Source: https://q10k.com/DWSS
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 18:52:02+00:00

Document:
As of October 31, 2018, 798,508.307 Limited Partnership Units were outstanding.
(1) Defined in Note 1.
* Represents the change in net asset value per Unit during the period.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Strategic L.P. (the Partnership) is a Delaware limited partnership organized in 1994 to engage primarily in the speculative trading of futures contracts, options on futures and forward contracts on physical commodities and other commodity interests, including, but not limited to, foreign currencies, financial instruments, metals, energy and agricultural products (collectively, Futures Interests) (refer to Note 4, Financial Instruments), through its investment in the Fund(s) (as defined below). The General Partner (as defined below) may also determine to invest up to all of the Partnerships assets in United States (U.S.) Treasury bills and/or money market mutual funds, including money market mutual funds managed by Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. The Partnership commenced trading operations on November 2, 1994. The Partnership is one of the Morgan Stanley Spectrum series of funds, comprised of the Partnership, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Select L.P. and prior to December 31, 2017, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Spectrum Technical L.P. and Ceres Tactical Global L.P. (formerly, Ceres Tactical Currency L.P.).
Ceres Managed Futures LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, acts as the general partner (Ceres or the General Partner) and commodity pool operator of the Partnership. Ceres is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Domestic Holdings, Inc. (MSD Holdings). MSD Holdings is ultimately owned by Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley is a publicly held company whose shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Morgan Stanley is engaged in various financial services and other businesses.
During the reporting periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Partnerships commodity broker was Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (MS&Co.), a registered futures commission merchant. MS&Co. also acts as the counterparty on all trading of foreign currency forward contracts. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, doing business as Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (Morgan Stanley Wealth Management), is a principal subsidiary of MSD Holdings. MS&Co. and its affiliates act as the custodians of the Partnerships assets available for trading in Futures Interests. MS&Co. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. During prior periods included in this report, the Partnership and the Master (as defined below) also deposited a portion of their cash in non-trading accounts at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
As of September 30, 2018, the trading advisor to the Partnership was Aventis Asset Management, LLC (Aventis or the Trading Advisor). Aventis manages the assets of the Partnership through the Partnerships investment in MB Master Fund L.P. (MB Master Fund or the Master), which is an affiliated fund. Ceres is also the general partner of the Master.
In July 2015, the General Partner delegated certain administrative functions to SS&C Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation, currently doing business as SS&C GlobeOp (the Administrator). Pursuant to a master services agreement, the Administrator furnishes certain administrative, accounting, regulatory reporting, tax and other services as agreed from time to time. In addition, the Administrator maintains certain books and records of the Partnership. The General Partner pays or reimburses the Partnership, from the General Partner fee it receives from the Partnership, the ordinary administrative expenses of the Partnership. This includes the expenses related to the engagement of the Administrator.
The accompanying financial statements and accompanying notes are unaudited but, in the opinion of the General Partner, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Partnerships financial condition at September 30, 2018, the results of its operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and changes in partners capital for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. These financial statements present the results of interim periods and do not include all of the disclosures normally provided in annual financial statements. These financial statements should be read together with the financial statements and notes included in the Partnerships Annual Report on Form 10-K (the Form 10-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for the year ended December 31, 2017. The December 31, 2017 information has been derived from the audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Profit Allocation. The General Partner and each limited partner of the Partnership share in the profits and losses of the Partnership in proportion to the amount of Partnership interest owned by each, except that no limited partner is liable for obligations of the Partnership in excess of its capital contributions and profits, if any, net of distributions, redemptions and losses, if any.
Statement of Cash Flows. The Partnership has not provided a Statement of Cash Flows, as permitted by Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 230, Statement of Cash Flows. The Statements of Changes in Partners Capital is included herein, and as of and for the periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Partnership carried no debt and substantially all of the Partnerships and the Funds investments were carried at fair value and classified as Level 1 and Level 2 measurements.
Partnerships Investment in the Funds. The Partnership carries (or carried with respect to its investment in PGR Master Fund) its investment in the Funds at fair value based on the Partnerships (1) respective net contribution to each Fund and (2) its respective allocated share of the undistributed profits and losses, including realized gains or losses and net change in unrealized gains or losses, of each Fund. ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, as amended, permits, as a practical expedient, the Partnership to measure the fair value of its investments in the Funds on the basis of the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) if the net asset value per share of such investments is calculated in a manner consistent with the measurement principles of Topic 946, Financial Services  Investment Companies as of the reporting date.
The financial statements of the Partnership have been prepared using the Fund of Funds approach, and accordingly, the Partnerships pro-rata share of all revenue and expenses of the Fund(s) is reflected as net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investment in the Fund(s) in the Statements of Income and Expenses. Contributions to and withdrawals from the Fund(s) are recorded on the effective date. The Partnership records a realized gain or loss on its investment in the Fund(s) as the difference between the redemption proceeds and the related cost of such investment. In determining the cost of such investments, the Partnership generally uses the average cost method.
Masters Investments. All Futures Interests of MB Master Fund, including derivative financial instruments and derivative commodity instruments, are held for trading purposes. The Futures Interests are recorded on the trade date and open contracts are recorded at fair value (as described in Note 5, Fair Value Measurements) at the measurement date. Investments in Futures Interests denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at the measurement date. Gains or losses are realized when contracts are liquidated and are determined using the first-in, first-out method. Unrealized gains or losses on open contracts are included as a component of equity in trading account in MB Master Funds Statements of Financial Condition. Net realized gains or losses and net change in unrealized gains or losses are included in MB Master Funds Statements of Income and Expenses.
MB Master Fund does not isolate the portion of the results of operations arising from the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations due to changes in market prices of investments held. Such fluctuations are included in total trading results in the Masters Statements of Income and Expenses.
Investment Company Status. Effective January 1, 2014, the Partnership adopted Accounting Standards Update 2013-08, Financial Services  Investment Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement and Disclosure Requirements and based on the General Partners assessment, the Partnership has been deemed to be an investment company since inception. Accordingly, the Partnership follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of Topic 946 and reflects its investments at fair value with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected in the Statements of Income and Expenses.
Income Taxes. Income taxes have not been recorded as each partner is individually liable for the taxes, if any, on its share of the Partnerships income and expenses. The Partnership follows the guidance of ASC 740, Income Taxes, which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Partnerships tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are more-likely-than-not of being sustained when challenged or when examined by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions determined not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or liability in the Partnerships Statements of Financial Condition for the current year. If a tax position does not meet the minimum statutory threshold to avoid the incurring of penalties, an expense for the amount of the statutory penalty and interest, if applicable, shall be recognized in the Statements of Income and Expenses in the period in which the position is claimed or expected to be claimed. The General Partner has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. The Partnership files U.S. federal and various state and local tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The 2014 through 2017 tax years remain subject to examination by U.S. federal and most state tax authorities.
Net investment loss per Unit is calculated by dividing the interest income less total expenses by the average number of Units outstanding during the period. The net realized and unrealized gains (losses) per Unit is a balancing amount necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per Unit with the other per unit information.
Annualized (except for incentive fees, if applicable).
The above ratios and total return may vary for individual investors based on the timing of capital transactions during the period. Additionally, these ratios are calculated for the limited partner class using the limited partners share of income, expenses and average partners capital of the Partnership and does not include income and expenses related to its investment in the Funds.
Aventis trades Futures Interests on behalf of the Master. Futures and forwards represent contracts for delayed delivery of an instrument at a specified date and price. Futures Interests are open commitments until the settlement date, at which time they are realized. They are valued at fair value, generally on a daily basis, and the unrealized gains and losses on open contracts (the difference between contract trade price and market price) are reported in the Masters Statements of Financial Condition as net unrealized gain on open futures contracts, net unrealized gain on open forward contracts, net unrealized loss on open futures contracts and net unrealized loss on open forward contracts, as applicable. The resulting net change in unrealized gains and losses is reflected in the net change in unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts in the Masters Statements of Income and Expenses. Risk arises from changes in the value of these contracts and the potential inability of counterparties to perform under the terms of the contracts. There are numerous factors which may significantly influence the fair value of these contracts, including interest rate volatility.
The fair value of an exchange-traded contract is based on the settlement price quoted by the exchange on the day with respect to which fair value is being determined. If an exchange-traded contract could not have been liquidated on such day due to the operation of daily limits or other rules of the exchange, the settlement price will be equal to the settlement price on the first subsequent day on which the contract could be liquidated.
The Futures Interests traded by Aventis on behalf of the Master and U.S. Treasury bills held involve varying degrees of related market risk. Market risk is often dependent upon changes in the level or volatility of interest rates, exchange rates, and prices of financial instruments and commodities, factors that result in frequent changes in the fair value of the Masters open positions, and consequently in its earnings, whether realized or unrealized, and cash flow. Gains and losses on open positions of exchange-traded Futures Interests are settled daily through variation margin. Gains and losses on non-exchange-traded Futures Interests are settled upon termination of the contract. However, the Master is required to meet margin requirements with the counterparty.
In the ordinary course of business, the Master enters into contracts and agreements that contain various representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. The Masters maximum exposure under these arrangements cannot be determined, as this could include future claims that have not yet been made against the Master. The Master considers the risk of any future obligation relating to these indemnifications to be remote.
Fair value is defined as the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to fair values derived from unobservable inputs (Level 3). The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls shall be determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The fair value of exchange-traded futures, option and forward contracts is determined by the various exchanges, and reflects the settlement price for each contract as of the close of business on the last business day of the reporting period. The fair value of foreign currency forward contracts is extrapolated on a forward basis from the spot prices quoted as of approximately 3:00 P.M. (E.T.) on the last business day of the reporting period from various exchanges. The fair value of non-exchange-traded foreign currency option contracts is calculated by applying an industry standard model application for options valuation of foreign currency options, using as input the spot prices, interest rates, and option implied volatilities quoted as of approximately 3:00 P.M. (E.T.) on the last business day of the reporting period. U.S. Treasury bills are valued at the last available bid price received from independent pricing services as of the close of the last business day of the reporting period.
MB Master Fund considers prices for commodity futures, swap and option contracts to be based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1). The values of U.S. Treasury bills, non-exchange-traded forward, swap and certain option contracts for which market quotations are not readily available are priced by pricing services that derive fair values for those assets and liabilities from observable inputs (Level 2). As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and for the periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Funds did not hold any derivative instruments that were priced at fair value using unobservable inputs through the application of the General Partners assumptions and internal valuation pricing models (Level 3).
There were no direct investments held by the Partnership as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. For information about MB Masters assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2017, refer to MB Masters Annual Report to Limited Partners for the year ended December 31, 2017, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Partnerships Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
As of September 30, 2018, the Partnership owned approximately 51.2% of MB Master Fund. Prior to the close of business on December 31, 2017, the Partnership owned approximately 9.0% of MB Master Fund.
The tables below represent summarized results of operations of the Funds that the Partnership invested in for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Summarized information for the Partnerships investment in and the Partnerships pro-rata share of the results of operations of the Funds is shown in the following tables.
Generally, a limited partner in MB Master Fund and (prior to its termination on December 31, 2017) PGR Master Fund may withdraw all or part of its capital contributions and undistributed profits, if any, from the Funds as of the end of any month (the Redemption Date) after a request has been made to the general partner at least three days in advance of the Redemption Date. Such withdrawals are classified as a liability when the limited partner elects to redeem and informs the Funds. However, a limited partner may request a withdrawal as of the end of any day if such request is received by the general partner at least three days in advance of the proposed withdrawal day.
The Partnership does not have, nor does it expect to have, any capital assets. The Partnership does not engage in sales of goods or services. Its only assets are its (i) investment in MB Master Fund, (ii) redemptions receivable from the Fund(s), (iii) interest receivable and (iv) cash. Because of the low margin deposits normally required in commodity futures trading, relatively small price movements may result in substantial losses to the Partnership, through its investment in MB Master Fund. While substantial losses could lead to a material decrease in liquidity, no such illiquidity occurred in the third quarter of 2018.
The Masters investment in Futures Interests may, from time to time, be illiquid. Most U.S. futures exchanges limit fluctuations in prices during a single day by regulations referred to as daily price fluctuation limits or daily limits. Trades may not be executed at prices beyond the daily limit. If the price for a particular futures or option contract has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in that futures or option contract can neither be taken nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Futures prices have occasionally moved the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading. These market conditions could prevent the Master from promptly liquidating its futures or option contracts and result in restrictions on redemptions.
There is no limitation on daily price movements in trading forward contracts on foreign currencies. The markets for some world currencies have low trading volume and are illiquid, which may prevent the Master from trading in potentially profitable markets or prevent the Master from promptly liquidating unfavorable positions in such markets, subjecting it to substantial losses. Either of these market conditions could result in restrictions on redemptions. For the periods covered by this report, illiquidity has not materially affected the Partnerships or the Masters assets.
Other than the risks inherent in Futures Interests trading and U.S. Treasury bills and money market mutual fund securities, the Partnership and the Master know of no trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties at the present time that are reasonably likely to result in the Partnerships or the Masters liquidity increasing or decreasing in any material way.
The Partnerships capital consists of the capital contributions of the partners as increased or decreased by net realized and/or unrealized gains or losses on trading and by expenses, interest income, redemptions of Units and distributions of profits, if any.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Partnership capital decreased 22.4% from $10,241,254 to $7,944,316. This decrease was attributable to redemptions of 177,352.007 limited partner Units totaling $1,809,891 and redemptions of 2,955.665 General Partner Units totaling $29,970, coupled with a net loss of $457,077. Future redemptions can impact the amount of funds available for investments in subsequent periods.
Other than as discussed above, there are no known material trends, favorable or unfavorable, that would affect, nor any expected material changes to, the Partnerships or the Masters capital resource arrangements at the present time.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the General Partner to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reporting periods. The General Partner believes that the estimates utilized in preparing the financial statements are reasonable. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Partnerships significant accounting policies are described in detail in Note 2, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Financial Statements.
The Partnership and the Master record all investments at fair value in their financial statements, with changes in fair value reported as a component of net realized gains (losses) and net change in unrealized trading gains (losses) in the Statements of Income and Expenses. None of the Partnerships contracts held indirectly through its investment in MB Master Fund are traded over-the-counter.
General: The Partnerships results depend on the Trading Advisor and the ability of the Trading Advisors trading program to take advantage of price movements in the Futures Interests markets.
Aventis trades its Aventis Diversified Commodity Strategy on behalf of the Partnership. The Aventis Diversified Commodity Strategy is based on an ensemble of three discretionary subprograms: spreads, flat price directional, and options trading. This type of trading is based primarily on the fundamentals of the market (i.e., changes in supply or demand of a commodity). It will also include supply and demand of the pit (i.e., discovery of over bought and over sold conditions).
Prior to its termination on December 31, 2017, PGR traded its Mayfair Program on behalf of the Partnership. PGRs futures investment program sought to profit over the medium term by exploiting inefficiencies in futures and forward markets across a broad range of asset classes and geographic regions. Proprietary models developed by the founding partners were implemented in an in-house trading system which systematically processed real-time data and executed trades automatically on electronic future exchanges and foreign exchange trading platforms.
The General Partner is not aware of any material changes to the trading programs discussed above for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018.
The following presents a summary of the Partnerships operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and a general discussion of its trading activities during the period. It is important to note, however, that Aventis trades in various markets at different times and that prior activity in a particular market does not mean that such market will be actively traded by Aventis or will be profitable in the future. Consequently, the results of operations of the Partnership are difficult to discuss other than in the context of Aventis trading activities on behalf of the Partnership during the period in question. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
The Partnerships results of operations set forth in the financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which require the use of certain accounting policies that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements, including the following: the contracts that the Funds trade are accounted for on a trade-date basis and marked to market on a daily basis. The difference between their original contract value and market value is recorded in the Funds Statements of Income and Expenses as Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts and are recorded as Net realized gains (losses) on closed contracts when open positions are closed out. The sum of these amounts constitutes the Funds trading results. The fair value of a futures contract is the settlement price on the exchange on which that futures contract is traded on a particular day. The fair value of a foreign currency forward contract is based on the spot prices quoted as of approximately 3:00 P.M. (E.T.), the close of the business day. Interest income, as well as management fees, incentive fees, General Partner fees and ongoing placement agent fees of the Partnership are recorded on an accrual basis, as applicable.
The General Partner believes that, based on the nature of the operations of the Partnership, no assumptions relating to the application of critical accounting policies other than those presently used could reasonably affect reported amounts.
During the Partnerships third quarter of 2018, the net asset value per Unit decreased 3.4% from $9.90 to $9.56, as compared to an increase of 1.3% in the third quarter of 2017. The Partnership experienced a net trading loss before fees and expenses in the third quarter of 2018 of $212,399. Losses were primarily attributable to MB Master Funds trading of Futures Interests in grains, metals and softs and were partially offset by gains in currencies, energy and livestock. The Partnership experienced a net trading gain before fees and expenses in the third quarter of 2017 of $290,532. Gains were primarily attributable to the Funds trading of Futures Interests in currencies, livestock, softs and indices and were partially offset by losses in energy, grains, U.S. and non-U.S. interest rates and metals.
The most notable losses were incurred within the grain sector, primarily during August, from long positions in soybean and corn futures as prices declined amid positive growing conditions in South America and the U.S. Additional losses were incurred in soft commodities during September from positions in cocoa futures and options on futures. Within the metals sector, losses were incurred throughout the third quarter from long positions in gold and silver futures as a strengthening U.S. dollar diminished investor demand for precious metals. A portion of the Partnerships losses during the third quarter was offset by gains achieved within the energy sector, primarily during September, from long positions in crude oil and its refined products as prices rallied on concerns that sanctions on Iran will tighten supplies. Additional gains in the energy markets was experienced from positions in natural gas futures.
During the Partnerships nine months ended September 30, 2018, the net asset value per Unit decreased 5.6% from $10.13 to $9.56, as compared to a decrease of 9.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Partnership experienced a net trading loss before fees and expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 of $173,471. Losses were primarily attributable to MB Master Funds trading of Futures Interests in currencies, grains, metals and softs and were partially offset by gains in energy and livestock. The Partnership experienced a net trading loss before fees and expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 of $907,513. Losses were primarily attributable to the Funds trading of Futures Interests in currencies, energy, grains, U.S. and non-U.S. interest rates and metals and were partially offset by gains in livestock, softs and indices.
The most notable losses were incurred within the grain sector, primarily during June, from long positions in soybeans as prices fell dramatically due to favorable weather in the U.S. Midwest and fears over looming trade tariffs that could disrupt flows of U.S. soybeans to China. Further losses were recorded in corn and wheat trading. Additional losses were incurred in soft commodities during June from positions in coffee futures and options on futures. Within the metals sector, losses were incurred during February and March from long positions in copper futures as demand for industrial metals softened amid signs of weakness in the global equity markets and a burgeoning global trade war. Further losses in the metals sector were incurred throughout the third quarter from long positions in gold and silver futures as a strengthening U.S. dollar diminished investor demand for precious metals. A portion of the Partnerships losses during the first nine months of the year was offset by gains achieved within the energy sector, primarily during February and March, from long positions in crude oil and its related products as prices advanced on forecasts for robust oil demand growth and concerns that output from OPEC producers would grow at a much slower pace in coming years. Additional gains were experienced in the energy sector during September from long positions in crude oil and its refined products as prices rallied on concerns that sanctions on Iran will tighten supplies.
The Partnership and MB Master Fund are speculative commodity pools. The market sensitive instruments held by MB Master Fund are acquired for speculative trading purposes, and all or substantially all of MB Master Funds assets are subject to the risk of trading loss. Unlike an operating company, the risk of market sensitive instruments is integral, not incidental, to the Partnerships and MB Master Funds main line of business.
Market movements result in frequent changes in the fair value of MB Master Funds open positions and, consequently, in its earnings and cash balances. MB Master Fund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 of MB Master Funds open contracts and the liquidity of the markets in which it trades.
MB Master Fund rapidly acquires and liquidates both long and short positions in a wide range of different markets. Consequently, it is not possible to predict how a particular future market scenario will affect performance, and MB Master Funds past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
The following quantitative disclosures regarding MB Master Funds market risk exposures contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor from civil liability provided for such statements by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (set forth in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)). All quantitative disclosures in this section are deemed to be forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor, except for statements of historical fact.
MB Master Fund accounts for open positions on the basis of fair value accounting principles. Any loss in the market value of MB Master Funds open positions is directly reflected in MB Master Funds earnings and cash flow.
MB Master Funds risk exposure in the market sectors traded by the Trading Advisor is estimated below in terms of Value at Risk. Please note that the Value at Risk model is used to numerically quantify market risk for historic reporting purposes only and is not utilized by either Ceres or the Trading Advisor in their daily risk management activities.
Value at Risk is a measure of the maximum amount which MB Master Fund could reasonably be expected to lose in a given market sector. However, the inherent uncertainty of MB Master Funds speculative trading and the recurrence in the markets traded by MB Master Fund of market movements far exceeding expectations could result in actual trading or non-trading losses far beyond the indicated Value at Risk or the Funds experience to date (i.e., risk of ruin). In light of the foregoing, as well as the risks and uncertainties intrinsic to all future projections, the inclusion of the quantification in this section should not be considered to constitute any assurance or representation that MB Master Funds losses in any market sector will be limited to Value at Risk or by MB Master Funds attempts to manage its market risk.
Exchange margin requirements have been used by MB Master Fund as the measure of its Value at Risk. Margin requirements are set by exchanges to equal or exceed the maximum losses reasonably expected to be incurred in the fair value of any given contract in 95%-99% of any one-day interval. The margin levels are established by dealers and exchanges using historical price studies as well as an assessment of current market volatility (including the implied volatility of the options on a given futures contract) and economic fundamentals to provide a probabilistic estimate of the maximum expected near-term one-day price fluctuation.
Value at Risk tables represent a probabilistic assessment of the risk of loss in market risk sensitive instruments. The following tables indicate the trading Value at Risk associated with the Partnerships open positions, through its investment in MB Master Fund by market category as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and the highest, lowest and average values during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. All open position trading risk exposures of the Partnership have been included in calculating the figures set forth below. There has been no material change in the trading Value at Risk information previously disclosed in the Partnerships Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
As of September 30, 2018, the Partnerships total capitalization was $7,944,316.
* Average of daily Values at Risk.
As of December 31, 2017, the Partnerships total capitalization was $10,241,254.
* Annual average of daily Values at Risk.
MS&Co. is a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, a Delaware holding company. Morgan Stanley files periodic reports with the SEC as required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), which include current descriptions of material litigation and material proceedings and investigations, if any, by governmental and/or regulatory agencies or self-regulatory organizations concerning Morgan Stanley and its subsidiaries, including MS&Co. As a consolidated subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, MS&Co. does not file its own periodic reports with the SEC that contain descriptions of material litigation, proceedings and investigations. As a result, we refer you to the Legal Proceedings section of Morgan Stanleys SEC 10-K filings for 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013. In addition, MS&Co. annually prepares an Audited, Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (Audited Financial Statement) that is publicly available on Morgan Stanleys website at www.morganstanley.com. We refer you to the Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies  Legal section of MS&Co.s 2017 Audited Financial Statement.
On February 25, 2015, the Company reached an agreement in principle with the United States Department of Justice, Civil Division and the United States Attorneys Office for the Northern District of California, Civil Division (collectively, the Civil Division) to pay $2.6 billion to resolve certain claims that the Civil Division indicated it intended to bring against MS&Co. That settlement was finalized on February 10, 2016.
securitizations and the properties securing them and indicated that its lawsuit would be brought under the Martin Act. MS&Co. and NYAG reached an agreement to resolve the matter on February 10, 2016.
On June 5, 2012, MS&Co. consented to and became the subject of an Order Instituting Proceedings Pursuant to Sections 6(c) and 6(d) of the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, Making Findings and Imposing Remedial Sanctions by The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to resolve allegations related to the failure of a salesperson to comply with exchange rules that prohibit off-exchange futures transactions unless there is an Exchange for Related Position (EFRP). Specifically, the CFTC found that from April 2008 through October 2009, MS&Co. violated Section 4c(a) of the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (the CEA) and CFTC Regulation 1.38 by executing, processing and reporting numerous off-exchange futures trades to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) as EFRPs in violation of CME and CBOT rules because those trades lacked the corresponding and related cash, OTC swap, OTC option, or other OTC derivative position. In addition, the CFTC found that MS&Co. violated CFTC Regulation 166.3 by failing to supervise the handling of the trades at issue and failing to have adequate policies and procedures designed to detect and deter the violations of the CEA and CFTC Regulations. Without admitting or denying the underlying allegations and without adjudication of any issue of law or fact, MS&Co. accepted and consented to entry of findings and the imposition of a cease and desist order, a fine of $5,000,000, and undertakings related to public statements, cooperation and payment of the fine. MS&Co. entered into corresponding and related settlements with the CME and CBOT in which the CME found that MS&Co. violated CME Rules 432.Q and 538 and fined MS&Co. $750,000 and CBOT found that MS&Co. violated CBOT Rules 432.Q and 538 and fined MS&Co. $1,000,000.
On July 23, 2014, the SEC approved a settlement by MS&Co. and certain affiliates to resolve an investigation related to certain subprime RMBS transactions sponsored and underwritten by those entities in 2007. Pursuant to the settlement, MS&Co. and certain affiliates were charged with violating Sections 17(a)(2) and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Act, agreed to pay disgorgement and penalties in an amount of $275 million and neither admitted nor denied the SECs findings.
On April 21, 2015, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (CBOE) and the CBOE Futures Exchange, LLC (CFE) filed statements of charges against MS&Co. in connection with trading by one of MS&Co.s former traders of EEM options contracts that allegedly disrupted the final settlement price of the November 2012 VXEM futures. CBOE alleged that MS&Co. violated CBOE Rules 4.1, 4.2 and 4.7, Sections 9(a) and 10(b) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. CFE alleged that MS&Co. violated CFE Rules 608, 609 and 620. The matters were resolved on June 28, 2016 without any findings of fraud.
On June 18, 2015, MS&Co. entered into a settlement with the SEC and paid a fine of $500,000 as part of the MCDC Initiative to resolve allegations that MS&Co. failed to form a reasonable basis through adequate due diligence for believing the truthfulness of the assertions by issuers and/or obligors regarding their compliance with previous continuing disclosure undertakings pursuant to Rule 15c2-12 in connection with offerings in which MS&Co. acted as senior or sole underwriter.
On August 6, 2015, MS&Co. consented to and became the subject of an order by the CFTC to resolve allegations that MS&Co. violated CFTC Regulation 22.9(a) by failing to hold sufficient US Dollars in cleared swap segregated accounts in the United States to meet all US Dollar obligations to cleared swaps customers. Specifically, the CFTC found that while MS&Co. at all times held sufficient funds in segregation to cover its obligations to its customers, on certain days during 2013 and 2014, it held currencies, such as euros, instead of US dollars, to meet its US dollar obligations. In addition, the CFTC found that MS&Co. violated CFTC Regulation 166.3 by failing to have in place adequate procedures to ensure that it complied with CFTC Regulation 22.9(a). Without admitting or denying the findings or conclusions and without adjudication of any issue of law or fact, MS&Co. accepted and consented to the entry of findings, the imposition of a cease and desist order, a civil monetary penalty of $300,000, and undertakings related to public statements, cooperation, and payment of the monetary penalty.
On July 15, 2010, China Development Industrial Bank (CDIB) filed a complaint against MS&Co, styled China Development Industrial Bank v. Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated et al., which is pending in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County (Supreme Court of NY). The complaint relates to a $275 million credit default swap referencing the super senior portion of the STACK 2006-1 CDO. The complaint asserts claims for common law fraud, fraudulent inducement and fraudulent concealment and alleges that MS&Co. misrepresented the risks of the STACK 2006-1 CDO to CDIB, and that MS&Co. knew that the assets backing the CDO were of poor quality when it entered into the credit default swap with CDIB. The complaint seeks compensatory damages related to the approximately $228 million that CDIB alleges it has already lost under the credit default swap, rescission of CDIBs obligation to pay an additional $12 million, punitive damages, equitable relief, fees and costs. On February 28, 2011, the court denied MS&Co.s motion to dismiss the complaint. On June 27, 2018, the Firm filed a motion for summary judgment and spoliation sanctions against CDIB. Based on currently available information, MS&Co. believes it could incur a loss in this action of up to approximately $240 million plus pre- and post-judgment interest, fees and costs.
plus pre- and post-judgment interest, fees and costs. MS&Co. may be entitled to be indemnified for some of these losses and to an offset for interest received by the plaintiff prior to a judgment.
On April 1, 2016, the California Attorney Generals Office filed an action against MS&Co. in California state court styled California v. Morgan Stanley, et al., on behalf of California investors, including the California Public Employees Retirement System and the California Teachers Retirement System. The complaint alleges that MS&Co. made misrepresentations and omissions regarding residential mortgage-backed securities and notes issued by the Cheyne SIV, and asserts violations of the California False Claims Act and other state laws and seeks treble damages, civil penalties, disgorgement, and injunctive relief. On September 30, 2016, the court granted MS&Co.s demurrer, with leave to replead. On October 21, 2016, the California Attorney General filed an amended complaint. On January 25, 2017, the court denied MS&Co.s demurrer with respect to the amended complaint.
other defendants, the plaintiff requested and the court subsequently entered a dismissal with prejudice of certain of the plaintiffs claims, including all remaining claims against MS&Co.
On July 9, 2010 and February 11, 2011, Cambridge Place Investment Management Inc. filed two separate complaints against MS&Co. and/or its affiliates and other defendants in the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, both styled Cambridge Place Investment Management Inc. v. Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., et al. The complaints asserted claims on behalf of certain clients of plaintiffs affiliates and allege that defendants made untrue statements and material omissions in the sale of a number of mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The total amount of certificates allegedly issued by MS&Co. and/or its affiliates or sold to plaintiffs affiliates clients by MS&Co. and/or its affiliates in the two matters was approximately $263 million. On February 11, 2014, the parties entered into an agreement to settle the litigation. On February 20, 2014, the court dismissed the action.
On July 5, 2011, Allstate Insurance Company and certain of its affiliated entities filed a complaint against MS&Co. in the Supreme Court of NY, styled Allstate Insurance Company, et al. v. Morgan Stanley, et al. An amended complaint was filed on September 9, 2011, and alleges that the defendants made untrue statements and material omissions in the sale to the plaintiffs of certain mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The total amount of certificates allegedly issued and/or sold to the plaintiffs by MS&Co. was approximately $104 million. The complaint raised common law claims of fraud, fraudulent inducement, aiding and abetting fraud, and negligent misrepresentation and seeks, among other things, compensatory and/or recessionary damages associated with the plaintiffs purchases of such certificates. On January 16, 2015, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation.
On July 18, 2011, the Western and Southern Life Insurance Company and certain affiliated companies filed a complaint against MS&Co. and other defendants in the Court of Common Pleas in Ohio, styled Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, et al. v. Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Inc., et al. An amended complaint was filed on April 2, 2012 and alleges that defendants made untrue statements and material omissions in the sale to plaintiffs of certain mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The amount of the certificates allegedly sold to plaintiffs by MS&Co. was approximately $153 million. On June 8, 2015, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation.
On September 2, 2011, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as conservator for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, filed 17 complaints against numerous financial services companies, including MS&Co. and certain affiliates. A complaint against MS&Co. and certain affiliates and other defendants was filed in the Supreme Court of NY, styled Federal Housing Finance Agency, as Conservator v. Morgan Stanley et al. The complaint alleges that defendants made untrue statements and material omissions in connection with the sale to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac of residential mortgage pass-through certificates with an original unpaid balance of approximately $11 billion. The complaint raised claims under federal and state securities laws and common law and seeks, among other things, rescission and compensatory and punitive damages. On February 7, 2014, the parties entered into an agreement to settle the litigation. On February 20, 2014, the court dismissed the action.
On April 25, 2012, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and certain affiliates filed a complaint against MS&Co. and certain affiliates in the Supreme Court of NY, styled Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, et al. v. Morgan Stanley, et al. An amended complaint was filed on June 29, 2012, and alleges that the defendants made untrue statements and material omissions in the sale to the plaintiffs of certain mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The total amount of certificates allegedly sponsored, underwritten, and/or sold by MS&Co. was approximately $758 million. The amended complaint raised common law claims of fraud, fraudulent inducement, and aiding and abetting fraud and seeks, among other things, rescission, compensatory, and/or rescissionary damages, as well as punitive damages, associated with the plaintiffs purchases of such certificates. On April 11, 2014, the parties entered into a settlement agreement.
On April 25, 2012, The Prudential Insurance Company of America and certain affiliates filed a complaint against MS&Co. and certain affiliates in the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, styled The Prudential Insurance Company of America, et al. v. Morgan Stanley, et al. On October 16, 2012, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. The amended complaint alleged that defendants made untrue statements and material omissions in connection with the sale to plaintiffs of certain mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The total amount of certificates allegedly sponsored, underwritten and/or sold by MS&Co. was approximately $1.073 billion. The amended complaint raises claims under the New Jersey Uniform Securities Law, as well as common law claims of negligent misrepresentation, fraud, fraudulent inducement, equitable fraud, aiding and abetting fraud, and violations of the New Jersey RICO statute, and includes a claim for treble damages. On January 8, 2016, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation.
On November 4, 2011, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), as receiver for Franklin Bank S.S.B, filed two complaints against MS&Co. in the District Court of the State of Texas. Each was styled Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as Receiver for Franklin Bank, S.S.B v. Morgan Stanley & Company LLC F/K/A Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and alleged that MS&Co. made untrue statements and material omissions in connection with the sale to plaintiff of mortgage pass-through certificates backed by securitization trusts containing residential mortgage loans. The amount of certificates allegedly underwritten and sold to plaintiff by MS&Co. in these cases was approximately $67 million and $35 million, respectively. On July 2, 2015, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation.
allegedly sponsored, underwritten and/or sold by MS&Co. to plaintiff was approximately $141 million. On July 28, 2015, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation, and on August 12, 2015, the plaintiff filed a stipulation of discontinuance with prejudice.
On September 16, 2014, the Virginia Attorney Generals Office filed a civil lawsuit, styled Commonwealth of Virginia ex rel. Integra REC LLC v. Barclays Capital Inc., et al., against MS&Co. and several other defendants in the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond related to RMBS. The lawsuit alleged that MS&Co. and the other defendants knowingly made misrepresentations and omissions related to the loans backing RMBS purchased by the Virginia Retirement System. The complaint asserts claims under the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act, as well as common law claims of actual and constructive fraud, and seeks, among other things, treble damages and civil penalties. On January 6, 2016, the parties reached an agreement to settle the litigation. An order dismissing the action with prejudice was entered on January 28, 2016.
Additional lawsuits containing claims similar to those described above may be filed in the future. In the course of its business, MS&Co., as a major futures commission merchant, is party to various civil actions, claims and routine regulatory investigations and proceedings that the General Partner believes do not have a material effect on the business of MS&Co. MS&Co. may establish reserves from time to time in connection with such actions.
The Partnership no longer offers Units.
The following chart sets forth the purchases of Units by the Partnership.
Generally, limited partners are permitted to redeem their Units as of the end of each month if notice is received by the General Partner no later than 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the last day of the month in which the redemption is to be effective. Under certain circumstances, the General Partner can compel redemption, although to date, the General Partner has not exercised this right. Purchases of Units by the Partnership reflected in the chart above were made in the ordinary course of the Partnerships business in connection with effecting redemptions for limited partners.
Redemptions of Units are effected as of the last day of each month at the net asset value per Unit as of that day. No fee will be charged for redemptions.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.  None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.  Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.  None.
31.1 Certification of President and Director of Ceres Managed Futures LLC, the General Partner of the Partnership, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Director of Ceres Managed Futures LLC, the General Partner of the Partnership, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 Certification of President and Director of Ceres Managed Futures LLC, the General Partner of the Partnership, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Director of Ceres Managed Futures LLC, the General Partner of the Partnership, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

References: v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v.