Attached files

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EX-32.3 - EX-32.3 - GLOBAL MACRO TRUSTc765-20180630xex32_3.htm
EX-32.2 - EX-32.2 - GLOBAL MACRO TRUSTc765-20180630xex32_2.htm
EX-32.1 - EX-32.1 - GLOBAL MACRO TRUSTc765-20180630xex32_1.htm
EX-31.3 - EX-31.3 - GLOBAL MACRO TRUSTc765-20180630xex31_3.htm
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 - GLOBAL MACRO TRUSTc765-20180630xex31_2.htm
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 - GLOBAL MACRO TRUSTc765-20180630xex31_1.htm

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 



 

 



Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended:   June 30, 2018

or

 



 

 



Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934



Commission File Number: 000-50102

 



GLOBAL MACRO TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



 



 

 

Delaware

 

36-7362830

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)



 

c/o MILLBURN RIDGEFIELD CORPORATION

411 West Putnam Avenue



Greenwich, Connecticut  06830

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (203) 625-7554

 

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          No

 

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

 

Yes          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 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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.

Yes          No

 

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

 

Yes          No 

  






 







 







 

 

 

 

 

 

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Macro Trust

 

Financial statements

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Financial Condition (a)

 

 

Condensed Schedules of Investments (a)

 

 

Statements of Operations (b)

 

 

Statements of Changes in Trust Capital (c)

 

 

Statements of Financial Highlights (b)

 

 

10 

Notes to the Financial Statements

 

 

12 



 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

(b) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)

 

(c) For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)

 















 

 

 


 





 

 

 

 

 

Global Macro Trust

Statements of Financial Condition (UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 



 

June 30, 2018

 

 

December 31, 2017

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY IN TRADING ACCOUNTS:

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in U.S. Treasury notes – at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

(amortized cost $24,620,939 and $43,712,747)

$

24,602,337 

 

$

43,659,062 

Net unrealized appreciation on open futures and

 

 

 

 

 

forward currency contracts

 

5,458,074 

 

 

1,183,274 

Due from brokers

 

7,258,489 

 

 

231,309 

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (cost $7,245,545 

 

 

 

 

 

and $10,692,888)

 

7,100,600 

 

 

10,970,398 

Total equity in trading accounts

 

44,419,500 

 

 

56,044,043 



 

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS IN U.S. TREASURY NOTES – at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

(amortized cost $139,063,006 and $144,189,124)

 

138,930,910 

 

 

143,988,170 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

9,642,268 

 

 

23,212,966 

ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE

 

382,159 

 

 

505,305 

TOTAL

$

193,374,837 

 

$

223,750,484 



 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND TRUST CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Subscriptions by Unitholders received in advance

$

882,500 

 

$

1,420,900 

Net unrealized depreciation on open forward currency contracts

 

376,487 

 

 

4,213,545 

Due to Managing Owner

 

175,898 

 

 

 -

Due to brokers

 

3,536,461 

 

 

348,101 

Accrued brokerage and custodial fees

 

800,971 

 

 

942,175 

Accrued management fees

 

44,897 

 

 

47,179 

Redemptions payable to Unitholders

 

2,767,894 

 

 

3,468,963 

Redemption payable to Managing Owner

 

 -

 

 

1,308,811 

Accrued expenses

 

121,153 

 

 

155,246 

Accrued profit share

 

532 

 

 

 -

Total liabilities

 

8,706,793 

 

 

11,904,920 



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

TRUST CAPITAL:

 

 

 

 

 

Managing Owner interest (3,170.360 and 3,072.023 units outstanding)

 

3,623,531 

 

 

3,742,615 

Series 1 Unitholders (125,818.664 and 139,480.782 units outstanding)

 

143,803,092 

 

 

169,927,843 

Series 3 Unitholders (19,276.389 and 19,430.096 units outstanding)

 

30,103,427 

 

 

31,616,309 

Series 4 Unitholders (3,553.549 and 3,286.212 units outstanding)

 

6,866,693 

 

 

6,558,797 

Series 5 Unitholders (178.494 and 0 units outstanding)

 

271,301 

 

 

 -

Total trust capital

 

184,668,044 

 

 

211,845,564 



 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

$

193,374,837 

 

$

223,750,484 



 

 

 

 

 

NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT OUTSTANDING:

 

 

 

 

 

Series 1 Unitholders

$

1,142.94 

 

$

1,218.29 

Series 3 Unitholders

$

1,561.67 

 

$

1,627.18 

Series 4 Unitholders

$

1,932.35 

 

$

1,995.85 

Series 5 Unitholders

$

1,519.94 

 

$

 -



 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 













1

 


 





 

 

 

 

Global Macro Trust

Condensed Schedule of Investments (UNAUDITED)

June 30, 2018



 

 

 

 

FUTURES AND FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
as a % of
Trust Capital

 

 

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

FUTURES CONTRACTS

 

 

 

 

Long futures contracts:

 

 

 

 

Energies

1.60 

%

$

2,963,830 

Grains

(0.00)

 

 

(363)

Interest rates:

 

 

 

 

2 Year U.S. Treasury Note (392 contracts, settlement date September 2018)

0.02 

 

 

31,437 

5 Year U.S. Treasury Note (420 contracts, settlement date September 2018)

0.04 

 

 

81,273 

10 Year U.S. Treasury Note (140 contracts, settlement date September 2018)

0.04 

 

 

67,750 

30 Year U.S. Treasury Bond (56 contracts, settlement date September 2018)

0.05 

 

 

92,125 

Other interest rates

1.20 

 

 

2,223,177 

Total interest rates

1.35 

 

 

2,495,762 



 

 

 

 

Livestock

0.00 

 

 

8,040 

Metals

(0.71)

 

 

(1,345,907)

Softs

(0.01)

 

 

(12,385)

Stock indices

(0.47)

 

 

(865,478)

Total long futures contracts

1.76 

 

 

3,243,499 



 

 

 

 

Short futures contracts:

 

 

 

 

Energies

0.01 

 

 

12,260 

Grains

0.33 

 

 

606,723 

Interest rates

(0.00)

 

 

(8,297)

Livestock

(0.00)

 

 

(1,040)

Metals

0.50 

 

 

925,869 

Softs

0.02 

 

 

29,022 

Stock indices

(0.14)

 

 

(222,511)

Total short futures contracts

0.72 

 

 

1,342,026 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS-Net

2.48 

 

 

4,585,525 



 

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS

 

 

 

 

Total long forward currency contracts

(0.55)

 

 

(1,014,349)

Total short forward currency contracts

0.82 

 

 

1,510,411 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN FORWARD CURRENCY

 

 

 

 

CONTRACTS-Net

0.27 

 

 

496,062 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

2.75 

%

$

5,081,587 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

(Continued)

 

2

 


 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Macro Trust

Condensed Schedule of Investments (UNAUDITED)

June 30, 2018

U.S. TREASURY NOTES

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Face Amount

 

Description

 

Fair Value
as a % of
Trust Capital

 

 

Fair Value



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

42,960,000 

 

U.S. Treasury notes, 1.000%,  08/15/2018

 

23.24 

%

$

42,915,530 



38,020,000 

 

U.S. Treasury notes, 1.250%,  11/15/2018

 

20.53 

 

 

37,912,326 



39,200,000 

 

U.S. Treasury notes, 0.750%,  02/15/2019

 

21.04 

 

 

38,847,047 



44,410,000 

 

U.S. Treasury notes, 0.875%,  05/15/2019

 

23.75 

 

 

43,858,344 



 

 

Total investments in U.S. Treasury notes

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

(amortized cost $163,683,945)

 

88.56 

%

$

163,533,247 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

(Concluded)



3

 


 







 

 

 

 

Global Macro Trust

Condensed Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017



 

 

 

 

FUTURES AND FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
as a % of
Trust Capital

 

 

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

FUTURES CONTRACTS

 

 

 

 

Long futures contracts:

 

 

 

 

Energies

1.21 

%

$

2,568,516 

Grains

(0.00)

 

 

(5,320)

Interest rates:

 

 

 

 

2 Year U.S. Treasury Note (591 contracts, settlement date March 2018)

0.00 

 

 

2,141 

30 Year U.S. Treasury Bond (82 contracts, settlement date March 2018)

0.06 

 

 

118,719 

Other

(0.98)

 

 

(2,060,795)

Total interest rates

(0.92)

 

 

(1,939,935)



 

 

 

 

Metals

1.22 

 

 

2,582,552 

Softs

0.04 

 

 

83,760 

Stock indices

0.25 

 

 

521,594 

Total long futures contracts

1.80 

 

 

3,811,167 



 

 

 

 

Short futures contracts:

 

 

 

 

Energies

(0.13)

 

 

(266,670)

Grains

0.03 

 

 

62,575 

Interest rates

0.11 

 

 

226,616 

Livestock

(0.00)

 

 

(6,580)

Metals

(1.31)

 

 

(2,762,805)

Softs

(0.03)

 

 

(61,396)

Stock indices

(0.08)

 

 

(168,781)

Total short futures contracts

(1.41)

 

 

(2,977,041)

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS-Net

0.39 

 

 

834,126 



 

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS

 

 

 

 

Total long forward currency contracts

0.26 

 

 

558,799 

Total short forward currency contracts

(2.08)

 

 

(4,423,196)

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN FORWARD CURRENCY

 

 

 

 

CONTRACTS-Net

(1.82)

 

 

(3,864,397)

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

(1.43)

%

$

(3,030,271)



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

(Continued)



4

 


 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Macro Trust

Condensed Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

U.S. TREASURY NOTES

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Face Amount

 

Description

Fair Value
as a % of
Trust Capital

 

 

Fair Value



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

52,100,000 

 

U.S. Treasury notes, 1.000%,  02/15/2018

24.58 

%

$

52,079,648 



49,710,000 

 

U.S. Treasury notes, 1.000%,  05/15/2018

23.44 

 

 

49,646,893 



48,260,000 

 

U.S. Treasury notes, 1.000%,  08/15/2018

22.69 

 

 

48,071,484 



38,020,000 

 

U.S. Treasury notes, 1.250%,  11/15/2018

17.87 

 

 

37,849,207 



 

 

Total investments in U.S. Treasury notes

 

 

 

 



 

 

(amortized cost $187,901,871)

88.58 

%

$

187,647,232 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

(Concluded)













5

 


 









 

 

 

 

 

Global Macro Trust

Statements of Operations (UNAUDITED)



 

 

 

 

 



 

For the three months ended



 

June 30, 2018

 

 

June 30, 2017

INVESTMENT INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

$

714,975 

 

$

406,890 



 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

Brokerage and custodial fees

 

2,543,835 

 

 

3,158,874 

Administrative expenses

 

279,926 

 

 

299,314 

Custody fees and other expenses

 

8,964 

 

 

10,272 

Management fees

 

136,631 

 

 

133,021 

Total expenses

 

2,969,356 

 

 

3,601,481 



 

 

 

 

 

Managing Owner commission rebate to Unitholders

 

(164,321)

 

 

(195,331)



 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

2,805,035 

 

 

3,406,150 



 

 

 

 

 

NET INVESTMENT LOSS

 

(2,090,060)

 

 

(2,999,260)



 

 

 

 

 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES):

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) on closed positions:

 

 

 

 

 

Futures and forward currency contracts

 

3,974,445 

 

 

6,977,006 

Foreign exchange translation

 

(42,191)

 

 

51,677 

Net change in unrealized:

 

 

 

 

 

Futures and forward currency contracts

 

12,287 

 

 

(15,376,180)

Foreign exchange translation

 

(228,844)

 

 

209,031 

Net gains (losses) from U.S. Treasury notes:

 

 

 

 

 

Realized

 

10,657 

 

 

 -

Net change in unrealized 

 

111,066 

 

 

(40,420)

TOTAL NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES)

 

3,837,420 

 

 

(8,178,886)

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

$

1,747,360 

 

$

(11,178,146)

LESS PROFIT SHARE TO (FROM) MANAGING OWNER

 

532 

 

 

(181,386)

NET INCOME (LOSS) AFTER PROFIT SHARE TO (FROM) MANAGING OWNER

$

1,746,828 

 

$

(10,996,760)



 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER UNIT OUTSTANDING

 

 

 

 

 

Series 1 Unitholders

$

6.86 

 

$

(64.47)

Series 2 Unitholders(1)

$

 -

 

$

(56.63)

Series 3 Unitholders

$

26.99 

 

$

(56.66)

Series 4 Unitholders

$

41.69 

 

$

(71.60)

Series 5 Unitholders(2)

$

19.94 

 

$

 -



 

 

 

 

 

(1) Series 2 Units fully redeemed August 31, 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

(2) Series 5 Units were first issued on April 1, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

(Continued)

6

 


 







 

 

 

 

 

Global Macro Trust

Statements of Operations (UNAUDITED)



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 



 

For the six months ended



 

June 30, 2018

 

 

June 30, 2017

INVESTMENT INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

$

1,335,090 

 

$

740,035 



 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

Brokerage and custodial fees

 

5,253,564 

 

 

6,409,206 

Administrative expenses

 

568,361 

 

 

597,851 

Custody fees and other expenses

 

18,170 

 

 

21,190 

Management fees

 

275,173 

 

 

264,144 

Total expenses

 

6,115,268 

 

 

7,292,391 



 

 

 

 

 

Managing Owner commission rebate to Unitholders

 

(341,510)

 

 

(387,151)



 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

5,773,758 

 

 

6,905,240 



 

 

 

 

 

NET INVESTMENT LOSS

 

(4,438,668)

 

 

(6,165,205)



 

 

 

 

 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES):

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) on closed positions:

 

 

 

 

 

Futures and forward currency contracts

 

(15,731,248)

 

 

18,250,127 

Foreign exchange translation

 

359,145 

 

 

10,050 

Net change in unrealized:

 

 

 

 

 

Futures and forward currency contracts

 

8,111,858 

 

 

(16,533,789)

Foreign exchange translation

 

(422,455)

 

 

393,962 

Net gains (losses) from U.S. Treasury notes:

 

 

 

 

 

Realized

 

(449)

 

 

 -

Net change in unrealized 

 

103,941 

 

 

(114,362)

TOTAL NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES)

 

(7,579,208)

 

 

2,005,988 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

NET LOSS

$

(12,017,876)

 

$

(4,159,217)

LESS PROFIT SHARE TO MANAGING OWNER

 

532 

 

 

18,352 

NET LOSS AFTER PROFIT SHARE TO MANAGING OWNER

$

(12,018,408)

 

$

(4,177,569)



 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER UNIT OUTSTANDING

 

 

 

 

 

Series 1 Unitholders

$

(75.35)

 

$

(29.99)

Series 2 Unitholders(1)

$

 -

 

$

(8.09)

Series 3 Unitholders

$

(65.51)

 

$

(6.53)

Series 4 Unitholders

$

(63.50)

 

$

11.96 

Series 5 Unitholders (2)

$

19.94 

 

$

 -



 

 

 

 

 

(1) Series 2 Units fully redeemed August 31, 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

(2) Series 5 Units were first issued on April 1, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

(Concluded)





 

7

 


 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Macro Trust

Statements of Changes in Trust Capital (UNAUDITED)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Profit 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Series 1 Unitholders

 

Series 3 Unitholders

 

Series 4 Unitholders

 

Series 5 Unitholders

 

Memo Account

 

Managing Owner

 

Total



 

Amount

Units

 

Amount

Units

 

Amount

Units

 

Amount

Units

 

Amount

Units

 

Amount

Units

 

Amount



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust capital at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1, 2018

$

169,927,843  139,480.782 

$

31,616,309  19,430.096 

$

6,558,797  3,286.212 

$

 -

 -

$

 -

 -

$

3,742,615  3,072.023 

$

211,845,564 

Subscriptions

 

 -

 -

 

3,799,900  2,432.056 

 

565,840  286.717 

 

268,510  178.494 

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

4,634,250 

Redemptions

 

(15,768,077) (13,850.332)

 

(3,989,604) (2,585.763)

 

(35,681) (19.380)

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

(19,793,362)

Addt'l units allocated *

 

 -

188.214 

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

98.337 

 

 -

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

before profit share to Managing Owner

 

(10,356,674)

 -

 

(1,323,178)

 -

 

(222,263)

 -

 

3,323 

 -

 

 -

 -

 

(119,084)

 -

 

(12,017,876)

Profit share to Managing Owner:

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

(532)

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

(532)

Trust capital at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2018

$

143,803,092  125,818.664 

$

30,103,427  19,276.389 

$

6,866,693  3,553.549 

$

271,301  178.494 

$

 -

 -

$

3,623,531  3,170.360 

$

184,668,044 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per unit outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at June 30, 2018:

$

1,142.94 

 

$

1,561.67 

 

$

1,932.35 

 

 

1,519.94 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Additional units are issued to Series 1 Unitholders who are charged less than a 7% brokerage fee and the Managing Owner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Continued)









8

 


 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Macro Trust

Statements of Changes in Trust Capital (UNAUDITED)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Profit 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Series 1 Unitholders

 

Series 2 Unitholders

 

Series 3 Unitholders

 

Series 4 Unitholders

 

Memo Account

 

Managing Owner

 

Total



 

Amount

Units

 

Amount

Units

 

Amount

Units

 

Amount

Units

 

Amount

Units

 

Amount

Units

 

Amount



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust capital at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1, 2017

$

189,583,168  158,499.560 

$

10,350  6.799 

$

23,999,362  15,531.699 

$

5,201,994  2,828.734 

$

 -

 -

$

4,369,854  3,653.388 

$

223,164,728 

Subscriptions

 

3,227,402  2,646.090 

 

 -

 -

 

4,441,627  2,822.747 

 

792,444  429.604 

 

18,352  15.071 

 

 -

 -

 

8,479,825 

Redemptions

 

(13,524,240) (11,148.411)

 

 -

 -

 

(2,710,550) (1,701.525)

 

(2,643) (1.385)

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

(16,237,433)

Addt'l units allocated *

 

 -

202.652 

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

0.237 

 

 -

118.155 

 

 -

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

before profit share to Managing Owner

 

(4,134,618)

 -

 

(49)

 -

 

(88,909)

 -

 

36,642 

 -

 

(685)

 -

 

28,402 

 -

 

(4,159,217)

Profit share to Managing Owner:

 

 -

 -

 

(6)

 -

 

(18,346)

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

 -

 -

 

(18,352)

Trust capital at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2017

$

175,151,712  150,199.891 

$

10,295  6.799 

$

25,623,184  16,652.921 

$

6,028,437  3,256.953 

$

17,667  15.308 

$

4,398,256  3,771.543 

$

211,229,551 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per unit outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at June 30, 2017:

$

1,166.12 

 

$

1,514.19 

 

$

1,538.66 

 

 

1,850.94 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Additional units are issued to Series 1 Unitholders who are charged less than a 7% brokerage fee and the Managing Owner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Concluded)















 

9

 


 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Macro Trust

Statements of Financial Highlights (UNAUDITED)(d)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended June 30:

 

2018

2017



 

 

Series 1

 

Series 3

 

Series 4

 

Series 5 (C) 

 

 

Series 1

 

Series 2

 

Series 3

 

Series 4

 

Net income (loss) from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment gain (loss)

 

 

$               (15.46)

 

$             (4.37)

 

$             3.01 

 

$           (6.99)

 

 

$                (18.76)

 

$           (9.18)

 

$           (8.32)

 

$           (0.40)

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on trading of futures and forward currency contracts

 

 

21.61 

 

30.38 

 

37.46 

 

30.78 

 

 

(45.48)

 

(58.00)

 

(58.95)

 

(70.86)

 

Net gains (losses) from U.S. Treasury obligations

 

 

0.71 

 

0.98 

 

1.22 

 

0.90 

 

 

(0.23)

 

(0.29)

 

(0.29)

 

(0.34)

 

Profit share allocated (to) from Managing Owner

 

 

0.00 

 

0.00 

 

0.00 

 

(4.75)

 

 

0.00 

 

10.84 

 

10.90 

 

0.00 

 

Net income (loss) per unit

 

 

$                   6.86 

 

$            26.99 

 

$           41.69 

 

$           19.94 

 

 

$                (64.47)

 

$         (56.63)

 

$         (56.66)

 

$         (71.60)

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per unit, beginning of period

 

 

1,136.08 

 

1,534.68 

 

1,890.66 

 

1,500.00 

 

 

1,230.59 

 

1,570.82 

 

1,595.32 

 

1,922.54 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per unit, end of period

 

 

$            1,142.94 

 

$       1,561.67 

 

$      1,932.35 

 

$      1,519.94 

 

 

$             1,166.12 

 

$      1,514.19 

 

$      1,538.66 

 

$      1,850.94 

 

Total return and ratios for the three months ended June 30:

2018

 

2017



 

 

Series 1

 

Series 3

 

Series 4

 

Series 5

 

 

Series 1

 

Series 2

 

Series 3

 

Series 4

 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE CAPITAL:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment gain (loss) (a)

 

 

(5.42)

%

(1.13)

%

0.63 

%

(1.84)

%

 

(6.18)

%

(2.35)

%

(2.10)

%

(0.08)

%

Total expenses (a)

 

 

6.92 

%

2.62 

%

0.87 

%

3.41 

%

 

6.91 

%

3.09 

%

2.83 

%

0.81 

%

Profit share allocation (b)

 

 

0.00 

 

0.00 

 

0.00 

 

0.31 

 

 

0.00 

 

(0.69)

 

(0.69)

 

0.00 

 

TOTAL EXPENSES AND PROFIT SHARE ALLOCATION

 

 

6.92 

%

2.62 

%

0.87 

%

3.72 

%

 

6.91 

%

2.40 

%

2.14 

%

0.81 

%

Total return before profit share allocation (b)

 

 

0.60 

%

1.76 

%

2.21 

%

1.64 

%

 

(5.24)

%

(4.30)

%

(4.24)

%

(3.72)

%

Less: Profit share allocation (b)

 

 

0.00 

 

0.00 

 

0.00 

 

0.31 

 

 

0.00 

 

(0.69)

 

(0.69)

 

0.00 

 

TOTAL RETURN AFTER PROFIT SHARE ALLOCATION

 

 

0.60 

%

1.76 

%

2.21 

%

1.33 

%

 

(5.24)

%

(3.61)

%

(3.55)

%

(3.72)

%

(a) Annualized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) Not annualized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Series 5 Units were first issued on April 1, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d) Series 2 Units fully redeemed August 31, 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

 

 

 

 



10

 


 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Macro Trust

 

Statements of Financial Highlights (UNAUDITED)(d)

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended June 30:

2018

 

2017

 



 

 

Series 1

 

Series 3

 

Series 4

 

Series 5 (C) 

 

 

Series 1

 

Series 2

 

Series 3

 

Series 4

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment gain (loss)

 

 

$          (31.70)

 

$             (9.76)

 

$              4.68 

 

$            (6.99)

 

 

$          (37.98)

 

$          (18.62)

 

$          (16.91)

 

$            (1.22)

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on trading of futures and forward currency contracts

 

 

(44.25)

 

(56.60)

 

(69.23)

 

30.78 

 

 

8.60 

 

12.18 

 

12.42 

 

14.20 

 

Net gains (losses) from U.S. Treasury obligations

 

 

0.60 

 

0.85 

 

1.05 

 

0.90 

 

 

(0.61)

 

(0.80)

 

(0.90)

 

(1.02)

 

Profit share allocated to Managing Owner

 

 

0.00 

 

0.00 

 

0.00 

 

(4.75)

 

 

0.00 

 

(0.85)

 

(1.14)

 

0.00 

 

Net income (loss) per unit

 

 

$          (75.35)

 

$           (65.51)

 

$          (63.50)

 

$            19.94 

 

 

$          (29.99)

 

$            (8.09)

 

$            (6.53)

 

$            11.96 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per unit, beginning of period

 

 

1,218.29 

 

1,627.18 

 

1,995.85 

 

1,500.00 

 

 

1,196.11 

 

1,522.28 

 

1,545.19 

 

1,838.98 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per unit, end of period

 

 

$       1,142.94 

 

$        1,561.67 

 

$       1,932.35 

 

$       1,519.94 

 

 

$       1,166.12 

 

$       1,514.19 

 

$       1,538.66 

 

$       1,850.94 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total return and ratios for the six months ended June 30:

2018

2017

 



 

 

Series 1

 

Series 3

 

Series 4

 

Series 5

 

 

Series 1

 

Series 2

 

Series 3

 

Series 4

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE CAPITAL:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment gain (loss) (a)

 

 

(5.55)

%

(1.26)

%

0.49 

%

(1.84)

%

 

(6.26)

%

(2.39)

%

(2.14)

%

(0.13)

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total expenses (a)

 

 

6.92 

%

2.63 

%

0.88 

%

3.41 

%

 

6.92 

%

3.06 

%

2.81 

%

0.79 

%

Profit share allocation (b)

 

 

0.00 

 

0.00 

 

0.00 

 

0.31 

 

 

0.00 

 

0.05 

 

0.07 

 

0.00 

 

TOTAL EXPENSES AND PROFIT SHARE ALLOCATION

 

 

6.92 

%

2.63 

%

0.88 

%

3.72 

%

 

6.92 

%

3.11 

%

2.88 

%

0.79 

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total return before profit share allocation (b)

 

 

(6.18)

%

(4.03)

%

(3.18)

%

1.64 

%

 

(2.51)

%

(0.48)

%

(0.35)

%

0.65 

%

Less: Profit share allocation (b)

 

 

0.00 

 

0.00 

 

0.00 

 

0.31 

 

 

0.00 

 

0.05 

 

0.07 

 

0.00 

 

TOTAL RETURN AFTER PROFIT SHARE ALLOCATION

 

 

(6.18)

%

(4.03)

%

(3.18)

%

1.33 

%

 

(2.51)

%

(0.53)

%

(0.42)

%

0.65 

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Annualized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) Not annualized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Series 5 Units were first issued on April 1, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d) Series 2 Units fully redeemed August 31, 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









See notes to financial statements (unaudited)     (Concluded)

11

 


 



NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The accompanying unaudited financial statements, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of Global Macro Trust’s (the “Trust”) financial condition at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (unaudited) and the results of its operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited). These financial statements present the results of interim periods and do not include all disclosures normally provided in annual financial statements. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes included in the Trust's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2017. The December 31, 2017 information has been derived from the audited financial statements as of December 31, 2017.

 

With the effectiveness of the Trust’s Registration Statement on August 12, 2009, the Trust began to offer Series 2, Series 3 and Series 4 Units. The only Units offered prior to such date were the Series 1 Units.



With the effectiveness of the Trust’s Prospectus dated September 29, 2017, the Trust began to offer Series 5 Units. Series 5 Units were first sold on April 1, 2018.



Previously offered Series 1 Units and Series 2 Units are no longer being offered by the Trust, and as of August 31, 2017, all Series 2 Units issued by the Trust have been redeemed.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted (“U.S. GAAP”) in the United States of America (the “U.S.”), as detailed in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

The Trust enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnification provisions. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. The Trust does not anticipate recognizing any loss related to these arrangements.

 

The Income Taxes topic of the Codification clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. This requires that the Trust recognize in its financial statements the impact of any uncertain tax positions. Based on a review of the Trust’s open tax years, 2014 to 2017, Millburn Ridgefield Corporation (the “Managing Owner”) determined that no reserves for uncertain tax positions were required. 



There have been no material changes with respect to the Trust's critical accounting policies, off-balance sheet arrangements or disclosure of contractual obligations as reported in the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2017.



 

2. FAIR VALUE

 

The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the Codification defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

 

Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; and

 

Level 3: Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

 

In determining fair value, the Trust separates its investments into two categories: cash instruments and derivative contracts.

 

Cash Instruments – The Trust’s cash instruments are generally classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy, because they are typically valued using quoted market prices. The types of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include U.S. government obligations and an investment in a quoted short-term U.S. government securities money market fund. The Managing Owner, does not adjust the quoted price for such instruments even in situations where the Trust holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

 

Derivative Contracts – Derivative contracts can be exchange-traded or over-the-counter (“OTC”). Exchange-traded futures contracts are valued based on quoted closing settlement prices and typically fall within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.







 

12

 


 



Spot currency contracts are valued based on current market prices (“Spot Price”). Forward currency contracts are valued based on pricing models that consider the Spot Price, plus the financing cost or benefit (“Forward Point”). Forward Points from the quotation service providers are generally in periods of one month, two months, three months, six months, nine months and twelve months forward while the contractual forward

delivery dates for the forward currency contracts traded by the Trust may be in between these periods. The Managing Owner’s policy to determine fair value for forward currency contracts involves first calculating the number of months from the date the forward currency contract is being valued to its maturity date (“Months to Maturity”), then identifying the forward currency contracts for the two forward months that are closest to the Months to Maturity (“Forward Month Contracts”). Linear interpolation is then performed between the dates of these two Forward Month

Contracts to calculate the interpolated forward point. Model inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment. Such instruments are typically classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

The Trust is an investment company following the accounting and reporting guidance put forth in Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2013-08, “Financial Services — Investment Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement and Disclosure Requirements”.



During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, there were no transfers of assets or liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2. The following tables represent the Trust’s investments by hierarchical level as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 in valuing the Trust’s investments at fair value. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Trust held no assets or liabilities classified in Level 3.

 

Financial Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of June 30, 2018

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Total



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury notes (1)

 

$

163,533,247 

 

$

 -

 

$

163,533,247 

Short-term money market fund*

 

 

9,398,474 

 

 

 -

 

 

9,398,474 

Exchange-traded futures contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energies

 

 

2,976,090 

 

 

 -

 

 

2,976,090 

Grains

 

 

606,360 

 

 

 -

 

 

606,360 

Interest rates

 

 

2,487,465 

 

 

 -

 

 

2,487,465 

Livestock

 

 

7,000 

 

 

 -

 

 

7,000 

Metals

 

 

(420,038)

 

 

 -

 

 

(420,038)

Softs

 

 

16,637 

 

 

 -

 

 

16,637 

Stock indices

 

 

(1,087,989)

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,087,989)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total exchange-traded futures contracts

 

 

4,585,525 

 

 

 -

 

 

4,585,525 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over-the-counter forward currency contracts

 

 

 -

 

 

496,062 

 

 

496,062 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total futures and forward currency contracts (2)

 

 

4,585,525 

 

 

496,062 

 

 

5,081,587 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial assets at fair value

 

$

177,517,246 

 

$

496,062 

 

$

178,013,308 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per line item in the Statements of Financial Condition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in U.S. Treasury notes held in equity trading accounts as collateral

 

$

24,602,337 

Investments in U.S. Treasury notes held in custody

 

 

138,930,910 

Total investments in U.S. Treasury notes

 

$

163,533,247 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation on open futures and forward currency contracts

 

$

5,458,074 

Net unrealized depreciation on open futures and forward currency contracts

 

 

(376,487)

Total net unrealized appreciation on open futures and forward currency contracts

 

$

5,081,587 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*The short-term money market fund is included in Cash and Cash Equivalents on the Statements of Financial Condition.

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



13

 


 

 

Financial Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2017

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Total



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury notes (1)

 

$

187,647,232 

 

$

 -

 

$

187,647,232 

Short-term money market fund*

 

 

22,962,966 

 

 

 -

 

 

22,962,966 

Exchange-traded futures contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energies

 

 

2,301,846 

 

 

 -

 

 

2,301,846 

Grains

 

 

57,255 

 

 

 -

 

 

57,255 

Interest rates

 

 

(1,713,319)

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,713,319)

Livestock

 

 

(6,580)

 

 

 -

 

 

(6,580)

Metals

 

 

(180,253)

 

 

 -

 

 

(180,253)

Softs

 

 

22,364 

 

 

 -

 

 

22,364 

Stock indices

 

 

352,813 

 

 

 -

 

 

352,813 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total exchange-traded futures contracts

 

 

834,126 

 

 

 -

 

 

834,126 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over-the-counter forward currency contracts

 

 

 -

 

 

(3,864,397)

 

 

(3,864,397)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total futures and forward currency contracts (2)

 

 

834,126 

 

 

(3,864,397)

 

 

(3,030,271)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial assets at fair value

 

$

211,444,324 

 

$

(3,864,397)

 

$

207,579,927 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per line item in the Statements of Financial Condition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in U.S. Treasury notes held in equity trading accounts as collateral

 

$

43,659,062 

Investments in U.S. Treasury notes held in custody

 

 

143,988,170 

Total investments in U.S. Treasury notes

 

$

187,647,232 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation on open futures and forward currency contracts

 

$

1,183,274 

Net unrealized depreciation on open futures and forward currency contracts

 

 

(4,213,545)

Total net unrealized appreciation on open futures and forward currency contracts

 

$

(3,030,271)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*The short-term money market fund is included in Cash and Cash Equivalents on the Statements of Financial Condition.

 

 

 





 

3. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

 

The Derivatives and Hedging topic of the Codification requires qualitative disclosure about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements.

 

The Trust’s market risk is influenced by a wide variety of factors, including the level and volatility of interest rates, exchange rates, equity price levels, the market value of financial instruments and contracts, the diversification effects among the Trust’s open positions, and the liquidity of the markets in which it trades.

 

The Trust engages in the speculative trading of futures and forward contracts on currencies, energies, grains, interest rates, livestock, metals, softs and stock indices. The following were the primary trading risk exposures of the Trust at June 30, 2018, by market sector:

 

Agricultural (grains, livestock and softs) – The Trust’s primary exposure is to agricultural price movements which are often directly affected by severe or unexpected weather conditions, as well as supply and demand factors.

 

Currencies – Exchange rate risk is a principal market exposure of the Trust. The Trust’s currency exposure is to exchange rate fluctuations, primarily fluctuations which disrupt the historical pricing relationships between different currencies and currency pairs. The fluctuations are





14

 


 



influenced by interest rate changes, as well as political and general economic conditions. The Trust trades in a large number of currencies, including cross-rates—e.g., positions between two currencies other than the U.S. dollar.

 

Energies – The Trust’s primary energy market exposure is to gas and oil price movements often resulting from political developments in the oil producing countries and economic conditions worldwide. Energy prices are volatile and substantial profits and losses have been and are expected to continue to be experienced in this market.

 

Interest Rates – Interest rate movements directly affect the price of the sovereign bond futures positions held by the Trust 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, may materially impact the Trust’s profitability. The Trust’s primary interest rate exposure is to interest rate fluctuations in countries or regions, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the U.S. and the Eurozone. However, the Trust also may take positions in futures contracts on the government debt of other nations. The Managing Owner anticipates that interest rates in these industrialized countries or areas, both long-term and short-term, will remain the primary interest rate market exposure of the Trust for the foreseeable future.

 

Metals – The Trust’s metals market exposure is to fluctuations in the price of aluminum, copper, gold, lead, nickel, platinum, silver, tin and zinc.

 

Stock Indices – The Trust’s equity exposure, through stock index futures, is to equity price risk in the major industrialized countries, as well as other countries.

 

The Derivatives and Hedging topic of the Codification requires entities to recognize in the Statements of Financial Condition all derivative contracts as assets or liabilities. Fair values of futures and forward currency contracts in an asset position by counterparty are recorded in the Statements of Financial Condition as “Net unrealized appreciation on open futures and forward currency contracts.” Fair values of futures and forward currency contracts in a liability position by counterparty are recorded in the Statements of Financial Condition as “Net unrealized depreciation on open futures and forward currency contracts.” The Trust’s policy regarding fair value measurement is discussed in the Fair Value and Disclosures note, contained herein.

 

Since the derivatives held or sold by the Trust are for speculative trading purposes, the derivative instruments are not designated as hedging instruments under the provisions of the Derivatives and Hedging guidance. Accordingly, all realized gains and losses, as well as any change in net unrealized gains or losses on open positions from the preceding period, are recognized as part of the Trust’s trading gains and losses in the Statements of Operations.

 

See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for additional derivative-related information.

 

The following tables present the fair value of open futures and forward currency contracts, held long or sold short, at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Fair value is presented on a gross basis even though the contracts are subject to master netting agreements and qualify for net presentation in the Statements of Financial Condition.



Fair Value of Futures and Forward Currency Contracts at June 30, 2018

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Unrealized



 

Fair Value - Long Positions

 

 

Fair Value - Short Positions

 

 

Gain (Loss) on

Sector

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Open Positions



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energies

$

2,963,952 

 

$

(122)

 

$

15,640 

 

$

(3,380)

 

$

2,976,090 

Grains

 

 -

 

 

(363)

 

 

617,465 

 

 

(10,742)

 

 

606,360 

Interest rates

 

2,601,005 

 

 

(105,243)

 

 

1,313 

 

 

(9,610)

 

 

2,487,465 

Livestock

 

8,040 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,040)

 

 

7,000 

Metals

 

30,093 

 

 

(1,376,000)

 

 

1,033,808 

 

 

(107,939)

 

 

(420,038)

Softs

 

10,450 

 

 

(22,835)

 

 

38,598 

 

 

(9,576)

 

 

16,637 

Stock indices

 

302,314 

 

 

(1,167,792)

 

 

125,468 

 

 

(347,979)

 

 

(1,087,989)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total futures contracts

 

5,915,854 

 

 

(2,672,355)

 

 

1,832,292 

 

 

(490,266)

 

 

4,585,525 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward currency contracts

 

416,512 

 

 

(1,430,861)

 

 

2,596,486 

 

 

(1,086,075)

 

 

496,062 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total futures and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

forward currency contracts

$

6,332,366 

 

$

(4,103,216)

 

$

4,428,778 

 

$

(1,576,341)

 

$

5,081,587 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15

 


 



Fair Value of Futures and Forward Currency Contracts at December 31, 2017

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Unrealized



 

Fair Value - Long Positions

 

 

Fair Value - Short Positions

 

 

Gain (Loss) on

Sector

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Open Positions



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energies

$

2,574,139 

 

$

(5,623)

 

$

81,960 

 

$

(348,630)

 

$

2,301,846 

Grains

 

 -

 

 

(5,320)

 

 

115,675 

 

 

(53,100)

 

 

57,255 

Interest rates

 

378,696 

 

 

(2,318,631)

 

 

285,175 

 

 

(58,559)

 

 

(1,713,319)

Livestock

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

1,260 

 

 

(7,840)

 

 

(6,580)

Metals

 

2,596,495 

 

 

(13,943)

 

 

5,056 

 

 

(2,767,861)

 

 

(180,253)

Softs

 

85,170 

 

 

(1,410)

 

 

11,813 

 

 

(73,209)

 

 

22,364 

Stock indices

 

1,859,712 

 

 

(1,338,118)

 

 

247,718 

 

 

(416,499)

 

 

352,813 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total futures contracts

 

7,494,212 

 

 

(3,683,045)

 

 

748,657 

 

 

(3,725,698)

 

 

834,126 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward currency contracts

 

1,857,705 

 

 

(1,298,906)

 

 

712,658 

 

 

(5,135,854)

 

 

(3,864,397)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total futures and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

forward currency contracts

$

9,351,917 

 

$

(4,981,951)

 

$

1,461,315 

 

$

(8,861,552)

 

$

(3,030,271)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The effect of trading futures and forward currency contracts is represented on the Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 as “Net realized gains (losses) on closed positions: Futures and forward currency contracts” and “Net change in unrealized: Futures and forward currency contracts.” These trading gains and losses are detailed below:



Trading gains (losses) of futures and forward currency contracts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three months ended:

 

 

Three months ended:

 

 

Six months ended:

 

 

Six months ended:

Sector

 

June 30, 2018

 

 

June 30, 2017

 

 

June 30, 2018

 

 

June 30, 2017



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Energies

$

6,449,888 

 

$

(3,291,227)

 

$

6,979,155 

 

 

(4,308,878)

 Grains

 

1,332,769 

 

 

(2,353,962)

 

 

737,797 

 

 

(2,842,978)

 Interest rates

 

(323,005)

 

 

(3,184,130)

 

 

1,425,031 

 

 

(3,116,171)

 Livestock

 

(45,000)

 

 

(50,500)

 

 

11,700 

 

 

(142,610)

 Metals

 

(1,273,832)

 

 

53,096 

 

 

(1,645,365)

 

 

110,086 

 Softs

 

196,166 

 

 

903,945 

 

 

503,238 

 

 

1,088,615 

 Stock indices

 

(2,663,666)

 

 

5,919,398 

 

 

(14,331,742)

 

 

16,721,043 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total futures contracts

 

3,673,320 

 

 

(2,003,380)

 

 

(6,320,186)

 

 

7,509,107 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward currency contracts

 

313,412 

 

 

(6,395,794)

 

 

(1,299,204)

 

 

(5,792,769)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total futures and forward currency contracts

$

3,986,732 

 

$

(8,399,174)

 

$

(7,619,390)

 

$

1,716,338 



The following table presents average notional value by sector in U.S. dollars of open futures and forward currency contracts for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. The Trust’s average net asset value for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $195,000,000 and $225,000,000, respectively.























16

 


 



Average notional value by sector of futures and forward currency contracts for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

2018

 

 

2017

Sector

 

Long Positions

 

 

Short Positions

 

 

Long Positions

 

 

Short Positions



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energies

$

55,178,671 

 

$

3,592,403 

 

$

5,304,721 

 

$

25,161,374 

Grains

 

1,594,474 

 

 

17,327,048 

 

 

105,533 

 

 

19,042,922 

Interest rates

 

464,801,034 

 

 

29,103,992 

 

 

369,718,745 

 

 

3,433,941 

Livestock

 

99,610 

 

 

737,997 

 

 

508,193 

 

 

578,507 

Metals

 

9,135,737 

 

 

17,682,167 

 

 

12,756,310 

 

 

8,143,304 

Softs

 

1,634,102 

 

 

2,404,830 

 

 

421,375 

 

 

5,662,123 

Stock indices

 

153,842,186 

 

 

24,144,817 

 

 

174,384,139 

 

 

13,386,909 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total futures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

contracts

 

686,285,814 

 

 

94,993,254 

 

 

563,199,016 

 

 

75,409,080 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward currency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

contracts

 

42,769,437 

 

 

137,576,635 

 

 

75,579,022 

 

 

111,460,847 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

notional

$

729,055,251 

 

$

232,569,889 

 

$

638,778,038 

 

$

186,869,927 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notional values in the interest rate sector were calculated by converting the notional value in local currency of open interest rate futures positions with maturities less than 10 years to 10-year equivalent fixed income instruments and translated to U.S. dollars at June 30, 2018 and 2017. The 10-year note is often used as a benchmark for many types of fixed-income instruments and the Managing Owner believes it is a more meaningful representation of notional values of the Trust’s open interest rate positions.



The customer agreements between the Trust, the futures clearing brokers, including Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG), SG Americas Securities, LLC, and Merrill Lynch Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. as well as the FX prime brokers, Deutsche Bank AG, and Bank of America, N.A., and the swap dealer, Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC, give the Trust the legal right to net unrealized gains and losses on open futures and foreign currency contracts. The Trust netted, for financial reporting purposes, the unrealized gains and losses on open futures and forward currency contracts on the Statements of Financial Condition as the criteria under ASC 210-20, “Balance Sheet,” were met. 



The following tables represents gross amounts of assets or liabilities which qualify for offset as presented in the Statements of Financial Condition as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.



Offsetting of derivative assets and liabilities at June 30, 2018





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Gross amounts of
recognized assets

 

 

Gross amounts offset in
the Statement of Financial
Condition

 

 

Net amounts of assets
presented in the Statement
of Financial Condition

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty C

 

$

2,072,618 

 

$

(1,009,724)

 

$

1,062,894 

Counterparty I

 

 

3,781,165 

 

 

(1,804,883)

 

 

1,976,282 

Counterparty J

 

 

1,894,363 

 

 

(348,014)

 

 

1,546,349 

Total futures contracts

 

 

7,748,146 

 

 

(3,162,621)

 

 

4,585,525 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward currency contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty G

 

 

1,035,888 

 

 

(759,746)

 

 

276,142 

Counterparty H

 

 

1,049,764 

 

 

(453,357)

 

 

596,407 

Total forward currency contracts

 

2,085,652 

 

 

(1,213,103)

 

 

872,549 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

9,833,798 

 

$

(4,375,724)

 

$

5,458,074 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Continued)

17

 


 



 

 

Gross amounts of
recognized liabilities

 

 

Gross amounts offset in
the Statement of Financial
Condition

 

 

Net amounts of liabilities
presented in the Statement
of Financial Condition

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward currency contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty K

 

$

1,303,833 

 

$

(927,346)

 

$

376,487 

Total liabilities

 

$

1,303,833 

 

$

(927,346)

 

$

376,487 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Concluded)







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition

 

 

 

Counterparty

 

 

Net amounts of Assets
presented in the Statement
of Financial Condition

 

 

Financial Instruments

 

 

Collateral Received(1)(2)

 

 

Net Amount(3)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty C

 

$

1,062,894 

 

$

 -

 

$

(1,062,894)

 

$

 -

Counterparty G

 

 

276,142 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

276,142 

Counterparty H

 

 

596,407 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

596,407 

Counterparty I

 

 

1,976,282 

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,976,282)

 

 

 -

Counterparty J

 

 

1,546,349 

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,546,349)

 

 

 -



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

5,458,074 

 

$

 -

 

$

(4,585,525)

 

$

872,549 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition

 

 

 

Counterparty

 

 

Net amounts of Liabilities
presented in the Statement
of Financial Condition

 

 

Financial Instruments

 

 

Collateral Pledged(1)(2)

 

 

Net Amount(4)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty K

 

$

376,487 

 

$

 -

 

$

(376,487)

 

$

 -



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

376,487 

 

$

 -

 

$

(376,487)

 

$

 -

(1) Collateral received includes trades made on exchanges. These trades are subject to central counterparty clearing where settlement is

guaranteed by the exchange. Collateral pledged includes both cash and U.S. Treasury notes held at each respective counterparty.

(2) Collateral disclosed is limited to an amount not to exceed 100% of the net amount of assets and liabilities presented in the Statement of

Financial Condition for each respective counterparty.

(3) Net amount represents the amount that is subject to loss in the event of a counterparty failure as of June 30, 2018.

(4) Net amount represents the amounts owed by the Trust to each counterparty as of June 30, 2018.



18

 


 



Offsetting of derivative assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Gross amounts of
recognized assets

 

 

Gross amounts offset in
the Statement of Financial
Condition

 

 

Net amounts of assets
presented in the Statement
of Financial Condition

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty C

 

$

2,789,663 

 

$

(1,606,389)

 

$

1,183,274 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

2,789,663 

 

$

(1,606,389)

 

$

1,183,274 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Gross amounts of
recognized liabilities

 

 

Gross amounts offset in
the Statement of Financial
Condition

 

 

Net amounts of liabilities
presented in the Statement
of Financial Condition

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty I

 

$

5,802,354 

 

$

(5,453,206)

 

$

349,148 

Total futures contracts

 

 

5,802,354 

 

 

(5,453,206)

 

 

349,148 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward currency contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty G

 

 

2,732,822 

 

 

(1,041,485)

 

 

1,691,337 

Counterparty H

 

 

3,701,938 

 

 

(1,528,878)

 

 

2,173,060 

Total forward currency contracts

 

 

6,434,760 

 

 

(2,570,363)

 

 

3,864,397 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

$

12,237,114 

 

$

(8,023,569)

 

$

4,213,545 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition

 

 

 

Counterparty

 

 

Net amounts of Assets
presented in the Statement
of Financial Condition

 

 

Financial Instruments

 

 

Collateral Received(1)(2)

 

 

Net Amount(3)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty C

 

$

1,183,274 

 

$

 -

 

$

(1,183,274)

 

$

 -



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

1,183,274 

 

$

 -

 

$

(1,183,274)

 

$

 -



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Continued)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19

 


 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition

 

 

 

Counterparty

 

 

Net amounts of Liabilities
presented in the Statement
of Financial Condition

 

 

Financial Instruments

 

 

Collateral Pledged(1)(2)

 

 

Net Amount



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty G

 

$

1,691,337 

 

$

 -

 

$

(1,691,337)

 

$

 -

Counterparty H

 

 

2,173,060 

 

 

 -

 

 

(2,173,060)

 

 

 -

Counterparty I

 

 

349,148 

 

 

 -

 

 

(349,148)

 

 

 -



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

4,213,545 

 

$

 -

 

$

(4,213,545)

 

$

 -



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Collateral received includes trades made on exchanges. These trades are subject to central counterparty clearing where settlement is

guaranteed by the exchange. Collateral pledged includes both cash and U.S. Treasury notes held at each respective counterparty.

(2) Collateral disclosed is limited to an amount not to exceed 100% of the net amount of assets presented in the Statement of Financial

Condition for each respective counterparty.

(3) Net amount represents the amount that is subject to loss in the event of a counterparty failure as of December 31, 2017.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Concluded)

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

 

Credit risk is the possibility that a loss may occur due to the failure of a counterparty to perform according to the terms of a contract. Credit risk is normally reduced to the extent that an exchange or clearing organization acts as a counterparty to futures transactions since typically the collective credit of the members of the exchange is pledged to support the financial integrity of the exchange.

 

The Managing Owner seeks to minimize credit risk primarily by depositing and maintaining the Trust’s assets at financial institutions and trading counterparties which the Managing Owner believes to be creditworthy. In addition, for OTC forward currency contracts, the Trust enters into master netting agreements with its counterparties. Collateral posted at the various counterparties for trading of futures and forward currency contracts includes cash and U.S. Treasury notes.

 

The Trust’s forward currency trading activities are cleared through Deutsche Bank AG (“DB”), Bank of America N.A. (“ML”) and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“MS”). The Trust’s concentration of credit risk associated with DB, ML or MS nonperformance includes unrealized gains inherent in such contracts, which are recognized in the Statements of Financial Condition plus the value of margin or collateral held by DB, ML and MS. The amount of such credit risk was $14,064,922 and $16,475,923 at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

20

 


 





4. PROFIT SHARE

 

The following table indicates the total profit share earned and accrued during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. Profit share earned (from Unitholders' redemptions) is credited to the New Profit Memo Account as defined in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement (the “Trust Agreement”).







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three months ended:



 

June 30,

 

 

 

June 30,



 

2018

 

 

 

2017

Profit share earned

 

$

 -

 

 

 

$

17,259 

Reversal of profit share (1)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

(198,645)

Profit share accrued

 

 

532 

 

 

 

 

 -

Total profit share

 

$

532 

 

 

 

$

(181,386)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six months ended:



 

June 30,

 

 

 

June 30,



 

2018

 

 

 

2017

Profit share earned

 

$

 -

 

 

 

$

18,352 

Profit share accrued

 

 

532 

 

 

 

 

 -

Total profit share

 

$

532 

 

 

 

$

18,352 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) On April 1st

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Trust pays all routine expenses, such as legal, accounting, printing, postage and similar administrative expenses (including the Trustee's fees, the charges of an outside accounting services agency and the expenses of updating the Trust's Prospectus), as well as extraordinary costs. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Managing Owner is owed $175,898 and $0, respectively, from the Trust in connection with such expenses it has paid on the Trust's behalf (and is included in "Due to Managing Owner" in the Statements of Financial Condition).

 

Series 1 Unitholders who redeem Units at or prior to the end of the first eleven months after such Units are sold shall be assessed redemption charges calculated based on their redeemed Units' net asset value as of the date of redemption. All redemption charges will be paid to the Managing Owner. There was no redemption charge payable at June 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

 

6. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Per unit operating performance for Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, Series 4 Units and Series 5 is calculated based on Unitholders’ Trust capital for each Series taken as a whole utilizing the beginning and ending net asset value per unit and weighted average number of Units during the period. Weighted average number of Units for each Series is detailed below:









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Three months ended June 30,

 

Six months ended June 30,

 

Date of first issuance



2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 1

130,807.224

 

152,390.722

 

134,548.177

 

154,736.764

 

July 23, 2001

Series 2

 -

 

6.797

 

 -

 

6.797

 

April 1, 2010

Series 3

19,968.938

 

16,634.319

 

20,245.817

 

16,607.481

 

September 1, 2009

Series 4

3,547.647

 

3,246.975

 

3,528.409

 

3,203.759

 

November 1, 2010

Series 5

112.066

 

 -

 

112.066

 

 -

 

April 1, 2018







21

 


 





 



7. BROKERAGE AND CUSTODIAL FEES

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, brokerage and custodial fees were as follows:

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Three months ending June 30,

 

Six months ending June 30,



2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brokerage fees

$             2,543,835

 

$             3,158,867

 

$             5,253,564

 

$             6,409,193

Custodial fees

 -

 

 

 -

 

13 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$             2,543,835

 

$             3,158,874

 

$             5,253,564

 

$             6,409,206



Per the Trust agreement, selling agents are prohibited from receiving amounts in excess of 9.5% of the gross offering proceeds of Series 1 units sold subsequent to August 12, 2009. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the Managing Owner rebated to the Trust for the benefit of all holders of Series 1 Units, all amounts that would have otherwise been due to selling agents but for the 9.5% cap. Further, in certain cases, there are Series 1 units that remain outstanding, where there is no longer a selling agent associated with such units. Beginning in August 2014, the Managing Owner rebated such amounts to the Trust for the benefit of all holders of Series 1 Units. The total amounts rebated to the Trust for both of these items, included in “Brokerage and custodial fees” in the Statements of Operations, were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Three months ending June 30,

 

Six months ending June 30,



2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brokerage fee rebates

$                164,321

 

$                195,331

 

$                341,510

 

$                387,151





8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS



The Managing Owner has performed its evaluation of subsequent events from July 1, 2018 to August 13, 2018, the date this form 10-Q was filed. Based on such evaluation, no events were discovered that required disclosure or adjustment to the financial statements.



ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Reference is made to Item 1, "Financial Statements." The information contained therein is essential to, and should be read in connection with, the following analysis.



OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW

 

Due to the nature of the Trust's business, its results of operations depend on the Managing Owner’s ability to recognize and capitalize on trends and other profit opportunities in different sectors of the global capital and commodity markets. The Managing Owner's investment and trading methods are confidential so that substantially the only information that can be furnished regarding the Trust's results of operations is contained in the performance record of its trading. Unlike operating businesses, general economic or seasonal conditions do not directly affect the profit potential of the Trust and its past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The Managing Owner believes, however, that there are certain market conditions, for example, markets with strong price trends, in which the Trust has a better likelihood of being profitable than in others.



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Units may be offered for sale as of the beginning, and may be redeemed as of the end, of each month.

   

The amount of capital raised for the Trust should not have a significant impact on its operations, as the Trust has no significant capital expenditure or working capital requirements other than for monies to pay trading losses, brokerage commissions and charges. Within broad ranges of capitalization, the Managing Owner’s trading positions should increase or decrease in approximate proportion to the size of the Trust.

   

The Trust raises additional capital only through the sale of Units and capital is increased through trading profits (if any). The Trust does not engage in borrowing.

   



22

 


 



The Trust trades futures, forward and spot contracts, and may trade swap and options contracts, on interest rates, agricultural commodities, currencies, metals, energy and stock indices and forward contracts on currencies. Risk arises from changes in the value of these contracts (market risk) and the potential inability of counterparties or brokers to perform under the terms of their contracts (credit risk). Market risk is generally to be measured by the face amount of the futures positions acquired and the volatility of the markets traded. The credit risk from counterparty non-performance associated with these instruments is the net unrealized gain, if any, on these positions plus the value of the margin or collateral

held by the counterparty. The risks associated with exchange-traded contracts are generally perceived to be less than those associated with OTC transactions because exchanges typically (but not universally) provide clearinghouse arrangements in which the collective credit (in some cases

limited in amount, in some cases not) of the members of the exchange is pledged to support the financial integrity of the exchange. In most OTC transactions, on the other hand, traders must rely (typically but not universally) solely on the credit of their respective individual counterparties. Margins which may be subject to loss in the event of a default are generally required in exchange trading and counterparties may require margin or collateral in the OTC markets.

 

The Managing Owner has procedures in place to control market risk, although there can be no assurance that they will, in fact, succeed in doing so. These procedures primarily focus on: (1) real time monitoring of open positions; (2) diversifying positions among various markets; (3) limiting the assets committed as margin or collateral, generally within a range of 5% to 35% of an account’s net assets, though the amount may at any time be higher; and (4) prohibiting pyramiding – that is, using unrealized profits in a particular market as margin for additional positions in the same market. The Managing Owner attempts to control credit risk by causing the Trust to deal exclusively with large, well-capitalized financial institutions as brokers and counterparties.



The financial instruments traded by the Trust contain varying degrees of off-balance sheet risk whereby changes in the market values of the futures, forward, and spot contracts or the Trust’s satisfaction of the obligations may exceed the amount recognized in the Statements of Financial Condition of the Trust.

   

Due to the nature of the Trust’s business, substantially all its assets are represented by cash, cash equivalents, and U.S. government obligations while the Trust maintains its market exposure through open futures, forward and spot contract positions.

   

The Trust’s futures contracts are settled by offset and are cleared by the exchange clearinghouse function. Open futures positions are marked to market each trading day and the Trust’s trading accounts are debited or credited accordingly. Options on futures contracts are settled either by offset or by exercise. If an option on a future is exercised, the Trust is assigned a position in the underlying future which is then settled by offset. The Trust’s spot and forward currency transactions conducted in the interbank market are settled by netting offsetting positions or payment obligations and by cash payments.

   

The value of the Trust’s cash and financial instruments is not materially affected by inflation. Changes in interest rates, which are often associated with inflation, could cause the value of certain of the Trust’s debt securities to decline but only to a limited extent. More importantly, changes in interest rates could cause periods of strong up or down market price trends during which the Trust’s profit potential generally increases. However, inflation can also give rise to markets which have numerous short price trends followed by rapid reversals, markets in which the Trust is likely to suffer losses.

   

The Trust’s assets are generally held as cash or cash equivalents, including short-term U.S. government obligations, which are used to margin the Trust’s futures, forward and spot currency positions and withdrawn, as necessary, to pay redemptions and expenses. Other than potential market-imposed limitations on liquidity, due, for example, to limited open interest in certain futures markets or to daily price fluctuation limits, which are inherent in the Trust’s futures, forward and spot trading, the Trust’s assets are highly liquid and are expected to remain so.

   

During its operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Trust experienced no meaningful periods of illiquidity in any of the numerous markets traded by the Managing Owner.



CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

The Trust records its transactions in futures, forwards and spot contracts, including related income and expenses, on a trade date basis. Open futures contracts traded on an exchange are valued at fair value, which is based on the closing settlement price on the exchange where the futures contract is traded by the Trust on the day with respect to which net assets are being determined. Open spot currency contracts are valued based on the current Spot Price. Open forward currency contracts are recorded at fair value, based on pricing models that consider the Spot Price and Forward Point. Spot Prices and Forward Points for open forward currency contracts are generally based on the median of the average midpoint of bid/ask quotations at the last minute ending at 3:00 P.M. New York time provided by widely used quotation service providers on the day with respect to which net assets are being determined. Forward Points from the quotation service providers are generally in periods of one month, two months, three months, six months, nine months and twelve months forward while the contractual forward delivery dates for the forward currency contracts traded by the Trust may be in between these periods. The Managing Owner’s policy to determine fair value for forward currency contracts involves first calculating the Months to Maturity then identifying Forward Month Contracts. Linear interpolation is then performed between the dates of these two Forward Month Contracts to calculate the interpolated Forward Point. The Managing Owner will also compare the calculated price to the forward currency prices provided by dealers to determine whether the calculated price is fair and reasonable.







23

 


 



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Due to the nature of the Trust’s trading, the results of operations for the interim periods presented should not be considered indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.



Series 1 Units, which were initially issued simply as “Units” beginning in July 23, 2001, were the only Series of Units available prior to 2009. Series 2 Units were first issued on April 1, 2010, Series 3 Units were first issued on September 1, 2009, Series 4 Units were first issued on November 1, 2010 and Series 5 Units were first issued on April 1, 2018. The Trust’s past performance is not necessarily indicative of how it will perform in the future.







 

 

 

 

 

Periods ended June 30, 2018



 

 

 

 

 

Month Ending:

 

 

 

 

Total Trust
Capital



 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2018

 

 

 

$

184,668,044 

March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

192,532,725 

December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

211,845,564 



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months ended

 

 

Six Months ended

Change in Trust Capital

 

(7,864,681)

 

$

(27,177,520)

Percent Change

 

(4.08)%

 

 

(12.83)%



THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

 

The decrease in the Trust’s net assets of $7,864,681 was attributable to redemptions of $11,030,817 which were partially offset by net income after profit share of $1,746,828 and subscriptions of $1,419,308.

 

Brokerage and custodial fees are calculated on the net asset value of the Series 1 Units on the last day of each month and are affected by trading performance, subscriptions and redemptions.  Brokerage and custodial fees for the three months ended June 30, 2018 decreased $584,029 (net of Managing Owner commission rebate to Unitholders) relative to the corresponding period in 2017 due to a decrease in the Trust’s Series 1 net assets during the respective periods.

 

Administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018 decreased $19,388 relative to the corresponding period in 2017.  The decrease was due mainly to a decrease in the Trust's accrual estimate for third party professional services during the three months ended June 30, 2018 relative to the corresponding period in 2017.



Management fees are calculated on the net asset value of the Series 3 Units and Series 5 Units on the last day of each month and are affected by trading performance, subscriptions and redemptions. Management fees for the three months ended June 30, 2018 increased $3,610 relative to the corresponding period in 2017 due to an increase in the Trust’s Series 3 and Series 5 net assets during the respective periods.



Interest income is derived from cash and U.S. Treasury instruments held at the Trust's brokers and custodian.  Interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2018 increased $308,085 relative to the corresponding period in 2017. This increase was due predominantly to an increase in short-term U.S. Treasury yields during the three months ended June 30, 2018.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2018,  the Trust experienced net realized and unrealized gains of $3,837,420 from its trading operations (including foreign exchange translations and Treasury obligations). Brokerage and custodial fees of $2,543,835, administrative expenses of $279,926, custody fees and other expenses of $8,964 and management fees of $136,631 were incurred. The Trust’s gains achieved from trading operations, in addition to interest income of $714,975, and Managing Owner commission rebate to Unitholders of $164,321 partially offset the Trust's expenses and profit share of $532, resulting in net income after profit share to the Managing Owner of $1,746,828. An analysis of the trading gain (loss) by sector is as follows:



















24

 


 







 

 

 

 

Sector

 

 

% Gain (Loss)

 

Currencies

 

 

0.16 

%

Energies

 

 

3.39 

%

Grains

 

 

0.73 

%

Interest rates

 

 

(0.14)

%

Livestock

 

 

(0.03)

%

Metals

 

 

(0.67)

%

Softs

 

 

0.10 

%

Stock indices

 

 

(1.42)

%



 

 

 

 

Trading gain

 

 

2.12 

%



SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018



The decrease in the Trust’s net assets of $27,177,520 was attributable to net loss after profit share of $12,018,408 and redemptions of $19,793,362, which were partially offset by subscriptions of $4,634,250.



Brokerage and custodial fees are calculated on the net asset value of the Series 1 Units on the last day of each month and are affected by trading performance, subscriptions and redemptions. Brokerage and custodial fees for the six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased $1,110,001 (net of the Managing Owner commission rebate to Unitholders) relative to the corresponding period in 2017 due to a decrease in the Trust’s Series 1 net assets during the respective periods. 



Administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased $29,490 relative to the corresponding period in 2017. The decrease was due mainly to a decrease in the Trust's accrual estimate for third party professional services during the six months ended June 30, 2018 relative to the corresponding period in 2017.



Management fees are calculated on the net asset value of the Series 3 Units and Series 5 Units on the last day of each month and are affected by trading performance, subscriptions and redemptions. Management fees for the six months ended June 30, 2018 increased $11,029 relative to the corresponding period in 2017 due to an increase in the Trust’s Series 3 and Series 5 net assets during the respective periods.

 

Interest income is derived from cash and U.S. Treasury instruments held at the Trust's brokers and custodian. Interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2018 increased $595,055 relative to the corresponding period in 2017. This increase was due predominantly to an increase in short-term U.S. Treasury yields during the six months ended June 30, 2018 relative to the corresponding period in 2017.



During the six months ended June 30, 2018,  the Trust experienced net realized and unrealized losses of $7,579,208 from its trading operations (including foreign exchange translations and Treasury obligations). Brokerage and custodial fees of $5,253,564, administrative expenses of $568,361, custody fees and other expenses of $18,170 and management fees of $275,173 and an accrued profit share to the Managing Owner of $532 were incurred. Interest income of $1,335,090 and Managing Owner commission rebate to Unitholders of $341,510 partially offset the Trust's expenses, resulting in net loss after profit share to the Managing Owner of $12,018,408. An analysis of the trading gain (loss) by sector is as follows:







 

 

 

 

Sector

 

 

% Gain (Loss)

 

Currencies

 

 

(0.66)

%

Energies

 

 

3.66 

%

Grains

 

 

0.41 

%

Interest rates

 

 

0.86 

%

Livestock

 

 

(0.03)

%

Metals

 

 

(0.88)

%

Softs

 

 

0.21 

%

Stock indices

 

 

(7.01)

%



 

 

 

 

Trading loss

 

 

(3.44)

%





25

 


 





MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION –2018



Three months ended June 30, 2018



The Trust was profitable during the quarter as gains from trading energy and grain futures, and to a lesser extent, currency forwards and soft commodity futures outweighed losses from trading stock index, metal and interest rate futures. 



Global markets were rattled during the quarter by deepening and accelerating trade tensions between the U.S. on the one hand, and China, the European Union (“E.U.”), Canada and Mexico on the other; by divergent monetary policy trajectories among major central banks; by a strengthening U.S. dollar; by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) supply developments; and by numerous national political and geopolitical events.



With the OPEC/non-OPEC production control agreement, the U.S. decision to pull out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement with Iran, the implosion of the Venezuelan economy, Libyan production difficulties, and declining U.S. inventories all negatively impacting energy supplies, crude prices rose to four year highs during the quarter, with Brent crude climbing to nearly $80 per barrel on May 23 and WTI crude touching above $74 per barrel on June 29. Late in the period, OPEC and Russia announced a relaxation of their production restraint agreement, but the stated production increase disappointed market expectations, particularly in light of future potential supply cuts from Iran, Venezuela and Libya. For the quarter, long positions in Brent crude, WTI crude, London gas oil, heating oil and RBOB gasoline were profitable. Meanwhile, a short natural gas trade was slightly unprofitable, particularly in May.

 

A likely reduction in demand due to increased tariffs on grain combined with ample global supplies produced marked grain price decreases. Hence, short soybean and corn trades were profitable, most pronounced in June.



During the second quarter, the U.S. dollar advanced solidly with most of the gain occurring from mid-April to end-May when it rose about six per cent as measured by the Bloomberg dollar index. At first, the more hawkish stance by the Federal Reserve (“Fed”) relative to other major central banks underpinned the dollar advance. Next, capital flight from emerging markets, and then increased demand in the wake of the European political uncertainties, boosted the U.S. currency.



Long U.S. dollar trades versus the currencies of Brazil, Korea, Turkey, India, Israel, Chile, Sweden and the euro were profitable, with most of the larger gains coming in May. On the other hand, trading the U.S. dollar relative to the yen, Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, British pound, New Zealand dollar, South African rand, Australian dollar, Norwegian kroner, Russian ruble, and Swiss franc generated partially offsetting losses. Trading the euro versus a few other European currencies also produced small losses, especially during the political stresses in May.



A short coffee position was profitable, while other soft commodities were about flat.



Global trade tensions, tightening credit, a stronger U.S. dollar, and a slowing manufacturing sector in China buffeted metal prices. Consequently, trading of aluminum, copper, other industrial metals and silver was unprofitable.



Synchronized global growth underpinned equity markets early in the quarter. Later however, increasing trade tensions, a rising U.S. dollar, political uncertainties in Europe and emerging markets and worries about future global growth spooked market participants and triggered some spirited selling. Long positions in German, Chinese, Hong Kong, and Japanese equity futures, countries whose economies are heavily trade-dependent, were particularly unprofitable. Trading of Korean, emerging market, Spanish and large cap U.S. stock index futures also registered losses. On the other hand, long positions in French, Dutch, British, Canadian, Australian and NASDAQ equity futures produced partially offsetting gains.

 

The interest rate sector registered a slight loss, although futures prices and yields experienced wide swings during the quarter. The yield on U.S. 10-yr notes rose from 2.74% on March 30 to hit a 4-year high of 3.11% on May 17 due to solid global growth, incipient signs of increasing inflation and wages, especially in the U.S., and expectations of further Fed official rate increases.  As interest rates rose broadly, prices of interest rate futures declined and long positions in U.S., European, British, Canadian, Australian and Japanese interest rate futures were unprofitable.  Subsequently, however, these rising interest rates, a rising U.S. dollar, trade frictions and political uncertainties sparked tumult in emerging markets, including Turkey, Brazil Argentina, Mexico and Indonesia, triggering growth concerns and capital flight. In addition, there were worries that political turmoil in Italy and Spain could spread and impede European growth. Hence, a flight to safety drove interest rates sharply off their highs (except in Italy where rates shot up), and produced profits on long interest rates futures positions. The yield on the U.S. 10-yr note plunged to near 2.75% on May 28 before recovering to about 2.85% near quarter-end. Overall, losses on long positions in U.S., Canadian, Australian, and Italian notes and bonds—particularly in April and early May—slightly outweighed the gains on long positions in German, French and British notes and bonds in late May and June. A long Eurodollar futures trade was also unprofitable.



Three months ended March 31, 2018



The Trust was unprofitable during the quarter almost entirely due to losses from trading global stock index futures. Elsewhere, profits from trading interest rate, energy, soft commodity and livestock futures were largely offset by losses from trading currency forwards, and grain and metal futures.

26

 


 





Against a background of synchronized global growth and expanding corporate profits, stocks reached overbought levels during the sharp price run-up in early 2018. Subsequently, equity markets were weighed down by a series of worries including: reports suggesting an acceleration of U.S. wages and inflation combined with increased fiscal deficit spending could prompt the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) to raise interest rates faster and further than previously anticipated; increased equity market volatility globally as the “central bank put” was removed from market psychology; the rising threat of a trade war; a first quarter slowdown in global growth momentum; and unsettled political conditions in the U.S., Germany and the U.K. Importantly, the tech sector, which has led the equity rally of recent years, was negatively impacted by the Facebook data breach, by the influence of the first autonomous car fatalities on the stock prices of Uber, Nvidia, and Tesla, by Moody’s downgrade of Tesla and by President Trump’s tweets about Amazon. As a result, equity markets fell sharply in volatile trading from their late January highs to the end of March. For example, the S&P 500 and EAFE equity indices fell nearly 10% from those peaks. Short VIX trades were the largest contributor to the Partnership’s equity sector losses during the quarter as this market saw an historic spike in prices caused by the sudden February selloff in equity markets, the increase in volatility, and the resulting liquidation of two short volatility exchange traded notes. Long positions in European, British, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, and U.S equity futures also generated losses. There were also losses from countertrend short positions in U.S. equity futures that were triggered by short term trading systems during the rapid equity price gains in January. On the other hand, long positions in Chinese, Hong Kong and Taiwanese stock futures were slightly profitable.



Interest rate futures were buffeted by conflicting forces during the quarter. At the start of the year, signs of strengthening global growth, evidence of rising wages and inflation in the U.S., and indications that major central banks, including the Fed, the European Central Bank (the “ECB”), and Bank of Japan, were pulling back on monetary accommodation led to rising interest rates and falling prices of interest rate futures. Later in the quarter, however, the threat of a trade war, increased equity market volatility globally, subdued actual inflation statistics, and a first quarter slowdown in global growth momentum generated solid demand for government securities, contributing to rising futures prices. Strong demand from central banks, pension funds and insurance related buyers for high quality government debt with attractive yields added to the price rallies.  Meanwhile, in Japan, the February reappointment of Hiroki Kuroda to a second term as Bank of Japan Governor underpinned demand for Japanese government bonds. Ultimately, long positions in German, French, Italian, Canadian and Japanese interest rate futures were profitable. Trading of U.S. interest rate futures, though mixed, was also profitable. Long U.S. 2- and 5-year note trades were unprofitable in January, while a long 10-year note position was profitable in March. Also, a short euro-dollar trade was quite profitable in January as rates rose, while a long euro-dollar trade posted a small gain in March as rates declined. Meanwhile trading of British interest rate futures was fractionally negative.



Energy prices were volatile during the quarter, but energy trading was marginally profitable. For example, Brent crude prices climbed over $70 per barrel in January as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”)/non-OPEC production control agreement and rising global demand continued to drag down inventories. A weaker U.S. dollar early in 2018 also boosted energy prices. Then prices plunged to under $63/barrel in mid-February due to the depressive impacts from the shale revolution and some worries about a slowing in global growth. From then to quarter end the price ratcheted up above $70 per barrel again in response to rising geopolitical anxiety. The hawkish appointments by President Trump of Mike Pompeo as U.S. Secretary of State and John Bolton as National Security Advisor heightened concern about the continuation of the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal, and hence, about supplies of Iranian oil to the global market. For the quarter, the profits on long positions in Brent and WTI crude slightly outweighed the losses on long positions in RBOB gasoline, heating oil, and London gas oil. A short natural gas position was also slightly negative as unusually severe winter weather underpinned natural gas prices.



A short sugar trade was profitable as prices declined as world sugar production hit record highs in the wake surging supplies from India and Thailand. A short coffee position was also profitable. Meanwhile, a short cocoa trade produced a partially offsetting loss as dry weather in western Africa and demand increases from Europe and Asia supported prices.



Currency trading was unprofitable during the quarter. The U.S. dollar index, after falling about 4% during January, was range-bound thereafter. Long U.S. dollar positions against the currencies of Japan, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and Norway posted losses as the U.S. dollar displayed surprising weakness in January. Deterioration in the political environment in the U.S. and relatively stronger growth abroad weighed on the U.S. dollar even as interest rates rose in America. Later in the quarter as the U.S. dollar bounced off its lows, short U.S. dollar trades against the Swedish krona, Turkish lira and Brazilian real posted small losses. A cut in the official interest rate by Brazil’s central bank, a persistently negative official short term rate in Sweden, and worsening inflation and trade balance data from Turkey also influenced these losses. Trading the Canadian dollar was also unprofitable. On the other hand, long positions in the Mexican peso, Columbian peso and euro were profitable as the U.S. dollar weakened early in the quarter. A short British pound trade was also profitable due to Brexit concerns.



Early in the period, drought concerns in Argentina and the U.S. pushed grain prices higher despite the persistence of large inventories. However, later in the quarter, worries about a trade war with China weighed heavily on grain prices. Overall, losses on short soybean, corn and wheat trades early on and from long soybean and corn trades late in the period fractionally outdistanced the profits from a long soybean meal trade in January and February and a short wheat trade in March.



Metal trading was marginally negative for the quarter as losses from trading copper and aluminum outweighed the profit from a short silver position.











27

 


 

 







 

 

 

 

 

Periods ended June 30, 2017



 

 

 

 

 

Month Ending:

 

 

 

 

Total Trust
Capital



 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2017

 

 

 

$

211,229,551 

March 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

225,087,212 

December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

223,164,728 



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months ended

 

 

Six Months ended

Change in Trust Capital

 

(13,857,661)

 

$

(11,935,177)

Percent Change

 

(6.16)%

 

 

(5.35)%

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2017

 

The decrease in the Trust’s net assets of $13,857,661 was attributable to net loss after profit share of $10,996,760 and withdrawals of $5,480,210, which was partially offset by contributions of $2,619,309.

   

Brokerage and custodial fees are calculated on the net asset value on the last day of each month and are affected by trading performance, subscriptions and redemptions. Brokerage and custodial fees for the three months ended June 30, 2017 decreased $54,842 (net of Managing Owner commission rebate to Unitholders) relative to the corresponding period in 2016 due to a decrease in the Trust’s Series 1 net assets during the respective periods.

   

Administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2017 increased $7,044 relative to the corresponding period in 2016. The increase was due mainly to an increase in the Trust's accrual estimate for third party professional services during the three months ended June 30, 2017 relative to the corresponding period in 2016.

 

Management fees are calculated on the net asset value on the last day of each month and are affected by trading performance, subscriptions and redemptions. Management fees for the three months ended June 30, 2017 increased $22,499 relative to the corresponding period in 2016 due to an increase in the Trust’s Series 2 and Series 3 net assets during the respective periods.

 

Interest income is derived from cash and U.S. Treasury instruments held at the Trust's brokers and custodian. Interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2017 increased $212,508 relative to the corresponding period in 2016. This increase was due predominantly to an increase in short-term U.S. Treasury yields during the three months ended June 30, 2017.

   

During the three months ended June 30, 2017, the Trust experienced net realized and unrealized losses of $8,178,886 from its trading operations (including foreign exchange translations and Treasury obligations). Brokerage and custodial fees of $3,158,874, administrative expenses of $299,314, custody fees and other expenses of $10,272 and management fees of $133,021 were incurred. Interest income of $406,890, Managing Owner commission rebate to Unitholders of $195,331 and the reversal of accrued profit share to the Managing Owner of $181,386 partially offset the Trust's expenses, resulting in net loss after profit share to the Managing Owner of $10,996,760. An analysis of the trading gain (loss) by sector is as follows:  







 

 

 

 

Sector

 

 

% Gain (Loss)

 

Currencies

 

 

(2.81)

%

Energies

 

 

(1.46)

%

Grains

 

 

(1.05)

%

Interest rates

 

 

(1.50)

%

Livestock

 

 

(0.02)

%

Metals

 

 

0.02 

%

Softs

 

 

0.40 

%

Stock indices

 

 

2.62 

%



 

 

 

 

Trading loss

 

 

(3.80)

%

 





28

 


 





SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2017

 

The decrease in the Trust’s net assets of $11,935,177 was attributable to net loss after profit share of $4,177,569 and withdrawals of $16,237,433, which was partially offset by contributions of $8,479,825.

  

Brokerage and custodial fees are calculated on the net asset value on the last day of each month and are affected by trading performance, subscriptions and redemptions.  Brokerage and custodial fees for the six months ended June 30, 2017 decreased $103,014 (net of Managing Owner commission rebate to Unitholders) relative to the corresponding period in 2016 due to a decrease in the Trust’s Series 1 net assets during the respective periods. 

  

Administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2017 increased $15,225 relative to the corresponding period in 2016. The increase was due mainly to an increase in the Trust's accrual estimate for third party professional services during the six months ended June 30, 2017 relative to the corresponding period in 2016.

 

Management fees are calculated on the net asset value on the last day of each month and are affected by trading performance, subscriptions and redemptions. Management fees for the six months ended June 30, 2017 increased $45,515 relative to the corresponding period in 2016 due to an increase in the Trust’s Series 2 and Series 3 net assets during the respective periods.

   

Interest income is derived from cash and U.S. Treasury instruments held at the Trust's brokers and custodian.  Interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2017 increased $377,442 relative to the corresponding period in 2016.  This increase was due predominantly to an increase in short-term U.S. Treasury yields during the six months ended June 30, 2017 relative to the corresponding period in 2016.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Trust experienced net realized and unrealized gains of $2,005,988 from its trading operations (including foreign exchange translations and Treasury obligations). Brokerage and custodial fees of $6,409,206, administrative expenses of $597,851, custody fees and other expenses of $21,190, management fees of $264,144 and an accrued profit share to the Managing Owner of $18,352 were incurred. Interest income of $740,035, and Managing Owner commission rebate to Unitholders of $387,151 partially offset the Trust's expenses, resulting in net loss after profit share to the Managing Owner of $4,177,569. An analysis of the trading gain (loss) by sector is as follows:







 

 

 

 

Sector

 

 

% Gain (Loss)

 

Currencies

 

 

(2.58)

%

Energies

 

 

(1.93)

%

Grains

 

 

(1.31)

%

Interest rates

 

 

(1.51)

%

Livestock

 

 

(0.10)

%

Metals

 

 

0.00 

%

Softs

 

 

0.43 

%

Stock indices

 

 

7.57 

%



 

 

 

 

Trading gain

 

 

0.57 

%



MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION –2017

 

Three months ended June 30, 2017

 

The Trust sustained a decline during the second quarter of 2017 due largely to losses from trading financial and energy futures in the wake of hawkish monetary policy comments from the heads of several central banks at the European Central Bank (the “ECB”) conference in Sintra, Portugal, late in June (the “Sintra Conference”). For the quarter, losses from trading interest rate, energy and grain futures and currency forwards outweighed gains from trading equity and soft commodity futures. Trading of metal and livestock futures were each nearly flat.

 

Mario Draghi from the ECB, Mark Carney from the Bank of England and Stephen Poloz from the Bank of Canada each indicated at the Sintra Conference that with global growth broadening and strengthening, the time is approaching for 10 years of extraordinarily easy monetary policy to come to an end. Janet Yellen from the Federal Reserve (“Fed”) had provided a similar comment after the recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting. In response, global interest rates, which had been falling or stable for most of the quarter, spiked higher and long interest rate futures positions, which had been profitable through June 26th, turned unprofitable. Long positions in German and British interest rate futures were unprofitable. Long positions in French and Italian bond futures, which had benefitted from the French election results and from the Italian bank rescues, were profitable, although the gains were reduced significantly after the Sintra Conference. Long positions in U.S. note and bond futures were also profitable albeit with reductions at the end of June.

29

 


 

 



Foreign exchange trading remained volatile as the U.S. dollar, buffeted by conflicting influences, declined markedly in a saw-toothed pattern during the quarter. On the one hand, persistent increases in the official interest rate by the Fed were supportive of the U.S. dollar. On the other hand, the fact that growth in Europe and Asia was accelerating while growth in the U.S. remained tepid, and that politics in the U.S. was becoming more volatile while the political outlook in Europe had improved significantly, weighed on the U.S. dollar. Finally, the fact that comments from the Sintra Conference suggested a relative tightening of non-U.S. monetary policy also worked against the U.S. dollar. Consequently, long U.S. dollar positions against the currencies of Australia, the U.K., Canada, New Zealand, the euro, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Japan and Singapore were unprofitable. Short U.S. dollar carry trades in the Brazilian real and Russian ruble were also unprofitable as political uncertainties in each country prompted declines that outweighed the interest rate advantages. A long Mexican peso trade was profitable as the market came to believe that the impact of the Trump presidency on Mexico would be less than initially feared.

 

Energy prices displayed sharp swings within a broad range during the quarter. When market participants focused on supply increases due to rising shale production and when the U.S. dollar was rising, prices would be driven lower, but when traders focused on supply constraints due to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”)/non-OPEC production curtailment agreement—which was extended in May for a further nine months through the first quarter of 2018—and when the U.S. dollar was falling, prices would spike higher. On balance, trading of crude oil, RBOB gasoline, London gas oil, heating oil and natural gas were each unprofitable, with significant losses occurring on short energy positions late in the period as the U.S. dollar fell and energy prices rose after the Sintra Conference. 

 

With the International Monetary Fund, the Brookings Institution, the Financial Times and central banks around the globe agreeing that the economic recovery is broadening throughout Europe and Asia; recent elections in Europe—France, the Netherlands and the U.K. producing moderate rather than extreme outcomes; a generally weakening U.S. dollar; and the presence of signs that China is addressing its debt problems. Long positions in most European and Asian equity futures were profitable. A short VIX position was also fractionally profitable. U.S. equity futures were slightly profitable as gains from long S&P and Dow Jones futures positions were partially offset by losses from trading the Nasdaq futures. Long positions in Dutch and Canadian futures were unprofitable. The sector gains were reduced markedly when interest rates rose sharply late in June.

 

Short wheat, corn and soybean trades were unprofitable late in quarter as a drought in the U.S. high plains region and reduced wheat plantings in Canada underpinned prices. In addition, long soybean and soybean meal positions were unprofitable in April and May.

 

A short sugar position was profitable and, to a lesser extent, so too were short coffee and cocoa trades.

 

The profits from a short silver trade were countered by losses from trading gold, platinum and most industrial metals.

 

Three months ended March 31, 2017

 

The Trust registered a solid first quarter gain due to profits from long equity futures positions. Trading of currency forwards was slightly profitable, trading of commodity futures was fractionally negative and trading of interest rate futures was essentially flat.

  

According to the Brookings Institution and the Financial Times, the global economic recovery is now “broad-based and stable.” Morgan Stanley concurs, stating that a “…synchronous global recovery…is exhibiting more self-sustaining characteristics.” Against this background, long positions in U.S., European and Asian equity futures were broadly profitable. A long VIX trade was also profitable. Short positions in Indian and South African stock futures were marginally negative. Neither the fading of the positive impulses from the Trump election victory nor an increase in political and geopolitical tensions was able to blunt this equity advance. 

 

The U.S. dollar, which had risen sharply during 2016’s fourth quarter, was volatile and weakened during the first three months of 2017 as the difficult reality of governing diminished the election euphoria for the Trump administration. Profits from short U.S. dollar trades versus the currencies of Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, Russia, and Turkey were offset by the losses from long U.S. dollar positions versus the euro and the currencies of Great Britain, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Singapore. Meanwhile, a long euro/short Polish zloty trade and a short euro/long Turkish lira position were each slightly profitable.

  

Interest rates rose early in the period in response to the improving economic outlook and to evidence that central banks worldwide were pulling back from the long era of ultralow interest rates and quantitative easing. Indeed the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) did raise its official rate again by ¼% during the quarter. Moreover, Mario Draghi indicated that “there is no longer the sense of urgency in taking further actions.” The People’s Bank of China (the “PBOC”) edged toward a tighter policy during the quarter, as well. Finally, the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan issued improved outlooks for their economies. Later on, however, political tensions in the U.S., Great Britain, the Netherlands, France, Turkey and South Africa and geopolitical tensions and terrorism involving North Korea, South Korea, the U.K., Canada and Syria produced a flight to safety and declining rates. On balance, the sector was flat for the quarter and at month-end the Trust’s interest rate futures positions remained generally long. 

  

Energy prices were volatile and range-bound in the quarter. Production cut efforts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries buoyed prices at times, while increasing U.S. shale production weighed on prices at other times. A long RBOB gasoline position was unprofitable as was trading of crude oil and London gas oil.

  

30

 


 





Trading of metal futures was nearly flat as small profits from long aluminum and zinc positions offset small losses from short gold and silver positions.

 

Trading of soft and agricultural commodities was marginally unprofitable. Grain trading was unprofitable due to losses from a short corn trade early in the period and from long soybean and soybean meal positions. A short wheat position was profitable in March. A short sugar position was also profitable in March. Trading of livestock was slightly negative.



OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

The Trust does not engage in off-balance sheet arrangements with other entities.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The Trust does not enter into any contractual obligations or commercial commitments to make future payments of a type that would be typical for an operating company or that would affect its liquidity or capital resources. The Trust’s sole business is trading futures, forward currency, spot, option, and swap contracts, both long (contracts to buy) and short (contacts to sell). All such contracts are settled by offset, not delivery. Substantially all such contracts are for settlement within four months of the trade date and substantially all such contracts are held by the Trust for less than four months before being offset or rolled over into new contracts with similar maturities. The Trust’s financial statements present a Condensed Schedule of Investments setting forth net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of the Trust’s open futures and forward currency contracts, both long and short, at June 30, 2018.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Value at Risk is a measure of the maximum amount which the Trust could reasonably be expected to lose in a given market sector. However, the inherent uncertainty of the Trust's speculative trading and the recurrence in the markets traded by the Trust of market movements far exceeding expectations could result in actual trading or non-trading losses far beyond the indicated value at risk or the Trust's 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 included in this section should not be considered to constitute any assurance or representation that the Trust's losses in any market sector will be limited to Value at Risk or by the Trust's attempts to manage its market risk. 

  

Materiality, as used in this section "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," is based on an assessment of reasonably possible market movements and the potential losses caused by such movements, taking into account the leverage, optionality and multiplier features of the Trust's market sensitive instruments. 

 

Quantifying the Trust's Trading Value at Risk

 

Quantitative Forward-Looking Statements



The following quantitative disclosures regarding the Trust'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 Trust's risk exposure in the various market sectors traded by the Managing Owner is quantified below in terms of Value at Risk. Due to the Trust's mark-to-market accounting, any loss in the fair value of the Trust's open positions is directly reflected in the Trust's earnings (realized or unrealized) and cash flow (at least in the case of exchange-traded contracts in which profits and losses on open positions are settled daily through variation margin).

   

Exchange maintenance margin requirements have been used by the Trust as the measure of its Value at Risk. Maintenance margin requirements are set by exchanges to equal or exceed 95-99% of the maximum one-day losses in the fair value of any given contract incurred during the time period over which historical price fluctuations are researched for purposes of establishing margin levels. The maintenance 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 Trust calculates Value at Risk for forward currency contracts that are not exchange traded using exchange maintenance margin requirements for equivalent or similar futures positions as the measure of Value at Risk.

   

In quantifying the Trust’s Value at Risk, 100% positive correlation in the different positions held in each market risk category has been assumed. Consequently, the margin requirements applicable to the open contracts have simply been aggregated to determine each trading category’s



31

 


 





aggregate Value at Risk. The diversification effects resulting from the fact that the Trust’s positions are rarely, if ever, 100% positively correlated have not been reflected.



The Trust's Trading Value at Risk in Different Market Sectors



The following table indicates the average, highest and lowest amounts of trading Value at Risk associated with the Trust's open positions by market category for the six months ended June 30, 2018. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Trust's average total capitalization was approximately $195,000,000.

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sector

 

 

Average value at risk

 

% of Average Capitalization

 

High value at risk

 

Low value at risk

Currencies

 

$

6.6

 

3.4% 

$

8.8

$

4.4

Energies

 

 

2.2

 

1.1% 

 

2.3

 

2.0

Grains

 

 

0.8

 

0.4% 

 

1.1

 

0.4

Interest rates

 

 

5.7

 

2.9% 

 

6.2

 

5.3

Livestock

 

 

0.0

 

0.0% 

 

0.0

 

0.0

Metals

 

 

0.8

 

0.4% 

 

0.9

 

0.6

Softs

 

 

0.2

 

0.1% 

 

0.3

 

0.2

Stock indices

 

 

8.4

 

4.3% 

 

9.6

 

7.2



 

$

24.7

 

12.6% 

 

 

 

 



Average, highest and lowest Value at Risk amounts relate to the quarter-end amounts for the six months ended June 30, 2018. Average capitalization is the average of the Trust's approximate capitalization at the end of each of the six months ended June 30, 2018. Dollar amounts represent millions of dollars.

 

Material Limitations on Value at Risk as an Assessment of Market Risk

 

The face value of the market sector instruments held by the Trust is typically many times the applicable maintenance margin requirement (maintenance margin requirements generally range between approximately 1% and 10% of contract face value) as well as many times the capitalization of the Trust. The magnitude of the Trust’s open positions creates a “risk of ruin” not typically found in most other investment vehicles. Because of the size of its positions, certain market conditions — unusual, but historically recurring from time to time — could cause the Trust to incur severe losses over a short period of time. The foregoing Value at Risk table — as well as the past performance of the Trust — give no indication of this “risk of ruin.”

 

Non-Trading Risk

 

The Trust has non-trading market risk on its foreign cash balances not needed for margin. However, these balances (as well as any market risk they represent) are immaterial.



The Trust also has non-trading cash flow risk as a result of holding a substantial portion (approximately 90%) of its assets in U.S. Treasury notes and other short-term debt instruments (as well as any market risk they represent) for margin and cash management purposes. Although the Managing Owner does not anticipate that, even in the case of major interest rate movements, the Trust would sustain a material mark-to-market loss on its securities positions, if short-term interest rates decline so will the Trust’s cash management income. The Trust also maintains a portion (approximately between 5% and 10%) of its assets in cash and in a U.S. government securities and related instruments money market fund. These cash balances are also subject (as well as any market risk they represent) to cash flow risk, which is not material.

 

Qualitative Disclosures

 

There have been no material changes in the qualitative disclosures about market risk since the end of the preceding fiscal year.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Managing Owner, with the participation of its principal executive officers and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures with respect to the Trust as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, and, based on their evaluation, have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes in the Managing Owner’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Managing Owner’s internal controls over financial reporting with respect to the Trust.

 





32

 


 



PART II. OTHER INFORMATION



ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS



None.



ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

THE FAILURE OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS COULD RESULT IN LOSSES FOR THE TRUST



The strategies of the Managing Owner are dependent to a significant degree on the receipt of timely and accurate market data from third parties including, but not limited to, exchanges and clearing houses, futures commission merchants, prime brokers and other market counterparties and service providers. The receipt of inaccurate data or the failure to receive data in a timely manner could disrupt the Trust’s trading and cause the Trust to experience significant trading losses or miss opportunities for profitable trading.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND THE USE OF PROCEEDS



(a)

There have been no sales of unregistered securities of the Trust during the three months ended June 30, 2018.



(b)

Pursuant to the Trust Agreement, Unitholders may redeem their Units at the end of each calendar month at then current month-end net asset value per Unit. The redemption of Units has no impact on the value of Units that remain outstanding and Units are not reissued once redeemed.



The following table summarizes the redemptions by Unitholders during the three months ended June 30, 2018.  

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Series 1

Series 3

Date of
Redemption

 

Units Redeemed

 

NAV per Unit

Units Redeemed

 

NAV per Unit



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 30, 2018

 

3,045.274 

 $

1,138.13  101.610 

 $

1,543.36 

May 31, 2018

 

2,747.356 

 

1,134.76  985.719 

 

1,544.63 

June 30, 2018

 

2,203.395 

 

1,142.94  159.794 

 

1,561.67 

Total

 

7,996.025 

 

 

1,247.123 

 

 



ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not Applicable.



ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

The following exhibits are included herewith:

 

31.01 Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer

31.02 Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer

31.03 Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer

32.01 Section 1350 Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer

32.02 Section 1350 Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer

32.03 Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

101.INS  XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document



33

 


 



 



SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 



 

By:

Millburn Ridgefield Corporation,

 

Managing Owner



 



 

 

Date: August 13, 2018

 

 

/s/ Michael W. Carter

 

 

Michael W. Carter

 

Vice-President

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)



34