported its largest one month increase in new jobs in four years. This report resulted in the biggest one day decline in the history of the thirty-year U.S. Treasury bond. As a result of the higher interest rates implied by lower fixed income prices, the U.S. dollar rallied resulting in additional losses for Grant Park’s short dollar positions during this time period.

 

By early July, Grant Park had liquidated a majority of its long and short positions in most sectors. Throughout July and August, Grant Park found little trading opportunity in which it could recoup the spring’s losses. However, September began a four month period in which Grant Park’s Class B units increased in value by

 

6


Table of Contents

12.15% ending the year down 8.4%. The profits generated during this four month period were the result of the U.S. dollar resuming its downtrend and energy prices making new yearly highs coupled with strong metal prices. Additionally, Grant Park benefited by a year end surge in global stock indices.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004, Grant Park had a negative return of approximately 7.6% for the Class A units and a negative return of 8.4% for the Class B units. On a combined basis prior to expenses, approximately 2.0% resulted from trading gains and approximately 1.4% was due to interest income. These gains are offset by approximately 11.6% in combined total brokerage fees, performance fees and operating and offering costs borne by Grant Park. An analysis of the 2.0% trading gains by sector is as follows:

 

Sector


   % Gain (Loss)

 

Interest Rates

   (1.0 )%

Currencies

   1.3  

Stock Indices

   (1.2 )

Energy

   3.2  

Agriculturals

   2.1  

Meats

   0.3  

Metals

   (1.0 )

Softs

   (1.0 )

Miscellaneous

   (0.7 )
    

Total

   2.0 %
    

 

The first month of 2004 was slightly profitable for Grant Park. Grant Park Class A units were up 0.38% while Class B units were up 0.31% for the month. The month was a volatile one, with modest profits generated in the agricultural, metal and currency sectors. These gains collectively offset significant losses in the fixed income sector. Gains in the agricultural and metal sectors continued to be fueled by tight supplies amid surging Chinese demand, while gains in the currency sector were largely attributable to a surge in the British pound, which hit an 11 year high against the U.S. dollar, amidst continuing signs of strong growth in the British economy. Losses in the fixed income sector were largely attributable to the omission of “considerable period” in the U.S. Federal Reserve January statement release in referencing the maintenance of current interest rate levels. This omission was a clear shift in sentiment and shifted the market’s expectations for a sooner rather than later rise in U.S. interest rates.

 

February’s performance was strong with Class A units posting a 7.33% gain and Class B units up 7.25% on the month. Gains were driven largely by the continued weakness in the U.S. dollar, with gains experienced in the grains, energy, currency and fixed income markets. Copper prices reached an 8-year high, rising 18% in February alone. Continued global demand coupled with a decrease in warehouse supply levels contributed to the continued strength in this market. Soybean prices rallied 15% on the month amidst concerns of a weaker-than-expected South American crop and continued growth of Chinese demand. Crude oil and related products rose after a greater-than-expected decrease in U.S. gasoline inventories. The British pound continued to strengthen, rising to its highest level against the U.S. dollar since 1992, as expectations of continued interest rate hikes were priced into the market. Finally, gains were experienced in long global interest rate positions in response to comments by Alan Greenspan suggesting that an interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve was not imminent. Losses were incurred in short positions in British and Australian interest rate futures, which rose as part of a global rally in bonds following the U.S. lead. Additional losses were incurred in long coffee positions and long euro positions.

 

Grant Park’s performance was negative for March with Class A units down 1.40% on the month and Class B units down 1.47%. The month was volatile with the currency, fixed income and equity index sectors particularly volatile as a result of apparent policy shifting by many of the world’s central banks. Grant Park suffered losses in long British Pound positions as the pound declined against the U.S. dollar as an improving U.S. economic outlook fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve could raise U.S. interest rates in the near future. Additional losses were generated in short Japanese yen positions as the yen rose against the U.S. dollar amid

 

7


Table of Contents

anticipation that the Bank of Japan would curtail its sales of its currency following the end of the Japanese fiscal year. Additional losses were suffered in the industrial metals, including nickel, zinc and aluminum, as the U.S. dollar’s strength resulted in reduced demand from European buyers. Additional losses were generated in sugar, Japanese Government Bonds and the Hang Seng Index. Grant Park’s largest profits were earned in silver, which hit a 16-year high at the end of the month. Additional profits were generated in long positions in soybeans and soybean meal, as limited U.S. supplies and a bitter strike at Brazil’s main grain port combined to send soy prices to a 16-year high as well.

 

April was a difficult trading month for trend trading and our portfolio of traders in particular. Grant Park Class A units were down 11.66% for the month and Class B units were down 11.72% for the month. Major trends across several market sectors (which normally exhibit little correlation) reversed collectively as they were struck by three major fundamental factors. The first was surprisingly positive U.S. employment news. On the second day of the month it was announced that the U.S. economy added 308,000 new jobs during the month of March. Forecasts by economists were predicting an increase in the vicinity of 120,000. The workforce additions marked the biggest one-month increase in payrolls in four years. The second factor was the strength of the U.S. dollar, reflecting both a brightening U.S. economic outlook and the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate hike occurring sooner than previously anticipated. Finally, the third factor was China’s tightening of its monetary policy. The Chinese Central Bank raised its banking reserve requirements for the third time in nine months, amidst concerns that the torrid pace of economic growth would lead to excess capacity and inflation. With this action, the central bank is attempting to restrict and reduce bank lending, money supply growth, and potentially excessive rates of economic expansion. As a result, Grant Park incurred losses in both long U.S. and European interest rate futures. U.S. fixed income prices fell sharply as a result of the positive March labor report. In fact, within minutes of the release of the report, prices for 30-year bonds collapsed five full points, which was the biggest one-day drop in the history of the 30-year bond. A positive durable goods report released in the second week of the month added to the sell-off. European interest rate futures responded in kind. Additional losses were incurred in long positions in the metals markets, as precious and industrial metal prices plunged in response to the prospects of higher interest rates combined with a stronger U.S. dollar and further depressed by speculation that the Chinese central bank’s new reserve requirements would reduce Chinese demand for industrial metals. The strong dollar and the Chinese central bank policy changes also put pressure on grain prices as well, generating additional losses in long positions in both corn and soybean markets. Equity markets also proved difficult. Grant Park posted losses in short positions in the FTSE, Dax, NASDAQ, and S&P 500. Long positions in the Hang Seng were also unprofitable. The only sector posting moderate gains for the month was long positions in the energy sector as prices rallied on OPEC’s decision to lower output.

 

Unfortunately, markets remained choppy and volatile throughout the month of May with simultaneous “start-stop” markets in currencies, fixed income and equities. Grant Park Class A units were down 4.75% for the month while Class B units were down 4.82% for the month. In general, markets seemed to lack any clear economic backdrop and exhibited little directional rhythm. As a result, Grant Park’s overall market exposure remained light. Losses were incurred in short positions in the British pound, euro and Swiss franc as prices all rose against the U.S. dollar. Weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data coupled with the assassination of Izzedine Salim, the head of the interim Iraqi governing council, resulted in a sell-off for the U.S. dollar. Long positions in the grain sector also posted losses as wet weather in the Midwest alleviated fears that previously dry conditions would damage the newly planted crop. Additional losses were incurred in long positions in the Nikkei index, which dropped sharply following a strong U.S. jobs report released on May 7th. Grant Park continued to profit from long positions in the energy sector, as prices continued their upward climb. The situation in the Middle East, lingering supply concerns and unprecedented demand for crude from the Chinese government, all contributed to strengthening prices.

 

Finishing a difficult quarter for Grant Park, June’s performance was again negative. Class A units were down 4.47% for the month while Class B units were down 4.55%. June market conditions proved to be even more volatile than the difficult trend reversals in April and May. The lack of any sustained directional price patterns and significant short-term volatility created a very unfriendly environment for our trend following

 

8


Table of Contents

portfolio of traders. Losses were incurred across almost all trading sectors. Short positions across the bond yield curve here in the U.S. were largely unprofitable for the month as confusion reigned, as the path to higher rates in the U.S. remained unclear. Indications from Alan Greenspan early in the month led investors to believe the Fed was prepared to act decisively on inflations fears, causing a sell off. One week later, however, investors were surprised by lower than expected Consumer Price Index data, sending interest rates lower and prices higher. Additional losses were experienced in short British interest rate futures as concerns mounted that earlier rate hikes there were causing softness in the housing market, leading to speculation that the Bank of England may be less aggressive in announcing future rate hikes. Previously profitable long positions in the energy sector posted losses on news that OPEC decided to increase its production quotas as of August 1st. Prices continued to decline after the U.S.-led coalition restored Iraqi sovereignty two days ahead of schedule. Furthermore, trading in the currency markets was mixed for the month with the overall sector posting losses. Generally, major currencies have been caught in choppy (start-stop) ranges, a result of market uncertainty over how aggressively the Fed will raise interest rates. Profits were earned in the soft sector, in both cotton and sugar. Short positions in the cotton market profited amidst slack demand from China and bearish overall U.S. export numbers. Conversely, long positions in the sugar market were helped by a surprising USDA report noting that sugar stocks would be down an estimated 30.3 million tons, or 21%.

 

July performance was negative for Grant Park. Class A units were down 3.36% for the month while Class B units were down 3.44%. Grant Park’s portfolio of traders encountered another difficult trading environment for their trend following programs in the global fixed income, currency and equity sectors. Short positions in European interest rates incurred losses, as short-term instruments rallied after the European Central Bank declined to raise interest rates. Prices continued to move higher in the wake of a weaker-than-expected U.S. employment report, which created concerns that global economic growth may be slowing. This same report also caused U.S. interest rates to rally, generating additional losses in Grant Park’s short positions. Additional losses accumulated in the currency sector as the U.S. Dollar rallied. Short positions in the U.S. Dollar index and long positions in the British Pound produced losses. The dollar strength was attributed to comments made mid-month by Alan Greenspan in his appearance before Congress, suggesting that U.S. economic growth, despite recent signs of weakness, was still strong enough to warrant additional interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. The dollar rallied further following a report showing that U.S. consumer confidence hit a two-year high. Finally, long positions in equity markets suffered as prices weakened amidst weak earnings reports and higher energy prices. Equity markets were further weakened by investor concerns surrounding the possibility of another terrorist attack before the November elections in the U.S. Losses were partially offset by gains in long positions in the energy sector, as prices continued to rally. Supply concerns and the Yukos scandal in Russia continued to boost prices. Additional gains were made in short positions in grains as ideal weather conditions prevailed, suggesting record crops for the year.

 

Grant Park generated losses in the month of August. Class A units lost 0.32% while Class B units were down 0.40% for the month. August saw the continuation of erratic behavior in the markets, lacking any sustained trends in most market sectors. Losses were suffered in the currency, agricultural, stock indices and energy sectors while profits were generated in the interest rate sector. Losses accumulated throughout the currency sector, as prices moved up and down throughout the month on mixed economic data, volatile energy prices, and fear of another terrorist attack in the United States at the Republican National Convention. Positions in the sector were difficult to establish for any length of time as price behavior was erratic. Short positions in grains suffered as a surprise cold spell in the northern Midwest raised worries about possible crop damage and reduction in yields. Parts of North Dakota and Iowa reported near-freezing temperatures, while temperatures throughout the month of August approached record historic lows. Additional losses were generated in long sugar positions as reports of a larger than expected Brazilian crop prompted prices to drop 6% on the month. Short positions in orange juice also suffered losses as the damage to the Florida crop from Hurricane Charley became clear. Losses were also generated in short positions in stock indices. Global stock indices rallied as crude oil retreated from a mid-month high of $50 to just over $43 at month’s end. Finally, losses were reported in long positions in crude oil, heating oil and unleaded gas as prices came off sharply from their mid-month highs amidst reports of increased U.S. inventories of both gasoline and heating oil and upon the peaceful resolution to the standoff at the Imam Ali

 

9


Table of Contents

Mosque in Najaf between U.S. forces and followers of Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. On a positive note, interest rates were the only profitable sector for the month. Long positions in both U.S. and European bonds generated profits as prices moved higher on weak employment figures reported in the U.S. and additional economic reports suggesting the economy is not growing as fast as many had anticipated.

 

After several losing months, performance for Grant Park was positive for the month of September. Class A units gained 1.07% while Class B units gained 0.99% for the month. High energy prices consumed the economic news for the month as crude oil closed the month at $49.64 per barrel, up $7.53 for the month. As a result, Grant Park’s most significant gains were in the energy, metals and currency sectors. Long positions in the energy sector provided Grant Park with its largest gains as prices continued to trend steadily upward. Declines in U.S. inventories, ongoing disruptions in Iraqi production, hurricane damage to the refineries in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as growing civil unrest in Nigeria all contributed to higher prices. Additional profits accumulated in long positions in the base metals including copper, nickel and aluminum. Prices moved higher amid evidence of renewed demand from China and were further supported by a weakening U.S. dollar. Positions in the currency markets also provided profits as mixed economic reports out of the U.S. continued to weaken the U.S. dollar. Long positions in both the Euro currency and Canadian dollar generated profits. Profits generated in the sectors noted above were partially offset by losses suffered in both the interest rate and stock indices sectors. Mixed economic reports and uncertainty surrounding the future of interest rate hikes in both the U.S. and Europe gave way to volatility in both sectors, generating losses.

 

October was a profitable month for Grant Park. Class A units were up 3.43% for the month while Class B units were up 3.35%. Gains came largely from positions in the currency, financial, and energy sectors while losses were suffered in the commodities and metals sectors. The U.S. dollar continued to decline, benefiting long positions in the Canadian dollar, Euro and Japanese yen as well as short positions in the U.S. dollar index. Additional profits were earned in long global interest rate positions, as prices continued to rally as oil prices reached record highs, threatening the strength of the U.S. economic rebound. Long positions in the energy sector also continued to profit as prices reached record highs amidst continued supply disruptions in Iraq, Russia and Nigeria. Prices did come off their highs at month-end as news of higher inventories in the U.S. drove prices down. Going in to November, Grant Park has reduced its overall long position in the sector. Grant Park’s largest losses stemmed from long positions in the base metals markets as prices sharply reversed, particularly in nickel, aluminum and copper on the back of the above noted speculation of a slowdown in U.S. economic growth. Prices continued to drop on news of China’s first interest rate increase in nine years.

 

The continuing weakness of the U.S. dollar sparked another profitable month in November for Grant Park. Grant Park A units were up 8.45% for the month while the B units were up 8.37% for the month. The weak U.S. dollar remained the focus of the month. The dollar has now dropped for seven weeks in a row, reaching its lowest value against the Japanese yen since 2000, and a record-low against the euro. The dollar sank on comments mid-month from Alan Greenspan, who suggested that the U.S. may be growing too dependent upon foreign capital to fund the trade deficit. Speaking in Germany, the Fed chairman told a group of central bankers that the growing U.S. current account (trade) deficit could, at some point, cause foreign demand for U.S. dollars, bonds and equity to subside. As a result, profits were earned in long foreign currency positions, most notably the euro, Swiss franc and Japanese yen and a short dollar index position. Additional profits were generated in long positions in stock indices as prices rallied on improved economic conditions around the world. Finally, Grant Park also posted profits in long metal positions, particularly in gold as the weak dollar boosted gold prices. On the negative side, Grant Park sustained modest losses on short positions in the energy sector on news late in the month that U.S. inventories of both natural gas and heating oil fell more than anticipated, thus boosting prices.

 

After a few profitable months in a row, December proved to be a challenging trading month for Grant Park. Performance for the month was negative. Class A units were down 0.89% while the B units were down 0.96% to finish the year down 7.58% and 8.40% respectively. The Grant Park’s largest losses were incurred in the metals sector, particularly in long positions in both gold and silver. The U.S. dollar experienced a short-lived rally, causing precious metals, which had been favored by investors seeking a hedge against a weaker dollar, to lose

 

10


Table of Contents

some of their appeal. Additional losses were incurred in the currency sector. Long positions in the Canadian dollar incurred losses. The cur