FUTURES EXPANSION FUND LTD PARTNERSHIP
10-Q, 1996-08-14
SECURITY & COMMODITY BROKERS, DEALERS, EXCHANGES & SERVICES
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<PAGE>
 
               UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1996
                               -------------

                    OR

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

For the transition period from ________________ to ________________

Commission File Number 0-15298

                THE FUTURES EXPANSION FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                ----------------------------------------------
                         (Exact Name of Registrant as
                           specified in its charter)

           Delaware                                      13-3365950
- -------------------------------              ---------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of              (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

                  c/o Merrill Lynch Investment Partners Inc.
                (formerly ML Futures Investment Partners Inc.)
            Merrill Lynch World Headquarters - South Tower, 6th Fl.
             World Financial Center New York, New York  10080-6106
             -----------------------------------------------------
                   (Address of principal executive offices)
                                  (Zip Code)

                                 212-236-4161
               -----------------------------------------------
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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


                       This document contains 11 pages.
      There are no exhibits and no exhibit index filed with this document
<PAGE>
 
                        PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

                THE FUTURES EXPANSION FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                ----------------------------------------------
                       (a Delaware limited partnership)
                        ------------------------------ 
                               AND JOINT VENTURE
                               -----------------
                                        
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                ----------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     June 30,      December 31,     
                                                       1996            1995           
                                                       ----            ----
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>             
ASSETS                                                                              
- -------                                                                             
Accrued interest                                     $   30,433     $    39,699      
Equity in commodity futures trading accounts:                                         
  Cash and option premiums                            8,759,499       9,860,595      
  Net unrealized gain on open contracts                 430,111         576,906      
                                                   ------------    ------------      
          TOTAL                                      $9,220,043     $10,477,200      
                                                   ============    ============      
                                                                                      
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL                                                     
- ---------------------------------                                                     
                                                                                      
LIABILITIES:                                                                          
  Administrative expense payable (Note 2)            $    1,921     $     -              
  Redemptions payable                                   116,060           7,169         
  Brokerage commissions payable (Note 2)                 89,662         103,775         
  Profit shares payable                                    -            475,153         
                                                   ------------    ------------
       Total liabilities                                207,643         586,097      
                                                   ------------    ------------
                                                                                      
PARTNERS' CAPITAL:                                                                    
  General Partner (518 and 518 Units)                   117,880         123,779      
  Limited Partners (39,085 and 40,875 Units)          8,894,520       9,767,324      
                                                   ------------    ------------
       Total partners' capital                        9,012,400       9,891,103      
                                                   ------------    ------------
                                                                                      
          TOTAL                                       9,220,043     $10,477,200      
                                                   ============    ============
                                                                                      
NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT                                                              
 (Based on 39,603 and 41,393 Units outstanding)         $227.57         $238.96      
                                                        =======         =======       
</TABLE> 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       2

<PAGE>
 
                THE FUTURES EXPANSION FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                ----------------------------------------------
                       (a Delaware limited partnership)
                        ------------------------------ 
                               AND JOINT VENTURE
                               -----------------

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     -------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         For the three      For the three      For the six        For the six 
                                         months ended       months ended      months ended      months ended
                                         June 30, 1996      June 30, 1995     June 30, 1996     June 30, 1995
                                         -------------      -------------     -------------     -------------
<S>                                      <C>                <C>               <C>               <C>
REVENUES:
     Trading (Loss) Profits:
          Realized                           $(141,080)       $ 1,610,164            51,950        $2,604,617      
          Change in unrealized                 406,999         (1,038,896)         (146,795)           62,590     
                                             ---------       -------------       ----------       -----------     
                                                                                                                  
              Total trading results            265,919            571,268           (94,845)        2,667,207     
                                            ----------       ------------        ----------       -----------     
                                                                                                                  
     Interest income                            94,393            124,158           191,109           234,643     
                                            ----------       ------------        ----------       -----------     
                                                                                                                  
              Total revenues                   360,312            695,426            96,264         2,901,850     
                                            ----------       ------------        ----------      ------------     
                                                                                                                  
EXPENSES:                                                                                                         
     Profit shares                              -                  64,967              -              459,626     
     Brokerage commissions (Note 2)            272,688            325,590           559,303           608,568     
     Administrative expense (Note 2)             5,842             -                 11,983            -          
                                            ----------       ------------       -----------       -----------     
                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                  
              Total expenses                   278,530            390,557           571,286         1,068,194     
                                            ----------       ------------        ----------        ----------     
                                                                                                                  
NET INCOME (LOSS):                           $  81,782        $   304,869         $(475,022)       $1,833,656     
                                            ==========       ============       ===========       ===========     
                                                                                                                  
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER UNIT:                                                                                       
   Weighted average number of units                                                                               
        outstanding                             40,610             43,538            40,991            44,093     
                                               =======            =======           =======           =======     
   Weighted average net Income (Loss)                                                                             
        per unit                                 $2.01              $7.00           $(11.59)           $41.59     
                                                ======             ======          ========           =======      
</TABLE> 
  
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                THE FUTURES EXPANSION FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                ----------------------------------------------
                       (a Delaware limited partnership)
                        ------------------------------ 
                               AND JOINT VENTURE
                               -----------------

            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
            -------------------------------------------------------

                For the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1995
                -----------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Limited       General
                             Units        Partners       Partner        Total
                             -----        --------       -------        -----
<S>                         <C>         <C>             <C>          <C>           
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,                                                               
 DECEMBER 31, 1994          45,234      $8,761,840      $101,500    $ 8,863,340   
                                                                                  
Net income                    -          1,814,109        19,547      1,833,656   
                                                                                  
Redemptions                 (2,746)       (605,692)        -           (605,692)    
                           --------     -----------     ---------   ------------    
                                                                                  
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,                                                                
 JUNE 30, 1995              42,488      $9,970,257      $121,047    $10,091,304   
                           ========     ===========     =========   ============   
                                                                                  
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,                                                                
 DECEMBER 31, 1995          41,393      $9,767,324      $123,779    $ 9,891,103   
                                                                                  
Net loss                      -           (469,123)       (5,899)      (475,022)  
                                                                                  
Redemptions                 (1,790)       (403,681)           -        (403,681)  
                           --------     -----------     ---------    -----------  
                                                                                  
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,                                                                
 JUNE 30, 1996              39,603      $8,894,520      $117,880     $9,012,400  
                           ========     ===========     =========   ============  
</TABLE> 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
THE FUTURES EXPANSION FUND LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
(A Delaware Limited Partnership) AND JOINT VENTURE

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


     These financial statements have been prepared without audit. In the opinion
     of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting
     of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the
     financial position of The Futures Expansion Fund Limited Partnership (the
     "Partnership") as of June 30, 1996 and the results of its operations for
     the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1995. However, the operating results
     for the interim periods may not be indicative of the results expected for
     the full year.

     Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual
     financial statements prepared in accordance with general accepted
     accounting principles have been omitted. It is suggested that these
     financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements
     and notes thereto included in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K
     filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended
     December 31, 1995 (the "Annual Report").

2.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     The Joint Venture pays brokerage commissions to MLF at a flat rate of .9933
     of 1% (an 11.92% annual rate) of the Joint Venture's month-end assets.
     Monthly-end assets are not reduced for purposes of calculating brokerage
     commissions by any accrued but unpaid brokerage commissions, profit shares
     or other fees or charges. Effective January 1, 1996, the brokerage
     commission the Joint Venture pays to the Commodity Broker was reduced to
     .9725% (a 11.67% annual rate), and the Partnership began to pay an
     administrative fee to the General Counsel of .020833% (a .25% annual rate).
     MLIP estimates that the round-turn equivalent commission rate charged to
     the Joint Venture during the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1995, was
     approximately $106 and $33, respectively (not including, in calculating
     round-turn equivalents, forward contracts on a futures-equivalent basis).

     MLF pays the Trading Manager annual Consulting Fees of 4% of the Joint
     Venture's average month-end assets, after reduction for a portion of the
     brokerage commissions.

3.   FAIR VALUE AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

     The Joint Venture trades futures, options and forward contracts in interest
     rates, stock indices, commodities, currencies, energy and metals. The Joint
     Venture's revenues by reporting category for the six months ended June 30,
     1996 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          1996
                                          ----
     <S>                               <C>
     Interest rate                     $(380,645)
     Stock indices                      (104,500)
     Commodities                        (318,380)
     Currencies                          630,959
     Energy                              346,042
     Metals                             (268,321)
                                       -----------
 
                                       $ (94,845)
                                       ===========
</TABLE>

     Market Risk
     -----------

     Derivative instruments involve varying degrees of off-balance sheet market
     risk, and changes in the level or volatility of interest rates, foreign
     currency exchange rates or the market values of the financial instruments
     or commodities underlying such derivative instruments frequently result in
     changes in the Partnership's unrealized gain or loss on such derivative
     instruments as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial
     Condition. The Joint Venture's exposure to market risk is influenced by a
     number of factors, including the relationships among the derivative
     instruments held by the Joint Venture as well as the volatility and
     liquidity of the markets in which the derivative instruments are traded.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     The General Partner has procedures in place intended to control market
     risk, although there can be no assurance that they will, in fact, succeed
     in doing so. These procedures focus primarily on monitoring the trading of
     the Trading Manager, calculating the Net Asset Value of the Joint Venture
     as of the close of business on each day and reviewing outstanding positions
     for over-concentration. While the General Partner will not itself intervene
     in the markets to hedge or diversify the Joint Venture's market exposure,
     the General Partner may urge the Trading Manager to reallocate positions in
     an attempt to avoid over-concentrations. However, such interventions are
     unusual. Except in cases in which it appears that the Advisor has begun to
     deviate from past practice or trading policies or to be trading
     erratically, the General Partner's basic risk control procedures consist
     simply of the ongoing process of Trading Manager monitoring, with the
     market risk controls being applied by the Trading Manager.

     Fair Value
     ----------

     The derivative instruments used in the Joint Venture's trading activities
     are marked to market daily with the resulting unrealized gains or losses
     recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and the
     related profit or loss reflected in trading revenues in the Consolidated
     Statements of Income. The contract/notional values of the Trading
     Partnership's open derivative instrument positions as of June 30, 1996 and
     December 31, 1995 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1996                                                 1995                         
                          ----------------------------------------------       -----------------------------------------------    
                                                                                                                              
                              Commitment to            Commitment to               Commitment to            Commitment to     
                            Purchase (Futures,        Sell (Futures,              Purchase (Futures,        Sell (Futures,    
                           Options & Forwards)       Options & Forwards)       Options & Forwards)          Options & Forwards)
                          -------------------      ---------------------       ------------------           ------------------
     <S>                  <C>                      <C>                         <C>                          <C>
     Interest rate            $ 9,028,222               $33,213,028                $17,631,109                 $17,124,189 
     Stock indices              2,562,107                 1,459,996                  2,744,799                     -        
     Commodities                1,132,411                 2,047,415                    987,392                   1,770,746  
     Currencies                31,651,405                35,559,963                 19,188,424                  33,984,223  
     Energy                     3,375,548                   -                        4,266,468                     -        
     Metals                     2,109,125                 5,789,571                  1,106,950                   4,593,110  
                          ----------------            --------------             --------------              -------------- 
                                                                                                                            
                              $49,858,818               $78,069,973                $45,925,142                 $57,472,268  
                          ================            ==============             ==============              ==============  
</TABLE>

   Substantially all of the Joint Venture's derivative instruments outstanding
   as of June 30, 1996 expire within one year.

   The contract/notional value of the Trading Partnership's exchange-traded and
   non-exchange-traded derivative instrument positions as of June 30, 1996 and
   December 31, 1995 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 1996                                                   1995
                  --------------------------------------------         -------------------------------------------

                    Commitment to             Commitment to                Commitment to            Commitment to    
                   Purchase (Futures,        Sell (Futures,               Purchase (Futures,       Sell (Futures,    
                  Options & Forwards)       Options & Forwards)          Options & Forwards)    Options & Forwards) 
                  -------------------      -------------------         --------------------    -------------------       
     <S>          <C>                      <C>                         <C>                      <C>  
     Exchange
       traded             $16,361,633           $39,489,290                    $26,004,588            $21,373,095
     Non-Exchange
       traded              33,497,185            38,580,683                     19,920,554             36,099,173
                  --------------------     -----------------           --------------------     ------------------   
 
                          $49,858,818           $78,069,973                    $45,925,142            $57,472,268
                  ====================     =================           ====================     ==================   
</TABLE>

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     The average fair value of the Partnership's derivative instrument positions
     which were open as of the end of each calendar month during the quarter
     ended June 30, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1996                                                       1995           
                      ---------------------------------------------            ---------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                            
                         Commitment to             Commitment to                   Commitment to           Commitment to    
                       Purchase (Futures,        Sell (Futures,                  Purchase (Futures,       Sell (Futures,    
                      Options & Forwards)        Options & Forwards)           Options & Forwards)       Options & Forwards)
                      --------------------       -------------------           --------------------      ------------------- 
     <S>              <C>                        <C>                           <C>                       <C>                
     Interest rate            $19,510,118           $ 30,728,957                   $20,766,056                  $ 7,523,452  
     Stock indices              3,388,277                966,133                     9,249,690                    1,491,066 
     Commodities                2,557,053                815,343                     1,548,022                    1,302,572 
     Currencies                51,561,796             64,668,941                    42,383,672                   40,767,472 
     Energy                     2,629,736              1,039,236                     2,368,843                    1,331,304 
     Metals                     5,181,162              6,397,846                     2,456,274                    3,268,684 
                           ----------------     ------------------             -----------------           -----------------
                                                                                                                            
                              $84,828,142           $104,616,456                   $78,772,557                  $55,684,550 
                           ================     ==================             =================           ================= 
</TABLE>

     A portion of the amounts indicated as off-balance sheet risk reflects
     offsetting commitments to purchase and sell the same derivative instrument
     on the same date in the future. These commitments are economically
     offsetting but are not, as a technical matter, offset in the forward market
     until the settlement date.

     Credit Risk
     -----------

     The risks associated with exchange-traded contracts are typically perceived
     to be less than those associated with over-the-counter (non-exchange-
     traded) 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 over-the-
     counter transactions, on the other hand, traders must rely 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 also require margin in the over-
     the-counter markets.

     The fair value amounts in the above tables represent the extent of the
     Joint Venture's market exposure in the particular class of derivative
     instrument listed, but not the credit risk associated with counterparty
     nonperformance. The credit risk associated with these instruments from
     counterparty nonperformance is the net unrealized gain, if any, included in
     the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The Joint Venture also
     has credit risk because the sole counterparty or broker with respect to
     most of the Joint Venture's assets is MLF.

     As of June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995, $6,591,629 and $7,759,078 of the
     Joint Venture's assets, respectively, were held in segregated accounts at
     MLF in accordance with Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulations.

     The gross unrealized gain and the net unrealized gain on the Partnership's
     open derivative instrument positions as of June 30, 1996 and December 31,
     1995 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1996                                      1995       
                                            ----                                      ----       
                                 Gross                Net                Gross                   Net    
                               Unrealized          Unrealized          Unrealized            Unrealized      
                                 Gain             Gain (Loss)            Gain                Gain (Loss)     
                               ----------         -----------          ----------            -----------     
     <S>                      <C>                 <C>                  <C>                  <C>             
     Exchange                                                                             
       traded                   $  562,242             $443,760          $  892,375              $674,608      
     Non-Exchange                                                                                          
       traded                      474,800              (13,649)            205,307               (97,702)   
                           ----------------       ---------------    ---------------       --------------- 
                                                                                                           
                                $1,037,042             $430,111          $1,097,682              $576,906   
                           ================       ===============    ===============       ===============  
</TABLE>

     The Partnership controls credit risk by dealing almost exclusively with
     Merrill Lynch entities as brokers and counterparties.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Item 2:   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
          ---------------------------------------------------------------
          Results of Operations
          ---------------------

Operational Overview: Advisor Selections
- ----------------------------------------

           Due to the nature of the Fund's business, its results of operations
depend on Trading Advisor's ability to recognize and capitalize on trends and
other profit opportunities in different Sectors of the world commodity markets.
The Trading Advisor's trading methods are confidential, so that substantially
the only information that can be furnished regarding the Fund'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 Fund, and its past performance is not
necessarily indicative of future results. Because of the speculative nature of
its trading, operational or economic trends have little relevance to the Fund's
results. MLIP believes, however, that there are certain market conditions, for
example, markets with strong price trends, in which the Fund has a better
likelihood of being profitable than in others.

Results of Operations - General
- -------------------------------

           Unlike an operating business, MLIP believes that it is difficult to
identify "trends" in the Fund's operations and virtually impossible to make any
predictions regarding future results based on results to date (even over the
nine year operational history of the Fund to date).  The Trading Advisor regards
its strategy as long-term in nature.

           Markets in which sustained price trends occur with some frequency
tend to be more favorable to managed futures investments than "whipsaw,"
"choppy" markets, but (i) this is not always the case, (ii) it is impossible to
predict when trending markets will occur and (iii) the Trading Advisor is
affected by trends in general as well as by particular types of trends.

           The Fund controls credit risk in its trading in the derivatives
markets by trading only through Merrill Lynch entities which MLIP believes to be
creditworthy. The Trading Advisor attempts to control the market risk inherent
in derivatives trading by applying multiple trading systems in each market as
well as implementing the basic risk management policies described above under
"Item 1: Business - (c) Narrative Description of Business." However, as a single
advisor fund, the Partnership must be considered a more speculative investment
than the multi-advisor funds which have become popular in the public commodity
pool markets during approximately the last decade. Millburn Ridgefield trades a
diversified portfolio for the Fund, but with an emphasis on the currency and
financial instrument markets.

Performance Summary
- -------------------

           During the six months of 1995, the Fund's average month-end Net
Assets equalled $9,602,707, and the Fund recognized gross trading gains of
$2,667,207 or 27.78% of such average month-end Net Assets. Brokerage commissions
of $608,568 or 6.34% and Profit Shares of $459,626 or 4.79% of average month-end
Net Assets were paid. Interest income of $234,643 or 2.44% of average month-end
Net Assets resulted in a net gain of $1,833,656 or 19.10% of average month-end
Net Assets, which resulted in a 21.22% increase in the Net Asset Value per Unit
since December 31, 1994.

           During the six months of 1996, the Fund's average month-end Net
Assets equalled $9,473,799, and the Fund recognized gross trading losses of
$94,845 or 1.00% of such average month-end Net Assets. Brokerage commissions of
$559,303 or 5.90% and Administrative expense of $11,982 or .13% of average month
end Net Assets were paid. Interest income of $191,109 or 2.02% of average month-
end Net Assets resulted in net loss of $475,022 or 5.01% of average month end
Net Assets which resulted in a 4.77% decrease in the Net Asset Value per Unit
since December 31, 1995.

           During the six months of 1996 and 1995, the Fund experienced 8
profitable months and 4 unprofitable months.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      MONTH-END NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT
         ------------------------------------------------------------ 
                 Jan.     Feb.     Mar.     April     May     June
         ------------------------------------------------------------
         <S>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
         1995    $189.48  $201.01  $231.61  $240.44  $235.91  $237.51
         ------------------------------------------------------------
         1996    $252.05  $224.51  $225.51  $236.49  $219.53  $227.57
         ------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Importance of Market Factors
- ----------------------------

           Comparisons between the Fund's performance in one fiscal year to that
in a prior year are unlikely to be meaningful, given the uncertainty of price
movements in the markets traded by the Fund. In general, MLIP expects that the
Fund is most likely to trade successfully in markets which exhibit strong and
sustained price trends. Millburn Ridgefield's strategy is based on technical
trend analysis (and certain non-trend following technical systems).
Consequently, one would expect that in trendless, "choppy" markets the Fund
would likely be unprofitable, while in markets in which major price movements
occur, the Fund would have its best profit potential (although there could be no
assurance that the Fund would, in fact, trade profitably). However, the Trading
Advisor will not infrequently miss major price movements, and market corrections
can result in rapid and material losses (sometimes as much as 10% in a single
day).

Liquidity
- ---------

           Most of the Joint Venture's assets are held as cash which, in turn,
is used to margin its futures positions and earns interest income and is
withdrawn, as necessary, to pay redemptions and fees.

     The futures contracts in which the Joint Venture trades may become illiquid
under certain market conditions.  Commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in
futures prices during a single day by regulations referred to as "daily limits."
During a single day no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limit.
Once the price of a futures contract for a particular commodity has increased or
decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in the commodity can
generally neither be taken nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect
trades at or within the limit.  Futures contracts have occasionally moved to the
daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading.  Such market
conditions could prevent the Joint Venture from promptly liquidating its futures
(including its options) positions.  There are no limitations on the daily price
moves in trading foreign currency forward contracts through banks, although
illiquidity may develop in the forward markets due to large spreads between
"bid" and "ask" prices quoted.  (Forward contracts are the bank version of
currency futures contracts and are not traded on exchanges.)

Capital Resources
- -----------------

           The Joint Venture does not have, nor does it expect to have, any
capital assets and has no material commitments for capital expenditures.  The
Joint Venture uses its assets to supply the necessary margin or premiums for,
and to pay any losses incurred in connection with, its trading activity and to
pay redemptions and fees.

           Inflation is not a significant factor in the Fund's profitability,
although inflationary cycles can give rise to the type of major price movements
which can have a materially favorable or adverse impact on the Fund's
performance.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

             None.

Item 2.  Changes in Securities

             None.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

             None.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

             None.

Item 5.  Other Information

             None.

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

         (a)  Exhibits.
              ---------

              There are no exhibits required to be filed as part of this
document.

         (b)  Reports on Form 8-K.
              --------------------

              There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the six months of
fiscal 1996.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                                  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.


                                  THE FUTURES EXPANSION FUND
                                  LIMITED PARTNERSHIP



                                  By:  MERRILL LYNCH INVESTMENT PARTNERS INC.
                                           (General Partner)



Date:  August 9, 1996             By /s/JOHN R. FRAWLEY, JR.
                                     -----------------------
                                     John R. Frawley, Jr.
                                     President, Chief Executive Officer
                                     and Director



Date:  August 9, 1996             By /s/JAMES M. BERNARD
                                     -------------------
                                     James M. Bernard
                                     Chief Financial Officer,
                                     Treasurer and Senior Vice President

                                       11

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> BD
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS,
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995             DEC-31-1994
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996             JUN-30-1995
<CASH>                                               0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                9,220,043              10,791,777
<SECURITIES-RESALE>                                  0                       0
<SECURITIES-BORROWED>                                0                       0
<INSTRUMENTS-OWNED>                                  0                       0
<PP&E>                                               0                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               9,220,043              10,791,777
<SHORT-TERM>                                         0                       0
<PAYABLES>                                     207,643                 700,473
<REPOS-SOLD>                                         0                       0
<SECURITIES-LOANED>                                  0                       0
<INSTRUMENTS-SOLD>                                   0                       0
<LONG-TERM>                                          0                       0
                                0                       0
                                          0                       0
<COMMON>                                             0                       0
<OTHER-SE>                                   9,012,400              10,091,304
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 9,220,043              10,791,777
<TRADING-REVENUE>                             (94,845)               2,667,207
<INTEREST-DIVIDENDS>                           191,109                 234,643
<COMMISSIONS>                                  571,286               1,068,194
<INVESTMENT-BANKING-REVENUES>                        0                       0
<FEE-REVENUE>                                        0                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0                       0
<COMPENSATION>                                       0                       0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              (475,022)               1,833,656
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                   (475,022)               1,833,656
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                 (475,022)               1,833,656
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  (11.59)                   41.59
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  (11.59)                   41.59
        

</TABLE>


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