<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 September 30, 2000
------------------
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 0-18944
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND-SM- II L.P.
------------------------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as
specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 13-3584544
------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
c/o Merrill Lynch Investment Partners Inc.
Princeton Corporate Campus
800 Scudders Mill Road - Section 2G
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
----------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
609-282-6996
----------------------------------------
(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
--- ---
1
<PAGE>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND-SM- II L.P.
(A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
2000 1999
(unaudited)
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
------
Investments $ 21,589,209 $ 28,036,376
Receivable from investments 331,103 516,693
--------------- ---------------
TOTAL $ 21,920,312 $ 28,553,069
=============== ===============
LIABILITY AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
-------------------------------
Liability-Redemptions payable $ 331,103 $ 516,693
PARTNERS' CAPITAL:
General Partner:
(597 and 832 Sector II Units) 88,213 130,524
(1,235 and 1,595 Sector III Units) 191,668 262,815
Limited Partners:
(44,728 and 54,878 Sector II Units) 6,609,192 8,609,354
(94,720 and 115,514 Sector III Units) 14,700,136 19,033,683
--------------- ---------------
Total partners' capital 21,589,209 28,036,376
--------------- ---------------
TOTAL $ 21,920,312 $ 28,553,069
=============== ===============
NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT:
SECTOR II UNITS
(Based on 45,325 and 55,710 Units outstanding) $ 147.76 $ 156.88
=============== ===============
SECTOR III UNITS
(Based on 95,955 and 117,109 Units outstanding) $ 155.20 $ 164.77
=============== ===============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
2
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND-SM- II L.P.
(A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the three For the three For the nine For the nine
months ended months ended months ended months ended
September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
2000 1999 2000 1999
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Loss from investments $ (945,821) $ (585,328) $ (1,414,644) $ (547,659)
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
NET LOSS $ (945,821) $ (585,328) $ (1,414,644) $ (547,659)
=============== =============== =============== ===============
NET LOSS PER UNIT:
Weighted average number of units
outstanding 146,001 186,771 155,993 194,792
=============== =============== =============== ===============
Weighted average net loss
per General Partner
and Limited Partner Unit $ (6.48) $ (3.13) $ (9.07) $ (2.81)
=============== =============== =============== ===============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
3
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND-SM- II L.P.
(A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Units General Partners Limited Partner
---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
SECTOR II SECTOR III SECTOR II SECTOR III SECTOR II SECTOR III TOTAL
UNITS UNITS UNITS UNITS UNITS UNITS
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
December 31, 1998 67,408 138,502 $ 132,067 $ 265,921 $ 10,567,998 $ 22,825,196 $ 33,791,182
Redemptions (8,597) (15,386) -- -- (1,359,660) (2,555,509) (3,915,169)
Net loss -- -- (2,357) (4,747) (169,237) (371,318) (547,659)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
September 30, 1999 58,811 123,116 $ 129,710 $ 261,174 $ 9,039,101 $ 19,898,369 $ 29,328,354
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
December 31, 1999 55,710 117,109 $ 130,524 $ 262,815 $ 8,609,354 $ 19,033,683 $ 28,036,376
Redemptions (10,385) (21,154) (36,714) (59,072) (1,560,875) (3,375,862) (5,032,523)
Net loss -- -- (5,597) (12,075) (439,287) (957,685) (1,414,644)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
September 30, 2000 45,325 95,955 $ 88,213 $ 191,668 $ 6,609,192 $ 14,700,136 $ 21,589,209
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
4
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND-SM- II L.P.
(A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
NOTES TO 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 SECTOR Strategy Fund-SM- II L.P. (the
"Partnership") as of September 30, 2000, and the results of its operations
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2000 and September 30,
1999. 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 generally 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, 1999 (the "Annual Report").
2. INVESTMENTS
As of September 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999, the Partnership had an
investment in ML Multi Manager Portfolio, LLC ("MM LLC") of $21,589,209
and $28,036,376, respectively.
Total revenues and fees with respect to the Partnership's investments are
set forth as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the three months Total Brokerage Administrative Profit Loss from
ended September 30, 2000 Revenue Commissions Fees Shares Investments
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SECTOR II UNITS
MM LLC $ (156,007) $ 143,488 $ 4,100 $ (6,466) $ (297,129)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
SECTOR III UNITS
MM LLC $ (338,423) $ 315,355 $ 9,010 $ (14,096) $ (648,692)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
TOTAL ALL UNITS
MM LLC $ (494,430) $ 458,843 $ 13,110 $ (20,562) $ (945,821)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
<CAPTION>
For the three months Total Brokerage Administrative Profit Loss from
ended September 30, 1999 Revenue Commissions Fees Shares Investments
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SECTOR II UNITS
MM LLC $ 30,357 $ 208,899 $ 5,969 $ (2,699) $ (181,812)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
SECTOR III UNITS
MM LLC $ 68,657 $ 464,890 $ 13,283 $ (6,000) $ (403,516)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
TOTAL ALL UNITS
MM LLC $ 99,014 $ 673,789 $ 19,252 $ (8,699) $ (585,328)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the nine months Total Brokerage Administrative Profit Loss from
ended September 30, 2000 Revenue Commissions Fees Shares Investments
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SECTOR II UNITS
MM LLC $ 60,426 $ 488,397 $ 13,954 $ 2,959 $ (444,884)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
SECTOR III UNITS
MM LLC $ 141,457 $ 1,073,394 $ 30,668 $ 7,155 $ (969,760)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
TOTAL ALL UNITS
MM LLC $ 201,883 $ 1,561,791 $ 44,622 $ 10,114 $ (1,414,644)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
<CAPTION>
For the nine months Total Brokerage Administrative Profit Loss from
ended September 30, 1999 Revenue Commissions Fees Shares Investments
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SECTOR II UNITS
MM LLC $ 537,762 $ 658,283 $ 18,808 $ 32,265 $ (171,594)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
SECTOR III UNITS
MM LLC $ 1,190,395 $ 1,454,197 $ 41,549 $ 70,714 $ (376,065)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
TOTAL ALL UNITS
MM LLC $ 1,728,157 $ 2,112,480 $ 60,357 $ 102,979 $ (547,659)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
Condensed statements of financial condition and statements of operations
for MM LLC are set forth as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MM LLC MM LLC
------------------------ ------------------------
September 30, December 31,
2000 1999
(unaudited)
------------------------ ------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets $ 242,877,843 $ 100,901,677
======================== ========================
Liabilities $ 1,459,756 $ 2,906,392
Members' Capital 241,418,087 97,995,285
------------------------ ------------------------
Total $ 242,877,843 $ 100,901,677
======================== ========================
<CAPTION>
For the three months For the three months For the nine months For the nine months
ended September 30, 2000 ended September 30, 1999 ended September 30, 2000 ended September 30, 1999
(unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ (4,176,959) $ 356,464 $ (1,725,034) $ 6,112,547
Expenses 2,411,044 2,331,302 6,397,178 7,824,068
------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------
Net Loss $ (6,588,003) $ (1,974,838) $ (8,122,212) $ (1,711,521)
======================== ======================== ======================== ========================
</TABLE>
Effective September 1, 2000, two additional MLIP-sponsored funds with assets
of approximately $183 million invested in MM LLC.
7
<PAGE>
3. INCOME PER UNIT
The profit and loss of the Sector II and Sector III Units for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2000 and September 30, 1999 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sector II Sector III Total
UNITS UNITS All Units
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
For the three For the three For the three
months ended months ended months ended
September 30, 2000 September 30, 2000 September 30, 2000
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Loss from investments $ (297,129) $ (648,692) $ (945,821)
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
NET LOSS $ (297,129) $ (648,692) $ (945,821)
================== ================== ==================
NET LOSS PER UNIT:
Weighted average number of
units outstanding 47,203 98,798 146,001
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Weighted average net loss
per General Partner
and Limited Partner Unit $ (6.29) $ (6.57) $ (6.48)
================== ================== ==================
<CAPTION>
1999
--------------------------------------------------------------
Sector II Sector III Total
UNITS UNITS All Units
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
For the three For the three For the three
months ended months ended months ended
September 30, 1999 September 30, 1999 September 30, 1999
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Loss from investments $ (181,812) $ (403,516) $ (585,328)
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
NET LOSS $ (181,812) $ (403,516) $ (585,328)
================== ================== ==================
NET LOSS PER UNIT:
Weighted average number of
units outstanding 59,885 126,886 186,771
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Weighted average net loss
per General Partner
and Limited Partner Unit $ (3.04) $ (3.18) $ (3.13)
================== ================== ==================
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sector II Sector III Total
UNITS UNITS All Units
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
For the nine For the nine For the nine
months ended months ended months ended
September 30, 2000 September 30, 2000 September 30, 2000
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Loss from investments $ (444,884) $ (969,760) $ (1,414,644)
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
NET LOSS $ (444,884) $ (969,760) $ (1,414,644)
================== ================== ==================
NET LOSS PER UNIT:
Weighted average number of
units outstanding 50,436 105,557 155,993
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Weighted average net loss
per General Partner
and Limited Partner Unit $ (8.82) $ (9.19) $ (9.07)
================== ================== ==================
<CAPTION>
1999
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Sector II Sector III Total
UNITS UNITS All Units
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
For the nine For the nine For the nine
months ended months ended months ended
September 30, 1999 September 30, 1999 September 30, 1999
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Loss from investments $ (171,594) $ (376,065) $ (547,659)
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
NET LOSS $ (171,594) $ (376,065) $ (547,659)
================== ================== ==================
NET LOSS PER UNIT:
Weighted average number of
units outstanding 62,772 132,020 194,792
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Weighted average net loss
per General Partner
and Limited Partner Unit $ (2.73) $ (2.85) $ (2.81)
================== ================== ==================
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
4. FAIR VALUE AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK
As of June 1, 1998, the Partnership invested all of its assets in MM LLC.
Accordingly, the Partnership is invested indirectly in derivative
instruments, but does not itself hold any derivative instrument positions.
As such, MLIP does not believe that the adoption of the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 as amended by SFAS
No. 137 had a significant effect on the financial statements of the
Partnership nor does MLIP believe that the application of the provisions
of SFAS No. 138 will have an effect on the financial statements.
Consequently, no such positions subsequent to May 31, 1998 are reflected in
these financial statements.
MARKET RISK
Derivative instruments involve varying degrees of off-balance sheet market
risk. 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 net unrealized profit on such derivative
instruments as reflected in the Statements of Financial Condition or, with
respect to Partnership assets invested in MM LLC, the net unrealized profit
(loss) as reflected in the respective Statements of Financial Condition of
MM LLC. The Partnership's exposure to market risk is influenced by a number
of factors, including the relationships among the derivative instruments
held by the Partnership, and MM LLC, as well as the volatility and
liquidity of the markets in which such derivative instruments are traded.
MLIP has procedures in place intended to control market risk exposure,
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
Advisors selected from time to time for the Partnership or MM LLC, and
include adjusting the percentage of the Partnership's, or MM LLC's total
assets allocated to trading, calculating the Net Asset Value of the
Advisors' respective Partnership accounts and MM LLC accounts, as of the
close of business on each day and reviewing outstanding positions for
over-concentrations both on an Advisor-by-Advisor and on an overall
Partnership basis. While MLIP does not itself intervene in the markets to
hedge or diversify the Partnership's market exposure (although MLIP may
adjust the percentage of the Partnership's total assets allocated to
trading), MLIP may urge Advisors to reallocate positions, or itself
reallocate Partnership assets among Advisors (although typically only as of
the end of a month) in an attempt to avoid over-concentration. However,
such interventions are unusual. Except in cases in which it appears that an
Advisor has begun to deviate from past practice or trading policies or to
be trading erratically, MLIP's basic risk control procedures consist simply
of the ongoing process of advisor monitoring and selection, with the market
risk controls being applied by the Advisors themselves.
One important aspect of MLIP's risk controls is its adjustments to the
leverage at which the Partnership trades. By controlling the percentage of
the Partnership's assets allocated to trading, MLIP can directly affect the
market exposure of the Partnership. Leverage control is the principal means
by which MLIP hopes to be able to ensure that Merrill Lynch is never
required to make any payments under its guarantee that the Net Asset Value
per Unit (Both Sector II and Sector III Units) will equal no less than a
specified minimum as of the Principal Assurance 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
10
<PAGE>
(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
require margin in the over-the-counter markets.
The Partnership has credit risk in respect of its counterparties and
brokers, but attempts to control this risk by dealing almost exclusively
with Merrill Lynch entities as clearing brokers.
The Partnership, through MM LLC, in its normal course of business, enters
into various contracts, with MLF acting as its commodity broker. Pursuant
to the brokerage agreement with MLF (which includes a netting arrangement),
to the extent that such trading results in receivables from and payables to
MLF, these receivables and payables are offset and reported as a net
receivable or payable in the financial statements of MM LLC in the Equity
in commodity future trading accounts in the Statements of Financial
Condition.
Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MONTH-END NET ASSET VALUE PER SECTOR II UNIT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $156.73 $158.61 $157.90 $159.63 $158.37 $158.96 $159.28 $158.21 $155.90
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 $157.42 $156.23 $153.51 $153.71 $155.98 $154.07 $151.86 $152.35 $147.76
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
MONTH-END NET ASSET VALUE PER SECTOR III UNIT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $164.61 $166.59 $165.84 $167.65 $166.34 $166.96 $167.29 $166.16 $163.74
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 $165.34 $164.09 $161.24 $161.44 $163.83 $161.82 $159.50 $160.02 $155.20
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Performance Summary
January 1, 1999 to September 30, 1999
-------------------------------------
January 1, 1999 to March 31, 1999
The Partnership profited from trading in crude oil, heating oil, and unleaded
gas. As the year opened, the global oil balance continued to show signs of being
lopsided with estimated year-end 1998 inventories at their highest levels since
1984. During January, petroleum stocks rose by 21 million barrels compared with
a typical gain of 6 to 7 million barrels. Then, on March 23, OPEC ratified new
production cuts totaling 1.716 million barrels per day at its conference. These
new production cuts were scheduled to go into effect on April 1 and proved to be
harbingers of higher prices for crude.
Agricultural trading was also profitable overall, as gains in live hogs and live
cattle offset losses in corn positions. Hog prices plummeted due to a glut of
hogs in the market. At the beginning of the quarter, the corn market continued
to struggle despite a stretch of solid export business. The market's negative
sentiment was deepened by ongoing favorable weather in South America which
continued through February, even though there was a sharp reduction in
Argentina's planted area. Lack of enthusiasm for new crop and less than
spectacular demand continued to depress the corn market throughout the quarter.
11
<PAGE>
Interest rate trading proved profitable for the Partnership as well, as losses
in Japanese 10-year government bonds were offset by gains in 10-year U.S.
Treasury notes and German 10-year bonds. Early in January, the yield on the
Japanese government 10-year bond increased to 1.8%, sharply above the record low
of 0.695% it reached on October 7, 1998. This was triggered by the Japanese
Trust Fund Bureau's decision to absorb a smaller share of future issues, leaving
the burden of financing future budget deficits to the private sector.
Losses in aluminum overshadowed slight gains in copper during the first quarter.
In January, burdensome warehouse stocks and questionable demand prospects
weighed on base metals as aluminum fell to a 5-year low and copper fell to
nearly an 11-year low. Major surpluses in both metals were expected, keeping
prices down, and there was no supply side response to weak demand and lower
prices. However, the end of March showed copper and aluminum leading a surge in
base metals as prices recovered from multi-year lows.
The Partnership also suffered losses in currency trading during the quarter, as
losses in Japanese yen overpowered gains in Swiss francs. On a trade-weighted
basis, the Swiss franc ended the quarter at close to a seven-month low, mostly
as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar. In January, the yen had advanced by
nearly 35% against the dollar since early in August, and the Bank of Japan
lowered rates to keep the economy sufficiently liquid so as to allow fiscal
spending to restore some growth to the economy and to drive down the surging
yen.
Stock index trading was also unprofitable, as losses were sustained in Hang Seng
and CAC40 positions. Also of note, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above
the 10,000 mark for the first time ever at the end of March, setting a record
for the index.
April 1, 1999 to June 30, 1999
The Partnership profited in interest rate trading from short positions in Euro
dollars, U.S. 10-year Treasury notes and U.S. Treasury bonds as the flight to
quality in the bond market reversed during the first half of 1999 and concerns
about higher interest rates continued to rattle the financial markets.
Stock indices trading also resulted in gains overall for the quarter, as
positions in the Hang Seng, Nikkei 225 and Topix Indices all generated profits
as the equity indices rallied worldwide in April and June.
Trading in the agricultural markets also proved profitable for the Partnership.
Gains from live cattle and live hog positions offset losses from short corn
positions. Agricultural commodities, in particular corn, were weak almost across
the board as they were saddled with supply/demand imbalances. In the beginning
of the quarter, continued wetness across the corn belt led to early planting
delays.
The energy sector was profitable as positions in crude oil offset losses from
short positions in natural gas and gas oil trading. The focus of attention in
the natural gas markets since the end of winter was the sharply lower than
year-ago storage injection activity. Crude oil prices rallied much higher and
faster than expected following last quarter's ratification of an OPEC/non-OPEC
agreement to cut production by over 2 million barrels per day. Natural gas
prices also rallied sharply over the quarter, reflecting, in part, growing
concerns about a decline in US natural gas production.
Currency trading resulted in losses for the Partnership. Gains in Euro trading
were offset by losses sustained in British pound trading and from short
positions in the Canadian dollar. After suffering under the weight of lower
commodity prices and the Asian recession, the Canadian dollar underwent a
significant rally in the first half of 1999, moving up about 3 cents from the
end of 1998.
In the metals sector, gains from short gold positions were overshadowed by
losses in copper and nickel trading. Throughout the first half of 1999, gold
prices were in a state of gradual erosion and in early June,
12
<PAGE>
prices hit their lowest levels in over 20 years. Gold continued to show a lack
of response to political and military events such as Kosovo and also lost much
of its role as a monetary asset and flight to safety vehicle. The economic
scenario for Asia, Brazil, emerging market nations and Europe helped keep copper
and other base metals on the defensive as demand receded with virtually no
supply side response.
July 1, 1999 to September 30, 1999
The Partnership profited in the energy sector with long positions in light
crude oil resulting in strong gains. Crude oil prices received a jolt owing to a
report in August indicating Russia's plan to cut 70% its fuel oil and gasoil
exports for August and completely eliminate gasoil exports in order to satisfy
domestic needs. Short positions in natural gas trading were unprofitable as high
levels of energy consumption and weather scares throughout the country early in
the quarter added to the bullish tone for the market. However, these losses were
not substantial enough to affect the profitability of the sector overall for the
quarter.
Trading in the metals markets was also profitable as positions in nickel, gold
and aluminum all resulted in gains. Collectively, the base metals sector was a
strong performer this quarter. A major statement from the President of the
European Central Bank was beneficial for long gold positions as it sent gold
prices sharply higher in late September. A key part of the statement was the
fact that the banks have agreed not to expand their gold lending. This initiated
the first bullish bias in years. The Partnership's long positions in aluminum
trading were also profitable. Despite a 5-year low in early March, aluminum
prices have gained nearly 25 percent this year. Steady Japanese consumer buying
and the strength in the yen versus the dollar have played a part in this.
Interest rate trading was unprofitable for the third quarter as losses were
sustained in Eurodollar, Japanese 10 year government bonds and Eurobund futures
trading. Long positions in Eurodollar trading were unprofitable given the
speculations of the probability of a tightening bias by the US Federal Reserve.
Eurodollar contracts gave up much of the gains that they enjoyed following the
Federal Open Market Committee's adoption of a neutral bias.
The Partnership suffered losses in stock index positions as trading throughout
the quarter was volatile. Though the S&P finished the third quarter by breaking
the post-October 1998 highs, the Partnership suffered losses in stock index
trading due to significant volatility globally. For the quarter, losses were
sustained in the S&P, FTSE-Financial Times Stock Index, and the DAX German Stock
Index resulting in losses for the sector overall.
Currency trading resulted in minimal losses for the quarter as profitable
positions in the Japanese yen were offset by losses in Euro currency and Swiss
franc trading. Long yen positions resulted in strong gains as the Bank of Japan
refused to ease monetary policy and investors added to their yen exposure, which
reached a two-year high during the quarter. The most positive sign in Japan was
that, for the second quarter in a row, domestic consumption exceeded that of the
year ago quarter. Losses were sustained in Euro currency trading as it continued
to trade in the same choppy pattern that has been evident for the past few
quarters.
The Partnership also was unprofitable in the agricultural markets as losses
were sustained in the hog, coffee and soymeal markets. Agricultural trading
began the quarter with an increase in prices as there was a sharp decline in
crop ratings due to wet conditions in the Eastern Belt during July. This in
conjunction with forecasters' outlooks for additional declines in the weeks
ahead helped jump-start the first major weather scare of the season. As a
result, short positions in soymeal proved unprofitable as there was a sharp
upturn in soy prices. Additionally, long coffee positions were unprofitable as
the coffee market plunged to 5-year lows during the quarter when cold
temperatures in Brazil skirted the major coffee belt and failed to harm trees.
13
<PAGE>
January 1, 2000 to September 30, 2000
-------------------------------------
January 1, 2000 to March 31, 2000
Energy trading was profitable for the quarter due to long crude oil and unleaded
gas positions. Despite the possibility of OPEC increasing oil production by 5%,
crude oil prices continued to rise as such a hike would still leave oil
inventories at levels much below normal during the balance of the year. Prices
began to decline in mid-March as Iran backed down from its position on the point
of "no increase" and again later in the month as OPEC announced a production
increase of 1.716 million barrels per day offsetting some gains from the
previous two months.
Stock Index trading was profitable for the quarter. During the month of January,
the Hang Seng Index found market conditions to be difficult. Stock index trading
returned in February and March with gains in positions in CAC 40 Euro futures,
DAX German Stock Index and long S&P 500 positions resulted in gains as investors
focused more on value stocks near the end of the quarter.
Metals trading alternated from profitable to unprofitable during the quarter. In
January gains in aluminum positions outweighed losses in zinc and copper;
however, losses in aluminum and gold positions outweighed gains in nickel
positions during February. In March, metals trading was slightly profitable as
gains in silver positions outweighed losses in zinc and copper.
Short Swiss franc and Euro positions launched the quarter with gains after
officials from the Group of Seven met and failed to express concern about the
low levels of the European currency, however the positions were unprofitable in
February offsetting gains in Japanese yen positions. Short Euro positions then
bounced back in March but were outweighed by losses in Japanese yen and British
pound positions.
Agriculture trading resulted in losses for the quarter. In January and February
gains in sugar positions were outweighed by losses in corn positions, however in
March corn positions were profitable as prices rose, but were outweighed by
unprofitable soyoil and sugar positions. Corn prices fluctuated as changes in
weather forecasts occurred throughout the quarter.
Short Eurodollar trading was profitable as the currency continued to decline in
January. The European Union ministers blamed the currency's slide in January on
rapid U.S. growth and fears that the Federal Reserve will increase U.S. interest
rates. These profits were far outweighed by losses in the Japanese 10-year bond,
U.S. 10-year Treasury note positions and long U.S. Treasury positions as the
yield curve fluctuated widely during the quarter.
April 1, 2000 to June 30, 2000
Long natural gas positions proved to be profitable throughout the quarter;
however, crude oil faced whipsaw market conditions. Prices on crude oil declined
early in the quarter in the wake of OPEC's March decision to increase
production; however, prices later rose as the International Energy Agency
reported the need for additional OPEC oil to prevent a shortage in inventory. In
June, long positions of light crude oil resulted in profits despite OPEC's
agreement to raise the production ceiling effective July 1. Prices sustained
their levels because the market was looking for a larger production hike.
Agriculture trading was profitable in the quarter as sugar and live hog
positions outweighed losses from soybean trading. An exporter made the first
sale of U.S. pork to China under a 1999 bilateral agricultural agreement,
providing a new avenue of opportunity for U.S. pork producers. The mid-month
USDA grain crop report projected a 12% rise in soybean inventories from last
season. This resulted in fears of an abundance of supply and therefore, lower
prices for the commodity. Forecasts of reduced Brazilian exports and crop damage
in China and Pakistan combined with greater than expected demand from Russia,
resulted in gains for the Partnership's long sugar positions.
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Currency trading proved profitable for the Partnership. Gains from short Euro
currency and long Swiss franc positions outweighed losses sustained in other
currencies. Despite the dramatic interest rate hikes by the Swiss National Bank
("SNB") and the weakness of the Euro, the SNB said it will not keep the Swiss
franc from rising. Short positions in the British pound and Canadian dollar
resulted in gains for the sector during May. The pound was particularly weak in
the wake of the Bank of England's references to "sterling overvaluation." The
Euro rallied to U.S. $0.97 early in the month, but faced profit-taking after
news of some capital outflow from Euroland.
Stock index trading was unprofitable due to losses sustained in Nikkei 225 and
S&P 500 positions early in the quarter. Signs of rising inflation fueled fears
that the Federal Reserve will continue to raise interest rates aggressively to
slow the robust economy. However, the Nikkei 225 trading showed gains at the end
of the quarter as well as did the All Ordinaries Index as the Australian Index
finished higher in June.
In metals trading, short aluminum positions were profitable early in the quarter
as a refinery indicated that it will return to operation this year, adding
supply to the market. During the middle of the quarter, copper trading resulted
in losses for the sector. A Freeport, Indonesia mine announced output cuts would
not be as large as the Indonesian government had forecast, resulting in losses
for the Partnership's long positions. Losses continued through the quarter as
trading in both base and precious metals was unprofitable as losses were
sustained in gold and aluminum positions. As has been the ongoing pattern, gold
showed virtually no response to activities in the financial and equity markets,
including the surge in energy prices.
Interest rate trading results were unprofitable for the quarter. Early on losses
were incurred from U.S. Treasury bond and Euro 10-year bond trading. U.S. bond
yields fell during the month as investors shifted to Treasuries due to increased
volatility in the NASDAQ and other equity markets. The Euro traded higher during
May on reports that the European Central Bank may buy the currency to boost its
value, but finally trading was again unprofitable as losses were incurred in
Euro dollar and Japanese government bond positions. Short positions resulted in
losses as the Euro dollar improved after the European Central Bank's 50 basis
point repo rate hike.
July 1, 2000 to September 30, 2000
Metals trading was moderately profitable. Long copper positions profited from
reports that China increased production during the first half of the year due
to increased demand. The metals sector sustained losses in mid quarter as
nickel prices declined from slowing demand for stainless steel in Europe and
Asia. In September, higher copper prices resulting from strong demand in
Asia, particularly China, produced gains for long copper positions.
Currency trading posted gains early in the quarter on short Japanese yen and
British pound positions. The yen finished July weaker against the dollar in
anticipation that the U.S. Federal Reserve would continue to raise interest
rates. Trading was flat in August as gains from British pound and Swiss franc
positions countered losses from Japanese yen positions. The British pound has
been in a clear downtrend since the beginning of the year. Short positions
were profitable as uncertainty surrounded the September 7 Bank of England
meeting. Investors feared the BOE had finished raising interest rates,
resulting in concern for the currency. Losses were realized from the euro in
September despite European economic conditions remaining positive. Moderation
in U.S. activity suggests no surprises on the upside in the coming quarters,
indicating potential strength in the euro.
Trading in the energy sector was unprofitable during the quarter. Early on,
losses were sustained on long crude oil and natural gas positions. Higher
retail prices resulted in less demand for gasoline, pushing prices lower. In
August, long light crude oil positions profited as the oil balance faced a
significant inventory deficit, shrinking oil production capacity, limited
prospects for material non-OPEC supply growth and OPEC's key countries'
desire for a higher average oil price. Crude oil faced whipsaw market
conditions in September. It reached new highs mid month on comments from
Venezuela's oil minister that OPEC would not likely change its production
target before their November meeting. However, President Clinton's September
22 authorization of a 30 million barrel release of oil from the Strategic
Petroleum Reserve sent prices lower at month end.
Agricultural commodity trading resulted in losses for the quarter. Short
wheat trading was beneficial during July as drought warnings issued by the
U.S. National Weather Service in the early spring proved inaccurate.
Sufficient rains resulted in favorable growing conditions leading to dramatic
price declines for wheat. However, trading on sugar and live cattle positions
was unprofitable in September, erasing previous gains. Brazil, the world's
largest sugar producer, reduced output and the Asian post crisis recovery
period has improved demand, resulting in a supply/demand imbalance. Sugar
prices rose late in August as a result of a large quantity of Asian buying.
Interest rate trading incurred losses throughout the quarter. Trading in
Euro-Bund futures and Japanese 10 year bond positions was unprofitable.
Stock index trading was not profitable during the quarter. CAC 40 Euro
futures and FTSE Financial Times Stock Index trading sustained losses early
in the quarter. This trend continued in August as losses were realized from
Nikkei 225 and DAX German Stock Index trading. September was also
unprofitable on S&P 500 positions as it finished the month lower as buyers
retreated due to fears of an economic slowdown in the U.S.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
There are no pending proceedings to which the Partnership or the
General Partner is a party.
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
(a) None.
(b) None.
(c) None.
(d) None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
As part of a restructuring of Merrill Lynch's investment management
operations, Merrill Lynch Investment Partners Inc. ("MLIP") and
other Merrill Lynch advisory entities are being consolidated under
Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. ("MLIM"), the principal
Merrill Lynch investment management affiliate. MLIP is now part of
MLIM's Alternative Investments group, headed by Ron Rosenberg,
Managing Director and former head of Merrill Lynch's Global Hedge
Fund Sales and International Fixed Income Group. Fabio Savoldelli,
Managing Director and head of MLIM-Alternative Strategies, has
assumed management responsibilities for MLIP's business, reporting to
Mr. Rosenberg. In connection with this consolidation, John R. Frawley,
Jr., the President of MLIP, and certain other MLIP staff members
have left Merrill Lynch, effective October 20, 2000.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) EXHIBITS
There are no exhibits required to be filed as part of this report.
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the first nine months
of fiscal 2000.
16
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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 SECTOR STRATEGY FUND-SM- II L.P.
By: MERRILL LYNCH INVESTMENT PARTNERS INC.
(General Partner)
Date: November 14, 2000 By /S/ MICHAEL L. PUNGELLO
-----------------------
Michael L. Pungello
Duly Authorized Signatory
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
17
