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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004
[ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 0-23577
DEAN WITTER DIVERSIFIED FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-3461507
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
Demeter Management Corporation
825 Third Avenue, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (212) 310-6444
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed
since last report)
Indicate by check-mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No___________
Indicate by check-mark whether the registrant is an accelerated
filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes No X
DEAN WITTER DIVERSIFIED FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
March 31, 2004
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2004
(Unaudited) and December 31, 2003..........................2
Statements of Operations for the Quarters Ended
March 31, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited)........................3
Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital for the
Quarters Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited).........4
Statements of Cash Flows for the Quarters Ended
March 31, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited) .......................5
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)...............6-10
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.......11-18
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risk.........................................19-31
Item 4. Controls and Procedures................................31
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings......................................32
Item 5. Other Information...................................32-33
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K....................34-35
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
DEAN WITTER DIVERSIFIED FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, December 31,
2004 2003
$ $
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Equity in futures interests trading accounts:
Cash 72,167,302 70,449,140
Net unrealized gain on open contracts (MS&Co.) 1,506,090 991,709
Net unrealized gain on open contracts (MSIL) 799,300 1,522,154
Total net unrealized gain on open contracts 2,305,390 2,513,863
Total Trading Equity 74,472,692 72,963,003
Interest receivable (Morgan Stanley DW) 47,899 40,362
Total Assets 74,520,591 73,003,365
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Liabilities
Redemptions payable 779,440 854,826
Accrued management fees (MSFCM) 191,644 179,148
Administrative expenses payable 158,584 181,340
Total Liabilities 1,129,668 1,215,314
Partners' Capital
Limited Partners (51,507.208 and
52,693.330 Units, respectively) 72,555,253 70,988,827
General Partner (593.245 Units) 835,670 799,224
Total Partners' Capital 73,390,923 71,788,051
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital 74,520,591 73,003,365
NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT 1,408.64 1,347.21
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
DEAN WITTER DIVERSIFIED FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
For the Quarters Ended March 31,
2004 2003
$ $
REVENUES
Trading profit (loss):
Realized 4,774,119 22,587,546
Net change in unrealized (208,473) (8,244,393)
Total Trading Results 4,565,646 14,343,153
Interest income (Morgan Stanley DW) 129,419 238,579
Total 4,695,065 14,581,732
EXPENSES
Brokerage commissions (Morgan Stanley DW) 789,357 1,342,493
Management fees (MSFCM) 552,581 761,161
Administrative expenses 37,000 56,000
Transaction fees and costs 35,360 51,904
Incentive fees (MSFCM) - 1,166,119
Total 1,414,298 3,377,677
NET INCOME 3,280,767 11,204,055
NET INCOME ALLOCATION
Limited Partners 3,244,321 10,889,846
General Partner 36,446 314,209
NET INCOME PER UNIT
Limited Partners 61.43 187.11
General Partner 61.43 187.11
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
DEAN WITTER DIVERSIFIED FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003
(Unaudited)
Units of
Partnership Limited General
Interest Partners Partner Total
$ $ $
Partners' Capital,
December 31, 2002 59,414.246 88,266,372 2,567,325 90,833,697
Net Income - 10,889,846 314,209 11,204,055
Redemptions (2,554.943) (2,646,357) (1,825,000) (4,471,357)
Partners' Capital,
March 31, 2003 56,859.303 96,509,861 1,056,534 97,566,395
Partners' Capital,
December 31, 2003 53,286.575 70,988,827 799,224 71,788,051
Net Income - 3,244,321 36,446 3,280,767
Redemptions (1,186.122) (1,677,895) - (1,677,895)
Partners' Capital,
March 31, 2004 52,100.453 72,555,253 835,670 73,390,923
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
DEAN WITTER DIVERSIFIED FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Quarters Ended March 31,
2004 2003
$ $
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income 3,280,767 11,204,055
Noncash item included in net income :
Net change in unrealized 208,473 8,244,393
Increase in operating assets:
Interest receivable (Morgan Stanley DW) (7,537) (15,458)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accrued management fees (MSFCM) 12,496 63,878
Administrative expenses payable (22,756) 442
Accrued incentive fees (MSFCM) - 1,132,691
Net cash provided by operating activities 3,471,443 20,630,001
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase (decrease) in redemptions payable (75,386) 2,131,202
Redemptions of Units (1,677,895) (4,471,357)
Net cash used for financing activities (1,753,281) (2,340,155)
Net increase in cash 1,718,162 18,289,846
Balance at beginning of period 70,449,140 83,241,952
Balance at end of period 72,167,302 101,531,798
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
DEAN WITTER DIVERSIFIED FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2004
(Unaudited)
The unaudited financial statements contained herein include, in
the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the results of operations and financial condition
of Dean Witter Diversified Futures Fund Limited Partnership (the
"Partnership"). The financial statements and condensed notes
herein should be read in conjunction with the Partnership's
December 31, 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
1. Organization
Dean Witter Diversified Futures Fund Limited Partnership is a
Delaware limited partnership organized to engage primarily in the
speculative trading of futures and forward contracts on physical
commodities and other commodity interests, including, but not
limited to, foreign currencies, financial instruments, metals,
energy and agricultural products.
The Partnership's general partner is Demeter Management
Corporation ("Demeter"). The non-clearing commodity broker is
Morgan Stanley DW Inc. ("Morgan Stanley DW"). The clearing
commodity brokers are Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated ("MS &
Co.") and Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited ("MSIL").
The trading manager is Morgan Stanley Futures & Currency
Management Inc. ("MSFCM" or the "Trading Manager"). Demeter,
DEAN WITTER DIVERSIFIED FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Morgan Stanley DW, MS & Co., MSIL and MSFCM are wholly-owned
subsidiaries of Morgan Stanley.
2. Related Party Transactions
The Partnership's cash is on deposit with Morgan Stanley DW, MS &
Co. and MSIL in futures and forwards trading accounts to meet
margin requirements as needed. Morgan Stanley DW pays interest on
these funds based on a prevailing rate on U.S. Treasury bills.
The Partnership pays brokerage commissions to Morgan Stanley DW.
Management fees and incentive fees, if any, incurred by the
Partnership are paid to MSFCM.
3. Financial Instruments
The Partnership trades futures and forward contracts on physical
commodities and other commodity interests, including, but not
limited to, foreign currencies, financial instruments, metals,
energy, and agricultural products. Futures and forwards
represent contracts for delayed delivery of an instrument at a
specified date and price. 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 market value of
these contracts, including interest rate volatility.
DEAN WITTER DIVERSIFIED FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The market value of contracts is based on closing prices quoted by
the exchange, bank or clearing firm through which the contracts
are traded.
The Partnership's contracts are accounted for on a trade-date
basis and marked to market on a daily basis. The Partnership
accounts for its derivative investments in accordance with the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"
("SFAS No. 133"). SFAS No. 133 defines a derivative as a
financial instrument or other contract that has all three of the
following characteristics:
1) One or more underlying notional amounts or payment
provisions;
2) Requires no initial net investment or a smaller initial net
investment than would be required relative to changes in
market factors;
3) Terms require or permit net settlement.
Generally, derivatives include futures, forward, swaps or options
contracts, and other financial instruments with similar
characteristics such as caps, floors and collars.
DEAN WITTER DIVERSIFIED FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The net unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts, reported as a
component of "Equity in futures interests trading accounts" on the
statements of financial condition, and their longest contract
maturities were as follows:
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)
on Open Contracts Longest Maturities
Exchange- Off-Exchange- Exchange- Off-Exchange-
Date Traded Traded Total Traded Traded
$ $ $
Mar. 31, 2004 3,901,933 (1,596,543) 2,305,390 Dec. 2005 Jun. 2004
Dec. 31, 2003 2,257,994 255,869 2,513,863 Mar. 2004 Mar. 2004
The Partnership has credit risk associated with counterparty non-
performance. The credit risk associated with the instruments in
which the Partnership is involved is limited to the amounts
reflected in the Partnership's statements of financial condition.
The Partnership also has credit risk because Morgan Stanley DW, MS
& Co. and MSIL act as the futures commission merchants or the
counterparties, with respect to most of the Partnership's assets.
Exchange-traded futures contracts are marked to market on a daily
basis, with variations in value settled on a daily basis. Morgan
Stanley DW, MS & Co. and MSIL, each as a futures commission
merchant for the Partnership's exchange-traded futures contracts,
are required, pursuant to regulations of the Commodity Futures
DEAN WITTER DIVERSIFIED FUTURES FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)
Trading Commission ("CFTC"), to segregate from their own assets,
and for the sole benefit of their commodity customers, all funds
held by them with respect to exchange-traded futures contracts,
including an amount equal to the net unrealized gains (losses) on
all open futures contracts, which funds, in the aggregate, totaled
$76,069,235 and $72,707,134 at March 31, 2004 and December 31,
2003, respectively. With respect to the Partnership's off-
exchange-traded forward currency contracts, there are no daily
exchange-required settlements of variations in value nor is there
any requirement that an amount equal to the net unrealized gains
(losses) on open forward contracts be segregated, however, MS &
Co. and Morgan Stanley DW will make daily settlements of losses as
needed. With respect to those off-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 MS & Co. This
agreement, which seeks to reduce both the Partnership's and MS &
Co.'s exposure on off-exchange-traded forward currency contracts,
should materially decrease the Partnership's credit risk in the
event of MS & Co.'s bankruptcy or insolvency.
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Liquidity. The Partnership deposits its assets with Morgan
Stanley DW as non-clearing broker, and MS & Co. and MSIL as
clearing brokers in separate futures and forwards trading accounts
established for the Trading Manager, which 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 in either 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
in futures and forwards, it is expected that the Partnership will
continue to own such liquid assets for margin purposes.
The Partnership's investment in futures and forwards may, from
time to time, be illiquid. Most U.S. futures exchanges limit
fluctuations in prices during a single day by regulations referred
to as "daily price fluctuations limits" or "daily limits". Trades
may not be executed at prices beyond the daily limit. If the
price for a particular futures contract has increased or decreased
by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in that futures
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 from promptly liquidating its futures
contracts and result in restrictions on redemptions.
There is no limitation on daily price moves 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 from trading in potentially profitable
markets or prevent the Partnership from promptly liquidating
unfavorable positions in such markets, subjecting it 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 assets.
There are no known material trends, demands, commitments, events
or uncertainties at the present time that will result in, or that
are reasonably likely to result in, the Partnership's liquidity
increasing or decreasing in any material way.
Capital Resources. The Partnership does not have, nor expect to
have, any capital assets. Redemptions of additional units of
limited partnership interest ("Unit(s)") in the future will affect
the amount of funds available for investment in futures and
forwards in subsequent periods. It is not possible to estimate
the amount, and therefore the impact, of future redemptions of
Units.
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. The Partnership 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.
Results of Operations
General. The Partnership's results depend on the Trading Manager
and the ability of the Trading Manager's trading programs to take
advantage of price movements or other profit opportunities in the
futures and forwards markets. The following presents a summary
of the Partnership's operations for the three month periods ended
March 31, 2004 and 2003 and a general discussion of its trading
activities during each period. It is important to note, however,
that the Trading Manager trades 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
Manager 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 Manager's trading
activities on behalf of the Partnership and how the Partnership
has performed in the past. Past performance is not necessarily
indicative of future results.
The Partnership's results of operations set forth in the
financial statements on pages 2 through 10 of this report were
prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America, which require the use of
certain accounting policies that affect the amounts reported in
these financial statements, including the following: The
contracts the Partnership trades are accounted for on a trade-date
basis and marked to market on a daily basis. The difference
between their cost and market value is recorded on the Statements
of Operations as "Net change in unrealized profit/loss" for open
(unrealized) contracts, and recorded as "Realized profit/loss"
when open positions are closed out, and the sum of these amounts
constitutes the Partnership's trading revenues. 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 foreign currency forward contracts is based on the spot
rate as of the close of business, New York City time, on a given
day. Interest income revenue, as well as management fees,
incentive fees and brokerage commission expenses of the
Partnership are recorded on an accrual basis.
Demeter 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 Quarter Ended March 31, 2004
The Partnership recorded revenues including interest income
totaling $4,695,065 and expenses totaling $1,414,298, resulting
in net income of $3,280,767 for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.
The Partnership's net asset value per Unit increased from
$1,347.21 at December 31, 2003 to $1,408.64 at March 31, 2004.
The most significant trading gains of approximately 5.4% were
generated in the global interest rate markets from long positions
in European and U.S. interest rate futures during February and
March. During February, global bond prices rallied after central
banks, such as the European Central Bank and U.S. Federal
Reserve, reported no need to raise interest rates due to a lack
of inflation. During March, prices trended higher due to
uncertainty in the global equity markets, disappointing U.S.
economic data and safe haven buying following the terrorist
attack in Madrid. Additional gains of approximately 3.1% were
recorded in the agricultural markets from long futures positions
in corn as growing U.S. exports and heightened demand from Asia
pushed prices higher during the quarter. Elsewhere in the
agricultural markets gains were experienced from short cotton
futures positions, primarily during March, as prices trended
lower due to rising supply and technically-based selling. In the
metals markets, gains of approximately 1.9% were recorded
throughout the quarter from long futures positions in copper and
aluminum as industrial metals prices trended higher in response
to greater demand from Asia driven by a declining U.S. dollar.
Smaller gains of approximately 0.5% were experienced in
the energy markets, primarily during February, from long futures
positions in crude oil as low market supply, falling inventory
levels and production-cut announcements from OPEC caused prices
to increase. A portion of the Partnership's overall gains for
the quarter was offset by losses of approximately 5.8% in the
currency sector from positions in the Japanese yen and Singapore
dollar versus the U.S. dollar. During February, losses were
recorded from long positions in the Japanese yen against the U.S.
dollar as the value of the yen reversed sharply lower after the
elevation of Japan's national security alert and market
intervention by the Bank of Japan, which performed U.S. dollar
buybacks after the release of economic data demonstrating Japan's
improving Gross Domestic Product. Long positions in the
Singapore dollar versus the U.S. dollar recorded losses as the
value of the Singapore dollar weakened in tandem with the value
of the yen. Further losses were incurred during March from newly
established short positions in the Japanese yen against the U.S.
dollar as the yen reversed higher due to speculation that the
Bank of Japan would be relaxing its efforts to weaken the yen in
the future. Short positions in the Singapore dollar experienced
losses during March as its value again moved in sympathy with the
yen. Elsewhere in the currency markets, losses were recorded,
primarily in March, from positions in the euro against the
Japanese yen as the euro experienced significant short-term price
volatility.
For the Quarter ended March 31, 2003
The Partnership recorded revenues including interest income
totaling $14,581,732 and expenses totaling $3,377,677, resulting
in net income of $11,204,055 for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.
The Partnership's net asset value per Unit increased from
$1,528.82 at December 31, 2002 to $1,715.93 at March 31, 2003.
The most significant trading gains of approximately 8.8% were
recorded in the energy markets, primarily during January and
February, from long positions in natural gas futures as prices
trended higher in response to prolonged frigid temperatures in the
northeastern and midwestern United States. Additional gains were
recorded from long positions in crude oil futures as prices
increased amid the looming threat of military action against Iraq
and an overall decline in inventories. Gains of approximately
4.6% were recorded in the currency markets, primarily during
January and February, from long positions in the euro versus the
British pound, as the pound's value declined due to weak economic
data out of the U.K. and an interest rate cut by the Bank of
England. Additional gains stemmed from long positions in the
Australian dollar and South African rand versus the U.S. dollar as
the value of these currencies increased on the heels of higher
commodity prices. Gains of approximately 2.5% were recorded in
the global interest rate markets from long positions in Japanese
and German interest rate futures as prices trended higher amid
continued uncertainly in the global equity markets and ongoing
demand from investors seeking the safe haven of fixed income
investments. A portion of the Partnership's gains was
offset by losses of approximately 1.0% in the agricultural markets
from long positions in soybean futures as prices reversed in
January amid news of increased supply. Elsewhere in the
agricultural markets, losses were recorded from short positions in
coffee futures as prices reversed higher in early January amid a
decrease in Colombian exports.
Item 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT
MARKET RISK
Introduction
The Partnership is a commodity pool engaged primarily in the
speculative trading of futures and forwards. The market-
sensitive instruments held by the Partnership 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. Unlike an operating company, the risk of market-
sensitive instruments is inherent to the primary business activity
of the Partnership.
The futures and forwards traded by the Partnership 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.
Profits and losses on open positions of exchange-traded futures
and forwards are settled daily through variation margin.
The Partnership's 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 open
positions, the volatility present within the markets, and the
liquidity of the markets.
The Partnership's past performance is not necessarily indicative
of its future results. Any attempt to numerically quantify the
Partnership's market risk is limited by the uncertainty of its
speculative trading. The Partnership's speculative trading may
cause future losses and volatility (i.e., "risk of ruin") that
far exceed the Partnership's experience to date or any reasonable
expectations based upon historical changes in market value.
Quantifying the Partnership's Trading Value at Risk
The following quantitative disclosures regarding the Partnership's
market risk exposures contain "forward-looking statements" within
the meaning of the safe harbor from civil liability provided for
such statements by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 (set forth in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). All
quantitative disclosures in this section are deemed to be forward-
looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor, except for
statements of historical fact.
The Partnership accounts for open positions on the basis of mark
to market accounting principles. Any loss in the market value of
the Partnership's open positions is directly reflected in the
Partnership's earnings and cash flow.
The Partnership's risk exposure in the market sectors traded by
the Trading Manager is estimated below in terms of Value at Risk
("VaR"). The Partnership estimates VaR using a model based
upon historical simulation (with a confidence level of 99%) which
involves constructing a distribution of hypothetical daily changes
in the value of a trading portfolio. The VaR model takes into
account linear exposures to risk including equity and commodity
prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and correlation
among these variables. The hypothetical changes in portfolio value
are based on daily percentage changes observed in key market
indices or other market factors ("market risk factors") to which
the portfolio is sensitive. The one-day 99% confidence level of
the Partnership's VaR corresponds to the negative change in
portfolio value that, based on observed market risk factors, would
have been exceeded once in 100 trading days, or one day in 100.
VaR typically does not represent the worst case outcome. Demeter
uses approximately four years of daily market data (1,000
observations) and revalues its portfolio (using delta-gamma
approximations) for each of the historical market moves that
occurred over this time period. This generates a probability
distribution of daily "simulated profit and loss" outcomes. The
VaR is the appropriate percentile of this distribution. For
example, the 99% one-day VaR would represent the 10th worst outcome
from Demeter's simulated profit and loss series.
The Partnership's VaR computations are based on the risk
representation of the underlying benchmark for each instrument or
contract and do not distinguish between exchange and non-exchange
dealer-based instruments. They are also not based on
exchange and/or dealer-based maintenance margin requirements.
VaR models, including the Partnership's, are continually evolving
as trading portfolios become more diverse and modeling techniques
and systems capabilities improve. Please note that the VaR model
is used to numerically quantify market risk for historic
reporting purposes only and is not utilized by either Demeter or
the Trading Manager in their daily risk management activities.
Please further note that VaR as described above may not be
comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities.
The Partnership's Value at Risk in Different Market Sectors
The following table indicates the VaR associated with the
Partnership's open positions as a percentage of total net assets
by primary market risk category at March 31, 2004 and 2003. At
March 31, 2004 and 2003, the Partnership's total capitalization
was approximately $73 million and $98 million, respectively.
Primary Market March 31, 2004 March 31, 2003
Risk Category Value at Risk Value at Risk
Currency (2.14)% (1.57)%
Interest Rate (2.08) (1.39)
Equity (0.15) -
Commodity (4.43) (1.76)
Aggregate Value at Risk (5.69)% (2.88)%
The VaR for a market category represents the one-day
downside risk for the aggregate exposures associated with this
market category. The Aggregate Value at Risk listed above
represents the VaR of the
Partnership's open positions across all the market categories, and
is less than the sum of the VaRs for all such market categories
due to the diversification benefit across asset classes.
Because the business of the Partnership is the speculative trading
of futures and forwards, the composition of its trading portfolio
can change significantly over any given time period, or even
within a single trading day, which could positively or negatively
materially impact market risk as measured by VaR.
The table below supplements the quarter-end VaR set forth above
by presenting the Partnership's high, low and average VaR, as a
percentage of total net assets for the four quarter-end reporting
periods from April 1, 2003 through March 31, 2004.
Primary Market Risk Category High Low Average
Currency (2.79)% (0.81)% (1.93)%
Interest Rate (2.08) (0.09) (1.27)
Equity (0.64) - (0.29)
Commodity (4.43) (1.92) (2.59)
Aggregate Value at Risk (5.69)% (2.94)% (3.80)%
Limitations on Value at Risk as an Assessment of Market Risk
The face value of the market sector instruments held by the
Partnership 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 to typically be many times the total capitalization of
the Partnership. The value of the Partnership's open positions
thus creates a "risk of ruin" not typically found in other
investments. The relative size of the positions held may cause
the Partnership to incur losses greatly in excess of VaR within a
short period of time, given the effects of the leverage employed
and market volatility. The VaR tables above, as well as the past
performance of the Partnership, give no indication of such "risk
of ruin". In addition, VaR risk measures should be viewed in light
of the methodology's limitations, which include 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 VaR model;
? VaR results reflect past trading positions while future risk
depends on future positions;
? VaR 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 VaR estimation
may provide only limited insight into losses that could be
incurred under certain unusual market movements.
The VaR tables above present the results of the Partnership's VaR
for each of the Partnership's market risk exposures and on an
aggregate basis at March 31, 2004 and 2003, and for the four
quarter-end reporting periods from April 1, 2003 through March 31,
2004. VaR is not necessarily representative of the Partnership's
historic risk, nor should it be used to predict the Partnership's
future financial performance or its ability to manage or monitor
risk. There can be no assurance that the Partnership's actual
losses on a particular day will not exceed the VaR amounts
indicated above or that such losses will not occur more than once
in 100 trading days.
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.
The Partnership also maintains a substantial portion
(approximately 94% as of March 31, 2004) of its available assets
in cash at Morgan Stanley DW. 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 Disclosures Regarding Primary Trading Risk Exposures
The following qualitative disclosures regarding the Partnership's
market risk exposures - except for (A) those disclosures that are
statements of historical fact and (B) the descriptions of how the
Partnership manages its primary market risk exposures -
constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act. The Partnership's primary market risk
exposures, as well as the strategies used and to be used by
Demeter and the Trading Manager 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 expropria-
tions, 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. Investors
must be prepared to lose all or substantially all of their
investment in the Partnership.
The following were the primary trading risk exposures of the
Partnership at March 31, 2004, by market sector. It may be
anticipated, however, that these market exposures will vary
materially over time.
Currency. The primary market exposure of the Partnership at
March 31, 2004 was to the currency sector. The Partnership's
currency exposure is to exchange rate fluctuations, primarily
fluctuations which disrupt the historical pricing relationships
between different currencies and currency pairs. Interest rate
changes, as well as political and general economic conditions
influence these fluctuations. The Partnership trades a large
number of currencies, including cross-rates - i.e., positions
between two currencies other than the U.S. dollar. At March 31,
2004, the Partnership's major exposures were to the euro,
Japanese yen and British pound currency crosses, as well as
outright U.S. dollar positions. Outright positions consist of
the U.S. dollar vs. other currencies. These other currencies
include major and minor currencies. Demeter does not anticipate
that the risk profile of the Partnership's currency sector will
change significantly in the future. The currency trading VaR
figure includes foreign margin amounts converted into U.S.
dollars with an incremental adjustment to reflect the exchange
rate risk inherent to the U.S.-based Partnership in expressing
VaR in a functional currency other than U.S. dollars.
Interest Rate. The second largest market exposure at
March 31, 2004 was to the global interest rate complex. Exposure
was primarily to the European and U.S. interest rate sectors.
Interest rate movements directly affect the price of the
sovereign bond futures positions held by the Partnership and
indirectly affect the value of its stock index and currency
positions. Interest rate movements in one country, as well as
relative interest rate movements between countries, materially
impact the Partnership's profitability. The Partnership's
primary interest rate exposure is generally to interest rate
fluctuations in the U.S. and the other G-7 countries. The G-7
countries consist of France, the U.S., Britain, Germany, Japan,
Italy and Canada. However, the Partnership also takes futures
positions in the government debt of smaller countries - e.g.,
Australia. Demeter anticipates that the G-7 countries and
Australian interest rates will remain the primary interest rate
exposure of the Partnership for the foreseeable future. The
speculative futures positions held by the Partnership may range
from short to long-term instruments. Consequently, changes in
short, medium or long-term interest rates may have an effect on
the Partnership.
Equity. The third largest market exposure of the Partnership at
March 31, 2004 was to equity price risk in the G-7 countries.
The stock index futures traded by the Partnership are by law
limited to futures on broadly-based indices. At March 31, 2004,
the Partnership's primary exposure was to the Nikkei (Japan)
stock index. The Partnership is primarily exposed to the
risk of adverse price trends or static markets in the Japanese
and U.S. stock indices. Static markets would not cause major
market changes but would make it difficult for the Partnership to
avoid trendless price movements, resulting in numerous small
losses.
Commodity.
Energy. At March 31, 2004 the Partnership's energy exposure
was primarily to futures contracts in crude oil and natural
gas. Price movements in these markets result from
geopolitical developments, particularly in the Middle East,
as well as weather patterns and other economic fundamentals.
Significant profits and losses, which have been experienced
in the past, are expected to continue to be experienced in
the future. Natural gas has exhibited volatility in prices
resulting from weather patterns and supply and demand
factors and will likely continue in this choppy pattern.
Metals. The Partnership's metals exposure at March 31, 2004
was to fluctuations in the price of base metals, such as
copper, aluminum, nickel and zinc. Economic forces, supply
and demand inequalities, geopolitical factors and market
expectations influence price movements in these markets.
The Trading Manager, from time to time, takes positions as
market opportunities develop, and Demeter anticipates that
the Partnership will continue to do so.
Soft Commodities and Agriculturals. At March 31, 2004, the
Partnership had exposure to the markets that comprise these
sectors. Most of the exposure was to the cotton and corn
markets. Supply and demand inequalities, severe weather
disruptions and market expectations affect price movements
in these markets.
Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Non-Trading Risk Exposure
The following was the only non-trading risk exposure of the
Partnership at March 31, 2004:
Foreign Currency Balances. The Partnership's primary
foreign currency balance at March 31, 2004 was in British
pounds. The Partnership controls the non-trading risk of
foreign currency balances by regularly converting them back
into U.S. dollars upon liquidation of their respective
positions.
Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Means of Managing Risk Exposure
The Partnership and the Trading Manager, separately, attempt to
manage the risk of the Partnership's open positions in essentially
the same manner in all market categories traded. Demeter attempts
to manage market exposure by diversifying the Partnership's assets
among different market sectors and trading approaches, and by
monitoring the performance of the Trading Manager daily. In
addition, the Trading Manager establishes diversification
guidelines, often set in terms of the maximum margin to be
committed to positions in any one market sector or market-
sensitive instrument.
Demeter monitors and controls the risk of the Partnership's non-
trading instrument, cash. Cash is the only Partnership investment
directed by Demeter, rather than the Trading Manager.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly
report, the President and Chief Financial Officer of the
general partner, Demeter, have evaluated the effect-
iveness of the Partnership's disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
of the Exchange Act), and have judged such controls and
procedures to be effective.
(b) There have been no significant changes in the
Partnership's internal controls or in other factors that
could significantly affect these controls subsequent to
the date of their evaluation.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Management. The following changes have been made to the Board of
Directors and Officers of Demeter:
Mr. Jeffrey S. Swartz resigned his position as a Director of
Demeter.
Ms. Louise M. Wasso-Jonikas, age 50, will become a Director of
Demeter once she has registered with the National Futures
Association as an associated person, which registration is
currently pending. Ms. Wasso-Jonikas is a Managing Director of
Morgan Stanley and Director of Alternative Investments for the
Individual Investor Group (IIG) of Morgan Stanley. Ms. Wasso-
Jonikas rejoined Morgan Stanley in 1999. Ms. Wasso-Jonikas was
Co-Founder and President/Chief Operating Officer of Graystone
Partners, an objective consulting firm, from 1993 to 1999, when
Graystone was acquired by Morgan Stanley. Prior to founding
Graystone, Ms. Wasso-Jonikas was a Senior Vice President at
Bessemer Trust and opened their Chicago office. She also was a
Vice President at the Northern Trust in their Wealth Management
Services Group where she worked exclusively with their largest
private clients and family offices throughout the U.S. and abroad
serving their broad investment and custody needs. Ms.
Wasso-Jonikas also worked as an Equity Block Trader with Goldman
Sachs and with Morgan Stanley advising and managing money for
private clients. Ms. Wasso-Jonikas' focus is on developing a
robust external manager platform utilizing alternative managers
for IIG clients, as well as overseeing some of the firm's largest
client relationships. Ms. Wasso-Jonikas holds a BA in Economics
from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA in Finance from the
University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.
Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) Exhibits
3.01 Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the
Partnership, dated as of June 30, 1995, is incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of the Partnership's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-90360).
10.01 Amended and Restated Management Agreement among the
Partnership, Demeter and MSFCM, dated as of August 31,
1995, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.02 of
the Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 33-90360).
10.02 Amended and Restated Customer Agreement between the
Partnership and Morgan Stanley DW Inc., dated as of May
19, 2000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01
of the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-23577) filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November
13, 2001.
10.03 Commodity Futures Customer Agreement between Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated and the Partnership, and
acknowledged and agreed to by Morgan Stanley DW Inc.,
dated as of May 1, 2000, is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.02 of the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-
23577) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on November 13, 2001.
10.04 Customer Agreement between the Partnership and Morgan
Stanley & Co. International Limited, dated as of May 1,
2000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.04 of
the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-23577) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13,
2001.
10.05 Foreign Exchange and Options Master Agreement between
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and the Partnership,
dated as of April 30, 2000, is incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.05 of the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No.
0-23577) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 13, 2001.
10.06 Securities Account Control Agreement among the
Partnership, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, and
Morgan Stanley DW Inc., dated as of May 1, 2000, is
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.03 of the
Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-23577) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2001.
31.01 Certification of President of Demeter Management
Corporation, the general partner of the Partnership,
pursuant to rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as adopted
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
31.02 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Demeter
Management Corporation, the general partner of the
Partnership, pursuant to rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e),
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
32.01 Certification of President of Demeter Management
Corporation, 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 Demeter
Management Corporation, 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.
(B) Reports on Form 8-K - None.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dean Witter Diversified Futures
Fund Limited Partnership
(Registrant)
By: Demeter Management Corporation
(General Partner)
May 10, 2004 By:/s/Jeffrey D. Hahn
Jeffrey D. Hahn
Chief Financial Officer
The General Partner which signed the above is the only party
authorized to act for the Registrant. The Registrant has no
principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
controller, or principal accounting officer and has no Board of
Directors.