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EX-99.4 - EX-99.4 - CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.d859153dex994.htm
EX-99.3 - EX-99.3 - CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.d859153dex993.htm
EX-99.2 - EX-99.2 - CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.d859153dex992.htm
EX-99.1 - EX-99.1 - CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.d859153dex991.htm
EX-32.02 - EX-32.02 - CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.d859153dex3202.htm
EX-32.01 - EX-32.01 - CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.d859153dex3201.htm
EX-31.02 - EX-31.02 - CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.d859153dex3102.htm
EX-31.01 - EX-31.01 - CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.d859153dex3101.htm
EX-10.26 - EX-10.26 - CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.d859153dex1026.htm
EX-4.01 - EX-4.01 - CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.d859153dex401.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(X) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

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 000-31563

CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   13-4084211

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

c/o Ceres Managed Futures LLC

522 Fifth Avenue

New York, New York 10036

 

(Address and Zip Code of principal executive offices)

(855) 672-4468

 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

 

Title of each class   Trading symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered

N/A

  N/A   N/A

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Units of Limited Partnership Interest

        (Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes       No X

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       No X

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes X   No    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes X   No    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer     

  

Accelerated filer     

  

Non-accelerated filer X

  

Smaller reporting company     

  

Emerging growth company     

     

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.     

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes       No X

Limited Partnership Units with an aggregate value of $34,219,274 of Class A and $101,006 of Class Z were outstanding and held by non-affiliates as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

As of February 29, 2020, 3,379,210.175 Limited Partnership Class A Units were outstanding and 4,681.754 Limited Partnership Class Z Units were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

[None]


PART I

Item 1.   Business.

(a) General Development of Business. Ceres Tactical Global L.P. (formerly, Ceres Tactical Currency L.P.) (the “Partnership”) is a Delaware limited partnership organized in 1999 to engage primarily in the speculative trading of futures contracts, options on futures and forward contracts, and forward contracts on physical commodities and other commodity interests, including, but not limited to, foreign currencies, financial instruments, metals, energy, and agricultural products (collectively, “Futures Interests”). Initially, the Partnership’s investment strategy focused on currency and currency-related investments. While the Partnership is expected to continue to have significant exposure to currency and currency-related markets, such trading will no longer be the Partnership’s sole focus. Therefore, the Partnership’s past trading performance will not necessarily be indicative of future results. The Partnership commenced trading operations on July 3, 2000. The Futures Interests that are traded by the Partnership, either directly, through individually managed accounts, or indirectly, through its investment in the Funds (as defined below), are volatile and involve a high degree of market risk. The General Partner (as defined below) may also determine to invest up to all of the Partnership’s assets in United States (“U.S.”) Treasury bills and/or money market mutual funds, including money market mutual funds managed by Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. Prior to the close of business on December 31, 2017, the Partnership was one of the Morgan Stanley Spectrum Series of funds, comprised of the Partnership, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Select L.P., Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Strategic L.P. and prior to its termination on December 31, 2017, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Technical L.P.

Ceres Managed Futures LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, acts as the general partner (“Ceres” or the “General Partner”) and commodity pool operator of the Partnership, and as the commodity pool operator and general partner or trading manager (in such capacity, the “Trading Manager”) of each Fund. As of January 1, 2017, Ceres is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Domestic Holdings, Inc. (“MSD Holdings”). MSD Holdings is ultimately owned by Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley is a publicly held company whose shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Morgan Stanley is engaged in various financial services and other businesses. Prior to January 1, 2017, the General Partner was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Holdings LLC.

The Partnership’s and the Funds’ commodity broker is Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“MS&Co.”), a registered futures commission merchant. MS&Co. also acts as the counterparty on all trading of foreign currency forward contracts. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”) was also a foreign exchange forward contract counterparty for certain Funds. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, doing business as Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (“Morgan Stanley Wealth Management”) is a principal subsidiary of MSD Holdings. MS&Co. and its affiliates act as the custodians of the Partnership’s assets available for trading in Futures Interests. MS&Co. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. During prior periods included in this report, the Partnership/Funds deposited a portion of their cash in non-trading bank accounts at JPMorgan.

Units of limited partnership interest (“Unit(s)”) of the Partnership were offered in two classes (each, a “Class” or collectively, the “Classes”): Class A Units and Class Z Units. Class A Units and Class Z Units are identical, except that Class Z Units are not subject to the monthly ongoing placement agent fee. All Units issued prior to January 1, 2018 were deemed “Class A Units.” The rights, liabilities, risks, and fees associated with investment in the Class A Units were not changed. Class Z Units were offered to limited partners who received advisory services from Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and were also offered to certain employees of Morgan Stanley and/or its subsidiaries (and their family members). Class Z Units were first issued on April 1, 2018.

As of December 31, 2019, all trading decisions were made for the Partnership by P/E Global LLC (“P/E Global”), Greenwave Capital Management LLC (“Greenwave”) and ADG Capital Management LLP (“ADG”) (each, a “Trading Advisor” and collectively, the “Trading Advisors”), each of which is a registered commodity trading advisor. Effective June 30, 2019, SECOR Capital Advisors, LP (“SECOR”) ceased to act as a commodity trading advisor to the Partnership. On June 30, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in SECOR Master Fund L.P. (“SECOR Master”). Effective April 3, 2019, the General Partner terminated AE Capital PTY Limited (“AE Capital”) as a commodity trading advisor to the Partnership. For the interim period from April 4, 2019 through April 30, 2019, the Partnership’s assets previously allocated to AE Capital were not charged a management fee and were credited with interest income at a rate equal to the monthly average of the 4-Week U.S. Treasury bill discount rate. On April 30, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in CMF AE Capital Master Fund LLC (“AE Capital Master”). On January 1, 2019, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to Willowbridge Associates Inc. (“Willowbridge”), which was invested in CMF Willowbridge Master Fund L.P. (“Willowbridge Master”). Effective January 31, 2019, Willowbridge ceased to act as a commodity trading advisor to the Partnership. On January 31, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in Willowbridge Master. Effective October 1, 2018, the Partnership, the General Partner, Cambridge Strategy (Asset Management) Limited (“Cambridge”) and Mesirow Financial International UK Limited (“Mesirow”) entered into a novation, assignment and assumption agreement, dated September 28, 2018, pursuant to which Cambridge transferred all of its future rights, obligations, and liabilities under that certain amended and restated

 

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management agreement, by and among the General Partner, the Partnership and Cambridge, dated as of October 22, 2012, as previously amended as of October 23, 2012, October 1, 2013 and January 1, 2018 (collectively, the “Initial Advisory Agreement”), to Mesirow. From October 1, 2018 until its termination effective December 31, 2018, Mesirow had undertaken to perform the Initial Advisory Agreement and be bound by its terms in every way as if it were the original party to it in place of Cambridge. References herein to a “Trading Advisor” or the “Trading Advisors” may also include, as relevant, SECOR, AE Capital, Willowbridge, Cambridge and Mesirow. Each Trading Advisor is allocated a portion of the Partnership’s assets to manage. The Partnership invests the portion of its assets allocated to each Trading Advisor either directly, through individually managed accounts in the Partnership’s name, or indirectly, through its investment in the Funds. The Trading Advisors are not affiliated with one another, the General Partner or MS&Co., and are not responsible for the organization or operation of the Partnership.

On January 1, 2018, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to P/E Global. P/E Global directly trades a portion of the Partnership’s assets allocated to it through a managed account in the name of the Partnership pursuant to P/E Global’s FX Strategy Standard – MS Program.

On January 1, 2018, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to Greenwave. Greenwave directly trades a portion of the Partnership’s assets allocated to it through a managed account in the name of the Partnership pursuant to Greenwave’s Flagship Plus Program.

Effective October 10, 2018, the Partnership changed its name from Ceres Tactical Currency L.P. to Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

The Partnership and CMF ADG Master Fund LLC (“ADG Master”) have, and AE Capital Master (prior to its termination) had, entered into futures brokerage account agreements with MS&Co. Prior to their respective terminations, each of SECOR Master, Willowbridge Master and Cambridge Master Fund L.P. (“Cambridge Master”) had entered into futures brokerage account agreements and foreign exchange prime brokerage agreements with MS&Co. ADG Master will be referred to as the “Fund”. References herein to “Funds” may also include, as relevant, SECOR Master, AE Capital Master, Willowbridge Master and Cambridge Master. Pursuant to these agreements, the Partnership, directly or indirectly through its investment in the Funds, pays MS&Co. (or will reimburse MS&Co. if previously paid) its allocable share of all trading fees for the clearing and, where applicable, execution of transactions as well as exchange, user, give-up, floor brokerage and National Futures Association fees (collectively, the “clearing fees”).

Effective July 12, 2017 and until their respective terminations, Cambridge Master, Willowbridge Master and SECOR Master each entered into certain agreements with JPMorgan in connection with trading in forward foreign currency contracts on behalf of the referenced Funds and, indirectly, the Partnership. These agreements include a foreign exchange and bullion authorization agreement (“FX Agreement”), an International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. master agreement (“Master Agreement”), a schedule to the Master Agreement, a 2016 credit support annex for variation margin to the schedule and an institutional account agreement. In addition to Cambridge Master, Willowbridge Master and SECOR Master, Cambridge (and, subsequently, Mesirow, pursuant to the novation, assignment and assumption agreement), Willowbridge and SECOR were parties to the FX Agreements for the Funds to which each acted as commodity trading advisor. Under each FX Agreement, JPMorgan charged a fee on the aggregate foreign currency transactions entered into on behalf of the respective Fund during a month.

On October 10, 2018, Cambridge, Mesirow, Cambridge Master and JPMorgan entered into an amendment and assignment agreement, dated October 10, 2018 (the “Assignment Agreement”), effective as of October 1, 2018, to the FX Agreement, pursuant to which Cambridge assigned to Mesirow all of its rights, liabilities, duties and obligations under and in respect of the FX Agreement, Mesirow accepted such assignment and assumed all rights, liabilities, duties and obligations under and in respect of the FX Agreement, and JPMorgan consented to such assignment and assumption. Pursuant to the Assignment Agreement, all references to Cambridge were replaced by references to Mesirow, and all references to “Investment Manager” are deemed to refer to Mesirow.

On October 10, 2018, Cambridge Master and JPMorgan entered into an amendment, dated as of October 10, 2018 (the “ISDA Amendment”), effective as of October 1, 2018, to the schedule to the Master Agreement, dated as of July 12, 2017, between Cambridge Master and JPMorgan. Pursuant to the ISDA Amendment, all references to Cambridge were replaced by references to Mesirow.

 

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For the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, the approximate average market sector distribution for the Partnership was as follows:

 

LOGO

The Partnership will terminate on December 31, 2035 regardless of financial condition at such time, or at an earlier date if certain conditions occur as defined in the Partnership’s limited partnership agreement, as may be amended from time to time.

On or about February 1, 2019, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to ADG for trading through investment in ADG Master, a Delaware limited liability company. ADG Master permits accounts managed by ADG using its Systematic Macro Strategy, a proprietary, systematic trading program, to invest together in one trading vehicle. The General Partner is also the trading manager of ADG Master. Individual and pooled accounts currently managed by ADG, including the Partnership, are permitted to be members of ADG Master. The Trading Manager and ADG believe that trading through this master/feeder structure promotes efficiency and economy in the trading process.

On or about January 1, 2019, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to SECOR for trading through investment in SECOR Master, a Delaware limited partnership. SECOR Master permitted accounts managed by SECOR using a variation of the program traded by SECOR Alpha Master Fund L.P., a proprietary, systematic trading program, to invest together in one trading vehicle. On June 30, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in SECOR Master.

On or about February 1, 2018, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to AE Capital for trading through investment in AE Capital Master, a Delaware limited liability company. AE Capital Master permitted accounts managed by AE Capital using its AE Systematic FX Fund Program, a proprietary, systematic trading system, to invest together in one trading vehicle. On April 30, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in AE Capital Master.

On or about January 1, 2019, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to Willowbridge for trading through investment in Willowbridge Master, a New York limited partnership. Willowbridge Master permitted accounts managed by Willowbridge using its wPraxis Futures Trading Approach, a proprietary, discretionary trading system, to invest together in one trading vehicle. Effective the close of business on January 31, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in Willowbridge Master.

On November 1, 2012, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to Cambridge for trading through investment in Cambridge Master, a Delaware limited partnership. From October 1, 2018 until its termination effective December 31, 2018, Mesirow had undertaken to perform the Initial Advisory Agreement and be bound by its terms in every way as if it were the original party to it in place of Cambridge. Cambridge Master permitted accounts managed by Cambridge/Mesirow using the Asian Markets Alpha Programme and the Emerging Markets Alpha Programme, each a proprietary, systematic trading program, to invest together in one trading vehicle. Effective December 31, 2018, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in Cambridge Master.

The General Partner is not aware of any material changes to the trading programs discussed above during the year ended December 31, 2019.

The Funds’ and the Partnership’s trading of Futures Interests is done primarily on U.S. and foreign commodity exchanges. The Funds and the Partnership engage in such trading through commodity brokerage accounts maintained with MS&Co.

 

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Generally, a limited partner/member in a Fund withdraws all or part of its capital contribution and undistributed profits, if any, from the Fund as of the end of any month (the “Redemption Date”) after a request has been made to the General Partner/Trading Manager at least three days in advance of the Redemption Date. Such withdrawals are classified as a liability when the limited partner/member elects to redeem and informs the Fund. However, for each Fund a limited partner/member may request a withdrawal as of the end of any day if such request is received by the General Partner/Trading Manager at least three days in advance of the proposed withdrawal day.

Management fees, ongoing placement agent fees, the General Partner fee and incentive fees are charged at the Partnership level. Clearing fees are borne by the Funds and allocated to the Funds’ limited partners/members, including the Partnership. Effective January 1, 2018, clearing fees are also borne by the Partnership directly. Professional fees are borne by the Funds and allocated to the Partnership, and effective January 1, 2018, are also charged directly at the Partnership level. Effective January 1, 2018, the General Partner reimburses the Partnership for clearing fees and professional fees to the extent that these fees exceed 0.85% annually of the net assets of the Partnership.

As of December 31, 2019, the Partnership owned approximately 34.1% of ADG Master. At December 31, 2018, the Partnership owned approximately 7.6% of AE Capital Master. It is the Partnership’s intention to continue to invest in ADG Master. The performance of the Partnership is directly affected by the performance of the Funds. Expenses to limited partners as a result of the investment in the Funds are approximately the same as they would be if the Partnership traded directly and the redemption rights are not affected.

Effective January 1, 2018, (i) the monthly General Partner fee was reduced from 1/12 of 1.6% (1.6% per year) of the beginning of the month net assets to 1/12 of 0.75% (0.75% per year) of the beginning of the month net assets and (ii) the Partnership will pay brokerage, administrative, operating, offering and organizational expenses and its indirect pro-rata share of such expenses from its investment in the Funds to the extent such fees do not exceed 0.85% annually of the net assets of the Partnership, in which case the General Partner will pay such expenses that exceed 0.85% annually.

The General Partner, on behalf of the Partnership, has entered into a management agreement with each Trading Advisor (each, a “Management Agreement”). Each Management Agreement provides that the Trading Advisor has sole discretion in determining the investments of the assets of the Partnership allocated to the Trading Advisor by the General Partner. Pursuant to each Management Agreement, the Partnership pays each Trading Advisor a flat-rate monthly management fee and an incentive fee.

ADG receives a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.0% (a 1.0% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to ADG. Greenwave receives a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 0.75% (a 0.75% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to Greenwave. P/E Global receives a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 0.50% (a 0.50% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to P/E Global. Prior to its termination on June 30, 2019, SECOR received a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.15% (a 1.15% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to SECOR. Prior to its termination on April 3, 2019, AE Capital received a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.5% (a 1.5% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to AE Capital. Prior to its termination on January 31, 2019, Willowbridge received a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.25% (a 1.25% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to Willowbridge. From October 1, 2018 until its termination on December 31, 2018, Mesirow received a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.0% (a 1.0% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to Mesirow. From January 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018, Cambridge received a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.0% (1.0% per year) of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to Cambridge. Prior to January 1, 2018, Cambridge received a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.5% (1.5% per year) of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to Cambridge.

In addition, the Partnership is obligated to pay ADG an incentive fee, payable semi-annually, equal to 25% of trading profits earned by ADG for the Partnership. The Partnership is obligated to pay Greenwave and P/E Global an incentive fee, payable quarterly, equal to 20% of trading profits earned by each Advisor. Prior to its termination on June 30, 2019, SECOR was eligible to receive an incentive fee, payable annually, equal to 25% of trading profits earned by SECOR for the Partnership. Prior to its termination on April 3, 2019, AE Capital was eligible to receive an incentive fee, payable quarterly, equal to 20% of trading profits earned by AE Capital for the Partnership. Prior to its termination on January 31, 2019, Willowbridge was eligible to receive an incentive fee, payable quarterly, equal to 20% of trading profits earned by Willowbridge for the Partnership. From October 1, 2018 until its termination on December 31, 2018, Mesirow was eligible to receive an incentive fee, payable annually, equal to 15% of trading profits earned by Mesirow for the Partnership. Prior to October 1, 2018, Cambridge was eligible to receive an incentive fee, payable annually, equal to 15% of trading profits earned by Cambridge for the Partnership. Prior to January 1, 2018, Cambridge received an incentive fee, payable quarterly, equal to 15% of trading profits earned by Cambridge for the Partnership.

 

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Trading profits represent the amount by which profits from trading in Futures Interests exceed losses after brokerage, ongoing placement agent, General Partner and management fees, as applicable, are deducted. For a Trading Advisor with trading losses, no incentive fee is paid in subsequent months until all such losses are recovered. Cumulative trading losses are adjusted on a pro-rata basis for the net amount of each month’s redemptions.

Each Management Agreement may be terminated upon notice by either party.

The Partnership has entered into a customer agreement with MS&Co. (the “Customer Agreement”). Under the Customer Agreement, the Partnership pays trading fees for the clearing and, where applicable, execution of transactions, as well as exchange, user, give-up, floor brokerage and National Futures Association fees (collectively the “clearing fees”), directly and indirectly through its investment in the Funds. Clearing fees are borne by the Funds and allocated to the Funds’ limited partners/members, including the Partnership. Effective January 1, 2018, clearing fees are also borne by the Partnership directly. Effective January 1, 2018, the General Partner reimburses the Partnership for clearing fees to the extent that these fees exceed 0.85% annually of the net assets of the Partnership. All of the Partnership’s assets available for trading in Futures Interests not held in the Funds’ accounts at MS&Co. and JPMorgan are deposited in the Partnership’s accounts at MS&Co. The Partnership’s cash is deposited by MS&Co. in segregated bank accounts to the extent required by Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) regulations. The Partnership’s restricted cash is equal to the cash portion of assets on deposit to meet margin requirements, as determined by the exchange or counterparty, and required by MS&Co. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the amount of cash held for margin requirements was $602,161 and $118,195, respectively. Cash that is not classified as restricted cash is therefore classified as unrestricted cash. Effective November 1, 2018, MS&Co. has agreed to pay the Partnership interest on 100% of the average daily equity maintained in cash in the Partnership’s accounts at MS&Co. during each month at a rate equal to the monthly average of the 4-week U.S. Treasury bill discount rate. MS&Co. and Ceres will retain any interest earned on such uninvested cash in excess of the interest paid to the Partnership. Prior to November 1, 2018, MS&Co. paid the Partnership interest on 100% of the average daily equity maintained in cash in the Partnership’s accounts at MS&Co. during each month at a rate equal to 80% of the monthly average of the 4-week U.S. Treasury bill discount rate. For purposes of such interest payments, net assets do not include monies due to the Partnership on Futures Interests that have not been received. The Customer Agreement may generally be terminated upon notice by either party.

The Partnership has entered into a selling agreement (the “Selling Agreement”) with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Pursuant to the Selling Agreement, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management receives a monthly ongoing placement agent fee equal to 1/12 of 2.0% (a 2.0% annual rate) of the Partnership’s Class A beginning of the month net assets. Class Z Units are not subject to the monthly ongoing placement agent fee.

As of November 1, 2018, the Partnership entered into an alternative investment selling agent agreement (the “Harbor Selling Agreement”), by and among the Partnership, the General Partner, Morgan Stanley Distribution Inc. (“MSDI”), and Harbor Investment Advisory, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (“Harbor”). Pursuant to the Harbor Selling Agreement, MSDI and Harbor have been appointed as a non-exclusive selling agent and subselling agent, respectively, of the Partnership for the purpose of finding eligible investors for Units through offerings that are exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder and for Harbor to serve as an investment advisor to its customers investing in one or more of the partnerships party to the Harbor Selling Agreement; provided, that, included within such appointment, Harbor will provide certain services to certain holders of Units of the Partnership, who had acquired such Units prior to such holders becoming clients of Harbor. The Harbor Selling Agreement continues in effect until September 30, 2020 unless terminated in certain circumstances as set forth in the Harbor Selling Agreement, including by any party on thirty days’ prior written notice, after which the General Partner or the Partnership may, in its sole discretion, renew the Harbor Selling Agreement for additional one year periods. Pursuant to the Harbor Selling Agreement, the Partnership will pay Harbor an ongoing placement agent fee equal to 1/12 of 2.0% (a 2.0% annual rate) of the net asset value per Unit for certain holders of Class A Units in the Partnership, as set forth in the Harbor Selling Agreement.

The General Partner has delegated certain administrative functions to SS&C Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation, currently doing business as SS&C GlobeOp (the “Administrator”). Pursuant to a master services agreement, the Administrator furnishes certain administrative, accounting, regulatory reporting, tax and other services as agreed from time to time. In addition, the Administrator maintains certain books and records of the Partnership. Effective January 1, 2018, the General Partner pays or reimburses the Partnership, from the General Partner fee it receives from the Partnership, the ordinary administrative expenses of the Partnership, to the extent these expenses exceed 0.85% annually of the net assets of the Partnership. This includes the expenses related to the engagement of the Administrator. Prior to January 1, 2018, the General Partner fully reimbursed the Partnership for these expenses.

 

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(b) [Reserved].

(c) Narrative Description of Business. For financial information reporting purposes, the Partnership is deemed to engage in one industry segment, the speculative trading of Futures Interests. The relevant financial information is presented in Part II. “Item 6. Selected Financial Data.” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” The Partnership is in the business of speculative trading of Futures Interests pursuant to trading instructions provided by the Trading Advisors. See Item 1(a) above for a complete description of the Partnership’s business. The information requested in Section 101(c)(1)(i) through (xii) of Regulation S-K is not applicable to the Partnership. Additionally, the Partnership does not have any employees. The directors and officers of the General Partner are listed in Part III. “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.”

(d) [Reserved].

(e) Available Information. The Partnership files an Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Partnership does not maintain an internet website; however, the SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The Partnership’s SEC filings are available to the public from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Partnership’s CIK number is 0001097396. The Partnership will provide electronic or paper copies of its filings to its investors free of charge upon request.

 

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Item 1A.   Risk Factors.

This section includes some of the principal risks that investors will face with an investment in the Partnership.

THE UNITS IN THE PARTNERSHIP ARE SPECULATIVE AND INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. THEY ARE SUITABLE ONLY FOR PERSONS WHO CAN AFFORD TO LOSE THEIR ENTIRE INVESTMENT.

Risks Relating to the Partnership

Possible Consequences of Using Multiple Trading Advisors. Each Trading Advisor makes trading decisions independent of the other Trading Advisors for the Partnership. Thus, it is possible that the Partnership could hold opposite positions in the same or similar Futures Interests thereby offsetting any potential for profit from these positions. Each such position would have cost the Partnership transactional expenses (such as brokerage commissions and National Futures Association fees) but could not generate any recognized gain or loss. Moreover, the General Partner could have reallocated the Partnership’s assets among the current Trading Advisors or terminate one or more or select additional Trading Advisors at any time. Any such reallocation could adversely affect the performance of the Partnership or any one Trading Advisor.

You Should Not Rely on Past Performance of the General Partner or the Trading Advisors In Deciding To Purchase Units. The past investment performance of other entities managed by the General Partner and the Trading Advisors is not necessarily indicative of the Partnership’s or a Fund’s future results. No assurance can be given that the General Partner will succeed in meeting the investment objectives of the Partnership. You may lose all or substantially all of your investment in the Partnership.

The General Partner believes that past performance of the Trading Advisors may be of interest to investors, but encourages you to look at such information as an example of the respective objectives of the General Partner and Trading Advisors rather than as any indication that the Partnership’s objectives will, in fact, be achieved.

The Partnership and the Fund Incur Substantial Charges. The Partnership and the Fund must pay substantial charges, and must generate profits and interest income which exceed their respective fixed costs in order to avoid depletion of the Partnership’s assets. The Partnership and the Fund are required to pay brokerage commissions, and the Partnership is required to pay monthly management fees to the Trading Advisors regardless of its performance. In addition, the Partnership pays each Trading Advisor an incentive fee of a percentage of new trading profits, if any, earned by the relevant Trading Advisor.

The Partnership pays the General Partner’s Fee and pays the placement agent’s ongoing compensation. In addition, the Partnership pays the brokerage fees and ongoing administrative, operating, offering and organizational expenses of the Partnership, as incurred, not to exceed 0.85% annually of the Net Assets of the Partnership. To the extent that such brokerage fees and ongoing administrative, operating, offering and organizational expenses exceed 0.85% annually of the Net Assets of the Partnership, the General Partner will pay such expenses.

Incentive Fees May be Paid by the Partnership Even Though the Partnership Sustains Trading Losses. The Partnership pays each Trading Advisor an incentive fee based upon the new trading profits it generates for the Partnership. To the extent that the Partnership pays one or more Trading Advisors an incentive fee, these new trading profits include unrealized appreciation on open positions. Accordingly, it is possible that the Partnership will pay an incentive fee on new trading profits that do not become realized. Also, each Trading Advisor will retain all incentive fees paid to it, even if it incurs a subsequent loss after payment of an incentive fee. Due to the fact that certain of the incentive fees are paid on a quarterly or semi-annual basis, it is possible that an incentive fee may be paid to a Trading Advisor during a year in which the assets allocated to such Trading Advisor suffer a loss for the year. Because the Trading Advisors receive an incentive fee based on the new trading profits earned by the Trading Advisor, the Trading Advisors may have an incentive to make investments that are riskier than would be the case in the absence of such an incentive fee being paid to the Trading Advisors based on new trading profits.

 

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Restricted Investment Liquidity in the Units. There is no secondary market for the Units, and you generally may not redeem your Units other than as of the last Business Day of each month. Your right to receive payment for a redemption of some or all of your Units is dependent upon (i) the Partnership having sufficient assets to pay its liabilities on the redemption date, and (ii) the General Partner’s receipt of your Request for Redemption in such manner as determined by the General Partner no later than 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the third Business Day before the end of the month, although the General Partner may accept requests for redemption at other times in its sole discretion. The General Partner will not permit a transfer, sale, pledge or assignment of Units unless it is satisfied that the transfer, sale, pledge or assignment would not be in violation of Delaware law or applicable federal, state or foreign securities laws and notwithstanding any transfer, sale, pledge or assignment, the Partnership will continue to be classified as a partnership rather than as an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). No transfer, sale, pledge or assignment of Units will be effective or recognized by the Partnership if the transfer, sale, pledge or assignment would result in the termination of the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Any attempt to transfer, sell, pledge or assign Units in violation of the Partnership Agreement will be ineffective.

General Partner Redemptions. The General Partner is required to maintain a capital contribution at least equal to the greater of: (i) 1% of aggregate capital contributions to the Partnership (including the General Partner’s contribution) and (ii) $25,000. The General Partner may otherwise redeem any portion of its investment in the Partnership at any time without notice to the limited partners. For any such redemption, the General Partner will redeem its Units at the end of the month in the same manner as any limited partner would follow to redeem Units. Additionally, the General Partner has the right to redeem Units it holds in the event redemptions for limited partners are suspended.

The Partnership’s Structure Has Conflicts of Interest.

 

   

The General Partner, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, MSDI and MS&Co. are affiliates. As a result, the fees and other compensation received by these parties and other terms relating to the operation of the Partnership and the sale of Units have not been negotiated independently. The officers and directors of the General Partner are also employees of Morgan Stanley or one of its subsidiaries and may have a conflict of interest between their responsibility to the General Partner and the commodity pools it operates. Some of the compensation for such officers and directors of the General Partner may be based in part on the profitability of Morgan Stanley and its managed futures business operated by the General Partner.

 

   

Employees of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management receive a portion of the ongoing placement agent fee paid by the Partnership (except for consulting clients, from which Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, serving in its role as investment adviser, receives the fees and expenses described in such consulting client’s consulting agreement). Therefore, these employees have a conflict of interest in making recommendations regarding the purchase or redemption of Units.

 

   

MS&Co. can benefit from bid/ask spreads to the extent the Trading Advisors execute over-the-counter (“OTC”) foreign exchange forward trades with MS&Co. and bid/ask spreads are charged.

 

   

The Trading Advisors, the General Partner, Morgan Stanley and its affiliates and subsidiaries may trade Futures Interests for their own accounts, and thereby compete with the Partnership and the Fund for positions. Also, the other commodity pools managed by the General Partner and the Trading Advisors may compete with the Partnership and the Fund for Futures Interests. These conflicts can result in less favorable prices on the Partnership’s and the Fund’s transactions. These pools may also pay lower fees, including lower commodity brokerage fees and/or commissions, than the Partnership pays. The records of any such trading will not be available for inspection by limited partners.

 

   

For excess cash which is not invested, MS&Co. and the General Partner retain any interest earned on cash in the Partnership’s and the Fund’s accounts in excess of the rate specified in the private placement memorandum of the Partnership. Depending on the current market interest rates, that could create an incentive for the General Partner to retain excess cash in cash instead of permitted investments.

 

   

The General Partner may purchase shares from money market mutual funds affiliated and/or unaffiliated with the General Partner.

No specific policies regarding conflicts of interest have been adopted by the General Partner, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, MSDI, the Partnership, the Fund or any of their affiliates, and you will be dependent on the good faith of, and legal and fiduciary obligations imposed on, the parties involved with such conflicts to resolve them equitably.

 

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An Investment in Units May Not Diversify an Overall Portfolio. Because Futures Interests have historically performed independently of traditional investments in equities and bonds, the General Partner believes that managed futures funds like the Partnership can diversify a traditional portfolio of equities and bonds. However, the General Partner cannot assure you that the Partnership will perform with a significant degree of non- or low-correlation to your other investments in the future. You may lose your entire investment in the Partnership.

The Partnership and the Funds Are Not Registered Investment Companies. The Partnership and the Funds are not registered investment companies. The Partnership and the Funds are not required to register, and are not registered, as investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Accordingly, investors will not have the protections afforded by the Investment Company Act (which, among other matters, requires investment companies to have a majority of disinterested directors and regulates the relationship between the trading advisor and the investment company).

Risks Related to Regulation of the Partnership and General Partner

The Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation of Morgan Stanley Could Affect the Activities of the Partnership and the Funds. As a bank holding company (“BHC”) that has elected financial holding company (“FHC”) status under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (“BHCA”), Morgan Stanley and its affiliates are subject to comprehensive, consolidated supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”). Since the General Partner is a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, the Federal Reserve will treat the Partnership as an affiliate of Morgan Stanley. As a result, the Partnership will be subject to the BHCA and the Federal Reserve’s implementing regulations and interpretations, which are subject to change.

A significant focus of the regulatory framework that applies to Morgan Stanley is to ensure that Morgan Stanley and its subsidiaries operate in a safe and sound manner, with sufficient capital, earnings and liquidity to allow Morgan Stanley to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. and Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association (the “Banks”). These Banks must remain well capitalized and well managed if Morgan Stanley is to maintain its FHC status and continue to engage in the widest range of permissible financial activities. In addition, the general exercise by the Federal Reserve of its regulatory, supervisory and enforcement authority with respect to Morgan Stanley and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act” or the “Act”) could result in the need for Morgan Stanley to change its business practices or the scope of its current lines of business, including certain limited divestitures. Although such changes could have an impact on and consequences for Morgan Stanley, the General Partner, the Partnership and the Fund, any limited divestiture should not directly involve the Partnership.

The Units are not being offered by the Banks, and as such: (i) are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), (ii) are not deposits or other obligations of the Banks, (iii) are not guaranteed by the Banks, and (iv) involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal.

Effect on the Partnership of the “Volcker Rule.” In December 2013, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the FDIC, the SEC and the CFTC each adopted a final rule (“Final Rule”) implementing Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act (which section is commonly referred to as the Volcker Rule). The Final Rule became effective on April 1, 2014 and is being implemented over time. Covered fund investments and relationships in place 2014 or after became subject to the Volcker Rule and Final Rule on July 21, 2015. Covered fund investments and relationships in place before 2014 were subject to an extended conformance period granted by the Federal Reserve in July 2016, which expired on July 21, 2017. Among other things, the Final Rule limits the ability of “banking entities” (which term includes any insured depository institution, any company controlling an insured depository institution or any affiliate or subsidiary of either) to acquire or retain an equity or other ownership interest in, or “sponsor”, “covered funds.” The Final Rule, however, permits banking entities to organize and offer a covered fund if several conditions are satisfied, including the requirement that the banking entity does not acquire or retain an equity or other ownership interest in the covered fund except for a de minimis investment, after an initial seeding period. Moreover, all banking entities engaging in proprietary trading or covered funds activities subject to the Final Rule must adopt a compliance program, including meeting certain documentation and reporting requirements. The banking agencies make clear, however, that the terms, scope and detail of the compliance program depend on the types, size, scope and complexity of the activities and business structure of the banking entity.

 

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The Volcker Rule and Final Rule impose a number of restrictions on Morgan Stanley and its affiliates that could affect the Partnership, the Fund, the General Partner, and the limited partners. For example, to sponsor and invest in the Fund, Morgan Stanley believes that it will need to comply with the Final Rule’s “asset management” exemption to the Volcker Rule’s prohibition on sponsoring and investing in covered funds. Under this exemption, investments made by Morgan Stanley (aggregated with certain affiliate and employee investments) in the Partnership will be limited to 3% of the Partnership’s total ownership interests, measured by reference to both the number of ownership interests and the fair market value of such ownership interests (“per fund limit”). In addition, total investments in covered funds by Morgan Stanley (aggregated with certain affiliate and employee investments) in reliance on the asset management exception and certain other exemptions are limited to 3% of Morgan Stanley’s tier 1 capital (“aggregate limit”). A change in the tier 1 capital of Morgan Stanley may mean that retention of some or all of the ownership interests in the Partnership (and, indirectly, in the Fund) by Morgan Stanley or certain of its affiliates and employees would violate the aggregate investment limit. In addition, redemptions from the Partnership, withdrawal or default of an investor in the Partnership, or an excuse or election to not participate in a call for capital contributions by an investor in the Partnership, may cause a violation of the per fund limit by Morgan Stanley. To the extent that the retention of an interest in the Partnership or the Fund, or further investment in the Partnership or the Fund by Morgan Stanley or certain of its affiliates and employees would result in a violation of either the per fund limit or the aggregate limit, then Morgan Stanley and certain of its affiliates and employees may be required to dispose, transfer or otherwise reduce some or all of its interests in the Partnership or the Fund may be prohibited, entirely or partially, from making further investments in the Partnership.

The Final Rule also contains a general prohibition on “covered transactions,” as defined in Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act, as amended (“FRA”), and certain other transactions set forth in Section 23B of the FRA, between a banking entity and any covered fund (or any other covered fund controlled by such covered fund) (i) for which the banking entity serves, directly or indirectly, as the investment manager, investment adviser, commodity trading advisor or sponsor, or (ii) that was organized and offered by the banking entity, or (iii) in which the banking entity continues to hold an ownership interest, pursuant to a particular Volcker Rule exemption. These general prohibitions restrict certain lending, hedging and other transactions and relationships between Morgan Stanley affiliates and the Partnership.

While the General Partner will endeavor to minimize the impact of the Volcker Rule and the Final Rule on the Partnership, Morgan Stanley’s interests in determining what actions to take in implementing a compliance program under the Volcker Rule may conflict with the interests of the Partnership, the General Partner, and the limited partners, all of which may be adversely affected by such actions.

In addition, further restrictions and limitations on Morgan Stanley, the Partnership and the General Partner may emerge as additional regulatory guidance and interpretations are provided on the Volcker Rule and Final Rule. To this end, and despite the issuance of the Final Rule, certain aspects of the Volcker Rule remain unclear and susceptible to alternative interpretations. The foregoing is, thus, not an exhaustive discussion of the potential risks the Volcker Rule poses for Morgan Stanley, the Partnership and the limited partners.

Each prospective investor should consult its own legal counsel to determine how it could be impacted by the Volcker Rule, the Final Rule and other aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act.

ANY LOSSES IN THE PARTNERSHIP WILL BE BORNE SOLELY BY INVESTORS IN THE PARTNERSHIP AND NOT BY MORGAN STANLEY AND ITS AFFILIATES. THEREFORE, MORGAN STANLEY’S LOSSES IN THE PARTNERSHIP WILL BE LIMITED TO LOSSES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN THE PARTNERSHIP HELD BY MORGAN STANLEY AND ITS AFFILIATES IN THEIR CAPACITY AS INVESTORS IN THE PARTNERSHIP. INTERESTS IN THE PARTNERSHIP ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION AND ARE NOT DEPOSITS, OBLIGATIONS OF, OR ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED IN ANY WAY, BY MORGAN STANLEY AND ITS AFFILIATES. MORGAN STANLEY AND ITS AFFILIATES DO NOT, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, GUARANTEE, ASSUME OR OTHERWISE INSURE THE OBLIGATIONS OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PARTNERSHIP DESCRIBED HEREIN OR ANY COVERED FUND IN WHICH SUCH PARTNERSHIP INVESTS. MORGAN STANLEY IS THE SPONSOR OF THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 619 OF THE DODD-FRANK ACT (“THE VOLCKER RULE”). A DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLE AND SERVICES OF MORGAN STANLEY IS PROVIDED HEREIN.

Assets Held in Accounts at U.S. Banks May Not Be Fully Insured. The assets of the Partnership and the Fund that are deposited with commodity brokers, the FX counterparty or their affiliates may be placed in deposit accounts at U.S. banks. The FDIC insures deposits held at insured depository institutions for up to $250,000 (including principal and accrued interest) for each insurable capacity (e.g., individual accounts, joint accounts, corporate accounts, etc.), though deposits in separate branches of an insured institution are not separately insured. If the FDIC were to become receiver of insured U.S. bank holding deposit accounts that were established by a commodity broker or one of its affiliates, then it is uncertain whether the commodity broker, the affiliate involved, the Partnership, the Fund, or the investor would be able to reclaim cash in the deposit accounts above $250,000.

 

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Other Federal Agencies, Including the SEC and the CFTC, Regulate Certain Activities of the Partnership and General Partner. Regulatory changes other than banking regulations could adversely affect the Partnership by restricting its trading activities and/or increasing the costs or taxes to which the investors are subject. The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, grants the CFTC and SEC broad rulemaking authority to implement various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, including comprehensive regulation of the OTC derivatives market and certain foreign exchange transactions. The implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act could adversely affect the Partnership by increasing transaction and/or regulatory compliance costs. In addition, greater regulatory scrutiny may increase the Partnership’s and the General Partner’s exposure to potential liabilities. Increased regulatory oversight can also impose administrative burdens on the General Partner, including, without limitation, responding to investigations and implementing new policies and procedures. As a result, the General Partner’s time, attention and resources may be diverted from portfolio management activities.

Other potentially adverse regulatory initiatives could develop suddenly and without notice.

The General Partner, the Partnership and its Service Providers and their Respective Operations Are Potentially Vulnerable to Cyber-Security Attacks or Incidents. Like other business enterprises, the use of the internet and other electronic media and technology exposes the General Partner, the Partnership and its service providers, and their respective operations, to potential risks from cyber-security attacks or incidents (collectively, “cyber events”). Cyber events may include, for example, unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices, infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code, mishandling or misuse of information and attacks which shut down, disable, slow or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes or website access or functionality. In addition to intentional cyber events, unintentional cyber events can occur. Unintentional cyber events may include, for example, the inadvertent release of confidential information, the mishandling or misuse of information and/or technological limitations or hardware failures (in the markets or otherwise) that constrain the Partnership’s and/or the Fund’s ability to gather, process and communicate information efficiently and securely, without interruption.

Any cyber event could adversely affect the Partnership’s business, financial condition or results of operations and cause the Partnership to incur financial loss and expense, as well as face exposure to regulatory penalties or legal claims, reputational damage and additional costs associated with corrective measures. A cyber-security breach could also jeopardize a limited partner’s personal, confidential, proprietary or other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, the General Partner’s or a service provider’s computer systems. A cyber event may cause the Partnership or its service providers to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, lose operational capacity (such as, for example, the loss of the ability to process transactions, calculate the Partnership’s net asset value, or allow investors to transact business) and/or fail to comply with applicable privacy and other laws. Among other potentially harmful effects, cyber events also may result in theft, unauthorized monitoring and failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Partnership or its service providers.

The nature of malicious cyber-attacks is becoming increasingly sophisticated and neither the General Partner nor the Partnership can control the cyber systems and cyber-security systems of the Trading Advisors or other third-party service providers.

The General Partner May Determine to Invest Up To All of the Partnership’s and/or the Fund’s Assets in U.S. Treasury Bills and/or Money Market Mutual Fund Securities. The General Partner has invested a portion, and may determine to invest up to all, of the Partnership’s and/or the Fund’s assets in U.S. Treasury bills and/or money market mutual funds, including money market mutual funds managed by Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. The Partnership and/or the Fund, as applicable, will retain all interest income earned on U.S. Treasury bills and money market mutual fund securities purchased.

In the event that the General Partner is required to liquidate U.S. Treasury bills before they mature, to meet redemption requests or otherwise, the Partnership and/or the Fund may incur a loss on such U.S. Treasury bills and/or may be subject to additional fees or other costs. The General Partner will endeavor to maintain sufficient cash in the Partnership’s and the Fund’s accounts in order to meet margin requirements and avoid early liquidation of U.S. Treasury bills.

Although a money market mutual fund currently seeks to preserve the value of each of its shares at $1.00 per share, it is possible to incur losses when investing in a money market mutual fund. An investment in a money market mutual fund is not insured or guaranteed by any government agency. A money market mutual fund may experience significant pressures from, among other things, shareholder redemptions, issuer credit downgrades and illiquid markets. There have been some money market mutual funds that have “broken the buck,” which means that, upon redemption, investors in those funds did not receive $1.00 per share for their investments in those funds. Recent rule amendments adopted by the SEC will require certain money market mutual funds to implement floating net asset values in the future that will not preserve the value of each of its shares at $1.00 per share. The implementation of these rule amendments may impact the Partnership’s use of these money market mutual funds for capital preservation purposes.

 

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Allowing Investments by Benefit Plan Investors may Result in Adverse Consequences Under ERISA or the Code. It is the current intent of the General Partner to conduct its operations so that the assets of each class of equity interests in the Partnership should not be deemed to constitute the “plan assets” of Benefit Plan Investors. If, however, the Partnership were deemed to hold “plan assets” of Benefit Plan Investors: (i) ERISA’s fiduciary standards may apply to the Partnership and might materially affect the operations of the Partnership, and (ii) any transaction with the Partnership could be deemed a transaction with each benefit plan investor and may cause transactions into which the Partnership might enter in the ordinary course of business to constitute prohibited transactions under ERISA and/or § 4975 of the Code. In order to avoid having the assets of the Partnership treated as “plan assets,” the General Partner intends to restrict the acquisition and/or redemption of Units, and such restrictions could delay or preclude the ability to transfer or redeem Units, or cause Units to lose value. However, there can be no assurances that this strategy will be successful.

Risks Relating to Futures Interests Trading and the Futures Interests Markets

Futures Interests Trading is Speculative and Volatile. The rapid fluctuations in the market prices of Futures Interests make an investment in the Partnership volatile. Volatility is caused by, among other things, changes in supply and demand relationships; weather; agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs; domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies; and changes in interest rates. If a Trading Advisor incorrectly predicts the direction of prices in Futures Interests, large losses may occur. The Partnership’s performance will be volatile on a monthly and an annual basis. The Partnership could lose all or substantially all of its assets. The multi-advisor feature of the Partnership may reduce the return volatility relative to the performance of single-advisor investment funds.

The Partnership’s and the Fund’s Futures Interests Trading is Highly Leveraged such that Small Changes in the Price of the Partnership’s or the Fund’s Positions May Result in Substantial Losses. The Trading Advisors for the Partnership and the Fund use substantial leverage in trading. Trading Futures Interests involve substantial leverage, which could result in immediate and substantial losses. Due to the low margin deposits normally required in trading Futures Interests (typically between 2% and 15% of the value of the contract purchased or sold), an extremely high degree of leverage is typical of a Futures Interests trading account. As a result, a relatively small price movement in Futures Interests may result in immediate and substantial losses to the investor. For example, if 10% of the face value of a contract is deposited as margin for that contract, a 10% decrease in the value of the contract would cause a total loss of the margin deposit. A decrease of more than 10% in the value of the contract would cause a loss greater than the amount of the margin deposit.

The leverage employed by the Trading Advisors in their trading can vary substantially from month to month. This leverage, expressed as the underlying value of the Partnership’s positions compared to the average net assets of the Partnership, is anticipated to range from two times the Partnership’s net assets to fifteen times the Partnership’s net assets. Under certain conditions, however, the Partnership’s leverage could exceed (or be less than) such range. The amount of margin required to be deposited with respect to an individual futures contract is determined by the exchange upon which the contract is traded and the commodity broker or FX counterparty at which the position is held and may be changed at any time.

Options Trading Can be More Volatile than Futures Trading, and Purchasing and Writing Options Could Result in Trading Losses. The Partnership and the Fund may trade options on futures. Although successful options trading requires many of the same skills as successful futures trading, the risks are different. Successful options trading requires a trader to assess accurately near-term market volatility because that volatility is immediately reflected in the price of outstanding options. Correct assessment of market volatility can therefore be of much greater significance in trading options than it is in many long-term futures strategies where volatility does not have as great an effect on the price of a futures contract. Specific market movements of the commodities or futures contracts underlying an option cannot accurately be predicted. The purchaser of an option may lose the entire premium paid for the option. The writer, or seller, of a put option collects a premium and risks losing the difference between the strike price and the market price of the underlying commodity or futures contract (less the premium received) if the option buyer exercises its put option. The writer, or seller, of a call option has unlimited risk. A call option writer collects a premium and risks losing the difference between the price it would have to pay to obtain the underlying commodity or futures contract and the strike price (less the premium received) if the option buyer exercises its call option.

 

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Market Illiquidity May Cause Less Favorable Trade Prices. Although the Trading Advisors for the Partnership and the Fund generally will purchase and sell actively-traded contracts where last trade price information and quoted prices are readily available, the price at which a sale or purchase occurs may differ from the price expected because there may be a delay between receiving a quote and executing a trade, particularly in circumstances where a market has limited trading volume and prices are often quoted for relatively limited quantities. In addition, most U.S. futures exchanges have established “daily price fluctuation limits” which preclude the execution of trades at prices outside of the limit, and, from time to time, the CFTC or the exchanges may suspend trading in market disruption circumstances. In these cases it is possible that the Partnership and the Fund could be required to maintain a losing position that it otherwise would execute and incur significant losses or be unable to establish a position and miss a profit opportunity.

Factors that can contribute to market illiquidity for exchange-traded contracts include:

 

   

exchange-imposed price fluctuation limits;

   

limits on the number of contracts speculative traders may hold in most commodity markets; and

   

market disruptions.

The General Partner expects that non-exchange traded contracts will be traded for commodity interests for which there is generally a liquid underlying market. Such markets, however, may experience periods of illiquidity and are also subject to market disruptions.

Trading on Non-U.S. Exchanges Presents Greater Risks to the Partnership than Trading on U.S. Exchanges. The Partnership and the Fund trade on exchanges located outside the United States. Trading on U.S. exchanges is subject to CFTC regulation and oversight, including, for example, minimum capital requirements for commodity brokers, segregation of customer funds, regulation of trading practices on the exchanges, prohibitions against trading ahead of customer orders, prohibitions against filling orders off exchanges, prescribed risk disclosure statements, testing and licensing of industry sales personnel and other industry professionals, and recordkeeping requirements, and other requirements and restrictions for the purpose of preventing price manipulation and other disruptions to market integrity, avoiding systemic risk, preventing fraud and promoting innovation, competition and financial integrity of transactions. Trading on non-U.S. exchanges is not regulated by the CFTC or any other U.S. governmental agency or instrumentality and may be subject to regulations that are different from those to which U.S. exchange trading is subject, may provide less protection to investors than trading on U.S. exchanges, and may be less vigorously enforced than regulations in the U.S.

Trading on non-U.S. exchanges involves some risks that trading on U.S. exchanges does not, such as:

Lack of Investor Protection Regulation

The rights of the Partnership and the Fund in the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of a non-U.S. market, broker or bank are likely to differ from rights that the Partnership and the Fund would have in the United States and these rights may be more limited than in the case of failures of U.S. markets, brokers or banks.

Possible Governmental Intervention

Generally, non-U.S. brokers are not subject to the jurisdiction of the CFTC or any other U.S. regulator. In addition, the Partnership’s and the Fund’s assets held outside of the United States to margin transactions on non-U.S. exchanges are held in accordance with the client assets protection regime and the insolvency laws of the applicable jurisdiction. A non-U.S. government might halt trading in a market and/or take possession of the Partnership’s and the Fund’s assets maintained in its country in which case the assets may never be recovered. The General Partner might have little or no notice that such events were happening. In such circumstances, the General Partner may not be able to obtain the Partnership’s assets.

Relatively New Markets

Some non-U.S. exchanges on which the Partnership and the Fund are permitted to trade may be in developmental stages so that prior price histories may not be indicative of current price patterns.

 

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Exchange-Rate Exposure

The Partnership is valued in U.S. dollars. Contracts on non-U.S. exchanges are usually traded in the local currency. The Partnership’s assets held in connection with contracts priced and settled in a foreign currency may be held in a foreign depository in accounts denominated in a foreign currency. Changes in the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar could cause losses to the Partnership even if the contract traded is profitable.

Risks Associated with Affiliates

The Partnership’s and the Fund’s clearing broker may use an affiliate to carry and clear transactions on foreign exchanges. While the use of affiliates can provide certain benefits, it can also pose certain risks. In particular, if a clearing broker or an affiliated foreign broker were to fail, it is likely that all of its affiliated companies would fail or be placed in administration within a relatively brief period of time. Each of these companies would be liquidated in accordance with the bankruptcy laws of the local jurisdiction. Moreover, return of the Partnership’s or the Fund’s assets held at affiliated non-U.S. brokers would be delayed, perhaps for a significant period of time, and would be subject to additional administrative costs. If, on the other hand, a clearing broker had cleared its customers’ non-U.S. futures and options transactions through unaffiliated non-U.S. brokers, such broker likely would not have failed and the clearing broker’s bankruptcy trustee could have directed the non-U.S. broker to liquidate all of the Partnership’s or the Fund’s positions and return the balance to the trustee for distribution to the Partnership or the Fund.

The Unregulated Nature of Uncleared Trades in the OTC Markets Creates Counterparty Risks that Do Not Exist in Futures Trading on Exchanges or in Cleared Swaps. Unlike futures contracts and cleared swaps, uncleared trades, such as forward contracts, some swaps and some OTC “spot” contracts, are entered into between private parties off an exchange or other trading platform and are not subject to clearing. As a result, the performance of those contracts is not guaranteed by an exchange or its clearinghouse, and the Partnership and the Fund are at risk with respect to the ability of the counterparty to perform on the contract, including the creditworthiness of the counterparty. Trading of foreign exchange spot contracts or foreign exchange forwards and foreign exchange swaps (as such terms are defined in the Dodd-Frank Act), and of uncleared swaps is not regulated or is subject to limited regulation; therefore, there are limited or no specific standards or regulatory supervision of trade pricing and other trading activities that occur in those markets. The Partnership trades such contracts, directly and indirectly, with MS&Co. and are at risk with respect to the creditworthiness and trading practices of MS&Co. as the counterparty to the contracts. See “Trading Swaps Creates Distinctive Risks” below.

As of December 31, 2019, the Partnership had no exposure to contracts that were not cleared by a registered clearing firm.

Forward Foreign Currency and Spot Contracts Historically Were Not Regulated When Traded Between Certain “Eligible Contract Participants” and Are Subject to Credit Risk. The Partnership or the Fund may trade forward contracts in foreign currencies and may engage in spot foreign currency transactions. These contracts, unlike futures contracts and options on futures, historically were not regulated by the CFTC when traded between certain “eligible contract participants,” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended. On July 21, 2010, the then President signed into law major financial services reform legislation in the form of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act includes foreign currency forwards and foreign currency swaps (as such terms are defined in the Dodd-Frank Act) in the definition of “swap,” and therefore, contemplates that certain of these contracts may be exchange-traded, cleared by a clearing house and regulated by the CFTC. Currently, foreign currency contracts are regulated by the CFTC (although a limited category of forward foreign currency contracts have been excluded from regulation under the Dodd-Frank Act). Regulation could entail increased costs, and among other things, result in additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Furthermore, although the Dodd-Frank Act contemplates that certain forward foreign currency contracts may be exchange-traded and cleared by a clearinghouse, these transactions are not currently exchange-traded so that, generally, no clearinghouse or exchange stands ready to meet the obligations of the contract. Thus, the Partnership and the Fund face the risk that their counterparties may not perform their obligations. This risk may cause some or all of the Partnership’s or the Fund’s gains, in fact, never to be realized.

The percentage of the Partnership’s and the Fund’s positions that are expected to constitute foreign currency forwards and foreign currency swaps can vary substantially from month to month, but will likely not exceed 50% of the Partnership’s and the Fund’s assets.

 

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Trading Swaps Creates Distinctive Risks. The Trading Advisors may trade in certain swaps. Unlike futures and options on futures contracts, most swap contracts currently are not traded on or cleared by an exchange or clearinghouse. The CFTC currently requires only a limited class of swap contracts (certain interest rate and credit default swaps) to be cleared by a clearinghouse and executed on an exchange or swap execution facility. Inter-affiliate swaps that meet certain criteria are exempt from the CFTC’s mandatory clearing and exchange trading requirements. In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFTC will in the future determine which other classes of swap contracts will be required to be cleared by a clearinghouse and executed on an exchange or swap execution facility. Until such time as these transactions are cleared, the Partnership and the Fund will be subject to a greater risk of counterparty default on its swaps. Because swaps do not generally involve the delivery of underlying assets or principal, the amount payable upon default and early termination is usually calculated by reference to the current market value of the contract. Swap dealers and major swap participants require the Partnership and the Fund to deposit initial margin and variation margin as collateral to support the Partnership’s and the Fund’s obligation under the swap agreement but may not themselves provide collateral for the benefit of the Partnership (except to the extent required, beginning September 1, 2016, under the rules finalized by the CFTC and the prudential regulators as described below). If the counterparty to such a swap defaults, the Partnership and the Fund would be a general unsecured creditor for any termination amounts owed by the counterparty to the Partnership as well as for any collateral deposits in excess of the amounts owed by the Partnership to the counterparty, which would likely result in losses to the Partnership.

There are no limitations on daily price movements in swaps. Speculative position limits are not currently applicable to swaps, but in the future may be applicable for swaps on certain commodities. In addition, participants in the swap markets are not required to make continuous markets in the swaps they trade, and determining a market value for calculation of termination amounts can lead to uncertain results.

Trading of swaps has been and will continue to be subject to substantial change under the Dodd-Frank Act and related regulatory action. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, many commodity swaps may be required to be cleared through central clearing parties and executed on exchanges or other organized trading platforms. Security-based swaps will be subject to similar requirements. The CFTC and the prudential regulators that oversee swap dealers finalized rules regarding margin for uncleared swaps that imposed certain requirements beginning September 1, 2016 that may adversely impact the manner in which such swaps are traded and/or settled or increase the costs of such trades. Uncleared swaps will generally be subject to initial and variation margin requirements which may require the Partnership and the Fund to post collateral to swap dealers and collect collateral from swap dealers. Additional regulatory requirements will apply to all swaps, whether subject to mandatory clearing or not. These include collateral and capital requirements, reporting obligations, speculative position limits for certain swaps, and other regulatory requirements. Swaps which are not offered for clearing by a clearing house will continue to be traded bi-laterally. Such bi-lateral transactions will remain subject to many of the risks discussed in the preceding paragraphs.

Non-U.S. depositories are not subject to U.S. regulation. The Partnership’s and the Fund’s assets held in these depositories are subject to the risk that events could occur which would hinder or prevent the availability of these funds for distribution to customers including the Partnership. Such events may include actions by the government of the jurisdiction in which the depository is located including expropriation, taxation, moratoria and political or diplomatic events.

Implementation of Legislation is Not Complete. Rules implementing the Dodd-Frank Act and similar legislation in other countries are not yet complete. The impact of future rules on transactions of the type undertaken by the Partnership and the Fund is not certain.

Changes in Regulation of Swaps Could Lead to Increased Costs. As the Dodd-Frank Act and related rules, as well as analogous legislation and regulations in other countries, are implemented and market infrastructure adapts to the changes, the cost of engaging in trading of swaps and other products could increase, reducing the profits from those trades.

Central Clearing Parties Could Fail. Central clearing parties are highly capitalized. Cleared transactions are supported by initial and variation margin. As a result, failure of a central clearing party is highly unlikely. If a central clearing party were to fail, however, the impact on the financial system in general and on the Partnership’s and the Fund’s positions in particular is uncertain and could affect a large portion of the market.

 

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Deregistration of the Commodity Pool Operator or a Commodity Trading Advisor Could Disrupt Operations. The General Partner is a registered commodity pool operator and each Trading Advisor is registered with the CFTC as a commodity trading advisor. If the CFTC were to terminate, suspend, revoke or not renew the registration of the General Partner, the General Partner would withdraw as general partner of the Partnership. The limited partners would then determine whether to select a replacement general partner or to dissolve the Partnership. If the CFTC were to terminate, suspend, revoke or not renew the registration of any Trading Advisor, the General Partner would terminate such Trading Advisor’s advisory agreement(s) with the Partnership. The General Partner could reallocate the Partnership’s assets managed by the relevant Trading Advisor to new trading advisor(s) or terminate the Partnership. No action is currently pending or threatened against the General Partner or any Trading Advisor.

The Partnership and the Fund are Subject to Speculative Position Limits. U.S. futures exchanges have established speculative position limits (referred to as “position limits”) on the maximum net long or net short position, which any person or group of persons may hold or control in particular futures and options on futures. Most exchanges also limit the amount of fluctuation in commodity futures contract prices on a single trading day. Therefore, a Trading Advisor may have to modify its trading instructions or reduce the size of its position in one or more futures or options contracts in order to avoid exceeding such position limits, which could adversely affect the profitability of the Partnership. The futures exchange may amend or adjust these position limits or the interpretation of how such limits are applied, adversely affecting the profitability of the Partnership. In addition, in October 2011, the CFTC adopted rules governing position limits on futures (and options on futures) on a number of agricultural, energy and metals commodities, as well as on swaps that perform a significant price discovery function with respect to those futures and options. In September 2012, the CFTC’s rules were vacated by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and remanded to the CFTC for further consideration. The CFTC proposed revised position limits rules late in 2013. The comment period for the rules closed in February 2014, and the CFTC subsequently reopened comment periods for comments about certain issues related to futures and options contracts on agricultural commodities only. The CFTC re-proposed revised position limits rules late in 2016, and the comment period for the rules closed in February 2017. It is possible that these rules may take effect in some form. If so, these rules could have an adverse effect on the Partnership’s trading and/or the Fund’s trading for the Partnership.

The Partnership and the Fund have Credit Risk to the Commodity Broker and the FX Counterparties. The Partnership and the Fund have credit risk because the commodity broker acts as the futures commission merchant for futures transactions or the FX counterparty on OTC foreign exchange spot transactions, with respect to the Partnership’s and the Fund’s assets. As such, in the event that MS&Co., in its capacity as commodity broker and FX counterparty, is unable to perform, the Partnership’s and/or the Fund’s assets are at risk and, in such event, the Partnership and/or the Fund may only recover a portion of its investment or nothing at all. Exchange-traded futures and futures-styled option contracts are fair valued on a daily basis, with variations in value credited or charged to the Partnership’s or the Fund’s account on a daily basis. The commodity broker, as futures commission merchant for the Partnership’s and the Fund’s exchange-traded contracts, is required, pursuant to CFTC regulations, to segregate from its own assets, and for the sole benefit of its commodity customers, all funds held by it with respect to exchange-traded futures and futures-styled options contracts, including an amount equal to the net unrealized gain on all open futures and futures-styled options contracts. Similar requirements apply with respect to funds held in connection with cleared swap contracts. In the event of a shortfall in segregated customer funds held by the futures commission merchant, the Partnership’s and/or the Fund’s assets on account with the futures commission merchant may be at risk in the event of the futures commission merchant’s bankruptcy or insolvency, and in such event, the Partnership and/or the Fund may only recover a portion of the available customer funds. If no property is available for distribution, the Partnership and/or the Fund would not recover any of its assets. With respect to the Partnership’s OTC foreign exchange contracts with MS&Co., prior to the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act’s provisions, there was no requirement to segregate funds held with respect to such contracts. The CFTC and the prudential regulators that oversee swap dealers finalized rules regarding margin for uncleared swaps that imposed certain requirements beginning September 1, 2016 that may adversely impact the manner in which such swaps are traded and/or settled or increase the costs of such trades. Uncleared swaps will generally be subject to initial and variation margin requirements which may require the Partnership or the Fund, to the extent that it trades uncleared swap contracts, to post collateral to swap dealers and collect collateral from swap dealers. Any initial margin that may be required to be posted by a swap dealer for the Partnership or the Fund must be segregated and held by an independent third party custodian and cannot be rehypothecated. Variation margin is not required to be segregated and may be rehypothecated. There may also be costs and delays involved in negotiating the custodial arrangement and related contractual terms.

 

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Risks Relating to the Trading Advisors

Since the future performance of the Trading Advisors is unpredictable, the Trading Advisors’ past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Reliance on the Trading Advisors to Trade Successfully. Each Trading Advisor is responsible for making all Futures Interests trading decisions on behalf of the Partnership and/or the Fund. The General Partner has no control over the specific trades the Trading Advisors may make, leverage used, risks and/or concentrations assumed or whether the Trading Advisors will act in accordance with the disclosure documents or descriptive materials furnished by them to the General Partner. The General Partner can provide no assurance that the trading programs employed by the Trading Advisors will be successful. The Trading Advisors, in turn, are dependent upon the services of a limited number of persons to develop and refine their trading approaches and strategies and execute the trading transactions. The loss of the services of any of the Trading Advisors’ principals or key employees, or the failure of those principals or key employees to function effectively as a team, may have an adverse effect on the Trading Advisors’ ability to manage their trading activities successfully, or may cause a Trading Advisor to cease operations entirely. This, in turn, could negatively affect the Partnership’s performance.

Market Factors May Adversely Influence the Trading Advisors’ Trading Programs. Often, the most unprofitable market conditions for the Partnership are those in which prices “whipsaw,” that is, such price moves quickly upward (or downward), then reverses, then moves upward (or downward) again, then reverses again. In such conditions, the Trading Advisors may establish positions based on incorrectly identifying both the brief upward or downward price movements as trends, whereas in fact no trends sufficient to generate profits develop.

Increasing the Assets Managed by a Trading Advisor May Adversely Affect Performance. The rates of return achieved by a trading advisor often diminish as the assets under their management increase. This can occur for many reasons, including the inability of the trading advisor to execute larger position sizes at desired prices and because of the need to adjust the trading advisor’s trading program to avoid exceeding speculative position limits. These are limits established by the CFTC and the exchanges on the number of speculative futures and options contracts in a commodity that one trader may own or control. The Trading Advisors have not agreed to limit the amount of additional assets that they will manage.

A Trading Advisor May Terminate Their Advisory Agreement. Generally, the advisory agreements with the current Trading Advisors have initial one year terms (although one agreement has a shorter initial term), each of which renew for additional one year terms annually unless terminated by the General Partner or the relevant Trading Advisor. In the event an advisory agreement is not renewed, the General Partner may not be able to enter into an arrangement with the relevant Trading Advisor or another trading advisor on terms substantially similar to the previous advisory agreement.

Disadvantages of Replacing or Switching Trading Advisors. A Trading Advisor generally is required to recoup previous trading losses before it can earn performance-based compensation. However, the General Partner may elect to replace a Trading Advisor that has a “loss carry-forward.” In that case, the Partnership may lose the “free ride” of any potential recoupment of the prior losses. In addition, the new trading advisor(s) would earn performance-based compensation on the first dollars of investment profits. The effect of the replacement of, or the reallocation of assets away from, a Trading Advisor therefore could be significant.

Partnership Performance May Be Hindered by Increased Competition for Positions. Assets in managed futures have grown from an estimated $300 million in 1980 to approximately $318.4 billion as of December 31, 2019 (source: BarclayHedge, Ltd., Fairfield, IA). This has resulted in increased trading competition. Since futures are traded in an auction-like market, the more competition there is for some contracts, the more difficult it may be for the Partnership or the Fund to obtain the best prices.

You Will Not be Aware of Changes to the Trading Advisors’ Trading Programs. Because of the proprietary nature of the Trading Advisors’ trading programs, you generally will not be advised if adjustments are made to the Trading Advisors’ trading programs in order to accommodate additional assets under management or for any other reason.

You Will Not Have Access to the Partnership’s Positions and Must Rely on the General Partner to Monitor the Trading Advisors. As a limited partner, you will not have access to the Partnership’s or the Fund’s trade positions. Consequently, you will not know whether the Trading Advisors are adhering to the Partnership’s trading policies and must rely on the ability of the General Partner to monitor trading and protect your investment.

 

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Taxation Risks

You May Have Tax Liability Attributable To Your Interest in the Partnership Even If You Have Received No Distributions and Redeemed No Units and Even if the Partnership Generated a Loss. If the Partnership has profit for a taxable year, the profit will be includible in your taxable income, whether or not cash or other property is actually distributed to you by the Partnership. The General Partner presently does not intend to make any distributions from the Partnership. Accordingly, it is anticipated that U.S. federal income taxes on your allocable share of the Partnership’s profits will exceed the amount of distributions to you, if any, for a taxable year, so that you must be prepared to fund any tax liability from redemptions of Units or other sources. In addition, the Partnership may have capital losses from trading activities that cannot be deducted against the Partnership’s ordinary income (e.g., interest income, periodic net swap payments) so that you may have to pay taxes on ordinary income even if the Partnership generates a net loss.

The Partnership’s Tax Returns Could be Audited. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) could audit the Partnership’s U.S. federal income tax returns. If an audit results in an adjustment to the Partnership’s tax return, limited partners in the Partnership could be required to file amended returns and pay additional tax. Pursuant to legislation effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, audits of the Partnership generally will be conducted at the Partnership level and any adjustment that results in additional tax (including interest and penalties thereon) will be assessed and collected at the Partnership level in the current taxable year, with the current partners indirectly bearing such cost, unless the Partnership is eligible to and makes an election to issue adjusted K-1s to those partners that were partners in the taxable year subject to audit. Therefore, unless the Partnership elects otherwise, the Partnership may be directly responsible in the current taxable year for the income tax liability resulting from an audit adjustment that relates to a prior taxable year in which a current limited partner did not own an interest in the Partnership or in which the limited partner’s ownership percentage has since changed. Limited partners should consult with their tax advisers regarding the potential implications of this new audit regime.

You Will Recognize Short-Term Capital Gain. Profits on futures contracts traded in regulated U.S. and some foreign exchanges, foreign currency contracts traded in the interbank market, and U.S. and some foreign exchange-traded options on commodities are generally taxed as short-term capital gain to the extent of 40% of gains with respect to Section 1256 contracts and at least 50% of the gain arising from a mixed straddle account and are currently taxed at a maximum marginal ordinary U.S. federal income tax rate of 37% for non-corporate taxpayers.

Limitations on Deductions for Fund Expenses. Special rules apply to deductions of “investment advisory expenses” by non-corporate taxpayers. Under tax legislation commonly known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” enacted on December 22, 2017 as Public Law 115-97, no deduction for such expenses, or for other miscellaneous itemized deductions, is permitted for tax years between 2018 and 2025.

For tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, deductions for such expenses are subject to certain limitations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and are not allowed for alternative minimum tax purposes. The IRS could take the position that certain Partnership expenses are investment advisory expenses and thus subject Partnership investors to disallowance of, or limitations on, deductions of allocated Partnership expenses.

Prospective investors should discuss these issues with their personal tax advisors.

Tax Laws Are Subject To Change at Any Time. Tax laws and court and IRS interpretations thereof are subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. Prospective investors are urged to discuss scheduled and potential tax law changes with their own tax advisors.

Non-U.S. Investors May Face Exchange Rate Risk and Local Tax Consequences. Non-U.S. investors should note that Units are denominated in U.S. dollars and that changes in rates of exchange between currencies may cause the value of their investment to decrease or to increase. Non-U.S. investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning the applicable U.S. and non-U.S. tax implications of this investment.

 

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Non-U.S. Investors Have Reporting Responsibilities and the Partnership May Need to Withhold Taxes. The Partnership is required to impose a withholding tax of 30% on income allocable to certain non-U.S. investors that is attributable to certain U.S. investments, unless such investors satisfy certain reporting requirements. A number of non-U.S. countries have negotiated intergovernmental agreements with the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the implementation of this reporting and withholding regime, with some agreements potentially providing for information exchange from the U.S. authorities to non-U.S. revenue authorities regarding the U.S. financial accounts of non-U.S. persons. An investor’s failure to document appropriately its compliance with the reporting rules may cause the investor to be subject to this U.S. withholding tax.

The continuing spread of a new strain of coronavirus, which causes the viral disease known as COVID-19, may adversely affect our investments and operations.

Since its discovery in December 2019, a new strain of coronavirus, which causes the viral disease known as COVID-19, has spread from China to many other countries, including the United States. The outbreak has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary has declared a public health emergency in the United States in response to the outbreak.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in many countries is having and will likely continue to have an adverse impact on global commercial activity, which has contributed to significant volatility in financial markets. The global impact of the outbreak has been rapidly evolving, and as cases of the virus have been identified in additional countries, many countries have reacted by instituting quarantines and restrictions on travel. These actions are creating disruption in supply chains, and adversely impacting a number of industries, including but not limited to transportation, hospitality, and entertainment.

The impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. and world economies, and the extent of and effectiveness of any responses taken on a national and local level, is uncertain and could result in a world-wide economic downturn and disrupt financial markets that impact trading programs in unanticipated and unintended ways.

The rapid development of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact of the novel coronavirus. Nevertheless, the novel coronavirus presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to the Partnership’s investments and operations.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not applicable.

Item 2.  Properties.

The Partnership’s executive and administrative offices are located within the offices of the General Partner. The General Partner’s offices utilized by the Partnership are located at 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036.

 

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Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

This section describes the major pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, to which MS&Co. or its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of their property is subject. There are no material legal proceedings pending against the Partnership or the General Partner.

On June 1, 2011, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated converted from a Delaware corporation to a Delaware limited liability company. As a result of that conversion, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated is now named Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“MS&Co.”).

MS&Co. is a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, a Delaware holding company. Morgan Stanley files periodic reports with the SEC as required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) which include current descriptions of material litigation and material proceedings and investigations, if any, by governmental and/or regulatory agencies or self-regulatory organizations concerning Morgan Stanley and its subsidiaries, including MS&Co. As a consolidated subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, MS&Co. does not file its own periodic reports with the SEC that contain descriptions of material litigation, proceedings and investigations. As a result, we refer you to the “Legal Proceedings” section of Morgan Stanley’s SEC 10-K filings for 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014. In addition, MS&Co. annually prepares an Audited, Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (“Audited Financial Statement”) that is publicly available on Morgan Stanley’s website at www.morganstanley.com. We refer you to the Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies – Legal section of MS&Co.’s 2018 Audited Financial Statement.

In addition to the matters described in those filings, in the normal course of business, each of Morgan Stanley and MS&Co. has been named, from time to time, as a defendant in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions, and other litigation, arising in connection with its activities as a global diversified financial services institution. Certain of the legal actions include claims for substantial compensatory and/or punitive damages or claims for indeterminate amounts of damages. Each of Morgan Stanley and MS&Co. is also involved, from time to time, in investigations and proceedings by governmental and/or regulatory agencies or self-regulatory organizations, certain of which may result in adverse judgments, fines or penalties. The number of these investigations and proceedings has increased in recent years with regard to many financial services institutions, including Morgan Stanley and MS&Co.

MS&Co. is a Delaware limited liability company with its main business office located at 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036. Among other registrations and memberships, MS&Co. is registered as a futures commission merchant and is a member of the National Futures Association.

During the preceding five years, the following administrative, civil, or criminal actions pending, on appeal or concluded against MS&Co. or any of its principals are material within the meaning of CFTC Rule 4.24(l)(2) or 4.34(k)(2):

Regulatory and Governmental Matters.

On February 25, 2015, MS&Co. reached an agreement in principle with the United States Department of Justice, Civil Division and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, Civil Division (collectively, the “Civil Division”) to pay $2.6 billion to resolve certain claims that the Civil Division indicated it intended to bring against MS&Co.. That settlement was finalized on February 10, 2016.

 

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In October 2014, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office (“ILAG”) sent a letter to MS&Co. alleging that MS&Co. knowingly made misrepresentations related to RMBS purchased by certain pension funds affiliated with the State of Illinois and demanding that MS&Co. pay ILAG approximately $88 million. MS&Co. and ILAG reached an agreement to resolve the matter on February 10, 2016.

On January 13, 2015, the New York Attorney General’s Office (“NYAG”), which is also a member of the RMBS Working Group, indicated that it intended to file a lawsuit related to approximately 30 subprime securitizations sponsored by MS&Co.. NYAG indicated that the lawsuit would allege that MS&Co. misrepresented or omitted material information related to the due diligence, underwriting and valuation of the loans in the securitizations and the properties securing them and indicated that its lawsuit would be brought under the Martin Act. MS&Co. and NYAG reached an agreement to resolve the matter on February 10, 2016.

On July 23, 2014, the SEC approved a settlement by MS&Co. and certain affiliates to resolve an investigation related to certain subprime RMBS transactions sponsored and underwritten by those entities in 2007. Pursuant to the settlement, MS&Co. and certain affiliates were charged with violating Sections 17(a)(2) and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Act, agreed to pay disgorgement and penalties in an amount of $275 million and neither admitted nor denied the SEC’s findings.

On April 21, 2015, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (CBOE) and the CBOE Futures Exchange, LLC (CFE) filed statements of charges against MS&Co. in connection with trading by one of MS&Co.’s former traders of EEM options contracts that allegedly disrupted the final settlement price of the November 2012 VXEM futures. CBOE alleged that MS&Co. violated CBOE Rules 4.1, 4.2 and 4.7, Sections 9(a) and 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. CFE alleged that MS&Co. violated CFE Rules 608, 609 and 620. The matters were resolved on July 12, 2016 and June 28, 2016, respectively, without any findings of fraud. Pursuant to the settlements, MS&Co. was required to pay a $750,000 penalty to the CBOE (for which MS&Co. and an individual were jointly and severally liable) and a $400,000 penalty to the CFE (for which MS&Co. and an individual were jointly and severally liable) and $152,664 in disgorgement.

On June 18, 2015, MS&Co. entered into a settlement with the SEC and paid a fine of $500,000 as part of the MCDC Initiative to resolve allegations that MS&Co. failed to form a reasonable basis through adequate due diligence for believing the truthfulness of the assertions by issuers and/or obligors regarding their compliance with previous continuing disclosure undertakings pursuant to Rule 15c2-12 in connection with offerings in which MS&Co. acted as senior or sole underwriter.

On August 6, 2015, MS&Co. consented to and became the subject of an order by the CFTC to resolve allegations that MS&Co. violated CFTC Regulation 22.9(a) by failing to hold sufficient US Dollars in cleared swap segregated accounts in the United States to meet all US Dollar obligations to cleared swaps customers. Specifically, the CFTC found that while MS&Co. at all times held sufficient funds in segregation to cover its obligations to its customers, on certain days during 2013 and 2014, it held currencies, such as euros, instead of US dollars, to meet its US dollar obligations. In addition, the CFTC found that MS&Co. violated CFTC Regulation 166.3 by failing to have in place adequate procedures to ensure that it complied with CFTC Regulation 22.9(a). Without admitting or denying the findings or conclusions and without adjudication of any issue of law or fact, MS&Co. accepted and consented to the entry of findings, the imposition

 

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of a cease and desist order, a civil monetary penalty of $300,000, and undertakings related to public statements, cooperation, and payment of the monetary penalty.

On December 20, 2016, MS&Co. consented to and became the subject of an order by the SEC in connection with allegations that MS&Co. willfully violated Sections 15(c)(3) and 17(a)(1) of the Exchange Act and Rules 15c3-3(e), 17a-5(a), and 17a-5(d) thereunder, by inaccurately calculating its Reserve Account requirement under Rule 15c3-3 by including margin loans to an affiliate in its calculations, which resulted in making inaccurate records and submitting inaccurate reports to the SEC. Without admitting or denying the underlying allegations and without adjudication of any issue of law or fact, MS&Co. consented to a cease and desist order, a censure, and a civil monetary penalty of $7,500,000.

On September 28, 2017, the CFTC issued an order filing and simultaneously settling charges against MS&Co. regarding violations of CFTC Rule 166.3 by failing to diligently supervise the reconciliation of exchange and clearing fees with the amounts it ultimately charged customers for certain transactions on multiple exchanges. The order and settlement required MS&Co.. to pay a $500,000 penalty and cease and desist from violating CFTC Rule 166.3.

On November 2, 2017, the CFTC issued an order filing and simultaneously settling charges against MS&Co. for non-compliance with applicable rules governing Part 17 Large Trader reports to the CFTC. The order requires MS&Co. to pay a $350,000 penalty and cease and desist from further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Civil Litigation

On July 15, 2010, China Development Industrial Bank (“CDIB”) filed a complaint against MS&Co., styled China Development Industrial Bank v. Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated et al., which is pending in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County (“Supreme Court of NY”). The complaint relates to a $275 million credit default swap referencing the super senior portion of the STACK 2006-1 CDO. The complaint asserts claims for common law fraud, fraudulent inducement and fraudulent concealment and alleges that MS&Co. misrepresented the risks of the STACK 2006-1 CDO to CDIB, and that MS&Co. knew that the assets backing the CDO were of poor quality when it entered into the credit default swaps with CDIB. The complaint seeks compensatory damages related to the approximately $228 million that CDIB alleges it has already lost under the CDS, rescission of CDIB’s obligation to pay an additional $12 million, punitive damages, equitable relief, fees and costs. On February 28, 2011, the court denied MS&Co.’s motion to dismiss the complaint. On June 27, 2018, MS&Co. filed a motion for summary judgment and spoliation sanctions against CDIB. On December 21, 2018, the court denied MS&Co.’s motion for summary judgment and granted in part MS&Co.’s motion for sanctions relating to spoliation of evidence. On January 18, 2019, CDIB filed a motion to clarify and resettle the portion of the court’s December 21, 2018 order granting spoliation sanctions. On January 24, 2019, CDIB filed a notice of appeal from the court’s December 21, 2018 order, and on January 25, 2019, MS&Co. filed a notice of appeal from the same order. On March 7, 2019, the court denied the relief that CDIB sought in a motion to clarify and resettle the portion of the court’s December 21, 2018 order granting spoliation sanctions. On December 5, 2019, the Appellate Division, First Department (“First Department”) heard the parties’ cross-appeals. Based on currently available information, MS&Co. believes it could incur a loss in this action of up to approximately $240 million plus pre- and post-judgment interest, fees and costs.

 

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On October 15, 2010, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago filed a complaint against MS&Co. and other defendants in the Circuit Court of the State of Illinois, styled Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago v. Bank of America Funding Corporation et al. A corrected amended complaint was filed on April 8, 2011, which alleges that defendants made untrue statements and material omissions in the sale to plaintiff of a number of mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans and asserts claims under Illinois law. The total amount of certificates allegedly sold to plaintiff by MS&Co. at issue in the action was approximately $203 million. The complaint seeks, among other things, to rescind the plaintiff’s purchase of such certificates. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the corrected amended complaint on May 27, 2011, which was denied on September 19, 2012. On December 13, 2013, the court entered an order dismissing all claims related to one of the securitizations at issue. On January 18, 2017, the court entered an order dismissing all claims related to an additional securitization at issue. After those dismissals, the remaining amount of certificates allegedly issued by MS&Co. or sold to plaintiff by MS&Co. was approximately $65 million. At December 25, 2019, the current unpaid balance of the mortgage pass-through certificates at issue in this action was approximately $35 million, and the certificates had not yet incurred actual losses. Based on currently available information, MS&Co. believes it could incur a loss in this action up to the difference between the $35 million unpaid balance of these certificates (plus any losses incurred) and their fair market value at the time of a judgment against MS&Co., plus pre- and post-judgment interest, fees and costs. MS&Co. may be entitled to be indemnified for some of these losses and to an offset for interest received by the plaintiff prior to a judgment.

On May 17, 2013, plaintiff in IKB International S.A. in Liquidation, et al. v. Morgan Stanley, et al. filed a complaint against MS&Co. and certain affiliates in the Supreme Court of NY. The complaint alleges that defendants made material misrepresentations and omissions in the sale to plaintiff of certain mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The total amount of certificates allegedly sponsored, underwritten and/or sold by MS&Co. to plaintiff was approximately $133 million. The complaint alleges causes of action against MS&Co. for common law fraud, fraudulent concealment, aiding and abetting fraud, and negligent misrepresentation, and seeks, among other things, compensatory and punitive damages. On October 29, 2014, the court granted in part and denied in part MS&Co.’s motion to dismiss. All claims regarding four certificates were dismissed. After these dismissals, the remaining amount of certificates allegedly issued by MS&Co. or sold to plaintiff by MS&Co. was approximately $116 million. On August 11, 2016, the First Department affirmed the trial court’s decision denying in part MS&Co.’s motion to dismiss the complaint. At December 25, 2019, the current unpaid balance of the mortgage pass-through certificates at issue in this action was approximately $22 million, and the certificates had incurred actual losses of $59 million. Based on currently available information, MS&Co. believes it could incur a loss in this action up to the difference between the $22 million unpaid balance of these certificates (plus any losses incurred) and their fair market value at the time of a judgment against MS&Co., or upon sale, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, fees and costs. MS&Co. may be entitled to be indemnified for some of these losses and to an offset for interest received by the plaintiff prior to a judgment.

In August of 2017, MS&Co. was named as a defendant in a purported antitrust class action in the United States District Court for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York styled Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System et al. v. Bank of America Corporation et al. Plaintiffs allege, inter alia, that MS&Co., together with a number of other financial institution defendants, violated U.S. antitrust laws and New York state law in connection with their alleged efforts to prevent the development of electronic exchange-based

 

24


platforms for securities lending. The class action complaint was filed on behalf of a purported class of borrowers and lenders who entered into stock loan transactions with the defendants. The class action complaint seeks, among other relief, certification of the class of plaintiffs and treble damages. On September 27, 2018, the court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss the class action complaint.

Settled Civil Litigation

On December 23, 2009, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle filed a complaint against MS&Co. and another defendant in the Superior Court of the State of Washington, styled Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle v. Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc., et al. The amended complaint, filed on September 28, 2010, alleges that defendants made untrue statements and material omissions in the sale to plaintiff of certain mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The total amount of certificates allegedly sold to plaintiff by MS&Co. was approximately $233 million. The complaint raised claims under the Washington State Securities Act and sought, among other things, to rescind the plaintiff’s purchase of such certificates. On January 23, 2017, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation.

On March 15, 2010, the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco filed a complaint against MS&Co. and other defendants in the Superior Court of the State of California styled Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco v. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. et al. An amended complaint, filed on June 10, 2010, alleged that defendants made untrue statements and material omissions in connection with the sale to plaintiff of certain mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The amount of certificates allegedly sold to plaintiff by MS&Co. was approximately $276 million. The complaint raised claims under both the federal securities laws and California law and sought, among other things, to rescind the plaintiff’s purchase of such certificates. On December 21, 2016, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation.

On October 25, 2010, MS&Co., certain affiliates and Pinnacle Performance Limited, a special purpose vehicle (“SPV”), were named as defendants in a purported class action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (“SDNY”), styled Ge Dandong, et al. v. Pinnacle Performance Ltd., et al. On January 31, 2014, the plaintiffs in the action, which related to securities issued by the SPV in Singapore, filed a second amended complaint, which asserted common law claims of fraud, aiding and abetting fraud, fraudulent inducement, aiding and abetting fraudulent inducement, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. On July 17, 2014, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation, which received final court approval on July 2, 2015.

On July 18, 2011, the Western and Southern Life Insurance Company and certain affiliated companies filed a complaint against MS&Co. and other defendants in the Court of Common Pleas in Ohio, styled Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, et al. v. Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Inc., et al. An amended complaint was filed on April 2, 2012 and alleged that defendants made untrue statements and material omissions in the sale to plaintiffs of certain mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The amount of the certificates allegedly sold to plaintiffs by MS&Co. was approximately $153 million. On June 8, 2015, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation.

 

25


On April 25, 2012, The Prudential Insurance Company of America and certain affiliates filed a complaint against MS&Co. and certain affiliates in the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, styled The Prudential Insurance Company of America, et al. v. Morgan Stanley, et al. On October 16, 2012, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. The amended complaint alleged that defendants made untrue statements and material omissions in connection with the sale to plaintiffs of certain mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The total amount of certificates allegedly sponsored, underwritten and/or sold by MS&Co. was approximately $1.073 billion. The amended complaint raised claims under the New Jersey Uniform Securities Law, as well as common law claims of negligent misrepresentation, fraud, fraudulent inducement, equitable fraud, aiding and abetting fraud, and violations of the New Jersey RICO statute, and included a claim for treble damages. On January 8, 2016, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation.

In re Morgan Stanley Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Litigation, which had been pending in the SDNY, was a putative class action involving allegations that, among other things, the registration statements and offering documents related to the offerings of certain mortgage pass-through certificates in 2006 and 2007 contained false and misleading information concerning the pools of residential loans that backed these securitizations. On December 18, 2014, the parties’ agreement to settle the litigation received final court approval, and on December 19, 2014, the court entered an order dismissing the action.

On November 4, 2011, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), as receiver for Franklin Bank S.S.B, filed two complaints against MS&Co. in the District Court of the State of Texas. Each was styled Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as Receiver for Franklin Bank, S.S.B v. Morgan Stanley & Company LLC F/K/A Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and alleged that MS&Co. made untrue statements and material omissions in connection with the sale to plaintiff of mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The amount of certificates allegedly underwritten and sold to plaintiff by MS&Co. in these cases was approximately $67 million and $35 million, respectively. On July 2, 2015, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation.

On February 14, 2013, Bank Hapoalim B.M. filed a complaint against MS&Co. and certain affiliates in the Supreme Court of NY, styled Bank Hapoalim B.M. v. Morgan Stanley et al. The complaint alleged that defendants made material misrepresentations and omissions in the sale to plaintiff of certain mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The total amount of certificates allegedly sponsored, underwritten and/or sold by MS&Co. to plaintiff was approximately $141 million. On July 28, 2015, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation, and on August 12, 2015, the plaintiff filed a stipulation of discontinuance with prejudice.

On September 23, 2013, the plaintiff in National Credit Union Administration Board v. Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc., et al. filed a complaint against MS&Co. and certain affiliates in the SDNY. The complaint alleged that defendants made untrue statements of material fact or omitted to state material facts in the sale to the plaintiff of certain mortgage pass-through certificates issued by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The total amount of certificates allegedly sponsored, underwritten and/or sold by MS&Co. to plaintiffs in the matter was approximately $417 million. The complaint alleged violations of federal and various state securities laws and sought, among other things, rescissionary and compensatory damages. On November 23, 2015, the parties reached an agreement to settle the matter.

 

26


On September 16, 2014, the Virginia Attorney General’s Office filed a civil lawsuit, styled Commonwealth of Virginia ex rel. Integra REC LLC v. Barclays Capital Inc., et al., against MS&Co. and several other defendants in the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond related to RMBS. The lawsuit alleged that MS&Co. and the other defendants knowingly made misrepresentations and omissions related to the loans backing RMBS purchased by the Virginia Retirement System. The complaint asserted claims under the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act, as well as common law claims of actual and constructive fraud, and sought, among other things, treble damages and civil penalties. On January 6, 2016, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation. An order dismissing the action with prejudice was entered on January 28, 2016.

On April 20, 2011, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston filed a complaint against MS&Co. and other defendants in the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts styled Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston v. Ally Financial, Inc. F/K/A GMAC LLC et al. An amended complaint was filed on June 29, 2012 and alleged that defendants made untrue statements and material omissions in the sale to plaintiff of certain mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The total amount of certificates allegedly issued by MS&Co. or sold to plaintiff by MS&Co. was approximately $385 million. The amended complaint raised claims under the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act, the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act and common law and sought, among other things, to rescind the plaintiff’s purchase of such certificates. On November 25, 2013, July 16, 2014, and May 19, 2015, respectively, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed its claims against MS&Co. with respect to three of the securitizations at issue. After these voluntary dismissals, the remaining amount of certificates allegedly issued by MS&Co. or sold to plaintiff by MS&Co. was approximately $332 million. On July 13, 2018, the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle the litigation.

On May 3, 2013, plaintiffs in Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank AG et al. v. Morgan Stanley et al. filed a complaint against MS&Co., certain affiliates, and other defendants in the Supreme Court of NY. The complaint alleged that defendants made material misrepresentations and omissions in the sale to plaintiffs of certain mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The total amount of certificates allegedly sponsored, underwritten and/or sold by MS&Co. to plaintiff was approximately $634 million. The complaint alleged causes of action against MS&Co. for common law fraud, fraudulent concealment, aiding and abetting fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and rescission and sought, among other things, compensatory and punitive damages. On June 26, 2018, the parties entered into an agreement to settle the litigation.

On April 1, 2016, the California Attorney General’s Office filed an action against MS&Co. in California state court styled California v. Morgan Stanley, et al., on behalf of California investors, including the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the California Teachers’ Retirement System. The complaint alleged that MS&Co. made misrepresentations and omissions regarding residential mortgage-backed securities and notes issued by the Cheyne SIV, and asserted violations of the California False Claims Act and other state laws and sought treble damages, civil penalties, disgorgement, and injunctive relief. On April 24, 2019, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation.

Beginning on March 25, 2019, MS&Co. was named as a defendant in a series of putative class action complaints filed in the Southern District of NY, the first of which was styled Alaska

 

27


Electrical Pension Fund v. BofA Secs., Inc., et al. Each complaint alleged a conspiracy to fix prices and restrain competition in the market for unsecured bonds issued by the following Government-Sponsored Enterprises: the Federal National Mortgage Associate; the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation; the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation; and the Federal Home Loan Banks. The purported class period for each suit is from January 1, 2012 to June 1, 2018. Each complaint raised a claim under Section 1 of the Sherman Act and sought, among other things, injunctive relief and treble compensatory damages. On May 23, 2019, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint styled In re GSE Bonds Antitrust Litigation, with a purported class period from January 1, 2009 to January 1, 2016. On June 13, 2019, the defendants filed a joint motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint. On August 29, 2019, the court denied MS&Co.’s motion to dismiss. On December 15, 2019, MS&Co. and certain other defendants entered into a stipulation of settlement to resolve the action as against each of them in its entirety. On February 3, 2020, the court granted preliminary approval of that settlement.

Additional lawsuits containing claims similar to those described above may be filed in the future. In the course of its business, MS&Co., as a major futures commission merchant, is party to various civil actions, claims and routine regulatory investigations and proceedings that the General Partner believes do not have a material effect on the business of MS&Co. MS&Co. may establish reserves from time to time in connections with such actions.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

  (a)

Market Information. The Partnership has issued no stock. There is no established public trading market for Units of the Partnership.

 

  (b)

Holders. The number of holders of Units at February 29, 2020 was approximately 1,940 for Class A Units and 4 for Class Z Units.

 

  (c)

Distributions. No distributions have been made by the Partnership since it commenced trading operations on July 3, 2000. Ceres has sole discretion to decide what distributions, if any, shall be made to investors in the Partnership. Ceres currently does not intend to make any distributions of the Partnership’s profits.

 

  (d)

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans. None.

 

  (e)

Performance Graph. Not applicable.

 

  (f)

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, there were subscriptions of 3,875,284.653 Class A Units totaling $33,753,729, subscriptions of 17,111.399 Class Z Units totaling $176,590 and subscriptions of 39,870.113 Class Z General Partner Units totaling $411,459. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, there were subscriptions of 7,027.337 Class Z General Partner Units totaling $70,274. There were no subscriptions for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

The Registrant’s Units of limited partnership interest were offered in a private placement pursuant to Regulation D under the Securities Act, and were sold only to persons and entities who were accredited investors as the term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D. In determining the applicability of the exemption, the General Partner relied on the fact that the Units were purchased by accredited investors.

Proceeds of net offering were used for the trading of Futures Interests.

 

  (g)

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.

The following chart sets forth the purchases of Units by the Partnership.

 

Period   

Class A

(a) Total
Number

of Units
Purchased *

     Class A
(b) Average
Price Paid
per Unit **
    

Class Z

(a) Total
Number

of Units
Purchased *

     Class Z
(b) Average
Price Paid
per Unit **
     (c ) Total
Number of Units
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
     (d) Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Units that May Yet
Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
 

October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019

     39,456.011          $        8.54          1,236.373        $     10.29          N/A        N/A  

November 1, 2019 - November 30, 2019

     59,359.559          $        8.41          N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A  

December 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019

     93,934.696          $        8.38          N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A  
       192,750.266          $        8.42          1,236.373        $ 10.29                      

 

*

Generally, limited partners are permitted to redeem their Units as of the end of each month on three business days’ notice to the General Partner. Under certain circumstances, the General Partner can compel redemption, although to date, the General Partner has not exercised this right. Purchases of Units by the Partnership reflected in the chart above were made in the ordinary course of the Partnership’s business in connection with effecting redemptions for limited partners.

 

**

Redemptions of Units are effected as of the last day of each month at the net asset value per Unit as of that day. No fee will be charged for redemptions.

 

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Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

Total investment income, net expenses, total trading results, net income (loss) and increase (decrease) in net asset value per Unit for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and net asset value per Unit and total assets at December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 

     2019   2018   2017   2016   2015

Total investment income

     $ 668,830       $ 85,677       $ 54,066       $ 23,934       $ 3,411  

Net expenses

     (1,797,544     (317,529     (430,888     (697,278     (1,084,417

Total trading results

     (173,643     346,115       241,399       (500,137     3,223,223  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     $ (1,302,357     $ 114,263       $ (135,423     $ (1,173,481     $ 2,142,217  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net asset value per Unit:

          

Class A

     $ (0.33     $ 0.16       $ (0.29     $ (1.08     $ 1.43  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Z

     $ (0.19     $ 0.32       $ -           $ -           $ -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per Unit:

          

Class A

     $ 8.38       $ 8.71       $ 8.55       $ 8.84       $ 9.92  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Z

     $ 10.13       $ 10.32       $ -           $ -           $ -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

     $       32,471,449       $         5,372,782       $         6,934,368       $         9,323,609       $       13,538,087  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Liquidity. The Partnership deposits its assets with MS&Co. as clearing commodity broker in separate futures, forwards and options trading accounts established for each Trading Advisor. Such assets are used as margin to engage in trading and may be used as margin solely for the Partnership’s trading. The assets are held either in non-interest bearing bank accounts or in securities and instruments permitted by the CFTC for investment of customer segregated or secured funds. Since the Partnership’s sole purpose is to trade Futures Interests, it is expected that the Partnership will continue to own such liquid assets for margin purposes.

The Partnership’s/Funds’ investment in Futures Interests may, from time to time, be illiquid. Most U.S. futures exchanges limit fluctuations in prices during a single trading day by regulations referred to as “daily price fluctuation limits” or “daily limits.” Trades may not be executed at prices beyond the daily limit. If the price for a particular futures or option contract has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in that futures or option contract can neither be taken nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Futures prices have occasionally moved the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading. These market conditions could prevent the Partnership/Funds from promptly liquidating their futures or option contracts and result in restrictions on redemptions.

There is no limitation on daily price movements in trading forward contracts on foreign currencies. The markets for some world currencies have low trading volume and are illiquid, which may prevent the Partnership/Funds from trading in potentially profitable markets or prevent the Partnership/Funds from promptly liquidating unfavorable positions in such markets, subjecting them to substantial losses. Either of these market conditions could result in restrictions on redemptions. For the periods covered by this report, illiquidity has not materially affected the Partnership’s or the Funds’ assets.

Other than the risks inherent in Futures Interests trading and U.S. Treasury bills and money market mutual fund securities, the Partnership/Funds know of no trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties at the present time that are reasonably likely to result in the Partnership’s or the Funds’ liquidity increasing or decreasing in any material way.

 

30


Capital Resources. The Partnership does not have, nor does it expect to have, any capital assets. The Partnership does not engage in sales of goods or services. The Partnership’s only assets are its (i) investment in the Fund(s), (ii) redemptions receivable from the Fund(s), (iii) equity in trading account, consisting of restricted and unrestricted cash, net unrealized appreciation on open futures contracts, net unrealized appreciation on open forward contracts, options purchased, at fair value and investment in U.S. Treasury bills at fair value, if applicable, (iv) expense reimbursement and (v) interest receivable. Redemptions of Units in the future will affect the amount of funds available for investments in Futures Interests in subsequent periods. It is not possible to estimate the amount, and therefore the impact, of future outflows of Units.

Other than as discussed above, there are no known material trends, favorable or unfavorable, that would affect, nor any expected material changes to, the Partnership’s capital resource arrangements at the present time.

Results of Operations

General. The Partnership’s results depend on the Trading Advisors and the ability of each Trading Advisor’s trading program to take advantage of price movements in Futures Interests markets.

ADG trades its Systematic Macro Strategy on behalf of the Partnership. The Systematic Macro Strategy seeks to provide investors with positive absolute returns through taking long and short positions on a global basis in a broad range of financial instruments. The Systematic Macro Strategy will take directional and relative value positions based on systematically applied fundamental global macro analysis and ADG’s assessment of prevailing economic conditions and other relevant factors. The Systematic Macro Strategy aims for the generation of excess returns by means of tactical reallocation of the risk budget between asset classes, within asset classes and between various risk factors.

The Systematic Macro Strategy is based on a proprietary software tool which analyses macroeconomic and market information and produces recommended portfolios and trades for assessment by ADG. The methodology coded into the software makes use of theory based analysis of markets and advanced risk management techniques.

The Systematic Macro Strategy is composed of four independent models, consisting of one directional trading model and three relative value models. The Systematic Macro Strategy will take directional and relative value positions based on systematic analysis of global macro and economic data. Each of these models is built from 7-11 factors which are uncorrelated and fundamental drivers of markets. The Systematic Macro Strategy currently utilizes a total of 38 factors, which range from GDP measurements to curve analysis.

Greenwave’s Flagship Plus Program (the “Program”) is a Discretionary Global Macro strategy with an emphasis on trading G20 currencies. The Program incorporates a two-step investment process. Greenwave begins with top down, macroeconomic analysis to determine the fundamental themes in which to engage. The goal is to identify the dominant drivers in the current market environment with a focus on central bank activity, political trends, and geopolitical events. From this, Greenwave develops fundamental themes typically looking six to twelve months forward. In the second step, Greenwave employs a multi-layered quantitative process to identify the optimal timing and trade location at which to deploy risk in these themes. While themes are typically six to twelve months in duration, Greenwave will tactically trade around these core exposures.

P/E Global trades its FX Strategy Standard – MS Program on behalf of the Partnership. The FX Strategy Standard – MS Program, a proprietary investment strategy, is focused on the global currency markets. The FX Strategy Standard – MS Program is based on the belief of P/E Global that, by combining effective diversification, through analysis and continuous risk management, the investment objectives of the FX Strategy Standard – MS Program can be met with greater consistency. The FX Strategy Standard – MS Program employs a quantitative Bayesian statistical approach that takes advantage of inefficiencies in the global markets, analyzing fundamental factors in a disciplined format and adjusting to market changes.

Prior to its termination on June 30, 2019, SECOR traded a variation of the program traded by SECOR Alpha Master Fund L.P. on behalf of the Partnership. SECOR’s investment objectives were to generate high risk-adjusted returns by: (i) investing across a diverse set of asset classes, geographies, factors, themes and time horizons, (ii) identifying and exploiting temporarily pronounced market inefficiencies or risk premia, (iii) employing dynamic risk-budgeting to minimize tail risk and potentially enable alpha to be generated through timing of exposures and (iv) utilizing sophisticated modeling techniques supported by straight-forward economic intuition and sound fundamentals. SECOR sought to target long-term annualized volatility of 15% and low long-term correlation to other hedge fund strategies and broader markets.

 

31


SECOR had a healthy respect for the general information efficiency of markets but believed that certain inefficiencies (or outsized risk premia) could exist in certain markets, and these or other inefficiencies (or risk premia) may periodically become more pronounced in particular market conditions. SECOR believed that it was feasible to construct an investment strategy that sought to capture such inefficiencies (premia) in pursuit of high risk-adjusted returns (or excess returns for benchmarked mandates) that were lowly correlated with broad stock and bond market returns (alpha).

SECOR employed statistical techniques and empirical analysis to help determine whether they believed that observed or conjectured alpha opportunities were real and, more importantly, likely to be sustained in the future. If properly employed, these techniques could have certain advantages versus a purely judgmental approach including the potential ability to: control for the impact of particular factors, evaluate phenomena over a longer history, systematically assess confidence levels based on availability of data, evaluate performance over certain sub-periods and market cycles, identify certain possible causation and lead/lag effects, reduce certain common behavioral biases in human judgment and evaluate a range of factors in a systematic way.

When determining whether a factor should be used in driving SECOR’s models and strategies, conclusions derived from the statistical techniques were generally not sufficient. SECOR also sought to reconcile whether the findings were consistent with some economic, theoretical or behavioral intuition, including why a factor may lead to alpha and what conditions could cause a factor to cease to work at some point in the future. Although the statistical techniques that SECOR used to conduct its empirical evaluations may have been sophisticated, SECOR strove to keep the models that drove the investment process as simple as practicable.

SECOR used its proprietary models to systematically allocate and manage risk across a wide breadth of quantitative investment strategies, geographies and asset classes – a process known as risk budgeting. SECOR employed these models to construct a portfolio and manage risk. These strategies could have included currencies, commodities, equity indices, fixed income, cross-asset class trades and opportunistic strategies.

SECOR strongly believed in the benefits of diversification and that diversification should be sought across many aspects of the investment process. Under most circumstances, SECOR attempted to take positions in a large number of positions across a wide range of asset classes to enhance diversification.

SECOR also sought diversification across strategies, factors, themes and time horizons. Diversification of risk across strategies may have helped to produce a more consistent stream of returns by reducing the impact of poor performance in any one strategy. Recognizing that none of SECOR’s strategies would work at all times and, in fact, most strategies experienced periods of significant negative performance, SECOR sought to develop strategies in many asset classes and markets in which SECOR identified potential value. Within each strategy, it was also important to ensure that there was appropriate diversification across factors and themes and that the weightings of these themes could be controlled and easily changed dynamically as market conditions warranted, while taking into account factors such as liquidity, volatility, correlations, market impact and transaction costs. In portfolio construction, SECOR’s initial task was to identify, among other things, tilts, premia, signals, relative value pairs, anomalies, liquidity events and temporary price pressure that SECOR believed may provide attractive risk/return contributions on a stand-alone basis and in the context of a broader portfolio. SECOR then combined data and general conviction levels (in the form of priors) regarding the potential contributions and correlations of these exposures to help determine their allocations within the portfolio, utilizing a thoughtful, systematic risk-budgeting approach that sought to enable these exposures to be dynamic, rather than static. In doing so, part of SECOR’s alpha proposition could have resided in timing exposures, or identifying the appropriate times to: increase or decrease exposures and/or include or exclude exposures from the portfolio altogether.

The foregoing is not a comprehensive list of the methods of analysis and/or investment strategies that may have been employed by SECOR. SECOR intended to continue to review and refine its strategies and to examine new ideas and opportunities. Additional strategies may have been added from time to time.

Prior to its termination on April 3, 2019, AE Capital traded its AE Systematic FX Fund Program on behalf of the Partnership. AE Capital’s philosophy was that markets are driven by fundamental themes and that those fundamental themes inherently change over time. The AE Systematic FX Fund Program, a proprietary systematic strategy, dynamically adapted to the fundamental themes quantified to be driving markets. New themes were identified by AE Capital primarily through fundamental research. Once a new theme was scientifically tested and deemed eligible it was incorporated into the theme adapting system framework. Capital was only allocated to a theme if the theme adapting system determined that the theme carried statistically significant information and improved the overall portfolio. Risk was minimized through a proprietary portfolio construction technique that diversified the portfolio in terms of the underlying currency exposures, trade time horizons and fundamental views.

 

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Prior to its termination on January 31, 2019, Willowbridge traded its wPraxis Futures Trading Approach on behalf of the Partnership. wPraxis Futures Trading Approach was a proprietary, discretionary trading system.

wPraxis Futures Trading Approach utilized a fully discretionary trading strategy to build a portfolio consisting of futures on currency, fixed income, stock indices and commodities pursuant to wPraxis Futures Trading Approach. The approach traded commodities, futures, forwards, options, swaps and spot contracts in commodities, currencies and fixed income markets. All positions were closely monitored to evaluate risk parameter status. As markets moved, positions were refined and expectations updated in response to existing market conditions.

The trading rules were systematically tested over a comprehensive database using the system’s research environment. The criteria that determined whether a trading rule was to be accepted into the system included: profitability, robustness, consistency and diversification. Once a trading rule was accepted into the system, it was integrated using the same money management and risk analytic principles and software that had been applied to the preceding trading rules.

Risk measurement was accomplished by calculating pertinent risk measures such as correlation between markets and volatility of markets. These risk measures were then used to automatically scale trading positions or eliminate other positions.

Money management principles and tools were applied in a similar fashion to each rule. Entry levels, stop-loss and stop-gain positions were calculated daily. These were checked and sent to market.

Prior to its termination on December 31, 2018, Mesirow (and prior to October 1, 2018, Cambridge) traded its Asian Markets Alpha Programme and the Emerging Markets Alpha Programme, each a proprietary, systematic trading program on behalf of Cambridge Master. The Asian Markets Alpha Programme aimed to profit from short and medium term moves in the Asian markets’ currency pairs. To achieve this, a largely systematic approach was employed, designed to perform across diverse market environments. The process combined three decision making tools: a Systematic Technical Strategy, a Systematic Fundamental Strategy and a Market Information Strategy. During periods of higher volatility, the Systematic Technical Strategy used a series of proprietary trading algorithms operating over multiple timeframes. The algorithms combined trend continuation and trend reversal signals. During periods of lower volatility, the Systematic Fundamental Strategy reflected a predetermined set of positions designed to reflect ‘market’ views on the relative attractiveness of currencies versus the U.S. dollar, thereby realizing the inherent benefits of the carry trade. The Market Information Strategy leveraged the experience and global network of the Trading Advisor’s portfolio managers to understand and exploit the behavior of other market participants and to participate in hedging and investment flows. It had characteristics often associated with discretionary managers. The Trading Advisor’s proprietary Global Volatility Indicator served as the Trading Advisor’s regime shifting mechanism within the systematic strategies. The Trading Advisor believed that long run success was achieved through successful mitigation of downside returns with risk controlled at the portfolio, strategy and individual trade levels.

The Emerging Markets Alpha Programme aimed to profit from short and medium term moves in the developing markets’ currency pairs. To achieve this, a largely systematic approach was employed, designed to perform across diverse market environments. The process combined three decision making tools: a Systematic Technical Strategy, a Systematic Fundamental Strategy and a Market Information Strategy. During periods of higher volatility, the Systematic Technical Strategy used a series of proprietary trading algorithms operating over multiple timeframes. The algorithms combined trend continuation and trend reversal signals. During periods of lower volatility, the Systematic Fundamental Strategy reflected a predetermined set of positions designed to reflect ‘market’ views on the relative attractiveness of currencies versus the U.S. dollar, thereby realizing the inherent benefits of the carry trade. The Market Information Strategy leveraged the experience and global network of the Trading Advisor’s portfolio managers to understand and exploit the behavior of other market participants and to participate in hedging and investment flows. It had characteristics often associated with discretionary managers. The Trading Advisor’s proprietary Global Volatility Indicator served as the Trading Advisor’s regime shifting mechanism within the systematic strategies. The Trading Advisor believed that long run success was achieved through successful mitigation of downside returns with risk controlled at the portfolio, strategy and individual trade levels.

As of December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019, the Partnership’s assets were allocated among the Trading Advisors in the following approximate percentages:

 

Trading Advisor        

   December 31,
2019
         December 31, 2019    
(percentage of
Partners’ Capital)
     September 30,
2019
         September 30, 2019    
(percentage of
Partners’ Capital)
 

Greenwave

     $ 11,968,499          38  %          $             14,342,941          42  %    

P/E Global

     $ 4,500,779          14  %          $ 4,889,693          15  %    

ADG

     $             14,971,227          48  %          $ 14,683,711          43  %    

 

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The following presents a summary of the Partnership’s operations for each of the two years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, and a general discussion of its trading activities during each period. The results of operations for the twelve months ended 2017 is discussed under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. It is important to note, however, that the Trading Advisors trade in various markets at different times and that prior activity in a particular market does not mean that such market will be actively traded by the Trading Advisors or will be profitable in the future. Consequently, the results of operations of the Partnership are difficult to discuss other than in the context of the Trading Advisors’ trading activities on behalf of the Partnership during the periods in question. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The Partnership’s results of operations set forth in the financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which requires the use of certain accounting policies that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements, including the following: the contracts the Partnership and the Funds trade are accounted for on a trade-date basis and marked to market on a daily basis. The difference between their original contract value and market value is recorded in the Statements of Income and Expenses as “Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts”, for open contracts, and recorded as “Net realized gains (losses) on closed contracts”, when open positions are closed out. The sum of these amounts constitutes the Partnership’s total trading results. The market value of a futures contract is the settlement price on the exchange on which that futures contract is traded on a particular day. The value of a foreign currency forward contract is extrapolated on a forward basis from the spot prices quoted as of approximately 3:00 P.M. (E.T.), the close of the business day. Interest income, as well as management fees, General Partner fees, ongoing placement agent fees and incentive fees of the Partnership are recorded on an accrual basis.

The General Partner believes that, based on the nature of the operations of the Partnership, no assumptions relating to the application of critical accounting policies other than those presently used could reasonably affect reported amounts.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Partnership’s net asset value per Class A Unit decreased 3.8% from $8.71 to $8.38. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Partnership’s net asset value per Class Z Unit decreased 1.8% from $10.32 to $10.13. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Partnership’s net asset value per Class A Unit increased 1.9% from $8.55 to $8.71. For the period from April 1, 2018 (date of first issuance) to December 31, 2018, the Partnership’s net asset value per Class Z Unit increased 3.2% from $10.00 to $10.32. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Partnership’s net asset value per Class A Unit decreased 3.3% from $8.84 to $8.55.

The Partnership experienced a net trading loss before fees and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $173,643. Losses were primarily attributable to the Partnership’s/Funds’ trading in currencies, grains, U.S. interest rates, livestock, metals and softs and were partially offset by gains in energy, indices and non-U.S. interest rates. The net trading gains and losses realized from the Partnership and the Funds is disclosed under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

During the first quarter of 2019, the most notable gains were experienced during January within the energy sector from short positions in natural gas futures as prices declined on forecasts for a warmer-than-normal February. Within the global stock index sector, gains were experienced during February from long positions in European equity index futures as prices rallied as investors remained hopeful about a trade deal between the United States and China. The Partnership’s overall trading gains for the first quarter were offset by trading losses incurred in the currency sector during February from long positions in the Australian dollar versus the U.S. dollar as the value of the U.S. dollar advanced amid hopes for a U.S.-China trade truce. Within the global interest rate sector, losses were incurred during March from short U.S. fixed income futures positions as prices increased amid weakening global economic data. In the agricultural markets, losses were recorded during January from short positions in soybean futures as a weaker U.S. dollar and tightening global commodity supplies buoyed prices.

During the second quarter of 2019, the most notable losses were recorded during May and June from short futures positions in the grain markets as prices rose after excessive rains in the U.S. Midwest reduced yield projections. Additional losses were incurred within the agricultural sector from positions in cattle and orange juice futures. Losses in the metals sector were experienced primarily during May from long positions in zinc futures as prices declined amid renewed trade tensions globally. A portion of the Partnership’s losses for the second quarter was offset by gains experienced within the global interest rate sector during May and June from long positions in non-U.S. and U.S. fixed income futures as prices rose amid safe-haven demand and increased speculation that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates. Within the global stock indices, gains were recorded during April and June from long European equity index futures positions as prices increased on signs that major central banks are prepared to provide new stimulus to slowing economies.

 

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During the third quarter of 2019, the most notable gains were recorded within the currency sector during July from short euro positions versus the U.S. dollar as the relative value of the U.S. currency appreciated as the U.S. economy outperformed those of other regions. During August, additional gains were experienced in currencies from short positions in the New Zealand dollar versus the U.S. dollar as the relative value of the U.S. currency rose as concerns over how U.S.-China trade tensions and slowing global growth could impact “commodity currencies”. A portion of the Partnership’s gains for the third quarter was offset by losses experienced within the global interest rate sector during August from short positions in Canadian and Australian fixed income futures as prices benefited from mounting global growth concerns, escalating fears over a “hard” U.K. departure from the European Union, and ongoing uncertainty over the U.S.-Chinese trade war. Within the global stock indices, losses were recorded during July and August from long positions in U.S., European, and Asian equity index futures as declining investor sentiment sent global stock prices lower.

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the most significant losses were experienced in the currency sector during October and December from short positions in the New Zealand dollar, euro, and Swiss franc versus the U.S. dollar as political turmoil pulled the dollar lower. Further losses were incurred throughout the fourth quarter from positions in crude oil and its related products. The Partnership’s losses for the fourth quarter were partially offset by gains from long positions in global stock index futures as prices advanced as investors were spurred by signs of robust economic growth. Further gains were recorded within the global fixed income sector primarily during December from short positions in Australian and Canadian fixed income futures as prices fell amid growing confidence in the strength of the global economy.

The Partnership experienced a net trading gain before fees and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 of $346,115. Gains were primarily attributable to the Partnership’s/Funds’ trading in currencies, energy, indices and U.S. interest rates and were partially offset by losses in non-U.S. interest rates and metals.

During the first quarter of 2018, the most notable gains were experienced during February from short positions in the Canadian dollar as the value of the U.S. dollar strengthened against its major counterparts. Additional gains were recorded from positions in the Chinese renminbi, Thai baht, Taiwan dollar, and Romanian leu. A portion of the Partnership’s trading gains for the first quarter was offset by losses incurred from positions in the euro, Indonesian rupiah, Hungarian forint, and Australian dollar.

During the second quarter of 2018, the most notable gains were experienced during May and June from short positions in the euro and British pound as the value of the U.S. dollar strengthened against its major counterparts. Additional gains were recorded from positions in the Hungarian forint, Japanese yen, Korean won, and New Zealand dollar. A portion of the Partnership’s trading gains for the second quarter was offset by losses incurred from positions in the Australian dollar, South African rand, Indian rupee, and Russian ruble.

During the third quarter of 2018, the most notable losses were experienced during July and September from positions in the Australian dollar versus the U.S. dollar as the relative value of the Pacific nation currency whipsawed throughout the quarter. Additional losses were recorded from positions in the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, and British pound. A portion of the Partnership’s trading losses for the third quarter was offset by gains experienced from positions in the Japanese yen, New Zealand dollar, and euro.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the most significant gains were experienced during October from short positions in the euro versus the U.S. dollar as the value of the euro declined after data showed business growth in Europe lost more momentum than expected, as trade tensions and worries regarding Italy overshadowed the European economy. Additional gains were experienced from positions in the British pound and Australian dollar. Within the global stock index sector, gains were experienced during October from short positions in U.S. equity index futures as prices declined amid a global selloff spurred by fears over rising bond yields, slowing global growth, and increased trade tensions. Within the global interest rate sector, gains were experienced during October from positions in U.S. fixed income futures. A portion of the Partnership’s gains for the fourth quarter was offset by losses incurred from long positions in the Canadian dollar.

 

35


Effective November 1, 2018, the Partnership receives monthly interest on 100% of its average daily equity maintained in cash in the Partnership’s accounts at MS&Co. during each month at a rate equal to the monthly average of the 4-week U.S. Treasury bill discount rate. Prior to November 1, 2018, the Partnership received monthly interest on 100% of its average daily equity maintained in cash in the Partnership’s accounts at MS&Co. during each month at a rate equal to 80% of the monthly average of the 4-week U.S. Treasury bill discount rate. For the avoidance of doubt, the Partnership will not receive interest on amounts in the futures brokerage account that are committed to margin. Any interest earned on the Partnership’s cash account in excess of the amounts described above, if any, will be retained by MS&Co. and/or shared with the General Partner. All interest earned on U.S. Treasury bills and money market mutual fund securities will be retained by the Partnership and/or the Funds, as applicable. Interest income for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $97,070 and $583,153, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in 2018. The increase in interest income was due to an increase in average equity, as well as higher 4-week U.S. Treasury bill discount rates during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the corresponding periods in 2018. Interest earned by the Partnership will increase the net asset value of the Partnership. The amount of interest income earned by the Partnership and the Funds depends on (1) the average daily equity maintained in cash in the Partnership’s accounts and/or applicable Fund’s accounts, (2) the amount of U.S. Treasury bills and/or money market mutual fund securities held by the Partnership and/or the Funds and (3) interest rates over which none of the Partnership, the Funds or MS&Co. has control.

Certain clearing fees are based on the number of trades executed by the Trading Advisors for the Partnership/Funds. Accordingly, they must be compared in relation to the number of trades executed during the period. Clearing fees related to direct investments for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $14,373 and $72,628, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in 2018. The increase in these clearing fees was primarily due to an increase in the number of direct trades made by the Partnership during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the corresponding periods in 2018.

Ongoing placement agent fees are calculated as a percentage of the Partnership’s adjusted net asset value of Class A Units on the first day of each month and are affected by trading performance, subscriptions and redemptions. Accordingly, they must be compared in relation to the fluctuations in the monthly net asset values. Ongoing placement agent fees for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $137,409 and $587,117, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average net assets attributable to Class A Units during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the corresponding periods in 2018.

General Partner fees are paid to the General Partner for administering the business and affairs of the Partnership. General Partner fees are calculated as a percentage of the Partnership’s adjusted net asset value as of the beginning of each month and are affected by trading performance, subscriptions and redemptions. Accordingly, they must be compared in relation to the fluctuations in the monthly net asset values. General Partner fees for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $52,284 and $223,796, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average net assets during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the corresponding periods in 2018.

Management fees are calculated as a percentage of the Partnership’s adjusted net asset value as of the beginning of each month and are affected by trading performance, subscriptions and redemptions. Accordingly, they must be compared in relation to the fluctuations in the monthly net asset values. Management fees for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 increased by $56,294 and $265,199, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average net assets during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the corresponding periods in 2018.

Incentive fees are based on the new trading profits generated by each Trading Advisor at the end of the quarter or half year, as applicable, as defined in the respective management agreements between the Partnership, the General Partner and each Trading Advisor. Prior to SECOR’s termination on June 30, 2019, incentive fees were payable to SECOR at the end of the calendar year. Trading performance for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 resulted in incentive fees of $0 and $203,155, respectively. Trading performance for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 resulted in incentive fees of $18,653 and $52,361, respectively. To the extent a Trading Advisor incurs a loss for the Partnership, the Trading Advisor will not be paid incentive fees until such Trading Advisor recovers any net loss incurred by the Trading Advisor and earns additional new trading profits for the Partnership.

Effective January 1, 2018, the General Partner pays or reimburses the Partnership, from the General Partner fee it receives from the Partnership, the ordinary administrative expenses of the Partnership (“professional fees”) as well as clearing fees, to the extent that these total expenses exceed 0.85% annually of the net assets of the Partnership. Professional fees before reimbursements from the General Partner for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $306,433 and $177,853, respectively. Expenses reimbursed by the General Partner for professional fees and clearing fees exceeding 0.85% annually of the net assets of the Partnership for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $278,621 and $171,488, respectively.

 

36


For an analysis of unrealized gains and losses by contract type and a further description of 2019 trading results, refer to “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

The Partnership’s gains and losses are allocated among its partners for income tax purposes.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

The Partnership, directly and indirectly through its investment in the Funds, does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, nor does it have contractual obligations or commercial commitments to make future payments, that would affect its liquidity or capital resources.

Market Risk

The Partnership, directly and indirectly through its investment in the Funds, is a party to financial instruments with elements of off-balance sheet market and credit risk. The Partnership/Funds trade Futures Interests in global currency and commodity markets. In entering into these Futures Interests, the Partnership/Funds are subject to the market risk that such contracts may be significantly influenced by market conditions, such as changing supply and demand relationships, weather, government, agricultural, commercial and trade programs and policies, national and international political and economic events and changes in interest rates, resulting in such contracts being less valuable. If the markets should move against all of the positions held directly and indirectly by the Partnership at the same time, and the Trading Advisors were unable to offset positions of the Partnership, the Partnership could lose all of its assets and the limited partners would realize a loss equal to 100% of their capital accounts.

In addition to the Trading Advisors’ internal controls, the Trading Advisors must comply with the Partnership’s trading policies that include standards for liquidity and leverage that must be maintained. The Trading Advisors and Ceres monitor the Partnership’s trading activities to ensure compliance with the trading policies and Ceres can require the Trading Advisors to modify positions of the Partnership if Ceres believes they violate the Partnership’s trading policies.

Credit Risk

In addition to market risk, in entering into Futures Interests, there is a credit risk to the Partnership and the Funds that the counterparty on a contract will not be able to meet its obligations to the Partnership and the Funds. The ultimate counterparty or guarantor of the Partnership and the Funds for Futures Interests traded in the United States, and most foreign exchanges on which the Partnership and the Funds trade, is the clearinghouse associated with such exchange. In general, a clearinghouse is backed by the membership of the exchange and will act in the event of non-performance by one of its members or one of its member’s customers, which should significantly reduce this credit risk. There is no assurance that a clearinghouse, exchange or other exchange member will meet its obligations to the Partnership and the Funds, and Ceres and the commodity brokers will not indemnify the Partnership against a default by such parties. Further, the law is unclear as to whether a commodity broker has any obligation to protect its customers from loss in the event of an exchange or clearinghouse defaulting on trades effected for the broker’s customers. In cases where the Partnership/Funds trade non-exchange forward contracts with a counterparty, the sole recourse of the Partnership/Funds will be the forward contract’s counterparty.

Ceres deals with these credit risks of the Partnership in several ways. First, Ceres monitors the Partnership’s credit exposure to each exchange on a daily basis. The commodity brokers inform the Partnership, as with all of their customers, of the Partnership’s net margin requirements for all of its existing open positions, and Ceres has installed a system which permits it to monitor the Partnership’s potential net credit exposure, exchange by exchange, by adding the unrealized trading gains on each exchange, if any, to the Partnership’s margin liability thereon.

Second, the Partnership’s trading policies limit the amount of its net assets that can be committed at any given time to futures contracts and require a minimum amount of diversification in the Partnership’s trading, usually over several different products and exchanges. Historically, the Partnership’s exposure to any one exchange has typically amounted to only a small percentage of its total net assets and, on those relatively few occasions where the Partnership’s credit exposure climbs above such level, Ceres deals with the situation on a case by case basis, carefully weighing whether the increased level of credit exposure remains appropriate. Material changes to the trading policies may be made only with the prior written approval of the limited partners owning more than 50% of Units then outstanding.

Third, with respect to forwards and options on forward contract trading, the Partnership trades with only those counterparties which Ceres, together with MS&Co., has determined to be creditworthy. The Partnership presently deals with MS&Co. as the sole counterparty on all trading of foreign currency forward contracts and options on foreign currency forward contracts. JPMorgan was also a foreign exchange forward contract counterparty for certain Funds.

 

37


For additional information, see Note 4 to the Partnership’s financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Inflation has not been a major factor in the Partnership’s operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the General Partner to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. A summary of the Partnership’s significant accounting policies is described in Note 2 to the Partnership’s financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

The Partnership’s most significant accounting policy is the valuation of its investments in Futures Interests and U.S. Treasury bills, as applicable. The fair value of exchange-traded futures, option and forward contracts is determined by the various exchanges, and reflects the settlement price for each contract as of the close of business on the last business day of the reporting period. The fair value of foreign currency forward contracts is extrapolated on a forward basis from the spot prices quoted as of approximately 3:00 P.M. (E.T.) on the last business day of the reporting period from various exchanges. The fair value of non-exchange-traded foreign currency option contracts is calculated by applying an industry standard model application for options valuation of foreign currency options, using as inputs the spot prices, interest rates, and option implied volatilities quoted as of approximately 3:00 P.M. (E.T.) on the last business day of the reporting period. U.S. Treasury bills are valued at the last available bid price received from independent pricing services as of the close of the last business day of the reporting period.

 

38


Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Partnership/Funds are commodity pools engaged primarily in the speculative trading of Futures Interests. The market-sensitive instruments held by the Partnership/Funds are acquired for speculative trading purposes only and, as a result, all or substantially all of the Partnership’s assets are at risk of trading loss directly and indirectly through its investment in the Funds. Unlike an operating company, the risk of market-sensitive instruments is inherent to the primary business activity of the Partnership/Funds.

The Futures Interests on such contracts traded by the Partnership/Funds involve varying degrees of related market risk. Market risk is often dependent upon changes in the level or volatility of interest rates, exchange rates, and prices of financial instruments and commodities, factors that result in frequent changes in the fair value of the Partnership’s/Funds’ open positions, and consequently in their earnings, whether realized or unrealized, and cash flow. Gains and losses on open positions of exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded forward contracts are settled daily through variation margin. Gains and losses on non-exchange-traded forward currency contracts and forward currency option contracts are settled upon termination of the contract. Gains and losses on non-exchange-traded forward currency option contracts are settled on an agreed-upon settlement date.

The Partnership’s/Funds’ total market risk may increase or decrease as it is influenced by a wide variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the diversification among the Partnership’s/Funds’ open positions, the volatility present within the markets, and the liquidity of the markets.

The face value of the market sector instruments held by the Partnership/Funds is typically many times the applicable margin requirements. Margin requirements generally range between 2% and 15% of contract face value. Additionally, the use of leverage causes the face value of the market sector instruments held by the Partnership/Funds typically to be many times the total capitalization of the Partnership/Funds.

The Partnership’s/Funds’ past performance is no guarantee of their future results. Any attempt to numerically quantify the Partnership’s/Funds’ market risk is limited by the uncertainty of their speculative trading. The Partnership’s/Funds’ speculative trading and use of leverage may cause future losses and volatility (i.e., “risk of ruin”) that far exceed the Partnership’s/Funds’ experience to date as discussed under the “The Partnership’s and the Funds’ Trading Value at Risk in Different Market Sectors” section and significantly exceed the Value at Risk tables disclosed.

Limited partners will not be liable for losses exceeding the current net asset value of their investment.

Quantifying the Partnership’s Trading Value at Risk

The following quantitative disclosures regarding the Partnership’s/Funds’ 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 and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). 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.

The Partnership/Funds account for open positions on the basis of fair value accounting principles. Any loss in the market value of the Partnership’s/Funds’ open positions is directly reflected in the Partnership’s/Funds’ earnings and cash flow.

The Partnership’s/Funds’ risk exposure in the market sectors traded by the Trading Advisors is estimated below in terms of Value at Risk. Please note that the Value at Risk model is used to numerically quantify market risk for historic reporting purposes only and is not utilized by either Ceres or the Trading Advisors in their daily risk management activities.

Value at Risk is a measure of the maximum amount which the Partnership/Funds could reasonably be expected to lose in a given market sector. However, the inherent uncertainty of the Partnership’s/Funds’ speculative trading and the recurrence of market movements far exceeding expectations in the markets traded by the Partnership/Funds could result in actual trading or non-trading losses far beyond the indicated Value at Risk or the Partnership’s/Funds’ experience to date (i.e., “risk of ruin”). In light of the foregoing, as well as the risks and uncertainties intrinsic to all future projections, the inclusion of the quantification in this section should not be considered to constitute any assurance or representation that the Partnership’s/Funds’ losses in any market sector will be limited to Value at Risk or by the Partnership’s/Funds’ attempts to manage their market risk.

 

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Exchange margin requirements have been used by the Partnership/Funds as the measure of their Value at Risk. 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 margin levels are established by dealers and exchanges using historical price studies as well as an assessment of current market volatility (including the implied volatility of the options on a given futures contract) and economic fundamentals to provide a probabilistic estimate of the maximum expected near-term one-day price fluctuation.

The Partnership’s and the Funds’ Trading Value at Risk in Different Market Sectors

Value at Risk tables represent a probabilistic assessment of the risk of loss in market risk sensitive instruments. P/E Global and Greenwave directly trade in managed accounts in the name of the Partnership. ADG currently trades the Partnership’s assets indirectly in a master fund managed account established in the name of the master fund over which it has been granted limited authority to make trading decisions. AE Capital Master did not have any open positions as of December 31, 2018. As a result, the first trading Value at Risk table reflects the market sensitive instruments held by the Partnership directly and through its investment in ADG Master as of December 31, 2019. The remaining trading Value at Risk tables reflect the market sensitive instruments held by the Partnership directly (i.e. in the managed accounts in the Partnership’s name traded by certain Trading Advisors) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and indirectly by ADG Master as of December 31, 2019.

The following table indicates the trading Value at Risk associated with the Partnership’s open positions by market category as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, the Partnership’s total capitalization was $31,440,505.

December 31, 2019

 

          % of Total  

Market Sector

       Value at Risk              Capitalization        

Currencies

     $ 855,579        2.72  

Indices

     976,275        3.10    

Interest Rates U.S.

     74,689        0.24    

Interest Rates Non-U.S.

     582,017        1.85    

Metals

     74,250        0.24    
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

     $ 2,562,810        8.15  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

40


The following tables indicate the trading Value at Risk associated with the Partnership’s direct investments by market category as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the highest, lowest and average value at any point during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, followed by the trading Value at Risk associated with the Partnership’s indirect investment in ADG Master as of December 31, 2019, and the highest, lowest and average value at any point during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. All open position trading risk exposures have been included in calculating the figures set forth below. As of December 31, 2018, the Partnership’s total capitalization was $5,157,822.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Partnership’s Value at Risk for the portion of its assets that are traded directly was as follows:

December 31, 2019

 

                Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
          % of Total     High    Low    Average

Market Sector                

      Value at Risk          Capitalization           Value at Risk          Value at Risk          Value at Risk*   

Currencies

     $ 463,555        1.47       $ 1,058,648        $ 118,195        $ 441,915  

Interest Rates U.S.

     20,790        0.07         42,075        -            1,804  

Interest Rates Non-U.S.

     22,253        0.07         95,487        -            3,632  

Metals

     74,250        0.24         74,250        -            3,386  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

         

Total

     $ 580,848        1.85          
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

         

* Annual average of daily Values at Risk.

December 31, 2018

 

                Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018  
          % of Total     High      Low      Average  

Market Sector                

      Value at Risk          Capitalization           Value at Risk            Value at Risk            Value at Risk*     

Currencies

     $ 118,195        2.29       $ 141,125        $ -            $ 82,334  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

         

Total

     $ 118,195        2.29          
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

         

* Annual average of month-end Values at Risk.

As of December 31, 2019, ADG Master’s total capitalization was $43,900,450 and the Partnership owned approximately 34.1% of ADG Master. As of December 31, 2019, ADG Master’s Value at Risk for its assets (including the portion of the Partnership’s assets allocated to ADG for trading) was as follows:

December 31, 2019

 

                Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019*  
          % of Total     High      Low      Average  

Market Sector                

      Value at Risk          Capitalization           Value at Risk            Value at Risk           Value at Risk**    

Currencies

     $ 1,149,631        2.62       $ 1,178,519        $ 572,375        $ 926,479  

Indices

     2,862,976        6.52         4,251,649        463,544        2,857,687  

Interest Rates U.S.

     158,061        0.36         158,061        3,003        58,651  

Interest Rates Non-U.S.

     1,641,537        3.74         6,000,000        985,559        1,551,018  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

         

Total

     $ 5,812,205        13.24          
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

         

 

*

From February 1, 2019, commencement of operations for ADG Master, through December 31, 2019.

 

**

Annual average of daily Values at Risk.

 

41


On June 30, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in SECOR Master.

On April 30, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in AE Capital Master. As of December 31, 2018, AE Capital Master’s total capitalization was $19,658,348 and the Partnership owned approximately 7.6% of AE Capital Master. As of December 31, 2018, AE Capital Master had no Value at Risk for its assets (including the portion of the Partnership’s assets allocated to AE Capital for trading).

On January 31, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in Willowbridge Master.

On December 31, 2018, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in Cambridge Master.

Limitations on Value at Risk as an Assessment of Market Risk

Value at Risk models permit estimation of a portfolio’s aggregate market risk exposure, incorporating a range of varied market risks, reflect risk reduction due to portfolio diversification or hedging activities, and can cover a wide range of portfolio assets. However, Value at Risk measures should be viewed in light of the methodology’s limitations, which include, but may not be limited to, the following:

 

   

past changes in market risk factors will not always result in accurate predictions of the distributions and correlations of future market movements;

 

   

changes in portfolio value caused by market movements may differ from those of the Value at Risk model;

 

   

Value at Risk results reflect past market fluctuations applied to current trading positions while future risk depends on future positions;

 

   

Value at Risk using a one-day time horizon does not fully capture the market risk of positions that cannot be liquidated or hedged within one day; and

 

   

the historical market risk factor data used for Value at Risk estimation may provide only limited insight into losses that could be incurred under certain unusual market movements.

Non-Trading Risk

The Partnership has non-trading market risk on its foreign cash balances not needed for margin. These balances and any market risk they may represent are immaterial.

A decline in short-term interest rates would result in a decline in the Partnership’s cash management income. This cash flow risk is not considered to be material.

Materiality, as used throughout this section, is based on an assessment of reasonably possible market movements and any associated potential losses, taking into account the leverage, optionality and multiplier features of the Partnership’s market-sensitive instruments, in relation to the Partnership’s net assets.

Qualitative Disclosure Regarding Primary Trading Risk Exposures

The following qualitative disclosures regarding the Partnership’s/Funds’ market risk exposures – except for (i) those disclosures that are statements of historical fact and (ii) the descriptions of how the Partnership/Funds manage their primary market risk exposures – constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. The Partnership’s/Funds’ primary market risk exposures, as well as the strategies used and to be used by Ceres and the 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 Partnership’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 Partnership/Funds. Investors must be prepared to lose all or substantially all of their investment in the Partnership.

The Trading Advisors, in general, tends to utilize trading system(s) to take positions when market opportunities develop, and Ceres anticipates that the Trading Advisors will continue to do so.

 

42


The following were the primary trading risk exposures of the Partnership/Fund at December 31, 2019 by market sector. It may be anticipated, however, that these market exposures will vary materially over time.

Currencies. The Partnership’s/Fund’s currency exposure is to exchange rate fluctuations, primarily fluctuations that disrupt the historical pricing relationships between different currencies and currency pairs. These fluctuations are influenced by interest rate changes as well as political and general economic conditions. The General Partner does not anticipate that the risk profile of the Partnership’s/Fund’s currency sector will change significantly in the future.

Equities. The Partnership’s/Fund’s primary equity exposure is to equity price risk in the G8 countries. The stock index futures traded by the Partnership/Fund are limited to futures on broadly based indices. As of December 31, 2019 the Partnership’s/Fund’s primary exposures were in the IBEX 35 (Spain), FTSE MIB (Italy), S&P 500 (U.S.), DAX (Germany), FTSE 100 (United Kingdom), S&P/TSX 60 (Canada), Hang Seng (Hong Kong), and SPI 200 (Australia) stock indices. The Partnership/Fund is primarily exposed to the risk of adverse price trends or static markets in the major European, Pacific Rim, and U.S. indices. (Static markets would not cause major market changes but would make it difficult for the Partnership/Fund to avoid being “whipsawed” into numerous small losses.) The Partnership/Fund may also have exposure to the stock indices of emerging markets.

Interest Rates. Interest rate movements directly affect the price of the futures positions held by the Partnership/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 Partnership’s/Fund’s profitability. The Partnership’s/Fund’s primary interest rate exposure is to interest rate fluctuations in the United States and the other G8 countries.

Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Means of Managing Risk Exposure

The Partnership and the Trading Advisors, separately, attempt to manage the risk of the Partnership’s open positions in essentially the same manner in all market categories traded. Ceres attempts to manage market exposure by diversifying the Partnership’s assets among different market sectors and trading approaches through the selection of commodity trading advisors and by daily monitoring of their performance. In addition, the Trading Advisors establish diversification guidelines, often set in terms of the maximum margin to be committed to positions in any one market sector or market-sensitive instrument.

Ceres monitors and controls the risk of the Partnership’s non-trading instrument, cash. Cash is the only Partnership investment directed by Ceres, rather than the Trading Advisors.

 

43


Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.

The following financial statements and related items of the Partnership are filed under this Item 8: Oath or Affirmation, Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017; Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2019 and 2018; Condensed Schedule of Investments at December 31, 2019 and 2018; Statements of Income and Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017; Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017; and Notes to Financial Statements. Additional financial information has been filed as Exhibits to this Form 10-K.

 

44


To the Limited Partners of

Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the information contained herein is accurate and complete.

 

     LOGO

 

By:

 

Patrick T. Egan

 

President and Director

 

Ceres Managed Futures LLC

 

General Partner,

 

Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Ceres Managed Futures LLC

522 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10036

(855) 672-4468

 

45


Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of Ceres Tactical Global L.P. (the “Partnership”), Ceres Managed Futures LLC, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a – 15(f) and 15d – 15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and for our assessment of internal control over financial reporting. The Partnership’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 of America. The Partnership’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 Partnership;

 

  (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 of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Partnership are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Partnership; and

 

  (iii)

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection and correction of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Partnership’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. 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.

The management of Ceres Tactical Global L.P. has assessed the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its assessment, management concluded that the Partnership maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on the criteria referred to above.

 

LOGO

     

LOGO

 

     

 

Patrick T. Egan

     

Steven Ross

President and Director

     

Chief Financial Officer and Director

Ceres Managed Futures LLC

     

Ceres Managed Futures LLC

General Partner,

     

General Partner,

Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

     

Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

 

46


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Partners of Ceres Tactical Global L.P.,

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition of Ceres Tactical Global L.P. (the “Partnership”), including the condensed schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related statements of income and expenses and changes in partners’ capital for each of the three years in the period then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Partnership at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and the changes in its partners’ capital for each of the three years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Partnership is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2019, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the auditor of the Partnership since 2017.

Boston, MA

March 19, 2020

 

47


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Statements of Financial Condition

December 31, 2019 and 2018

 

         December 31,    
2019
       December 31,    
2018

Assets:

     

Investment in the Fund(s)(1), at fair value (Note 6)

     $ 14,991,927        $ 1,492,447  

Redemptions receivable from the Fund(s)

     46,358        276,352  

Equity in trading account:

     

Unrestricted cash (Note 3c)

     16,773,307        3,462,890  

Restricted cash (Note 3c)

     602,161        118,195  

Options purchased, at fair value (premiums paid $9,075 and $0 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively

     21,313        -      
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity in trading account

     17,396,781        3,581,085  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Expense reimbursement

     14,346        15,047  

Interest receivable (Note 3c)

     22,037        7,851  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

     $ 32,471,449        $ 5,372,782  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital:

     

Liabilities:

     

Net unrealized depreciation on open futures contracts

     $ 93,481        $ 10,645  

Accrued expenses:

     

Ongoing placement agent fees (Note 3d)

     -            8,623  

General Partner fees (Note 3a)

     20,201        3,279  

Management fees (Note 3b)

     22,313        3,999  

Incentive fees (Note 3b)

     -            18,653  

Professional fees

     107,776        85,695  

Redemptions payable to Limited Partners (Note 7)

     787,173        84,066  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,030,944        214,960  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Partners’ Capital (Notes 1 and 7):

     

General Partner, Class Z, 37,254.248 and 7,027.337 Units outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively

     377,559        72,542  

Limited Partners, Class A, 3,694,466.834 and 583,751.985 Units outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively

     30,975,585        5,085,280  

Limited Partners, Class Z, 8,620.412 and 0.000 Units outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively

     87,361        -      
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total partners’ capital (net asset value)

     31,440,505        5,157,822  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

     $     32,471,449        $     5,372,782  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net asset value per Unit:

     

Class A

     $ 8.38        $ 8.71  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Class Z

     $ 10.13        $ 10.32  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1) Defined in Note 1.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

48


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Condensed Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2019

 

                     % of Partners’      
         Number of Contracts                  Fair Value            Capital  

Futures Contracts Purchased

        

Currencies

     194        $ 44,207         0.14  

Metals

     22        27,802         0.09    
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total futures contracts purchased

        72,009         0.23    
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Futures Contracts Sold

        

Currencies

     110        (163,160)        (0.52)    

Interest Rates U.S.

     14        (2,599)        (0.01)    

Interest Rates Non-U.S.

     8        269         0.00   
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total futures contracts sold

        (165,490)        (0.53)    
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation on open futures contracts

        $ (93,481)        (0.30)  
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Options Purchased

        

Calls

        

Currencies

     33        $ 21,313         0.07   
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total options purchased (premiums paid $9,075)

        $ 21,313         0.07   
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investment in the Fund

        

CMF ADG Master Fund LLC

        $ 14,991,927         47.68   
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investment in the Fund

        $ 14,991,927         47.68   
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

* Due to rounding.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

49


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Condensed Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

                     % of Partners’      
         Number of Contracts                  Fair Value            Capital  

Futures Contracts Purchased

        

Currencies

     2        $ 2,400         0.05   
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total futures contracts purchased

        2,400         0.05     
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Futures Contracts Sold

        

Currencies

     57        (13,045)        (0.26)    
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total futures contracts sold

        (13,045)        (0.26)    
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation on open futures contracts

        $ (10,645)        (0.21)  
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investment in the Fund

        

CMF AE Capital Master Fund LLC

        $ 1,492,447         28.94   
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investment in the Fund

        $ 1,492,447         28.94   
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

50


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Statements of Income and Expenses

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

 

     2019   2018   2017

Investment Income:

      

Interest income (Note 3c)

     $ 308,818       $ 50,358       $ -      

Interest income allocated from the Fund(s) (Note 3c)

     360,012       35,319       54,066  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investment income

     668,830       85,677       54,066  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

      

Expenses allocated from the Fund(s)

     178,037       19,003       -      

Clearing fees related to direct investments (Note 3c)

     96,905       24,277       -      

Ongoing placement agent fees (Note 3d)

     702,857       115,740       168,976  

General Partner fees (Note 3a)

     267,600       43,804       135,181  

Management fees (Note 3b)

     321,178       55,979       126,731  

Incentive fees (Note 3b)

     203,155       52,361       -      

Professional fees

     306,433       177,853       -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total expenses

     2,076,165       489,017       430,888  

Expenses reimbursed by the General Partner

     (278,621     (171,488     -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Expenses

     1,797,544       317,529       430,888  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment loss

     (1,128,714     (231,852     (376,822
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading Results:

      

Net gains (losses) on trading of commodity interests and investment in the Fund(s):

      

Net realized gains (losses) on closed contracts

     (510,954     410,059       -      

Net realized gains (losses) on closed contracts allocated from the Fund(s)

     (436,136     (137,292     251,104  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts

     (71,529     (10,591     -      

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts allocated from the Fund(s)

     844,976       83,939       (9,705
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total trading results

     (173,643     346,115       241,399  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     $ (1,302,357     $ 114,263       $ (135,423
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per Unit (Note 8)*:

      

Class A

     $ (0.33     $ 0.16       $ (0.29
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Z

     $ (0.19     $ 0.32       $ -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of Units outstanding:

      

Class A

     4,076,019.884       669,432.806       911,204.435  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Z

     52,100.539       7,027.337       -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Represents the change in net asset value per Unit.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

51


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

 

     Class A   Class Z   Total
     Amount   Units   Amount   Units     Amount   Units

Partners’ Capital, December 31, 2016

     $ 9,094,995       1,028,828.887       $ -           -           $ 9,094,995       1,028,828.887  

Redemptions - General Partner

     (40,000     (4,476.772     -           -           (40,000     (4,476.772

Redemptions - Limited Partners

     (2,486,474     (271,924.252     -           -           (2,486,474     (271,924.252

Net income (loss)

     (135,423     -           -           -           (135,423     -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ Capital, December 31, 2017

     6,433,098       752,427.863       -           -           6,433,098       752,427.863  

Subscriptions - General Partner

     -           -           70,274       7,027.337       70,274       7,027.337  

Redemptions - General Partner

     (70,239     (8,199.927     -           -           (70,239     (8,199.927

Redemptions - Limited Partners

     (1,389,574     (160,475.951     -           -           (1,389,574     (160,475.951

Net income (loss)

     111,995       -           2,268       -           114,263       -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ Capital, December 31, 2018

     5,085,280       583,751.985       72,542       7,027.337       5,157,822       590,779.322  

Subscriptions - General Partner

     -           -           411,459       39,870.113       411,459       39,870.113  

Subscriptions - Limited Partners

     33,753,729       3,875,284.653       176,590       17,111.399       33,930,319       3,892,396.052  

Redemptions - General Partner

     -           -           (100,000     (9,643.202     (100,000     (9,643.202

Redemptions - Limited Partners

     (6,568,757     (764,569.804     (87,981     (8,490.987     (6,656,738     (773,060.791

Net income (loss)

     (1,294,667     -           (7,690     -           (1,302,357     -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ Capital, December 31, 2019

     $  30,975,585       3,694,466.834       $ 464,920       45,874.660       $  31,440,505       3,740,341.494  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per Unit:

2017:        

   Class A      $ 8.55    
     

 

 

 

2018:

   Class A      $ 8.71    
     

 

 

 
   Class Z      $ 10.32    
     

 

 

 

2019:

   Class A      $ 8.38    
     

 

 

 
   Class Z      $       10.13    
     

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

52


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

1.

Organization:

Ceres Tactical Global L.P. (formerly, Ceres Tactical Currency L.P.) (the “Partnership”) is a Delaware limited partnership organized in 1999 to engage primarily in the speculative trading of futures contracts, options on futures and forward contracts, and forward contracts on physical commodities and other commodity interests, including, but not limited to, foreign currencies, financial instruments, metals, energy, and agricultural products (collectively, “Futures Interests”) (refer to Note 9, “Financial Instruments”). Initially, the Partnership’s investment strategy focused on currency and currency-related investments. While the Partnership is expected to continue to have significant exposure to currency and currency-related markets, such trading will no longer be the Partnership’s sole focus. Therefore, the Partnership’s past trading performance will not necessarily be indicative of future results. The Futures Interests that are traded by the Partnership, either directly, through individually managed accounts, or indirectly, through its investment in the Funds (as defined below), are volatile and involve a high degree of market risk. The General Partner (as defined below) may also determine to invest up to all of the Partnership’s assets in United States (“U.S.”) Treasury bills and/or money market mutual funds, including money market mutual funds managed by Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. Prior to the close of business on December 31, 2017, the Partnership was one of the Morgan Stanley Spectrum series of funds, comprised of the Partnership, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Select L.P., Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Strategic L.P. and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Technical L.P.

Ceres Managed Futures LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, acts as the general partner (“Ceres” or the “General Partner”) and commodity pool operator of the Partnership and is the general partner or trading manager (in such capacity, the “Trading Manager”) of each Fund (as defined below). Ceres is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Domestic Holdings, Inc. (“MSD Holdings”). MSD Holdings is ultimately owned by Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley is a publicly held company whose shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Morgan Stanley is engaged in various financial services and other businesses.

As of January 1, 2018, units of limited partnership interest (“Unit(s)”) of the Partnership were being offered in two classes (each, a “Class” or collectively, the “Classes”): Class A Units and Class Z Units. Class A Units and Class Z Units are identical, except that Class Z Units are not subject to the monthly ongoing placement agent fee. All Units issued prior to January 1, 2018 were deemed “Class A Units.” The rights, liabilities, risks, and fees associated with investment in the Class A Units were not changed. Class Z Units are offered to limited partners who receive advisory services from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, doing business as Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (“Morgan Stanley Wealth Management”) and may also be offered to certain employees of Morgan Stanley and/or its subsidiaries (and their family members). Class Z Units were first issued on April 1, 2018.

As of December 31, 2019, all trading decisions were made for the Partnership by P/E Global LLC (“P/E Global”), Greenwave Capital Management LLC (“Greenwave”) and ADG Capital Management LLP (“ADG”) (each, a “Trading Advisor” and collectively, the “Trading Advisors”), each of which is a registered commodity trading advisor. Effective June 30, 2019, SECOR Capital Advisors, LP (“SECOR”) ceased to act as a commodity trading advisor to the Partnership. On June 30, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in SECOR Master Fund L.P. (“SECOR Master”). Effective April 3, 2019, the General Partner terminated AE Capital PTY Limited (“AE Capital”) as a commodity trading advisor to the Partnership. For the interim period from April 4, 2019 through April 30, 2019, the Partnership’s assets previously allocated to AE Capital were not charged a management fee and were credited with interest income at a rate equal to the monthly average of the 4-Week U.S. Treasury bill discount rate. On April 30, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in CMF AE Capital Master Fund LLC (“AE Capital Master”). On January 1, 2019, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to Willowbridge Associates Inc. (“Willowbridge”). On January 31, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in CMF Willowbridge Master Fund L.P. (“Willowbridge Master”). Also, effective January 31, 2019, Willowbridge ceased to act as a commodity trading advisor to the Partnership. Effective October 1, 2018, the Partnership, the General Partner, Cambridge Strategy (Asset Management) Limited (“Cambridge”) and Mesirow Financial International UK Limited (“Mesirow”) entered into a novation, assignment and assumption agreement, dated September 28, 2018, pursuant to which Cambridge transferred all of its future rights, obligations, and liabilities under that certain amended and restated management agreement, by and among the General Partner, the Partnership and Cambridge, dated as of October 22, 2012, as previously amended as of October 23, 2012, October 1, 2013 and January 1, 2018 (collectively, the “Initial Advisory Agreement”), to Mesirow. From October 1, 2018 until its termination effective December 31, 2018, Mesirow had undertaken to perform the Initial Advisory Agreement and be bound by its terms in every way as if it were the original party to it in place of Cambridge. References herein to a Trading Advisor or the Trading Advisors may also include, as relevant, SECOR, AE Capital, Willowbridge, Cambridge and Mesirow. Each Trading Advisor is allocated a portion of the Partnership’s assets to manage. The Partnership invests the portion of its assets allocated to each Trading Advisor either directly, through individually managed accounts in the Partnership’s name, or

 

53


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

indirectly, through its investments in the Funds. The Trading Advisors are not affiliated with one another, the General Partner or MS&Co., and are not responsible for the organization or operation of the Partnership.

On January 1, 2018, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to P/E Global. P/E Global directly trades a portion of the Partnership’s assets allocated to it through a managed account in the name of the Partnership pursuant to P/E Global’s FX Strategy Standard – MS Program.

On January 1, 2018, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to Greenwave. Greenwave directly trades a portion of the Partnership’s assets allocated to it through a managed account in the name of the Partnership pursuant to Greenwave’s Flagship Plus Program.

During the periods covered by this report, the Partnership’s and the Funds’ commodity broker was Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“MS&Co.”), a registered futures commission merchant. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”) may also act as a foreign exchange forward or swap counterparty for the Partnership/Funds. During prior periods included in this report, the Partnership/Funds deposited a portion of their cash in non-trading bank accounts at JPMorgan.

Effective October 10, 2018, the Partnership changed its name from Ceres Tactical Currency L.P. to Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

The Partnership and CMF ADG Master Fund LLC (“ADG Master”) have, and AE Capital Master (prior to its termination) had, entered into futures brokerage account agreements with MS&Co. Prior to their respective terminations, each of SECOR Master, Willowbridge Master and Cambridge Master Fund L.P. (“Cambridge Master”) had entered into futures brokerage account agreements and foreign exchange prime brokerage agreements with MS&Co. ADG Master will be referred to as the “Fund”. References herein to “Funds” may also include, as relevant, SECOR Master, AE Capital Master, Willowbridge Master and Cambridge Master. Pursuant to these agreements, the Partnership, directly or through its investment in the Funds, pays MS&Co. (or will reimburse MS&Co. if previously paid) its allocable share of all trading fees for the clearing and, where applicable, execution of transactions as well as exchange, user, give-up, floor brokerage and National Futures Association fees (collectively, the “clearing fees”).

Effective July 12, 2017 and until their respective terminations, Cambridge Master, Willowbridge Master and SECOR Master each entered into certain agreements with JPMorgan in connection with trading in forward foreign currency contracts on behalf of the referenced Funds and, indirectly, the Partnership. These agreements include a foreign exchange and bullion authorization agreement (“FX Agreement”), an International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. master agreement (“Master Agreement”), a schedule to the Master Agreement, a 2016 credit support annex for variation margin to the schedule and an institutional account agreement. In addition to Cambridge Master, Willowbridge Master and SECOR Master, Cambridge (and, subsequently, Mesirow, pursuant to the novation, assignment and assumption agreement), Willowbridge and SECOR were parties to the FX Agreements for the Funds to which each acted as commodity trading advisor. Under each FX Agreement, JPMorgan charged a fee on the aggregate foreign currency transactions entered into on behalf of the respective Fund during a month.

On October 10, 2018, Cambridge, Mesirow, Cambridge Master and JPMorgan entered into an amendment and assignment agreement, dated October 10, 2018 (the “Assignment Agreement”), effective as of October 1, 2018, to the FX Agreement, pursuant to which Cambridge assigned to Mesirow all of its rights, liabilities, duties and obligations under and in respect of the FX Agreement, Mesirow accepted such assignment and assumed all rights, liabilities, duties and obligations under and in respect of the FX Agreement, and JPMorgan consented to such assignment and assumption. Pursuant to the Assignment Agreement, all references to Cambridge were replaced by references to Mesirow, and all references to “Investment Manager” are deemed to refer to Mesirow.

On October 10, 2018, Cambridge Master and JPMorgan entered into an amendment, dated as of October 10, 2018 (the “ISDA Amendment”), effective as of October 1, 2018, to the schedule to the Master Agreement, dated as of July 12, 2017, between Cambridge Master and JPMorgan. Pursuant to the ISDA Amendment, all references to Cambridge were replaced by references to Mesirow.

The General Partner fees, management fees, incentive fees and professional fees of the Partnership are allocated proportionally to each Class based on the net asset value of the Class.

 

54


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

The Partnership will terminate on December 31, 2035 regardless of financial condition at such time, or at an earlier date if certain conditions occur as defined in the Partnership’s limited partnership agreement, as may be amended from time to time.

Ceres is required to maintain a 1% minimum equity interest in the Partnership. The equity maintained in the Partnership by Ceres is invested in the Partnership’s Class Z Units.

The General Partner has delegated certain administrative functions to SS&C Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation, currently doing business as SS&C GlobeOp (the “Administrator”). Pursuant to a master services agreement, the Administrator furnishes certain administrative, accounting, regulatory reporting, tax and other services as agreed from time to time. In addition, the Administrator maintains certain books and records of the Partnership. Effective January 1, 2018, the General Partner pays or reimburses the Partnership, from the General Partner fee it receives from the Partnership, the ordinary administrative expenses of the Partnership, to the extent these expenses exceed 0.85% annually of the net assets of the Partnership. This includes the expenses related to the engagement of the Administrator. Prior to January 1, 2018, the General Partner fully reimbursed the Partnership for these expenses.

 

2.

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

 

  a.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements and accompanying notes in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the General Partner to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the financial statements and accompanying notes. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates, and those differences could be material.

 

  b.

Profit Allocation. The General Partner and each limited partner of the Partnership share in the profits and losses of the Partnership in proportion to the amount of Partnership interest owned by each, except that no limited partner is liable for obligations of the Partnership in excess of its capital contributions and profits, if any, net of distributions, redemptions and losses, if any.

 

  c.

Statement of Cash Flows. The Partnership has not provided a Statement of Cash Flows, as permitted by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 230, “Statement of Cash Flows.” The Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital is included herein, and as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Partnership carried no debt and all of the Partnership’s and the Funds’ investments were carried at fair value and classified as Level 1 and Level 2 measurements.

 

  d.

Partnership’s Investment in the Funds. The Partnership carries its investment in ADG Master, and prior to their terminations, carried its investments in SECOR Master, AE Capital Master and Cambridge Master based on the Partnership’s (1) respective net contribution to each Fund and (2) its respective allocated share of the undistributed profits and losses, including realized gains or losses and net change in unrealized gains or losses, of each Fund. Prior to Willowbridge Master’s termination on January 31, 2019, the Partnership carried its investment in Willowbridge Master based on Willowbridge Master’s net asset value per unit as calculated by Willowbridge Master.

 

  e.

Partnership’s/Funds’ Derivative Investments. All Futures Interests held by the Partnership/Funds, including derivative financial instruments and derivative commodity instruments, are held for trading purposes. The Futures Interests are recorded on trade date and open contracts are recorded at fair value (as described in Note 5, “Fair Value Measurements”) at the measurement date. Investments in Futures Interests denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at the measurement date. Gains or losses are realized when contracts are liquidated. Net unrealized gains or losses on open contracts are included as a component of “equity in trading account” in the Partnership’s/Funds’ Statements of Financial Condition. Net realized gains or losses and net change in unrealized gains or losses are included in the Partnership’s/Funds’ Statements of Income and Expenses.

The Partnership and the Funds do not isolate the portion of the results of operations arising from the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations due to changes in market prices of investments held. Such fluctuations are included in total trading results in the Partnership’s/Funds’ Statements of Income and Expenses.

 

55


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

  f.

Partnership’s Cash. The Partnership’s restricted and unrestricted cash includes cash denominated in foreign currencies of $(86,859) (proceeds of $85,982) and $(13,519) (proceeds of $13,573) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

  g.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation. The Partnership’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar; however, the Partnership may transact business in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Partnership’s assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate in effect at the date of the Statements of Financial Condition. The Partnership’s income and expense items denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate in effect during the period.

 

  h.

Income Taxes. Income taxes have not been recorded as each partner is individually liable for the taxes, if any, on its share of the Partnership’s income and expenses. The Partnership follows the guidance of ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Partnership’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained “when challenged” or “when examined” by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions determined not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or liability in the Partnership’s Statements of Financial Condition for the current year. If a tax position does not meet the minimum statutory threshold to avoid the incurring of penalties, an expense for the amount of the statutory penalty and interest, if applicable, shall be recognized in the Partnership’s Statements of Income and Expenses in the period in which the position is claimed or expected to be claimed. The General Partner has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. The Partnership files U.S. federal and various state and local tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The 2016 through 2019 tax years remain subject to examination by U.S. federal and most state tax authorities.

 

  i.

Investment Company Status. The Partnership has adopted Accounting Standards Update 2013-08, “Financial Services—Investment Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement and Disclosure Requirements” and based on the General Partner’s assessment, the Partnership has been deemed to be an investment company since inception. Accordingly, the Partnership follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of Topic 946 and reflects its investments at fair value with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected in the Partnership’s Statements of Income and Expenses.

 

  j.

Net Income (Loss) per Unit. Net income (loss) per Unit is calculated in accordance with ASC 946, “Financial Services—Investment Companies.” See Note 8, “Financial Highlights.”

 

3.

Agreements:

 

  a.

Limited Partnership Agreement:

The General Partner administers the business and affairs of the Partnership, including selecting one or more advisors to make trading decisions for the Partnership. Effective January 1, 2018, the Partnership pays the General Partner a monthly administration fee (the “General Partner fee”) equal to 1/12 of 0.75% (a 0.75% annual rate) of the Partnership’s beginning of the month net assets. Prior to January 1, 2018, the General Partner fee paid to the General Partner was accrued at a rate of 1/12 of 1.6% (a 1.6% annual rate) per month of the Partnership’s beginning of the month net assets.

 

  b.

Management Agreement:

The General Partner, on behalf of the Partnership, has entered into a management agreement with each Trading Advisor (each, a “Management Agreement”). The Trading Advisors are not affiliated with one another, the General Partner or MS&Co., and are not responsible for the organization or operation of the Partnership. Each Management Agreement provides that the Trading Advisor has sole discretion in determining the investments of the assets of the Partnership allocated to the Trading Advisor by the General Partner. Pursuant to each Management Agreement, the Partnership pays each Trading Advisor a flat-rate monthly management fee and an incentive fee.

 

56


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

ADG receives a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.0% (a 1.0% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to ADG. Greenwave receives a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 0.75% (a 0.75% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to Greenwave. P/E Global receives a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 0.50% (a 0.50% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to P/E Global. Prior to its termination on June 30, 2019, SECOR received a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.15% (a 1.15% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to SECOR. Prior to its termination on April 3, 2019, AE Capital received a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.5% (a 1.5% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to AE Capital. Prior to its termination on January 31, 2019, Willowbridge received a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.25% (a 1.25% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to Willowbridge. From October 1, 2018 until its termination on December 31, 2018, Mesirow received a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.0% (a 1.0% annual rate) per month of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to Mesirow. From January 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018, Cambridge received a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.0% (1.0% per year) of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to Cambridge. Prior to January 1, 2018, Cambridge received a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.5% (1.5% per year) of net assets allocated on the first day of each month to Cambridge. Each Management Agreement may be terminated upon notice by either party.

In addition, the Partnership is obligated to pay ADG an incentive fee, payable semi-annually, equal to 25% of trading profits earned by ADG for the Partnership. The Partnership is obligated to pay Greenwave and P/E Global an incentive fee, payable quarterly, equal to 20% of trading profits earned by each Advisor. Prior to its termination on June 30, 2019, SECOR was eligible to receive an incentive fee, payable annually, equal to 25% of trading profits earned by SECOR for the Partnership. Prior to its termination on April 3, 2019, AE Capital was eligible to receive an incentive fee, payable quarterly, equal to 20% of trading profits earned by AE Capital for the Partnership. Prior to its termination on January 31, 2019, Willowbridge was eligible to receive an incentive fee, payable quarterly, equal to 20% of trading profits earned by Willowbridge for the Partnership. From October 1, 2018 until its termination on December 31, 2018, Mesirow was eligible to receive an incentive fee, payable annually, equal to 15% of trading profits earned by Mesirow for the Partnership. Prior to October 1, 2018, Cambridge was eligible to receive an incentive fee, payable annually, equal to 15% of trading profits earned by Cambridge for the Partnership. Prior to January 1, 2018, Cambridge received an incentive fee, payable quarterly, equal to 15% of trading profits earned by Cambridge for the Partnership. Trading profits represent the amount by which profits from trading in Futures Interests exceed losses after brokerage, ongoing placement agent, General Partner and management fees, as applicable, are deducted. For a Trading Advisor with trading losses, no incentive fee is paid in subsequent months until all such losses are recovered. Cumulative trading losses are adjusted on a pro-rata basis for the net amount of each month’s redemptions.

 

  c.

Customer Agreement:

The Partnership has entered into a customer agreement with MS&Co. (the “Customer Agreement”). Under the Customer Agreement, the Partnership pays trading fees for the clearing and, where applicable, execution of transactions, as well as exchange, user, give-up, floor brokerage and National Futures Association fees (collectively the “clearing fees”) directly and indirectly through its investment in the Funds. Clearing fees are borne by the Funds and allocated to the Funds’ limited partners/members, including the Partnership. Effective January 1, 2018, clearing fees are also borne by the Partnership directly. Effective January 1, 2018, the General Partner reimburses the Partnership for clearing fees to the extent that these fees exceed 0.85% annually of the net assets of the Partnership. All of the Partnership’s assets available for trading in Futures Interests not held in the Funds’ accounts at MS&Co. and JPMorgan are deposited in the Partnership’s accounts at MS&Co. The Partnership’s cash is deposited by MS&Co. in segregated bank accounts to the extent required by Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulations. The Partnership’s restricted cash is equal to the cash portion of assets on deposit to meet margin requirements, as determined by the exchange or counterparty, and required by MS&Co. At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the amount of cash held for margin requirements was $602,161 and $118,195, respectively. Cash that is not classified as restricted cash is therefore classified as unrestricted cash. Effective November 1, 2018, MS&Co. has agreed to pay the Partnership interest on 100% of the average daily equity maintained in cash in the Partnership’s accounts at MS&Co. during each month at a rate equal to the monthly average of the 4-week U.S. Treasury bill discount rate. MS&Co. and Ceres will retain any interest earned on such uninvested cash in excess of the interest paid to the Partnership. Prior to

 

57


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

November 1, 2018, MS&Co. paid the Partnership interest on 100% of the average daily equity maintained in cash in the Partnership’s accounts at MS&Co. during each month at a rate equal to 80% of the monthly average of the 4-week U.S. Treasury bill discount rate. For purposes of such interest payments, net assets do not include monies due to the Partnership on Futures Interests that have not been received. The Customer Agreement may generally be terminated upon notice by either party.

 

  d.

Selling Agreement:

The Partnership has entered into a selling agreement (the “Selling Agreement”) with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Pursuant to the Selling Agreement, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management receives a monthly ongoing placement agent fee equal to 1/12 of 2.0% (a 2.0% annual rate) of the Partnership’s Class A beginning of the month net assets. Class Z Units are not subject to the monthly ongoing placement agent fee.

 

  e.

Harbor Selling Agreement:

As of November 1, 2018, the Partnership entered into an alternative investment selling agent agreement (the “Harbor Selling Agreement”), by and among the Partnership, the General Partner, Morgan Stanley Distribution Inc., and Harbor Investment Advisory, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (“Harbor”). Pursuant to the Harbor Selling Agreement, MSDI and Harbor have been appointed as a non-exclusive selling agent and subselling agent, respectively, of the Partnership for the purpose of finding eligible investors for Units through offerings that are exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder and for Harbor to serve as an investment advisor to its customers investing in one or more of the partnerships party to the Harbor Selling Agreement; provided, that, included within such appointment, Harbor will provide certain services to certain holders of Units of the Partnership, who had acquired such Units prior to such holders becoming clients of Harbor. The Harbor Selling Agreement continues in effect until September 30, 2020 unless terminated in certain circumstances as set forth in the Harbor Selling Agreement, including by any party on thirty days’ prior written notice, after which the General Partner or the Partnership may, in its sole discretion, renew the Harbor Selling Agreement for additional one year periods. Pursuant to the Harbor Selling Agreement, the Partnership will pay Harbor an ongoing placement agent fee equal to 1/12 of 2.0% (a 2.0% annual rate) of the net asset value per Unit for certain holders of Class A Units in the Partnership, as set forth in the Harbor Selling Agreement.

 

4.

Trading Activities:

The Partnership was formed for the purpose of trading contracts in a variety of commodity interests, including derivative financial instruments and derivative commodity instruments. The results of the Partnership’s trading activities are shown in the Partnership’s Statements of Income and Expenses. The Partnership also invests certain of its assets through a “master/feeder” structure. The Partnership’s pro-rata share of the results of the Funds’ trading activities is shown in the Partnership’s Statements of Income and Expenses.

The Customer Agreement and the Funds’ futures brokerage account agreements with MS&Co. give the Partnership and the Funds, respectively, the legal right to net unrealized gains and losses on open futures contracts and open forward contracts in their respective Statements of Financial Condition. The Partnership and the Funds net, for financial reporting purposes, the unrealized gains and losses on open futures contracts and open forward contracts in their respective Statements of Financial Condition as the criteria under ASC 210-20,Balance Sheet,” have been met.

All of the Futures Interests owned directly by the Partnership are held for trading purposes. All of the Futures Interests owned by the Funds are held for trading purposes. The monthly average number of futures contracts traded directly by the Partnership during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was 207 and 44, respectively. The monthly average number of option contracts traded directly by the Partnership during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was 29 and 2.

 

58


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

Trading and transaction fees are based on the number of trades executed by the Trading Advisors and the Partnership’s respective percentage ownership of each Fund.

All clearing fees paid to MS&Co. for its direct trading are borne directly by the Partnership. In addition, clearing fees are borne by the Funds and allocated to the Funds’ limited partners/members, including the Partnership.

The following tables summarize the gross and net amounts recognized relating to assets and liabilities of the Partnership’s derivatives and their offsetting subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

         Gross Amounts   Amounts   Gross Amounts Not Offset in the       
         Offset in the   Presented in the   Statements of Financial Condition       
     Gross   Statements of   Statements of        Cash Collateral       
     Amounts   Financial   Financial   Financial    Received/       

December 31, 2019    

   Recognized   Condition   Condition     Instruments      Pledged*      Net Amount    

Assets

              

Futures

     $ 79,901       $ (79,901     $ -           $ -            $ -            $ -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

     $ 79,901       $ (79,901     $ -           $ -            $ -            $ -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities

              

Futures

     $         (173,382     $         79,901       $ (93,481     $ -            $ 93,481        $ -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     $ (173,382     $ 79,901       $ (93,481     $ -            $ 93,481        $ -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net fair value

                 $ -    
              

 

 

 

 

         Gross Amounts   Amounts   Gross Amounts Not Offset in the       
         Offset in the   Presented in the   Statements of Financial Condition       
     Gross   Statements of   Statements of        Cash Collateral       
     Amounts   Financial   Financial   Financial    Received/       

December 31, 2018    

   Recognized   Condition   Condition     Instruments      Pledged*      Net Amount    

Assets

              

Futures

     $  15,181       $ (15,181     $ -         $ -            $ -            $ -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

     $ 15,181       $ (15,181     $ -         $ -            $ -            $ -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities

              

Futures

     $         (25,826     $         15,181       $ (10,645   $ -            $ 10,645        $ -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     $ (25,826     $ 15,181       $ (10,645   $ -            $ 10,645        $ -      
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net fair value

                 $ -    
              

 

 

 

 

*

In the event of default by the Partnership, MS&Co., the Partnership’s commodity futures broker and the sole counterparty to the Partnership’s non-exchange-traded contracts, as applicable, has the right to offset the Partnership’s obligation with the Partnership’s cash and/or U.S. Treasury bills held by MS&Co., thereby minimizing MS&Co.’s risk of loss. In certain instances, MS&Co. may not post collateral and as such, in the event of default by MS&Co., the Partnership is exposed to the amount shown in the Statements of Financial Condition. In the case of exchange-traded contracts, the Partnership’s exposure to counterparty risk may be reduced since the exchange’s clearinghouse interposes its credit between buyer and seller and the clearinghouse’s guarantee funds may be available in the event of a default.

 

59


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

The following tables indicate the gross fair values of derivative instruments of futures contracts held directly by the Partnership as separate assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

             December 31, 2019          

Assets

  

Futures Contracts

  

Currencies

     $ 50,155     

Interest Rates Non-U.S.

     269     

Metals

     29,477     
  

 

 

 

Total unrealized appreciation on open futures contracts

     79,901     
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

  

Futures Contracts

  

Currencies

     (169,108)    

Interest Rates U.S.

     (2,599)    

Metals

     (1,675)    
  

 

 

 

Total unrealized depreciation on open futures contracts

     (173,382)    
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation on open futures contracts

     $ (93,481)    * 
  

 

 

 

Assets

  

Options Purchased

  

Currencies

     $ 21,313     
  

 

 

 

Total options purchased

     $ 21,313     ** 
  

 

 

 

 

*

This amount is in “Net unrealized depreciation on open futures contracts” in the Statements of Financial Condition.

**

This amount is in “Options purchased, at fair value” in the Statements of Financial Condition.

 

             December 31, 2018          

Assets

  

Futures Contracts

  

Currencies

     $ 15,181     
  

 

 

 

Total unrealized appreciation on open futures contracts

     15,181     
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

  

Futures Contracts

  

Currencies

     (25,826)    
  

 

 

 

Total unrealized depreciation on open futures contracts

     (25,826)    
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation on open futures contracts

     $ (10,645)    * 
  

 

 

 

 

*

This amount is in “Net unrealized depreciation on open futures contracts” in the Statements of Financial Condition.

 

60


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

The following table indicates the trading gains and losses, by market sector, on derivative instruments traded directly by the Partnership for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, no derivative instruments were traded directly by the Partnership.

 

Sector

           2019                     2018          

Currencies

     $                     (223,070)       $                     332,447     

Energy

     (18,282)         1,882     

Indices

     (265,258)         68,307     

Interest Rates U.S.

     (95,157)         17,489     

Interest Rates Non-U.S.

     26,164           (14,624)    

Metals

     (6,880)         (6,033)    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     $ (582,483)    ***    $ 399,468     *** 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

***

This amount is included in “Total trading results” in the Statements of Income and Expenses.

 

5.

Fair Value Measurements:

Partnership’s and the Funds’ Fair Value Measurements. Fair value is defined as the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to fair values derived from unobservable inputs (Level 3). The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls shall be determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The fair value of exchange-traded futures, option and forward contracts is determined by the various exchanges, and reflects the settlement price for each contract as of the close of business on the last business day of the reporting period. The fair value of foreign currency forward contracts is extrapolated on a forward basis from the spot prices quoted as of approximately 3:00 P.M. (E.T.) on the last business day of the reporting period from various exchanges. The fair value of non-exchange-traded foreign currency option contracts is calculated by applying an industry standard model application for options valuation of foreign currency options, using as input the spot prices, interest rates, and option implied volatilities quoted as of approximately 3:00 P.M. (E.T.) on the last business day of the reporting period. U.S. Treasury bills are valued at the last available bid price received from independent pricing services as of the close of the last business day of the reporting period.

The Partnership and the Funds consider prices for commodity futures, swap and option contracts to be based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1). The values of U.S. Treasury bills, non-exchange-traded forward, swap and certain option contracts for which market quotations are not readily available are priced by pricing services that derive fair values for those assets and liabilities from observable inputs (Level 2). As of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Partnership and the Funds did not hold any derivative instruments that were priced at fair value using unobservable inputs through the application of the General Partner’s assumptions and internal valuation pricing models (Level 3).

 

61


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

           Total                      Level 1                      Level 2                      Level 3          

Assets

           

Futures

     $ 79,901          $ 79,901          $ -              $ -        

Options purchased

     21,313          21,313          -              -        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     $ 101,214          $ 101,214          $ -              $ -        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Futures

     $ 173,382          $ 173,382          $ -              $ -        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     $ 173,382          $ 173,382          $ -              $ -        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

   Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Assets

           

Futures

     $ 15,181          $ 15,181          $ -              $ -        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     $ 15,181          $ 15,181          $ -              $ -        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Futures

     $ 25,826          $ 25,826          $ -              $ -        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     $ 25,826          $ 25,826          $ -              $ -        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

6.

Investment in the Funds:

On or about February 1, 2019, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to ADG for trading through investment in ADG Master, a Delaware limited liability company. ADG Master permits accounts managed by ADG using its Systematic Macro Strategy, a proprietary, systematic trading program, to invest together in one trading vehicle. The General Partner is also the trading manager of ADG Master. Individual and pooled accounts currently managed by ADG, including the Partnership, are permitted to be members of ADG Master. The Trading Manager and ADG believe that trading through this master/feeder structure promotes efficiency and economy in the trading process.

On or about January 1, 2019, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to SECOR for trading through investment in SECOR Master, a Delaware limited partnership. SECOR Master permitted accounts managed by SECOR using a variation of the program traded by SECOR Alpha Master Fund L.P., a proprietary, systematic trading program, to invest together in one trading vehicle. On June 30, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in SECOR Master.

On or about February 1, 2018, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to AE Capital for trading through investment in AE Capital Master, a Delaware limited liability company. AE Capital Master permitted accounts managed by AE Capital using its AE Systematic FX Fund Program, a proprietary, systematic trading system, to invest together in one trading vehicle. Effective April 3, 2019, the General Partner terminated AE Capital as a Trading Advisor to the Partnership. For the interim period from April 4, 2019 through April 30, 2019, the Partnership’s assets previously allocated to AE Capital were not charged a management fee and were credited with interest income at a rate equal to the monthly average of the 4-week U.S. Treasury bill discount rate. On April 30, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in AE Capital Master.

On or about January 1, 2019, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to Willowbridge for trading through investment in Willowbridge Master, a New York limited partnership. Willowbridge Master permitted accounts managed by Willowbridge using its wPraxis Futures Trading Approach, a proprietary, discretionary trading system, to invest together in one trading vehicle. Effective the close of business on January 31, 2019, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in Willowbridge Master.

 

62


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

On November 1, 2012, the Partnership allocated a portion of its assets to Cambridge for trading through investment in Cambridge Master, a Delaware limited partnership. From October 1, 2018 until its termination effective December 31, 2018, Mesirow had undertaken to perform the Assignment Agreement and be bound by its terms in every way as if it were the original party to it in place of Cambridge. Cambridge Master permitted accounts managed by Cambridge/Mesirow using the Asian Markets Alpha Programme and the Emerging Markets Alpha Programme, each a proprietary, systematic trading program, to invest together in one trading vehicle. Effective December 31, 2018, the Partnership fully redeemed its investment in Cambridge Master.

The General Partner is not aware of any material changes to any of the trading programs discussed above or in Note 1, “Organization” during the year ended December 31, 2019.

Generally, a limited partner/member in a Fund withdraws all or part of its capital contribution and undistributed profits, if any, from the Fund as of the end of any month (the “Redemption Date”) after a request had been made to the General Partner/Trading Manager at least three days in advance of the Redemption Date. Such withdrawals are classified as a liability when the limited partner/member elects to redeem and informs the Fund. However, for each Fund a limited partner/member may request a withdrawal as of the end of any day if such request is received by the General Partner/Trading Manager at least three days in advance of the proposed withdrawal day.

Management fees, ongoing placement agent fees, General Partner fees and incentive fees are charged at the Partnership level. Clearing fees are borne by the Funds and allocated to the Funds’ limited partners/members, including the Partnership.

At December 31, 2019, the Partnership owned approximately 34.1% of ADG Master. At December 31, 2018, the Partnership owned approximately 7.6% of AE Capital Master. It is the Partnership’s intention to continue to invest in ADG Master. The performance of the Partnership is directly affected by the performance of the Funds. Expenses to limited partners as a result of the investment in the Funds are approximately the same as they would be if the Partnership traded directly and the redemption rights are not affected.

Summarized information reflecting the total assets, liabilities and partners’/members’ capital of the Funds is shown in the following tables:

 

     December 31, 2019  
             Total Assets                      Total Liabilities                      Total Capital          

ADG Master

       $ 44,209,233            $ 308,783            $ 43,900,450    
     December 31, 2018  
     Total Assets      Total Liabilities      Total Capital  

Cambridge Master

     $ 21,433,817          $ 4,151,814          $ 17,282,003    

AE Capital Master

     19,758,302          99,954          19,658,348    

 

63


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

Summarized information reflecting the net investment income (loss), total trading results and net income (loss) of the Funds is shown in the following tables:

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2019  
         Net Investment    
Income (Loss)
         Total Trading    
Results
         Net Income    
(Loss)
 

AE Capital Master (a)

     $ 71,739          $ (890,810)         $ (819,071)     

SECOR Master (b)

     (84,266)           2,719,987            2,635,721      

Willowbridge Master (c)

     220,431            (759,939)           (539,508)     

ADG Master (d)

     465,783            179,092            644,875      
     For the year ended December 31, 2018  
         Net Investment    
Income (Loss)
         Total Trading    
Results
         Net Income    
(Loss)
 

Cambridge Master Fund

   $ 371,194          $ (3,386,331)         $ (3,015,137)     

AE Capital Master Fund (e)

     180,229            (1,180,663)           (1,000,434)     

 

(a)

From January 1, 2019 through April 30, 2019, the date AE Capital Master terminated operations.

 

(b)

From January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019, the date SECOR Master terminated operations.

 

(c)

From January 1, 2019 through January 31, 2019, the date Willowbridge Master terminated operations.

 

(d)

From February 1, 2019, commencement of operations for ADG Master, through December 31, 2019.

 

(e)

From February 1, 2018, commencement of operations for AE Capital Master, through December 31, 2018.

 

64


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

Summarized information reflecting the Partnership’s investment in and the Partnership’s pro-rata share of the results of operations of the Funds is shown in the following tables:

 

     December 31, 2019      For the year ended December 31, 2019             
     % of               Expenses    Net             

Funds

       Partners’    
Capital
         Fair    
Value
       Income    
(Loss)
      Clearing    
Fees
   Professional
Fees
       Income    
(Loss)
  Investment
Objective
     Redemptions
Permitted
 
                     Commodity     

AE Capital Master (a)

     -  %        $ -            $      (146,512)       $ 9,592        $ 8,603        $     (164,707     Portfolio        Monthly  
                     Commodity     

SECOR Master (b)

     -  %          -            665,225       96,606        7,205        561,414       Portfolio        Monthly  
                     Commodity     

Willowbridge Master (c)

     -  %          -            (45,751     9,757        589        (56,097     Portfolio        Monthly  
                     Commodity     

ADG Master (d)

     47.68%        14,991,927        295,890       21,620        24,065        250,205       Portfolio        Monthly  
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

    

Total

        $   14,991,927        $ 768,852       $ 137,575        $ 40,462        $ 590,815       
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

    
     December 31, 2018      For the year ended December 31, 2018             
     % of               Expenses    Net             

Funds

       Partners’    
Capital
         Fair    
Value
       Income    
(Loss)
      Clearing    
Fees
   Professional
Fees
       Income    
(Loss)
  Investment
Objective
     Redemptions
Permitted
 
                     Commodity     

Cambridge Master Fund

     -  %        $ -            $ 57,162       $ 1,001        $ 1,017        $ 55,144       Portfolio        Monthly  
                     Commodity     

AE Capital Master Fund (e)

     28.94%        1,492,447        (75,196     11,474        5,511        (92,181     Portfolio        Monthly  
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

    

Total

        $ 1,492,447        $  (18,034     $ 12,475        $ 6,528        $ (37,037     
     

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

    

 

(a)

From January 1, 2019 through April 30, 2019, the date AE Capital Master terminated operations.

(b)

From January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019, the date SECOR Master terminated operations.

(c)

From January 1, 2019 through January 31, 2019, the date Willowbridge Master terminated operations.

(d)

From February 1, 2019, commencement of operations for ADG Master, through December 31, 2019.

(e)

From February 1, 2018, commencement of operations for AE Capital Master, through December 31, 2018.

 

7.

Subscriptions, Distributions and Redemptions:

Subscriptions are accepted monthly from investors who become limited partners on the first day of the month after their subscriptions are processed. Distributions are made on a pro-rata basis at the sole discretion of the General Partner. No distributions have been made to date. The General Partner does not intend to make any distributions of the Partnership’s profits. A limited partner may redeem some or all of its Units in the Partnership at 100% of the net asset value per Unit. The request for redemptions must be delivered to a limited partner’s local Morgan Stanley Branch Office in time for it to be forwarded and received by Ceres no later than 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the last day of the month in which the redemption is to be effective.

 

65


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

8.

Financial Highlights:

Financial highlights for the limited partner Classes as a whole for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

     2019     2018     2017  
         Class A              Class Z             Class A             Class A      

Per Unit Performance (for a unit outstanding throughout the year): *

         

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     $  (0.05)         $ (0.06     $ 0.50       $ 0.12  

Net investment loss

     (0.28)         (0.13     (0.34     (0.41
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) for the year

     (0.33)         (0.19     0.16       (0.29

Net asset value per Unit, beginning of year

     8.71          10.32       8.55       8.84  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value per Unit, end of year

     $ 8.38          $ 10.13       $ 8.71       $ 8.55  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2019     2018     2017  
         Class A             Class Z             Class A             Class A      

Ratios to Average Limited Partners’ Capital:

        

Net investment loss **

     (3.2)      (1.4)      (4.0)      (4.5) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

     5.3       3.4       7.6       5.2  

Expenses borne by the General Partner

     (0.8)      (0.8)      (3.0)      -      

Incentive fees

     0.6       0.8       0.9       -      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     5.1       3.4       5.5       5.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return:

        

Total return before incentive fees

     (3.2)      (1.1)      2.8       (3.3) 

Incentive fees

     (0.6)      (0.7)      (0.9)      -      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return after incentive fees

     (3.8)      (1.8)      1.9      (3.3) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Net investment loss per Unit is calculated by dividing the interest income less total expenses by the average number of Units outstanding during the year. The net realized and unrealized gains (losses) per Unit is a balancing amount necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per Unit with the other per unit information.

 

**

Interest income less total expenses.

The above ratios and total return may vary for individual investors based on the timing of capital transactions during the year. Additionally, these ratios are calculated for the limited partner Classes using the limited partners’ share of income, expenses and average limited partners’ capital of the Partnership, and include the income and expenses allocated from the Fund(s).

 

66


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

9.

Financial Instruments:

The Partnership and the Funds trade Futures Interests. Futures and forwards represent contracts for delayed delivery of an instrument at a specified date and price. Futures Interests are open commitments until the settlement date, at which time they are realized. They are valued at fair value, generally on a daily basis, and the unrealized gains and losses on open contracts (the difference between contract trade price and market price) are reported in the Statements of Financial Condition as a net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on open futures contracts or net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on open forwards contracts. The resulting net change in unrealized gains and losses is reflected in “Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts” and “Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts allocated from the Funds” from one period to the next in the Statements of Income and Expenses. The Partnership’s/Funds’ contracts are accounted for on a trade-date basis. Gains or losses are realized when contracts are liquidated and are determined using the first-in, first-out method. Risk arises from changes in the value of these contracts and the potential inability of counterparties to perform under the terms of the contracts. There are numerous factors which may significantly influence the fair value of these contracts, including interest rate volatility.

The fair value of an exchange-traded contract is based on the settlement price quoted by the exchange on the day with respect to which fair value is being determined. If an exchange-traded contract could not have been liquidated on such day due to the operation of daily limits or other rules of the exchange, the settlement price will be equal to the settlement price on the first subsequent day on which the contract could be liquidated.

In general, the risks associated with non-exchange traded contracts are greater than those associated with exchange-traded contracts because of the greater risk of default by the counterparty to a non-exchange traded contract. The Partnership and the Funds have credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance. As of the date of the financial statements, the credit risk associated with the instruments in which the Partnership and the Funds trade is limited to the unrealized gain (loss) amounts reflected in the Partnership’s/Funds’ Statements of Financial Condition. The net unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts are further disclosed gross by type of contract and corresponding fair value level in Note 5, “Fair Value Measurements.”

The Partnership also has credit risk because MS&Co. acts as the commodity futures broker, or the counterparty, with respect to most of the Partnership’s assets. Exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded forward contracts are fair valued on a daily basis, with variations in value settled on a daily basis. With respect to the Partnership’s non-exchange traded forward currency contracts and forward currency option contracts, there are no daily settlements of variation in value, nor is there any requirement that an amount equal to the net unrealized gains (losses) on such contracts be segregated. However, the Partnership is required to meet margin requirements equal to the net unrealized loss on open forward currency contracts in the Partnership’s accounts with the counterparty, which is accomplished by daily maintenance of the cash balance in a custody account held at MS&Co., for the benefit of MS&Co. With respect to those non-exchange traded forward currency contracts, the Partnership is at risk to the ability of MS&Co., the sole counterparty on all such contracts, to perform. The Partnership has a netting agreement with the counterparty. The primary terms are based on industry standard master netting agreements. This agreement, which seeks to reduce both the Partnership’s and the counterparty’s exposure on non-exchange traded forward currency contracts, should materially decrease the Partnership’s credit risk in the event of MS&Co.’s bankruptcy or insolvency.

The General Partner monitors and attempts to mitigate the Partnership’s/Funds’ risk exposure on a daily basis through financial, credit and risk management monitoring systems, and, accordingly, believes that it has effective procedures for evaluating and limiting the credit and market risks to which the Partnership/Funds may be subject. These monitoring systems generally allow the General Partner to statistically analyze actual trading results with risk adjusted performance indicators and correlation statistics. In addition, online monitoring systems provide account analysis of futures and forward contracts by sector, margin requirements, gain and loss transactions and collateral positions.

 

67


Ceres Tactical Global L.P.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

The U.S. Treasury bills and Futures Interests traded by the Partnership and the Funds involve varying degrees of related market risk. Market risk is often dependent upon changes in the level or volatility of interest rates, exchange rates, and prices of financial instruments and commodities, factors that result in frequent changes in the fair value of the Partnership’s open positions, and consequently in its earnings, whether realized or unrealized, and cash flow. Gains and losses on open positions of exchange-traded futures, exchange-traded forward, and exchange-traded futures-styled option contracts are settled daily through variation margin. Gains and losses on non-exchange traded forward currency contracts are settled upon termination of the contract. Gains and losses on non-exchange traded forward currency option contracts are settled on an agreed-upon settlement date.

In the ordinary course of business, the Partnership and the Funds enter into contracts and agreements that contain various representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. The Partnership’s/Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements cannot be determined, as this could include future claims that have not yet been made against the Partnership/Funds. The General Partner/Trading Manager consider the risk of any future obligation relating to these indemnifications to be remote.

 

10.

Subsequent Events:

The General Partner evaluates events that occur after the balance sheet date but before and up until financial statements are available to be issued. The General Partner has assessed the subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring adjustment to or disclosure in each respective Partnership’s financial statements.

 

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Selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the Partnership for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is summarized below:

 

       For the period from  
October 1, 2019 to
December 31, 2019
    For the period from  
July 1, 2019 to
September 30, 2019
    For the period from  
April 1, 2019 to
June 30, 2019
    For the period from  
January 1, 2019 to
March 31, 2019

Total investment income

     $ 124,139       $ 163,605       $ 181,697       $ 199,389  

Net expenses

     (364,956     (464,697     (349,024     (618,867

Total trading results

     (598,959     447,669       (202,182     179,829  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     $ (839,776     $ 146,577       $ (369,509     $ (239,649
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per Unit:

        

Class A

     $ (0.22     $ 0.04       $ (0.09     $ (0.06
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Z

     $ (0.21     $ 0.09       $ (0.05     $ (0.02
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       For the period from  
October 1, 2018 to
December 31, 2018
    For the period from  
July 1, 2018 to
September 30, 2018
    For the period from  
April 1, 2018 to
June 30, 2018
    For the period from  
January 1, 2018 to
March 31, 2018

Total investment income

     $ 27,069       $ 21,495       $ 20,164       $ 16,949  

Net expenses

     (78,368     (68,114     (99,071     (71,976

Total trading results

     133,542       (33,525     177,063       69,035  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     $ 82,243       $ (80,144     $ 98,156       $ 14,008  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per Unit:

        

Class A

     $ 0.13       $ (0.13     $ 0.14       $ 0.02  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Z

     $ 0.20       $ (0.10     $ 0.22       $ -    
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

Not applicable.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures.

The Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Partnership on the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods expected in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in the reports it files is accumulated and communicated to management, including the President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of the General Partner, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure and appropriate SEC filings.

The General Partner is responsible for ensuring that there is an adequate and effective process for establishing, maintaining and evaluating disclosure controls and procedures for the Partnership’s external disclosures.

The General Partner’s President and CFO have evaluated the effectiveness of the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2019 and, based on that evaluation, the General Partner’s President and CFO have concluded that at that date the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

The Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting is a process under the supervision of the General Partner’s President and CFO to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. These controls include policies and procedures that:

 

   

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Partnership;

 

   

provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and (ii) the Partnership’s receipts are handled and expenditures are made only pursuant to authorizations of the General Partner; and

 

   

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection and correction of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Partnership’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

The report included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” includes the General Partner’s report on internal control over financial reporting (“Management’s Report”).

There were no changes in the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2019, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  Other Information.

Certain impacts to public health conditions particular to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that occurred subsequent to year end could impact the operations and financial performance of the Partnership investments. The extent of the impact to the financial performance of the Partnership investments will depend on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the outbreak, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, and (iv) the effects on the economy overall, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. If the financial performance of the Partnership investments is impacted because of these factors for an extended period, the Partnership performance may be adversely affected.

 

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PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The Partnership has no directors or executive officers and its affairs are managed by its General Partner. Investment decisions are made by the Trading Advisors.

The directors and executive officers of the General Partner are Patrick T. Egan (President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Partner), Steven Ross (Chief Financial Officer and Director), Matthew R. Graver (Director) and Etsuko Jennings (Director). Each director holds office until the earlier of his or her death, resignation or removal. Vacancies on the board of directors may be filled by either (i) the majority vote of the remaining directors or (ii) MSD Holdings, as the sole member of the General Partner. The officers of the General Partner are designated by the General Partner’s board of directors. Each officer will hold office until his or her successor is designated and qualified or until his or her death, resignation or removal.

Directors of the General Partner are responsible for overall corporate governance of the General Partner and meet periodically to consider strategic decisions regarding the General Partner’s activities. Under CFTC rules, each Director of the General Partner is deemed to be a principal of the General Partner and, as a result, is listed as such with the NFA. Patrick T. Egan and Steven Ross serve on the General Partner’s Investment Committee and are the trading principals responsible for allocation decisions (or supervising those responsible).

Patrick T. Egan, age 51, has been a Director of the General Partner since December 2010. Since December 2010, Mr. Egan has been a principal and registered as an associated person of the General Partner, and is an associate member of the NFA. Since October 2014, Mr. Egan has served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Partner. Since August 2013, Mr. Egan has been registered as a swap associated person of the General Partner. From September 2013 to May 2014, Mr. Egan served as a Vice President of Morgan Stanley Strategies LLC, formerly known as Morgan Stanley GWM Feeder Strategies LLC, which acts as a general partner to multiple alternative investment entities, and Morgan Stanley AI GP LLC, formerly known as Morgan Stanley HedgePremier GP LLC, which acts as a general partner and administrative agent to numerous hedge fund feeder funds. From September 2013 to May 2014, Mr. Egan was registered as an associated person and listed as a principal of each such entity. Since January 2013, each such entity has been registered as a commodity pool operator with the CFTC. Mr. Egan was responsible for overseeing the implementation of certain CFTC and NFA regulatory requirements applicable to such entities. From June 2009 to December 2014, Mr. Egan was employed by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a financial services firm, where his responsibilities included serving as Executive Director and as Co-Chief Investment Officer for Morgan Stanley Managed Futures from June 2009 through June 2011 and as Chief Risk Officer for Morgan Stanley Managed Futures from June 2011 through October 2014. Since October 2014, Mr. Egan has been responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of Morgan Stanley Managed Futures. Since January 2015, Mr. Egan has been employed by the General Partner. From November 2010 to October 2014, Mr. Egan was registered as an associated person of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. From April 2007 through June 2009, Mr. Egan was employed by MS & Co., a financial services firm, where his responsibilities included serving as Head of Due Diligence and Manager Research for Morgan Stanley’s Managed Futures Department. From April 2007 through June 2009, Mr. Egan was registered as an associated person of MS & Co. From March 1993 through April 2007, Mr. Egan was employed by Morgan Stanley DW Inc., a financial services firm, where his initial responsibilities included serving as an analyst and manager within the Managed Futures Department (with primary responsibilities for product development, due diligence, investment analysis and risk management of the firm’s commodity pools) and later included serving as Head of Due Diligence and Manager Research for Morgan Stanley’s Managed Futures Department. From February 1998 through April 2007, Mr. Egan was registered as an associated person of Morgan Stanley DW Inc. From August 1991 through March 1993, Mr. Egan was employed by Dean Witter Intercapital, the asset management arm of Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., where his responsibilities included serving as a mutual fund administration associate. Mr. Egan also served as a Director from November 2004 through October 2006, and from November 2006 through October 2008 of the Managed Funds Association’s Board of Directors, a position he was elected to by industry peers for two consecutive two-year terms. Mr. Egan earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance in May 1991 from the University of Notre Dame.

 

71


Steven Ross, age 48, has been Chief Financial Officer and a principal of the General Partner since July 2014 and a Director of the General Partner since February 2016. Mr. Ross has been employed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management, a financial services firm, since September 2005, where his responsibilities include serving as an Assistant Treasurer of Morgan Stanley with respect to certain investment vehicles publicly offered by Morgan Stanley. Mr. Ross is also an Executive Director of the Morgan Stanley Fund Administration Group where he is responsible for finance and accounting matters for certain private funds offered by Morgan Stanley. Before joining Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Mr. Ross was employed by JPMorgan Investor Services Co., a financial services firm, from December 1997 through September 2005, where his responsibilities included serving as a Vice President responsible for the accounting of certain funds sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and other large fund families serviced by JPMorgan Investor Services Co. From April 1997 to December 1997, Mr. Ross was employed by Investors Bank & Trust, a financial services firm, where his responsibilities included performing mutual fund accounting for financial services firms. Mr. Ross began his career at Putnam Investments LLC, a financial services firm, where he was responsible for providing broker services for certain funds sponsored by Putnam Investments LLC from August 1996 to April 1997. Mr. Ross received a B.S. in Accounting from Rhode Island College in May 1995.

Matthew R. Graver, age 52, has been a Director of the General Partner and listed as a principal since November 2016. Since January 2008, Mr. Graver has served as Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, a financial services firm, and Chief Operating Officer for Morgan Stanley AIP Fund of Hedge Funds, a business unit offering managed portfolios of hedge funds. Since November 2015, Mr. Graver has been listed as a principal and director of Morgan Stanley AIP Cayman GP Ltd., a commodity pool operator. From January 2005 to January 2008, Mr. Graver served as Executive Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management and from August 2003 to January 2005, Mr. Graver served as Vice President of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. From August 2003 to January 2008, Mr. Graver’s primary responsibilities included serving as Head of Operational Due Diligence for Morgan Stanley AIP Fund of Hedge Funds in which role he oversaw due diligence into operational factors of alternative investment entities. From July 1997 to July 2003, Mr. Graver was employed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an international auditing and professional services firm, where he served as a senior audit manager and was responsible for managing independent audits of financial services firms. From June 1993 to June 1997, Mr. Graver was employed by PNC Bank, a bank offering consumer and corporate services, where he served as a mutual fund accounting manager and was responsible for managing an accounting team that performed daily accounting functions and valuation calculations for a group of mutual funds. From July 1989 through June 1993, Mr. Graver was employed by Coopers & Lybrand LLP, a predecessor accounting firm to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he was a senior audit associate and was responsible for performing audits of financial services firms. Mr. Graver earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in May 1989 from Pennsylvania State University and Masters of Business Administration from Villanova University in May 2002.

Etsuko Jennings, age 61, has been a director of the General Partner since September 2018. She has been a Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management since January 2007 and is currently head of the Operational Risk group for Morgan Stanley Investment Management’s Global Risk and Analysis division, responsible for ongoing analysis as well as reporting and mitigation of operational risk. She joined Morgan Stanley in 1985 and has approximately 22 years of investment experience. Previously, she managed a variety of strategic initiatives in the Global Operations group. Before that, Ms. Jennings was a member of the firm’s IT department in New York, Tokyo and London where she developed and managed trading and accounting systems. She received a B.A. from Keio University’s School of Letters/International Program in Japan and an M.A. in international relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Partnership has not adopted a code of ethics that applies to officers because it has no officers. In addition, the Partnership has not adopted any procedures by which investors may recommend nominees to the Partnership’s board of directors and has not established an audit committee because it has no board of directors.

 

72


Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

The Partnership has no directors and executive officers. As a limited partnership, the business of the Partnership is managed by Ceres, which is responsible for the administration of the business affairs of the Partnership. The Partnership pays Ceres a General Partner fee equal to an annual rate of 0.75% (paid monthly) of the Partnership’s net assets.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

  (a)

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners – At February 29, 2020, there were no persons known to be beneficial owners of more than 5 percent of the Units.

 

  (b)

Security Ownership of Management – Under the terms of the Limited Partnership Agreement, the Partnership’s affairs are managed by the General Partner. The following table indicates securities owned by the General Partner as of December 31, 2019:

 

  (1) Title of Class   

(2) Name of

Beneficial

Owner

    

    (3) Amount and

Nature of

Beneficial

Ownership

    

(4) Percent of    

Class

                     Class Z Units

       General Partner            37,254.248              81.2%

 

  (c)

Changes in Control – None.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

(a) Transactions with related persons. None.

(b) Review, approval or ratification of transactions with related persons. Not applicable.

(c) Promoters and certain control persons. MS&Co., Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, and the General Partner could be considered promoters for purposes of Item 404(c) of Regulation S-K. The nature and the amounts of compensation each promoter received or will receive, if any, from the Partnership are set forth under “Item 1. Business.”, “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” and “Item 11. Executive Compensation.”

 

73


Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

(1) Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 for the audit of the Partnership’s annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in the Partnership’s Forms 10-Q and 10-K and other services normally provided in connection with regulatory filings or engagements were:

2019: $98,477

2018: $60,497

(2) Audit-Related Fees. None.

(3) Tax Fees. The Partnership did not pay EY any amounts in 2019 and 2018 for professional services in connection with tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.

(4) All Other Fees. None.

(5) Not applicable.

(6) Not applicable.

 

74


PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

1. Listing of Financial Statements

 

  -

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm.

 

  -

Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

  -

Condensed Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

  -

Statements of Income and Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

  -

Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

  -

Notes to Financial Statements.

With the exception of the aforementioned information and the information incorporated in Items 7, 8 and 13, the Annual Report to Limited Partners for the year ended December 31, 2019 is not deemed to be filed with this report.

2. Listing of Financial Statement Schedules

No Financial Statement schedules are required to be filed with this report.

3. Exhibits

For the exhibits incorporated by reference or filed herewith to this report, refer to the Exhibits.

 

75


EXHIBITS

ITEM

 

3.01

  

Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2017, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0—31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2017.

3.01(a)

  

Amendment No.  1 to the Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of the Partnership’s Form 10-Q (File No.  0—31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2018.

3.02

  

Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated October 20, 1999, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.02 of the Partnership’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-90485) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 1999.

3.03

  

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated November 1, 2001 (changing its name from Dean Witter Spectrum Currency L.P.), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 1, 2001.

3.04

  

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated June 1, 2009 (changing the name and mailing address of the general partner of the Partnership), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.04 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0—31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 4, 2009.

3.05

  

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated September 29, 2009 (changing its name from Morgan Stanley Spectrum Currency L.P. to Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Currency L.P.), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.06 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0—31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2009.

3.06

  

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated December 30, 2011 (changing its name from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Currency L.P. to Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Currency and Commodity L.P.), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.07 of the Partnership’s Form 8—K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 6, 2012.

3.07

  

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated November 1, 2016 (changing its name from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Currency and Commodity L.P. to Ceres Tactical Currency L.P.), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.08 of the Partnership’s Form 10-Q (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2016.

3.08

  

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated October 10, 2018 (changing its name from Ceres Tactical Currency L.P. to Ceres Tactical Global L.P.), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 16, 2018.

4.01

  

Description of Securities, filed herewith.

10.01

  

Management Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2012, among the General Partner, the Partnership and Cambridge Strategy (Asset Management) Limited, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of the Partnership’s Form 10-Q (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2012.

 

76


10.01 (a)

  

First Amendment to Management Agreement among the General Partner, the Partnership, and Cambridge Strategy (Asset Management) Limited, dated as of October 23, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.02 of the Partnership’s Form 10-Q (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2012.

10.01 (b)

  

Second Amendment to Management Agreement, among the General Partner, the Partnership, and The Cambridge Strategy (Asset Management) Limited, dated October 1, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.02(b) of the Partnership’s Form 10-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2014.

10.01 (c)

  

Third Amendment to Management Agreement, by and among Ceres Tactical Currency L.P., Ceres Managed Futures LLC, and The Cambridge Strategy (Asset Management) Limited, dated as of January 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 4, 2018.

10.02

  

Escrow Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2007, among The Bank of New York, the General Partner, and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.05 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 31, 2007.

10.03

  

Form of Subscription and Exchange Agreement and Power of Attorney to be executed by each purchaser of Units is incorporated by reference to Exhibit B of the Partnership’s Prospectus, dated May 1, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) under the Securities Act of 1933 on May 8, 2008.

10.04

  

Form of Subscription Agreement Update Form to be executed by purchasers of Units is incorporated by reference to Exhibit C of the Partnership’s Prospectus, dated May 1, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) under the Securities Act of 1933 on May 8, 2008.

10.05

  

Customer Agreement between the Partnership and Morgan Stanley DW, dated as of June 30, 2000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 1, 2001.

10.05 (a)

  

Amendment No.  1 to the Amended and Restated Customer Agreement between the Partnership and Morgan Stanley DW Inc., dated July  1, 2005, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.09(a) of the Partnership’s Form 10-Q (File No.  0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2005.

10.06

  

Amended and Restated Commodity Futures Customer Agreement, between MS&Co. and the Funds listed on Appendix A thereto, dated as of November 12, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of the Partnership’s Form 10-Q (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2013.

10.06 (a)

  

Supplement, dated as of July 25, 2017, to the Commodity Futures Customer Agreement, between MS&Co. and the funds listed on Appendix A thereto, dated as of November 12, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 31, 2017.

10.07

  

Securities Account Control Agreement between the Partnership and MS&Co., dated as of June 6, 2000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.03 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 1, 2001.

10.08

  

Foreign Exchange and Options Master Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2007, between Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Demeter, in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2007.

10.09

  

Foreign Exchange and Options Master Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2007, between Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc. and Demeter, in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2007.

 

 

77


10.10

  

Customer FX Prime Brokerage Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2007, between Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Demeter, in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2007.

10.11

  

Customer FX Prime Brokerage Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2007, between Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc. and Demeter, in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2007.

10.12

  

Amended and Restated Alternative Investment Selling Agent Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2016, by and among the General Partner, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and the partnerships listed on Schedule 1 thereto, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2016.

10.13

  

U.S. Treasury Securities Purchase Authorization Agreement, effective as of June 1, 2015, by and among MS&Co. and the Partnership, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 4, 2015.

10.14

  

Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, effective as of March 15, 2015, by and among SS&C Technologies, Inc., the General Partner and each of the collective investment vehicles listed in Schedule C thereto, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2015.

10.15

  

Management Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2017, by and among the Partnership, the General Partner and Greenwave Capital Management LLC, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 4, 2017.

10.16

  

Management Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2017, by and among the Partnership, the General Partner and P/E Global LLC, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 4, 2017.

10.17

  

Management Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2018, by and among the Partnership, the General Partner and AE Capital Pty Limited, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2, 2018.

10.18

  

Institutional Account Agreement, dated as of July 12, 2017, by and between Cambridge Master Fund L.P. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., J.P. Morgan Securities plc, J.P. Morgan Securities (Asia Pacific) Limited, J.P. Morgan Securities Asia Private Limited, J.P. Morgan Securities Australia Limited, JPMorgan Securities Japan Co., Ltd., J.P. Morgan Prime Nominees Limited, J.P. Morgan Markets Limited and J.P. Morgan Prime Inc., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of the Partnership’s Form 10-Q (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2017.

10.19

  

Foreign Exchange and Bullion Authorization Agreement, dated as of July 12, 2017, by and among Cambridge Master Fund L.P., The Cambridge Strategy (Asset Management) Limited and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.02 of the Partnership’s Form 10-Q (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2017.

10.19(a)

  

Amendment and Assignment of Foreign Exchange and Bullion Authorization Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2018, by and among The Cambridge Strategy (Asset Management) Limited, Mesirow Financial International UK Limited, Cambridge Master Fund L.P. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 16, 2018.

 

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10.20  

International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master Agreement, Schedule to the ISDA Master Agreement, and 2016 Credit Support Annex for Variation Margin to the Schedule to the ISDA Master Agreement, each dated as of July 12, 2017, by and between Cambridge Master Fund L.P. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.03 of the Partnership’s Form 10-Q (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2017.

10.20(a)  

Amendment, dated as of October 10, 2018, to the Schedule to the ISDA Master Agreement, dated as of July 12, 2017, between Cambridge Master Fund L.P. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 16, 2018.

10.21  

Novation, Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2018, by and among the Partnership, the General Partner, The Cambridge Strategy (Asset Management) Limited and Mesirow Financial International UK Limited, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 4, 2018.

10.22  

Alternative Investment Selling Agent Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2018, by and among the General Partner, Harbor Investment Advisory LLC, Morgan Stanley Distribution Inc., and the limited partnerships listed on Schedule 1 thereto, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of the Partnership’s Form 10-Q (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2018.

10.23  

Management Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2019, by and among the Partnership, the General Partner and SECOR Capital Advisors, L.P., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 7, 2019.

10.24  

Management Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2019, by and among the Partnership, the General Partner and Willowbridge Associates Inc., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 7, 2019.

10.25  

Management Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2019, by and among the Partnership, the General Partner and ADG Capital Management LLP, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Partnership’s Form 8-K (File No. 0-31563) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2019.

10.26  

Amendment, dated January 1, 2020, to the Management Agreement, dated as of February  1, 2019, by and among the Partnership, the General Partner and ADG Capital Management LLP, filed herewith.

31.01  

Certification of President of Ceres Managed Futures LLC, the general partner of the Partnership, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.02  

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Ceres Managed Futures LLC, the general partner of the Partnership, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.01  

Certification of President of Ceres Managed Futures LLC, the general partner of the Partnership, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.02  

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Ceres Managed Futures LLC, the general partner of the Partnership, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99.1  

Financial Statements of CMF AE Capital Master Fund LLC.

99.2  

Financial Statements of SECOR Master Fund L.P.

99.3  

Financial Statements of CMF Willowbridge Master Fund L.P.

99.4  

Financial Statements of CMF ADG Master Fund LLC.

 

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101.INS^    XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH^    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL^    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF^    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.LAB^    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE^    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

^ Submitted electronically herewith.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

CERES TACTICAL GLOBAL L.P.

By: Ceres Managed Futures LLC

(General Partner)

By: /s/ Patrick T. Egan                                

Patrick T. Egan

President and Director

Date: March 26, 2020

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 registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

/s/ Patrick T. Egan

 

        

  

/s/ Matthew R. Graver

  

Patrick T. Egan

    

Matthew R. Graver

  

President and Director

    

Director

  

Ceres Managed Futures LLC

    

Ceres Managed Futures LLC

  

Date: March 26, 2020

    

Date: March 26, 2020

  

/s/ Steven Ross

    

/s/ Etsuko Jennings

  

Steven Ross

    

Etsuko Jennings

  

Chief Financial Officer and Director

    

Director

  

(Principal Accounting Officer)

    

Ceres Managed Futures LLC

  

Ceres Managed Futures LLC

    

Date: March 26, 2020

  

Date: March 26, 2020

       

Supplemental Information to be Furnished With Reports Filed Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act by Registrants Which Have Not Registered Securities Pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

Annual Report to Limited Partners

No proxy material has been sent to limited partners.

 

81