Program Description

Linn Hare & Huckabay's Apex Program combines technical and fundamental analysis in an effort to secure capital appreciation through a low volatility approach. Primarily focused on US domestic grain markets and related markets, Apex deploys spread and options trades with or against futures strategies that attempt to reduce risk and maximize gains. In so doing, Apex seeks to keep asset volatility low while reaping a steady rate of returns that outpace US equity market annual returns by between 5 and 8 % (net of fees). Through this discretionary vehicle clients should expect to see significant risk management tools in place in an effort to secure the above mentioned, steady return with low volatility. Of course, losses can occur and there is no guarantee that the program's objectives will be met.

Apex deploys a variety of strategies including:

  • Controlled Option writing particularly against futures/spreads
  • Intra-market and inter-market Spreading
  • Fundamentally based long/short options and futures positions
  • Covered strategies
  • Option volatility trades

Monthly Performance

Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec YTD
2006 - - - - - - - - - 3.80 7.96 -6.92 4.30%
2007 -0.77 2.16 -3.65 -0.28 -0.80 5.33 -4.89 7.78 7.35 3.81 3.85 14.55 39.29%
2008 17.58 29.49 -9.47 -5.76 5.50 -0.24             36.70%
 

VAMI - Growth of $1000

Monthly Commentary

What looked like a relatively good posturing exercise just prior to the beginning of the month, turned out to be slightly off key as the market turned very difficult and choppy from mid-month until the major USDA grain stock and acreage report June 30 th . That choppiness made it difficult to maintain scope and positions, turning our systems more short term as we reduced risk and tried to increase potential. July is always a difficult month with growing weather unpredictable and another major production report July 11 th . We anticipate reduced trading in July and when we do trade, we will be utilizing strategies that encompass more option protection. June did feature a basic change in the financial markets with the dollar faltering, crude oil making new highs, and the stock market not liking the scene. We think this should be the start of a more inflationary spin on the markets which will create opportunities going forward toward January 1. Keeping our equity intact for the fall markets is a main goal for July trading.

Gordon D. Linn

 

Return Distribution

Return

Start Date of Program: October 2006
Discretionary: 100%
Worst Peak/Valley Drawdown: -14.69(Feb. 08-Apr. 08)
Minimum Investment: $100K
Management Fee: 2%
Incentive Fee: 20%
Round Turns per million: 5000
Currency: USD
Margin to Equity: 20%
Average Up Month (12): 9.10%
Average Down Month (8): -4.07%
Average Monthly Return: 4.03%
 

The information contained herein has been prepared solely for informational purposes and is not a solicitation to buy or sell shares in any fund or to participate in any trading program. Prospective investors must request the appropriate program/fund documents before investing in any of these trading programs or funds. There is a significant risk of loss with any of the above trading programs or funds.

Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results.


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