USCI 10-Q
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust (USCI)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
or
Commission file number:
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
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(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each class: |
| Trading Symbol(s) |
| Name of each exchange on which registered: |
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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. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer | ☐ |
| ☒ | |
Non-Accelerated Filer | ☐ |
| Smaller Reporting Company | |
Emerging Growth Company |
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided in Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.).
The number of outstanding shares of each series of the registrant as of May 3, 2024 are included in the table below:
| Number of Outstanding Shares as |
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United States Commodity Index Fund | |||
United States Copper Index Fund | |||
Total |
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Table of Contents
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Financial Statements.
Index to Condensed Financial Statements
1
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
At March 31, 2024 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2023
United States Commodity Index Fund
|
| March 31, 2024 |
| December 31, 2023 | ||
Assets | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents (at cost $ | $ | | $ | | ||
Equity in trading accounts: |
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Cash and cash equivalents (at cost $ |
| |
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| | |
Unrealized gain (loss) on open commodity futures contracts |
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| ( | |
Dividends receivable |
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Interest receivable |
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Prepaid insurance | | | ||||
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Total Assets | $ | | $ | | ||
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Liabilities and Capital |
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Management fees payable (Note 4) | $ | |
| $ | | |
Professional fees payable |
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Brokerage commissions payable |
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Directors’ fees payable | |
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Total Liabilities |
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Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 4, 5 & 6) |
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Capital |
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Sponsor | |
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Shareholders |
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Total Capital |
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Total Liabilities and Capital | $ | | $ | | ||
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Shares outstanding | |
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Net asset value per share | $ | | $ | | ||
Market value per share | $ | | $ | | ||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
2
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
At March 31, 2024 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2023
United States Copper Index Fund
|
| March 31, 2024 |
| December 31, 2023 | ||
Assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents (at cost $ | $ | | $ | | ||
Equity in trading accounts: |
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Cash and cash equivalents (at cost $ |
| |
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Unrealized gain (loss) on open commodity futures contracts |
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Dividends receivable |
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Interest receivable |
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Prepaid professional fees | | | ||||
Prepaid insurance | | | ||||
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Total Assets | $ | | $ | | ||
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Liabilities and Capital |
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Management fees payable (Note 4) | $ | | $ | | ||
Professional fees payable |
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Directors’ fees payable |
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Total Liabilities |
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Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 4, 5 & 6) |
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Capital |
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Sponsor | | | ||||
Shareholders |
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Total Capital |
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Total Liabilities and Capital | $ | | $ | | ||
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Shares outstanding | | | ||||
Net asset value per share | $ | | $ | | ||
Market value per share | $ | | $ | | ||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
3
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
At March 31, 2024 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2023
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
|
| March 31, 2024 |
| December 31, 2023 | ||
Assets |
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents (at cost $ | $ | | $ | | ||
Equity in trading accounts: |
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|
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Cash and cash equivalents (at cost $ |
| |
| | ||
Unrealized gain (loss) on open commodity futures contracts |
| |
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Dividends receivable |
| |
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Interest receivable |
| |
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Prepaid professional fees | | | ||||
Prepaid insurance | | | ||||
Total Assets | $ | | $ | | ||
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Liabilities and Capital |
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Management fees payable (Note 4) | $ | | $ | | ||
Professional fees payable |
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Brokerage commissions payable |
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Directors’ fees payable |
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Total Liabilities |
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Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 4, 5 and 6) |
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Capital |
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Sponsor | | | ||||
Shareholders |
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Total Capital |
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Total Liabilities and Capital | $ | | $ | | ||
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Shares Outstanding |
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See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
4
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)
At March 31, 2024
United States Commodity Index Fund
Fair | ||||||||||
Value/Unrealized | ||||||||||
Gain (Loss) on | ||||||||||
Open | ||||||||||
Number of | Commodity | % of Partners’ | ||||||||
| Notional Amount |
| Contracts |
| Contracts |
| Capital | |||
Open Commodity Futures Contracts - Long | ||||||||||
United States Contracts | ||||||||||
NYMEX NY Harbour ULSD Futures HO June 2024 contracts, expiring May 2024 | $ | |
| | $ | |
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COMEX Gold 100 OZ Futures GC June 2024 contracts, expiring June 2024 |
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| |
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CME Live Cattle Futures LC June 2024 contracts, expiring June 2024 |
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ICE Sugar #11 Futures SB July 2024 contracts, expiring June 2024 |
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ICE Cotton Futures CT July 2024 contracts, expiring July 2024 |
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| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
ICE Cocoa Futures CC July 2024 contracts, expiring July 2024 |
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ICE Coffee Futures KC July 2024 contracts, expiring July 2024 |
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COMEX Copper Futures HG July 2024 contracts, expiring July 2024 |
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CBOT Soybean Futures S August 2024 contracts, expiring August 2024 |
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| ( |
| ( | ||
NYMEX RBOB Gasoline Futures RB September 2024 contracts, expiring August 2024 |
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NYMEX WTI Crude Oil Futures CL October 2024 contracts, expiring September 2024 |
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United Kingdom Contracts |
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ICE Low Sulphur Gasoil Futures QS May 2024 contracts, expiring May 2024 |
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| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
ICE Brent Crude Futures CO November 2024 contracts, expiring September 2024 |
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Foreign Contracts | ||||||||||
LME Lead Futures LL April 2024 contracts, expiring April 2024* |
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| ( |
| ( | ||
LME Tin Futures LT April 2024 contracts, expiring April 2024* |
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LME Tin Futures LT May 2024 contracts, expiring May 2024* |
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Open Commodity Futures Contracts - Short** |
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Foreign Contracts | ||||||||||
LME Lead Futures LL April 2024 contracts, expiring April 2024* | ( | | ( | ( | ||||||
LME Tin Futures LT April 2024 contracts, expiring April 2024* | ( | | ( | ( | ||||||
Total Open Futures Contracts* | $ | |
| | $ | |
| | ||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
5
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)
At March 31, 2024 (continued)
United States Commodity Index Fund
| Shares/Principal |
|
| % of Partners’ | ||||
Amount | Market Value | Capital | ||||||
Cash Equivalents |
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United States Treasury Obligations |
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U.S. Treasury Bills: |
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$ | | $ | |
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Total United States Treasury Obligations |
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United States Money Market Funds |
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Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund - Institutional Shares, |
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RBC U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Institutional Shares, | | | | |||||
Total United States Money Market Funds |
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Total Cash Equivalents |
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| $ | |
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† |
# |
* |
** | All short contracts are offset by long positions in Commodity Futures Contracts and are acquired solely for the purpose of reducing a long position (e.g., due to a redemption or to reflect a rebalancing of the SDCI). |
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
6
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Schedule of Investments
At December 31, 2023
United States Commodity Index Fund
|
|
| Fair |
| ||||||
Value/Unrealized | ||||||||||
Gain (Loss) on | ||||||||||
Open | ||||||||||
Number of | Commodity | % of Partners’ | ||||||||
Notional Amount | Contracts | Contracts | Capital | |||||||
Open Commodity Futures Contracts - Long |
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United States Contracts |
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NYMEX Natural Gas Futures NG March 2024 contracts, expiring February 2024 | $ | |
| | $ | |
| | ||
CME Live Cattle Futures LC February 2024 contracts, expiring February 2024 |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
ICE Cocoa Futures CC March 2024 contracts, expiring March 2024 |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
CBOT Soybean Oil Futures BO March 2024 contracts, expiring March 2024 |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
CBOT Soybean Futures S March 2024 contracts, expiring March 2024 |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
CBOT Soybean Meal Futures SM March 2024 contracts, expiring March 2024 |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
ICE Coffee Futures KC March 2024 contracts, expiring March 2024 |
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COMEX Copper Futures HG March 2024 contracts, expiring March 2024 |
| |
| |
| |
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NYMEX NY Harbour ULSD Futures HO April 2024 contracts, expiring March 2024 |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
COMEX Gold 100 OZ Futures GC April 2024 contracts, expiring April 2024 |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
ICE Sugar #11 Futures SB May 2024 contracts, expiring April 2024 |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
NYMEX WTI Crude Oil Futures CL October 2024 contracts, expiring September 2024 |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
United Kingdom Contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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ICE Low Sulphur Gasoil Futures QS February 2024 contracts, expiring February 2024 |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
ICE Brent Crude Futures CO November 2024 contracts, expiring September 2024 |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Foreign Contracts |
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|
|
|
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|
| ||
LME Lead Futures LL January 2024 contracts, expiring January 2024* |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
LME Zinc Futures LX January 2024 contracts, expiring January 2024* |
| |
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| |
| | ||
Open Commodity Futures Contracts - Short** |
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Foreign Contracts |
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LME Lead Futures LL January 2024 contracts, expiring January 2024* |
| ( |
| |
| |
| | ||
LME Zinc Futures LX January 2024 contracts, expiring January 2024* |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Total Open Futures Contracts* | $ | |
| | $ | ( |
| ( | ||
7
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Schedule of Investments
At December 31, 2023
United States Commodity Index Fund
| Shares/Principal |
|
| % of Partners’ | ||||
Amount | Market Value | Capital | ||||||
Cash Equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
United States Treasury Obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
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U.S. Treasury Bills: |
|
|
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$ | | $ | |
| | |||
| |
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| |
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Total United States Treasury Obligations |
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United States Money Market Funds |
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Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund - Institutional Shares, |
| |
| |
| | ||
Total United States Money Market Funds |
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| |
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Total Cash Equivalents |
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| $ | |
| | ||
# |
* |
** | All short contracts are offset by long positions in Commodity Futures Contracts and are acquired solely for the purpose of reducing a long position (e.g., due to a redemption or to reflect a rebalancing of the SDCI). |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
8
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)
At March 31, 2024
United States Copper Index Fund
|
|
| Fair |
| ||||||
Value/Unrealized | ||||||||||
Gain (Loss) on | ||||||||||
Open | ||||||||||
Number of | Commodity | % of Partners’ | ||||||||
Notional Amount | Contracts | Contracts | Capital | |||||||
Open Commodity Futures Contracts - Long | ||||||||||
United States Contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
COMEX Copper Futures HG May 2024 contracts, expiring May 2024 | $ | |
| | $ | |
| | ||
COMEX Copper Futures HG July 2024 contracts, expiring July 2024 | | | | | ||||||
COMEX Copper Futures HG September 2024 contracts, expiring September 2024 |
| |
| |
| |
| | ||
Total Open Futures Contracts* | $ | |
| | $ | |
| | ||
| Shares/Principal |
|
| % of Partners’ | ||||
Amount | Market Value | Capital | ||||||
Cash Equivalents | ||||||||
United States Treasury Obligations | ||||||||
U.S. Treasury Bills: | ||||||||
$ | | $ | |
| | |||
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| |
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| | | ||||||
| | | ||||||
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| | | ||||||
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Total United States Treasury Obligations |
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| |
| | ||
United States Money Market Funds |
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|
|
|
| ||
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund - Institutional Shares, |
| |
| |
| | ||
RBC U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Institutional Shares, | | | | |||||
Total United States Money Market Funds |
|
|
| |
| | ||
Total Cash Equivalents |
|
| $ | |
| | ||
#Reflects the
*
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
9
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Schedule of Investments
At December 31, 2023
United States Copper Index Fund
|
|
| Fair |
| ||||||
Value/Unrealized | ||||||||||
Gain (Loss) on | ||||||||||
Open | ||||||||||
Number of | Commodity | % of Partners’ | ||||||||
Notional Amount | Contracts | Contracts | Capital | |||||||
Open Commodity Futures Contracts - Long |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
United States Contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
COMEX Copper Futures HG March 2024 contracts, expiring March 2024 | $ | |
| | $ | |
| | ||
COMEX Copper Futures HG May 2024 contracts, expiring May 2024 |
| |
| |
| |
| | ||
COMEX Copper Futures HG July 2024 contracts, expiring July 2024 |
| |
| |
| |
| | ||
Total Open Futures Contracts* | $ | |
| | $ | |
| | ||
| Shares/Principal |
|
| % of Partners’ | ||||
Amount | Market Value | Capital | ||||||
Cash Equivalents |
|
|
|
|
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| ||
United States Treasury Obligations |
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U.S. Treasury Bills: |
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$ | | $ | |
| | |||
| |
| |
| | |||
| |
| |
| | |||
| |
| |
| | |||
| |
| |
| | |||
Total United States Treasury Obligations |
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| |
| | ||
United States Money Market Funds |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund - Institutional Shares, |
| |
| |
| | ||
Total United States Money Market Funds |
|
|
| |
| | ||
Total Cash Equivalents |
|
| $ | |
| | ||
# |
* |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
10
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
United States Commodity Index Fund
| Three months ended | Three months ended | ||||
| March 31, 2024 |
| March 31, 2023 | |||
Income |
|
| ||||
Gain (loss) on trading of commodity futures contracts: |
|
| ||||
Realized gain (loss) on closed commodity futures contracts | $ | | $ | ( | ||
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on open commodity futures contracts |
| |
| ( | ||
Dividend income |
| |
| | ||
Interest income |
| |
| | ||
ETF transaction fees |
| |
| | ||
Total Income (Loss) | $ | | $ | ( | ||
|
| |||||
Expenses |
|
| ||||
Management fees (Note 4) | $ | | $ | | ||
Professional fees |
| |
| | ||
Brokerage commissions |
| |
| | ||
Directors’ fees and insurance |
| |
| | ||
Total Expenses | $ | | $ | | ||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | | $ | ( | ||
Net Income (Loss) per share | $ | | $ | ( | ||
Net Income (Loss) per weighted average share | $ | | $ | ( | ||
Weighted average shares outstanding |
| |
| | ||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
11
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
United States Copper Index Fund
| Three months ended | Three months ended | ||||
| March 31, 2024 |
| March 31, 2023 | |||
Income |
|
|
| |||
Gain (loss) on trading of commodity futures contracts: |
|
|
| |||
Realized gain (loss) on closed commodity futures contracts | $ | | $ | | ||
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on open commodity futures contracts |
| |
| ( | ||
Dividend income |
| |
| | ||
Interest income |
| |
| | ||
ETF transaction fees |
| |
| | ||
Total Income (Loss) | $ | | $ | | ||
|
|
| ||||
Expenses |
|
|
| |||
Management fees (Note 4) | $ | | $ | | ||
Professional fees |
| |
| | ||
Brokerage commissions |
| |
| | ||
Directors’ fees and insurance |
| |
| | ||
Total Expenses | $ | | $ | | ||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | | $ | | ||
Net Income (Loss) per share | $ | | $ | | ||
Net Income (Loss) per weighted average share | $ | | $ | | ||
Weighted average shares outstanding |
| |
| | ||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
12
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
|
| Three months ended |
| Three months ended | ||
March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||
Income |
|
|
|
| ||
Realized gain (loss) on closed commodity futures contracts | $ | | $ | | ||
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on open commodity futures contracts | | ( | ||||
Dividend income |
| |
| | ||
Interest income |
| |
| | ||
ETF transaction fees |
| |
| | ||
Total Income (Loss) | $ | | $ | | ||
|
| |||||
Expenses |
|
|
| |||
Management fees (Note 4) | $ | | $ | | ||
Professional fees |
| |
| | ||
Brokerage commissions |
| |
| | ||
Directors’ fees and insurance |
| |
| | ||
Total Expenses | | | ||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | | $ | | ||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
13
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Statements of Changes in Capital (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
United States Commodity Index Fund
| Shareholders* | |||||
Three months ended | Three months ended | |||||
March 31, 2024 |
| March 31, 2023 | ||||
Balances at beginning of period | $ | | $ | | ||
Addition of – and | | | ||||
Redemption of ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net income (loss) |
| |
| ( | ||
Balances at end of period | $ | | $ | | ||
* | Sponsors’ shares outstanding and capital for the periods presented were |
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
14
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Statements of Changes in Capital (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
United States Copper Index Fund
| Shareholders* | |||||
Three months ended | Three months ended | |||||
|
| March 31, 2024 |
| March 31, 2023 | ||
Balances at beginning of period | $ | | $ | | ||
Addition of |
| |
| | ||
Redemption of ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net income (loss) |
| |
| | ||
|
| |||||
Balances at end of period | $ | | $ | | ||
* Sponsors’ shares outstanding and capital for the periods presented were
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
15
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Statements of Changes in Capital (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
|
| Shareholders* | ||||
Three months ended | Three months ended | |||||
| March 31, 2024 |
| March 31, 2023 | |||
Balances at beginning of period | $ | | $ | | ||
Addition of |
| |
| | ||
Redemption of ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net income (loss) |
| |
| | ||
|
|
| ||||
Balances at end of period | $ | | $ | | ||
*
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
16
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
United States Commodity Index Fund
| Three months ended | Three months ended | ||||
| March 31, 2024 |
| March 31, 2023 | |||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
| ||
Net income (loss) | $ | | $ | ( | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
|
|
| |||
Change in unrealized (gain) loss on open commodity futures contracts | ( | | ||||
(Increase) decrease in dividends receivable |
| |
| | ||
(Increase) decrease in interest receivable |
| |
| ( | ||
(Increase) decrease in prepaid insurance |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Increase (decrease) payable due to custody | | | ||||
Increase (decrease) in Management fees payable | ( | ( | ||||
Increase (decrease) in professional fees payable |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Increase (decrease) in directors’ fees payable |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
| |
| ( | ||
|
|
| ||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
|
|
| |||
Addition of shares |
| |
| | ||
Redemption of shares |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
| ( |
| ( | ||
|
|
| ||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
| ( |
| ( | ||
|
|
| ||||
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Equity in Trading Accounts, beginning of period |
| |
| | ||
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Equity in Trading Accounts, end of period | $ | | $ | | ||
|
|
| ||||
Components of Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Equity in Trading Account: |
|
|
| |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | | $ | | ||
Equity in Trading Accounts: |
|
|
| |||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| |
| | ||
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Equity in Trading Accounts | $ | | $ | | ||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
17
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
United States Copper Index Fund
Three months ended | Three months ended | |||||
| March 31, 2024 |
| March 31, 2023 | |||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
| ||
Net income (loss) | $ | | $ | | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
|
|
| |||
Change in unrealized (gain) loss on open commodity futures contracts |
| ( |
| | ||
(Increase) decrease in dividends receivable | ( | | ||||
(Increase) decrease in interest receivable |
| |
| ( | ||
(Increase) decrease in prepaid professional fees | | ( | ||||
(Increase) decrease in prepaid insurance | ( | ( | ||||
Increase (decrease) payable due to custody | | | ||||
Increase (decrease) in Management fees payable |
| |
| ( | ||
Increase (decrease) in professional fees payable | ( | ( | ||||
Increase (decrease) in directors’ fees payable | ( | ( | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
| |
| | ||
|
|
| ||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
|
|
| |||
Addition of shares |
| |
| | ||
Redemption of shares |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
| |
| ( | ||
|
|
| ||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
| |
| ( | ||
|
|
| ||||
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Equity in Trading Accounts, beginning of period |
| |
| | ||
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Equity in Trading Accounts, end of period | $ | | $ | | ||
|
|
| ||||
Components of Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Equity in Trading Account: |
|
|
| |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | | $ | | ||
Equity in Trading Accounts: |
|
|
| |||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| |
| | ||
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Equity in Trading Accounts | $ | | $ | | ||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
18
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
| Three months ended | Three months ended | ||||
| March 31,2024 |
| March 31, 2023 | |||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
| ||
Net income (loss) | $ | | $ | | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
|
| ||||
Change in unrealized (gain) loss on open commodity futures contracts |
| ( |
| | ||
(Increase) decrease in dividends receivable |
| ( |
| | ||
(Increase) decrease in interest receivable |
| |
| ( | ||
(Increase) decrease in prepaid professional fees |
| |
| ( | ||
(Increase) decrease in prepaid insurance | ( | ( | ||||
Increase (decrease) in Management fees payable |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Increase (decrease) in professional fees payable |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Increase (decrease) in directors’ fees payable | ( |
| ( | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | |
| | |||
|
|
|
| |||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
|
|
|
| ||
Addition of shares |
| |
| | ||
Redemption of shares |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
| |
| ( | ||
|
|
|
| |||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
| |
| ( | ||
|
|
| ||||
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Equity in Trading Accounts, beginning of period |
| |
| | ||
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Equity in Trading Accounts, end of period | $ | | $ | | ||
|
|
| ||||
Components of Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Equity in Trading Account: |
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | | $ | | ||
Equity in Trading Accounts: |
|
|
| |||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| |
| | ||
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Equity in Trading Accounts | $ | | $ | | ||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
19
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the period ended March 31, 2024
NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
The United States Commodity Index Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on December 21, 2009. The Trust is a series trust formed pursuant to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act and includes the United States Commodity Index Fund (“USCI”), a commodity pool formed on April 1, 2010 and first made available to the public on August 10, 2010, and the United States Copper Index Fund (“CPER”), a commodity pool formed on November 26, 2010 and first made available to the public on November 15, 2011.
USCI and CPER each issue shares (“shares”) that are traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”). USCI and CPER are collectively referred to herein as the “Trust Series.” The Trust and each of its series operates pursuant to the Fourth Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement dated as of December 15, 2017 (the “Trust Agreement”). United States Commodity Funds LLC (“USCF”) is the sponsor of the Trust and the Trust Series and is also responsible for the management of the Trust and the Trust Series. For purposes of the financial statement presentation, unless specified otherwise, all references will be to the Trust Series.
USCF has the power and authority to establish and designate one or more series of the Trust and to issue shares thereof, from time to time as it deems necessary or desirable. USCF has exclusive power to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences as between the shares of any series as to right of redemption, special and relative rights as to dividends and other distributions and on liquidation, conversion rights, and conditions under which the series shall have separate voting rights or no voting rights. The term for which the Trust is to exist commenced on the date of the filing of the Certificate of Trust, and the Trust and any Trust Series will exist in perpetuity, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of the Trust Agreement. Separate and distinct records must be maintained for each Trust Series and the assets associated with a Trust Series must be held in such separate and distinct records (directly or indirectly, including a nominee or otherwise) and accounted for in such separate and distinct records separately from the assets of any other Trust Series. Each Trust Series is separate from all other Trust Series created as series of the Trust in respect of the assets and liabilities allocated to that Trust Series and represents a separate investment portfolio of the Trust.
The sole Trustee of the Trust is Wilmington Trust Company (the “Trustee”), a Delaware banking corporation. The Trustee is unaffiliated with USCF. The Trustee’s duties and liabilities with respect to the offering of shares and the management of the Trust are limited to its express obligations under the Trust Agreement.
USCF is a member of the National Futures Association (the “NFA”) and became a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) effective December 1, 2005. The Trust and each Trust Series has a fiscal year ending on December 31.
USCF is also the general partner of the United States Oil Fund, LP (“USO”), the United States Natural Gas Fund, LP (“UNG”), the United States 12 Month Oil Fund, LP (“USL”), the United States Gasoline Fund, LP (“UGA”), the United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund, LP (“UNL”) and the United States Brent Oil Fund, LP (“BNO”).
USO, UNG, UGA, UNL, USL and BNO are referred to collectively herein as the “Related Public Funds.”
Each of USCI and CPER issue shares to certain authorized purchasers (“Authorized Participants”) by offering baskets consisting of
Authorized Participants pay each Trust Series a $
20
The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC and, therefore, do not include all information and footnote disclosure required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, such financial information reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which are, in the opinion of USCF, necessary for the fair presentation of the condensed financial statements for the interim period.
NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The condensed financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP as detailed in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification. Each Trust Series is an investment company for accounting purposes and follows the accounting and reporting guidance in FASB Topic 946.
Revenue Recognition
Commodity futures contracts, forward contracts, physical commodities and related options are recorded on the trade date. All such transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis and marked to market daily. Unrealized gains or losses on open contracts are reflected in the condensed statements of financial condition and represent the difference between the original contract amount and the market value (as determined by exchange settlement prices for futures contracts and related options and cash dealer prices at a predetermined time for forward contracts, physical commodities, and their related options) as of the last business day of the year or as of the last date of the condensed financial statements. Changes in the unrealized gains or losses between periods are reflected in the condensed statements of operations. Each Trust Series earns income on funds held at the custodian or a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) at prevailing market rates earned on such investments.
Brokerage Commissions
Brokerage commissions on all open commodity futures contracts are accrued on a full-turn basis.
Income Taxes
The Trust Series are not subject to federal income taxes; each investor reports his/her allocable share of income, gain, loss, deductions or credits on his/her own income tax return.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, each Trust Series is required to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any tax related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Each Trust Series files an income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and may file income tax returns in various U.S. states. None of the Trust Series is subject to income tax return examinations by major taxing authorities for years before 2019. The tax benefit recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. De-recognition of a tax benefit previously recognized results in each Trust Series recording a tax liability that reduces net assets. However, each Trust Series’ conclusions regarding this policy may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, on-going analysis of and changes to tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof. Each Trust Series recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax fees payable, if assessed.
Creations and Redemptions
Effective as of May 1, 2012, Authorized Participants may purchase Creation Baskets or redeem Redemption Baskets for USCI and CPER only in blocks of
21
Each Trust Series receives or pays the proceeds from shares sold or redeemed within two business days after the trade date of the purchase or redemption. The amounts due from Authorized Participants are reflected in each Trust Series’ condensed statements of financial condition as receivable for shares sold and amounts payable to Authorized Participants upon redemption are reflected as payable for shares redeemed.
Authorized Participants pay each Trust Series a $
Trust Capital and Allocation of Income and Losses
Profit or loss shall be allocated among the shareholders of each Trust Series in proportion to the weighted-average number of shares each investor holds as of the close of each month. USCF may revise, alter or otherwise modify this method of allocation as described in the Trust Agreement.
Calculation of Per Share NAV
Each Trust Series’ per share NAV is calculated on each NYSE Arca trading day by taking the current market value of its total assets, subtracting any liabilities and dividing that amount by the total number of shares outstanding. Each Trust Series uses the closing prices on the relevant Futures Exchanges (as defined in Note 3 below) of the Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts (as defined in Note 3 below) that at any given time make up the Applicable Index (as defined in Note 3 below) (determined at the earlier of the close of such exchange or 2:30 p.m. New York time) for the contracts traded on the Futures Exchanges, but calculates or determines the value of all other investments of each Trust Series using market quotations, if available, or other information customarily used to determine the fair value of such investments.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Net income (loss) per share is the difference between the per share NAV at the beginning of each period and at the end of each period. The weighted average number of shares outstanding was computed for purposes of disclosing net income (loss) per weighted average share. The weighted average shares are equal to the number of shares outstanding at the end of the period, adjusted proportionately for shares added and redeemed based on the amount of time the shares were outstanding during such period. As of March 31, 2024, USCF held
Offering Costs
Offering costs incurred in connection with the registration of shares prior to the commencement of the offering are borne by USCF. Offering costs incurred in connection with the registration of additional shares after the commencement of the offering are borne by each Trust Series. These costs include registration fees paid to regulatory agencies and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated with such offerings. Costs borne by the Trust Series after the commencement of an offering are accounted for as a deferred charge and thereafter amortized to expense over twelve months on a straight-line basis or a shorter period if warranted.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include money market funds and overnight deposits or time deposits with original maturity dates of
Use of Estimates
The preparation of condensed financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires USCF to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed financial statements, and the reported amounts of the revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions.
22
NOTE 3 — TRUST SERIES
In connection with the execution of the First Trust Agreement on April 1, 2010, USCI was designated as the first series of the Trust. USCF contributed $
On July 30, 2010, USCI received a notice of effectiveness from the SEC for its registration of
In connection with the Second Amended and Restated Trust Agreement dated November 10, 2010, CPER was designated as additional series of the Trust. USCF and the Trustee entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement effective as of December 15, 2017. Following the designation of CPER as an additional series, USCF made an initial capital contribution to the Trust and on November 10, 2010, the Trust transferred $
CPER received notice of effectiveness from the SEC for its registration of
USCI’s Investment Objective
The investment objective of USCI is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its shares’ per share net asset value (“NAV”) to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the SummerHaven Dynamic Commodity Index Total ReturnSM (the “SDCI”), less USCI’s expenses.
The SDCI is designed to reflect the performance of a diversified group of commodities. The SDCI is owned and maintained by SummerHaven Index Management, LLC (“SHIM”) and is calculated and published by Bloomberg L.P. Futures contracts for the commodities comprising the SDCI are traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”), ICE Futures (“ICE Futures”), Chicago Board of Trade (“CBOT”), Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”), London Metal Exchange (“LME”), and Commodity Exchange, Inc. (“COMEX” together with the NYMEX, ICE Futures, CBOT, CME and LME, the “Futures Exchanges”) and are collectively referred to herein as “Futures Contracts.” The Futures Contracts that at any given time make up the SDCI are referred to herein as “Benchmark Component Futures Contracts.” The relative weighting of the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts will change on a monthly basis, based on quantitative formulas relating to the prices of the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts developed by SHIM.
23
USCI seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts. Then, if constrained by regulatory requirements , risk mitigation measures (including those that may be taken by USCI, USCI's FCMs, counterparties or other market participants), liquidity requirements, or in view of market conditions, USCI will invest next in other Futures Contracts based on the same commodity as the futures contracts subject to such regulatory constraints or market conditions, and finally, to a lesser extent, in other exchange-traded futures contracts that are economically identical or substantially similar to the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts if one or more other Futures Contracts is not available. When USCI has invested to the fullest extent possible in exchange-traded futures contracts, USCI may then invest in other contracts and instruments based on the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts, other Futures Contracts or the commodities included in the SDCI, such as cash-settled options, forward contracts, cleared swap contracts and swap contracts other than cleared swap contracts. Other exchange-traded futures contracts that are economically identical or substantially similar to the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts and other contracts and instruments based on the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts are collectively referred to as “Other Commodity-Related Investments,” and together with Benchmark Component Futures Contracts and other Futures Contracts, “Commodity Interests.”
USCI seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing so that the average daily percentage change in USCI’s NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days will be within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the price of the SDCI over the same period. As a result, investors should be aware that USCI would meet its investment objective even if there are significant deviations between changes in its daily NAV and changes in the daily price of the SDCI, provided that the average daily percentage change in USCI's NAV over 30 successive valuation days is within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the price of the SDCI over the same period.
USCF believes that the market arbitrage opportunities will cause the daily changes in USCI’s share price on the NYSE Arca on a percentage basis to closely track the daily changes in USCI’s per share NAV on a percentage basis. USCF believes that the net effect of this expected relationship and the expected relationship described above between USCI’s per share NAV and the SDCI will be that the daily changes in the price of USCI’s shares on the NYSE Arca on a percentage basis will closely track the daily changes in the SDCI on a percentage basis, less USCI’s expenses. While USCI is composed of Benchmark Component Futures Contracts and is therefore a measure of the prices of the corresponding commodities comprising the SDCI for future delivery, there is nonetheless expected to be a reasonable degree of correlation between the SDCI and the cash or spot prices of the commodities underlying the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts.
Investors should be aware that USCI’s investment objective is not for its NAV or market price of shares to equal, in dollar terms, the spot prices of the commodities underlying the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts or the prices of any particular group of futures contracts. USCI will not seek to achieve its stated investment objective over a period of time greater than one day. This is because natural market forces called contango and backwardation have impacted the total return on an investment in USCI’s shares during the past year relative to a hypothetical direct investment in the various commodities and, in the future, it is likely that the relationship between the market price of USCI’s shares and changes in the spot prices of the underlying commodities will continue to be impacted by contango and backwardation. (It is important to note that the disclosure above ignores the potential costs associated with physically owning and storing the commodities, which could be substantial.)
USCI’s shares began trading on August 10, 2010. As of March 31, 2024, USCI held
CPER’s Investment Objective
The investment objective of CPER is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its shares’ per share NAV to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the SummerHaven Copper Index Total ReturnSM (the “SCI”), plus interest earned on CPER’s collateral holdings, less CPER’s expenses.
The SCI is designed to reflect the performance of the investment returns from a portfolio of copper futures contracts on the COMEX. The SCI is owned and maintained by SHIM and calculated and published by the NYSE Arca. The SCI is comprised of either one or three Eligible Copper Futures Contracts that are selected on a monthly basis based on quantitative formulas relating to the prices of the Eligible Copper Futures Contracts developed by SHIM. The Eligible Copper Futures Contracts that at any given time make up the SCI are referred to herein as “Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts.”
24
CPER seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts. CPER may also, to a lesser extent, invest in other Eligible Copper Futures Contracts beyond the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts or other exchange-traded futures contracts that are economically identical or substantially similar to the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts, as well as other investments based on copper, such as cash-settled options on Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts, forward contracts for copper, cleared swap contracts, non-cleared “over-the-counter” or “OTC” transactions that are based on the price of copper and other Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts and indices based on the foregoing (collectively, “Other Copper-Related Investments”). The following factors, among others, may be considered when determining CPER’s investments in Eligible Copper Futures Contracts or in Other Copper-Related Investments: regulatory requirements, risk mitigation measures taken by CPER, CPER’s FCMs, counterparties or other market participants, liquidity and market conditions. Other factors that may impact CPER’s investments in other Eligible Copper Futures Contracts, other exchange-traded futures contracts, or Other Copper-Related Investments include allowing CPER to obtain greater liquidity or to execute transactions with more favorable pricing. In addition, CPER may need to hold significant portions of its portfolio in cash beyond what it has historically held for reasons including (but not limited to) the need to address the changes in market conditions, regulatory requirements or risk mitigation measures or the need to satisfy potential margin requirements. For convenience and unless otherwise specified, Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts, other Eligible Copper Futures Contracts and Other Copper-Related Investments collectively are referred to as “Copper Interests.”
CPER seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing so that the average daily percentage change in CPER’s NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days will be within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the prices of the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts over the same period. As a result, investors should be aware that CPER would meet its investment objective even if there are significant deviations between changes in its daily NAV and changes in the daily price of the SCI, provided that the average daily percentage change in CPER's NAV over 30 successive valuation days is within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the price of the SCI over the same period.
USCF believes that market arbitrage opportunities will cause daily changes in CPER’s share price on the NYSE Arca on a percentage basis, to closely track the daily changes in CPER’s per share NAV on a percentage basis. USCF believes that the net effect of this expected relationship and the expected relationship described above between CPER’s per share NAV and the SCI will be that the daily changes in the price of CPER’s shares on the NYSE Arca on a percentage basis will closely track the daily changes in the SCI on a percentage basis, less CPER’s expenses. While CPER is composed of Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts and is therefore a measure of the prices of the corresponding commodities comprising the SCI for future delivery, there is nonetheless expected to be a reasonable degree of correlation between the SCI and the cash or spot prices of the commodities underlying the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts.
Investors should be aware that CPER’s investment objective is not for its NAV or market price of shares to equal, in dollar terms, the spot prices of the commodities underlying the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts or the prices of any particular group of futures contracts. CPER will not seek to achieve its stated investment objective over a period of time greater than one day. This is because natural market forces called contango and backwardation have impacted the total return on an investment in CPER’s shares during the past year relative to a hypothetical direct investment in various commodities and, in the future, it is likely that the relationship between the market price of CPER’s shares and changes in the spot prices of the underlying commodities will continue to be so impacted by contango and backwardation. (It is important to note that the disclosure above ignores the potential costs associated with physically owning and storing the commodities, which could be substantial.) CPER’s shares began trading on November 15, 2011. As of March 31, 2024, CPER held
Other Defined Terms – Trust Series
The SDCI and the SCI are referred to throughout these Notes to Condensed Financial Statements collectively as the “Applicable Index” or “Indices.”
Benchmark Component Futures Contracts and Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts are referred to throughout these Notes to Condensed Financial Statements collectively as “Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts.”
Other Commodity-Related Investments and Other Copper-Related Investments are referred to throughout these Notes to Condensed Financial Statements collectively as “Other Related Investments.”
25
Trading Advisor and Trustee
The Trust Series’ trading advisor is SummerHaven Investment Management, LLC (“SummerHaven”), a Delaware limited liability company that is registered as a commodity trading advisor and CPO with the CFTC and is a member of the NFA. In addition, SummerHaven is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 with the SEC. SummerHaven provides advisory services to USCF with respect to the Applicable Index of each Trust Series and the investment decisions of each Trust Series.
The Trustee accepts service of legal process on the Trust in the State of Delaware and makes certain filings under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act. The Trustee does not owe any other duties to the Trust, USCF or the shareholders.
NOTE 4 — FEES PAID BY EACH TRUST SERIES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
USCF Management Fee
Under the Trust Agreement, USCF is responsible for investing the assets of each Trust Series in accordance with the objectives and policies of each such Trust Series. In addition, USCF has arranged for one or more third parties to provide trading advisory, administrative, custody, accounting, transfer agency and other necessary services to each Trust Series. For these services, each of USCI and CPER is contractually obligated to pay USCF a management fee of
Trustee Fee
The Trustee is the Delaware trustee of the Trust. In connection with the Trustee’s services, USCF is responsible for paying the Trustee’s annual fee in the amount of $
Ongoing Registration Fees and Other Offering Expenses
Each Trust Series pays the costs and expenses associated with the ongoing registration of its shares subsequent to the initial offering. These costs include registration or other fees paid to regulatory agencies in connection with the offer and sale of shares, and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated with such offer and sale. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, USCI incurred $
Independent Directors’ and Officers’ Expenses
Each Trust Series is responsible for paying its portion of the directors’ fees and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance for such Trust Series and the Related Public Funds. Each Trust Series shares the fees and expenses on a pro rata basis with each Trust Series and each Related Public Fund, as described above, based on the relative assets of each fund computed on a daily basis. These fees and expenses for the year ending December 31, 2024 are estimated to be a total of $
Investor Tax Reporting Cost
The fees and expenses associated with each Trust Series’ audit expenses and tax accounting and reporting requirements are paid by such Trust Series. These costs are estimated to be $
26
Other Expenses and Fees and Expense Waivers
In addition to the fees described above, each Trust Series pays all brokerage fees and other expenses in connection with the operation of such Trust Series, excluding costs and expenses paid by USCF as outlined in Note 5 – Contracts and Agreements below. USCF previously paid certain expenses normally borne by CPER to the extent that such expenses exceed
NOTE 5 — CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Marketing Agent Agreement
USCF and the Trust, each on its own behalf and on behalf of each Trust Series, are party to a marketing agent agreement, dated as of July 22, 2010, as amended from time to time, with the Marketing Agent, whereby the Marketing Agent provides certain marketing services for each Trust Series as outlined in the agreement. Through September 30, 2022, the fee of the Marketing Agent, which was borne by USCF, was equal to
The above fee does not include website construction and development costs, which are also borne by USCF.
Custody, Transfer Agency and Fund Administration and Accounting Services Agreements
USCF engaged The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York corporation authorized to do a banking business (“BNY Mellon”), to provide the Trust Series and each of the other Related Public Funds with certain custodial, administrative and accounting, and transfer agency services, pursuant to the following agreements with BNY Mellon dated as of March 20, 2020 (together, the “BNY Mellon Agreements”), which were effective as of April 1, 2020: (i) a Custody Agreement; (ii) a Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement; and (iii) a Transfer Agency and Service Agreement. USCF pays the fees of BNY Mellon for its services under the BNY Mellon Agreements and such fees are determined by the parties from time to time.
Brokerage and Futures Commission Merchant Agreements
The Trust, on behalf of each of USCI and CPER, entered into a Futures and Cleared Derivatives Transactions Customer Account Agreement with RBC Capital Markets LLC (“RBC”), in June of 2018. The Trust, on behalf of each of USCI and CPER, entered into a Commodity Futures Customer Agreement with Marex North America, LLC (“MNA”), in August of 2021. RBC and MNA are each referred to as a “Futures Commissions Merchant” or “FCM.” The agreements with the FCMs for each Trust Series require the FCMs to provide services to the applicable Trust Series in connection with the purchase and sale of futures contracts that may be purchased and sold by or through the applicable FCM for the applicable Trust Series’ account. In accordance with each agreement, the FCM charges the applicable Trust Series commissions of approximately $
USCI
| Three months ended | Three months ended | |||||
| March 31, 2024 |
| March 31, 2023 | ||||
Total commissions accrued to brokers | $ | | $ | | |||
Total commissions as annualized percentage of average total net assets |
| | % |
| | % | |
27
The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, was due primarily to a lower number of contracts held and traded.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the monthly average volume of open future contract notional value was $
CPER
| Three months ended | Three months ended | |||||
| March 31, 2024 |
| March 31, 2023 | ||||
Total commissions accrued to brokers | $ | | $ | | |||
Total commissions as annualized percentage of average total net assets |
| | % |
| | % | |
The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, was due primarily to a lower number of contracts held and traded.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the monthly average volume of open future contract notional value was $
SummerHaven Agreements
USCF is party to an Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2018, as amended from time to time, with SummerHaven, whereby SummerHaven provides advisory services to USCF with respect to the Applicable Index for each Trust Series and investment decisions for each Trust Series. SummerHaven’s advisory services include, but are not limited to, general consultation regarding the calculation and maintenance of the Applicable Index for each Trust Series and the nature of each Applicable Index’s current or anticipated component investments. For these services, USCF pays SummerHaven a fee based on a percentage of the average total net assets of each Trust Series. USCF pays SummerHaven an annual fee of $
USCF is also party to an Amended and Restated Licensing Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2018, as amended by that certain Amendment to Amended and Restated Licensing Agreement dated as of September 15, 2020, and as further amended from time to time, with SummerHaven and SHIM, pursuant to which SHIM grants a license to USCF for the use of certain names and marks, including the Applicable Index for each Trust Series in exchange for a fee to be paid by USCF to SHIM. USCF pays licensing fees to SummerHaven equal to an annual fee of $
NOTE 6 — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISKS AND CONTINGENCIES
Each Trust Series engages in the trading of futures contracts, options on futures contracts, cleared swaps and OTC swaps (collectively, “derivatives”). As such, each Trust Series is exposed to both market risk, which is the risk arising from changes in the market value of the contracts, and credit risk, which is the risk of failure by another party to perform according to the terms of a contract.
Each Trust Series may enter into futures contracts, options on futures contracts and cleared swaps to gain exposure to changes in the value of an underlying commodity. A futures contract obligates the seller to deliver (and the purchaser to accept) the future delivery of a specified quantity and type of a commodity at a specified time and place. Some futures contracts may call for physical delivery of the asset, while others are settled in cash. The contractual obligations of a buyer or seller may generally be satisfied by taking or making physical delivery of the underlying commodity or by making an offsetting sale or purchase of an identical futures contract on the same or linked exchange before the designated date of delivery. Cleared swaps are agreements that are eligible to be cleared by a clearinghouse, e.g., ICE Clear Europe, and provide the efficiencies and benefits that centralized clearing on an exchange offers to traders of futures contracts, including credit risk intermediation and the ability to offset positions initiated with different counterparties.
28
The purchase and sale of futures contracts, options on futures contracts and cleared swaps require margin deposits with an FCM. Additional deposits may be necessary for any loss on contract value. The Commodity Exchange Act requires an FCM to segregate all customer transactions and assets from the FCM’s proprietary transactions and assets.
Futures contracts, options on futures contracts and cleared swaps involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk (specifically commodity price risk) and exposure to loss in excess of the amount of variation margin. The face or contract amounts reflect the extent of the total exposure each Trust Series has in the particular classes of instruments. Additional risks associated with the use of futures contracts are an imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures contracts and the market value of the underlying securities and the possibility of an illiquid market for a futures contract. Buying and selling options on futures contracts exposes investors to the risks of purchasing or selling futures contracts.
All of the futures contracts held by each Trust Series through March 31, 2024 were exchange-traded. The risks associated with exchange-traded contracts are generally perceived to be less than those associated with OTC swaps since, in OTC swaps, a party must rely solely on the credit of its respective individual counterparties. However, in the future, if each Trust Series were to enter into non-exchange traded contracts (including Exchange for Related Position or EFRP), it would be subject to the credit risk associated with counterparty non-performance. The credit risk from counterparty non-performance associated with such instruments is the net unrealized gain, if any, on the transaction. Currently, each Trust Series has credit risk under its futures contracts since the sole counterparty to all domestic and foreign futures contracts is the clearinghouse for the exchange on which the relevant contracts are traded. In addition, each Trust Series bears the risk of financial failure by the clearing broker.
Significant market volatility has recently occurred in the commodity markets and the commodity futures markets. Such volatility is attributable in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, related supply chain disruptions, war, including the Russia-Ukraine war, attacks or threats of attack by terrorists, conflicts in the Middle East, and continuing disputes among natural gas-producing countries. These and other events could cause continuing or increased volatility in the future, which may affect the value, pricing and liquidity of some investments or other assets, including those held by or invested in by a Trust Series and have a negative impact on such Trust Series or its ability to have all of its assets invested in the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts.
A Trust Series’ cash and other property, such as Treasuries, deposited with an FCM are considered commingled with all other customer funds, subject to the FCM’s segregation requirements. In the event of an FCM’s insolvency, recovery may be limited to a pro rata share of segregated funds available. It is possible that the recovered amount could be less than the total of cash and other property deposited. The insolvency of an FCM could result in the complete loss of a Trust Series’ assets posted with that FCM; however, the majority of each Trust Series’ assets are held in investments in Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents with the Trust Series’ custodian and would not be impacted by the insolvency of an FCM. The failure or insolvency of the Trust Series’ custodian, however, could result in a substantial loss of each Trust Series’ assets.
USCF may invest a portion of each Trust Series’ cash in money market funds that seek to maintain a stable per share NAV. Each Trust Series may be exposed to any risk of loss associated with an investment in such money market funds. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, USCI held investments in money market funds in the amounts of $
For derivatives, risks arise from changes in the market value of the contracts. Theoretically, each Trust Series is exposed to market risk equal to the value of Futures Contracts purchased and unlimited liability on such contracts sold short. As both a buyer and a seller of options, each Trust Series pays or receives a premium at the outset and then bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the price of the contract underlying the option.
The Trust Series’ policy is to continuously monitor its exposure to market and counterparty risk through the use of a variety of financial, position and credit exposure reporting controls and procedures. In addition, the Trust Series or USCF have a policy of requiring review of the credit standing of each broker or counterparty with which they conduct business.
29
The financial instruments held by the applicable Trust Series are reported in its condensed statements of financial condition at market or fair value, or at carrying amounts that approximate fair value, because of their highly liquid nature and short-term maturity.
NOTE 7 — FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following table presents per share performance data and other supplemental financial data for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 for the shareholders. This information has been derived from information presented in the condensed financial statements.
USCI
| Three months ended |
| Three months ended |
| |||
March 31, 2024 | March 31,2023 | ||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||||
Per Share Operating Performance: | |||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
| $ | | $ | | ||
Total income (loss) | | ( | |||||
Total expenses | ( | ( | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | | ( | |||||
Net asset value, end of period |
| $ | | $ | | ||
Total Return | | % | ( | % | |||
Ratios to Average Net Assets | |||||||
Total income (loss) | | % | ( | % | |||
Management fees# | | % | | % | |||
Total expenses excluding management fees# | | % | | % | |||
Net income (loss) | | % | ( | % | |||
# | Annualized. |
CPER
| Three months ended |
| Three months ended |
| |||
March 31, 2024 | March 31,2023 | ||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||||
Per Share Operating Performance: | |||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
| $ | | $ | | ||
Total income (loss) | | | |||||
Total expenses | ( | ( | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | | | |||||
Net asset value, end of period |
| $ | | $ | | ||
Total Return | | % | | % | |||
Ratios to Average Net Assets | |||||||
Total income (loss) | | % | | % | |||
Management fees# | | % | | % | |||
Total expenses excluding management fees# | | % | | % | |||
Net income (loss) | | % | | % | |||
# |
30
Total returns are calculated based on the change in value during the period. An individual shareholder’s total return and ratio may vary from the above total returns and ratios based on the timing of contributions to and withdrawals from each Trust Series. Additionally, only Authorized Participants purchase and redeem shares from each Trust Series at the NAV per share. Most shareholders will purchase and sell shares in the secondary market at market prices, which may differ from the NAV per share and result in a higher or lower total return.
NOTE 8 — FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Trust and each Trust Series value their investments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 820 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurement. The changes to past practice resulting from the application of ASC 820 relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurement. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between: (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Trust and each Trust Series (observable inputs) and (2) the Trust’s and each Trust Series’ own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available under the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The three levels defined by the ASC 820 hierarchy are as follows:
Level I – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level II – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level I that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level II assets include the following: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market-corroborated inputs).
Level III – Unobservable pricing input at the measurement date for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs shall be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available.
In some instances, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls shall be determined based on the lowest input level that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The following table summarizes the valuation of USCI’s securities at March 31, 2024 using the fair value hierarchy:
At March 31, 2024 |
| Total |
| Level I |
| Level II |
| Level III | ||||
Short-Term Investments | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
United States Contracts |
| |
| | |
| | |||||
Foreign Contracts |
| |
| |
| |
| | ||||
The following table summarizes the valuation of USCI’s securities at December 31, 2023 using the fair value hierarchy:
At December 31, 2023 |
| Total |
| Level I |
| Level II |
| Level III | ||||
Short-Term Investments | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts |
| |||||||||||
United States Contracts | ( | ( | | | ||||||||
Foreign Contracts | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | | $ | | ||||
The following table summarizes the valuation of CPER’s securities at March 31, 2024 using the fair value hierarchy:
At March 31, 2024 |
| Total |
| Level I |
| Level II |
| Level III | ||||
Short-Term Investments | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
United States Contracts |
| |
| |
| |
| | ||||
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The following table summarizes the valuation of CPER’s securities at December 31, 2023 using the fair value hierarchy:
At December 31, 2023 |
| Total |
| Level I |
| Level II |
| Level III | ||||
Short-Term Investments | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts |
| |||||||||||
United States Contracts | | | | | ||||||||
The Trust and each Trust Series have adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 815 — Derivatives and Hedging, which require presentation of qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts and gains and losses on derivatives.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Held by USCI
Condensed |
|
| ||||||
Statements of | ||||||||
Financial | ||||||||
Condition | Fair Value at | Fair Value at | ||||||
Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedging Instruments |
| Location |
| March 31, 2024 |
| December 31, 2023 | ||
Futures - Commodity Contracts |
| $ | | $ | ( | |||
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Held by CPER
Condensed |
|
| ||||||
Statements of | ||||||||
Financial | ||||||||
Condition | Fair Value at | Fair Value at | ||||||
Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedging Instruments |
| Location |
| March 31, 2024 |
| December 31, 2023 | ||
Futures - Commodity Contracts |
|
| $ | | $ | | ||
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Statements of Operations of USCI
| For the three months ended | For the three months ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
Change in Unrealized | Change in Unrealized | |||||||||||||
Derivatives not | Location of Gain | Realized Gain (Loss) | Gain (Loss) on | Realized Gain (Loss) | Gain (Loss) on | |||||||||
Accounted for as | (Loss) on Derivatives | on Derivatives | Derivatives | in Derivatives | Derivatives | |||||||||
Hedging Instruments |
| Recognized in Income |
| Recognized in Income |
| Recognized in Income |
| Recognized in Income |
| Recognized in Income | ||||
Futures - Commodity Contracts |
| Realized gain (loss) on closed commodity futures contracts | $ | | $ | ( | ||||||||
| Change in unrealized gain (loss) on open commodity futures contracts | $ | | $ | ( | |||||||||
32
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Statements of Operations of CPER
|
| For the three months ended |
| For the three months ended | ||||||||||
March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
Change in Unrealized | Change in Unrealized | |||||||||||||
Derivatives not | Location of Gain | Realized Gain (Loss) | Gain (Loss) on | Realized Gain (Loss) | Gain (Loss) on | |||||||||
Accounted for as | (Loss) on Derivatives | on Derivatives | Derivatives | in Derivatives | Derivatives | |||||||||
Hedging Instruments |
| Recognized in Income |
| Recognized in Income |
| Recognized in Income |
| Recognized in Income |
| Recognized in Income | ||||
Futures - Commodity Contracts |
| Realized gain (loss) on closed commodity futures contracts | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
| Change in unrealized gain (loss) on open commodity futures contracts | $ | | $ | ( | |||||||||
NOTE 9 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Trust and each Trust Series have performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date the condensed financial statements were issued. This evaluation did not result in any subsequent events that necessitated disclosures and/or adjustments.
33
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed financial statements and the notes thereto of the United States Commodity Index Funds Trust (the “Trust”) included elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Forward-Looking Information
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q, including this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements regarding the plans and objectives of management for future operations. This information may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause each Trust Series’ actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. Each Trust Series believes these factors include, but are not limited to, the following: changes in inflation in the United States, movements in U.S. and foreign currencies, market volatility in the commodities markets and futures markets in part attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020, the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe each Trust Series’ future plans, strategies and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend” or “project,” the negative of these words, other variations on these words or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that may be incorrect, and each Trust Series cannot assure investors that the projections included in these forward-looking statements will come to pass. Each Trust Series’ actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.
Each Trust Series has based the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly report on Form 10-Q on information available to it on the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and each Trust Series assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although each Trust Series undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, investors are advised to consult any additional disclosures that each Trust Series may make directly to them or through reports that each Trust Series files in the future with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.
Introduction
Each Trust Series is a commodity pool that issues shares representing fractional undivided beneficial interests in such Trust Series that may be purchased and sold on the NYSE Arca. The Trust Series are series of the Trust, a Delaware statutory trust formed on December 21, 2009.
United States Commodity Index Fund
USCI invests in futures contracts for commodities that are traded on the Futures Exchanges and, to a lesser extent, in order to comply with regulatory requirements or in view of market conditions, Other Commodity-Related Investments. Market conditions that USCF currently anticipates could cause USCI to invest in Other Commodity Related Investments include, but are not limited to, those allowing USCI to obtain greater liquidity or to execute transactions with more favorable pricing.
The investment objective of USCI is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its shares’ per share net asset value (“NAV”) to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the SummerHaven Dynamic Commodity Index Total ReturnSM (the “SDCI”), less USCI’s expenses.
The SDCI is designed to reflect the performance of a diversified group of commodities. The SDCI is owned and maintained by SummerHaven Index Management, LLC (“SHIM”) and is calculated and published by Bloomberg L.P. Futures contracts for the commodities comprising the SDCI are traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”), ICE Futures (“ICE Futures”), Chicago Board of Trade (“CBOT”), Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”), London Metal Exchange (“LME”), and Commodity Exchange, Inc. (“COMEX”) (the NYMEX, ICE Futures, CBOT, CME, LME and COMEX, collectively, the “Futures Exchanges”) and are collectively referred to herein as “Futures Contracts.” The Futures Contracts that at any given time make up the SDCI are referred to herein as “Benchmark Component Futures Contracts.” The relative weighting of the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts will change on a monthly basis, based on quantitative formulas relating to the prices of the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts developed by SHIM.
34
USCI seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts. Then, if constrained by regulatory requirements, risk mitigation measures (including those that may be taken by USCI, USCI's FCMs, counterparties or other market participants), liquidity requirements, or in view of market conditions, USCI will invest next in other Futures Contracts based on the same commodity as the futures contracts subject to such regulatory constraints or market conditions, and finally, to a lesser extent, in other exchange-traded futures contracts that are economically identical or substantially similar to the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts if one or more other Futures Contracts is not available. When USCI has invested to the fullest extent possible in exchange-traded futures contracts, USCI may then invest in other contracts and instruments based on the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts, other Futures Contracts or the commodities included in the SDCI, such as cash-settled options, forward contracts, cleared swap contracts and swap contracts other than cleared swap contracts. Other exchange-traded futures contracts that are economically identical or substantially similar to the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts and other contracts and instruments based on the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts are collectively referred to as “Other Commodity-Related Investments,” and together with Benchmark Component Futures Contracts and other Futures Contracts, “Commodity Interests.”
USCI seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing so that the average daily percentage change in USCI’s NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days will be within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the price of the SDCI over the same period. As a result, investors should be aware that USCI would meet its investment objective even if there are significant deviations between changes in its daily NAV and changes in the daily price of the SDCI, provided that the average daily percentage change in USCI's NAV over 30 successive valuation days is within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the price of the SDCI over the same period.
USCF believes that the market arbitrage opportunities will cause the daily changes in USCI’s share price on the NYSE Arca on a percentage basis to closely track the daily changes in USCI’s per share NAV on a percentage basis. USCF believes that the net effect of this expected relationship and the expected relationship described above between USCI’s per share NAV and the SDCI will be that the daily changes in the price of USCI’s shares on the NYSE Arca on a percentage basis will closely track the daily changes in the SDCI on a percentage basis, less USCI’s expenses. While USCI is composed of Benchmark Component Futures Contracts and is therefore a measure of the prices of the corresponding commodities comprising the SDCI for future delivery, there is nonetheless expected to be a reasonable degree of correlation between the SDCI and the cash or spot prices of the commodities underlying the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts.
Investors should be aware that USCI’s investment objective is not for its NAV or market price of shares to equal, in dollar terms, the spot prices of the commodities underlying the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts or the prices of any particular group of futures contracts. USCI will not seek to achieve its stated investment objective over a period of time greater than one day. This is because natural market forces called contango and backwardation have impacted the total return on an investment in USCI’s shares during the past year relative to a hypothetical direct investment in the various commodities and, in the future, it is likely that the relationship between the market price of USCI’s shares and changes in the spot prices of the underlying commodities will continue to be so impacted by contango and backwardation. (It is important to note that the disclosure above ignores the potential costs associated with physically owning and storing the commodities, which could be substantial.) As of March 31, 2024, USCI held 373 Futures Contracts on the NYMEX, held 1,348 Futures Contracts on the ICE Futures, held 196 Futures Contracts on the CBOT, held 165 Futures Contracts on the CME, held 690 Futures Contracts on the LME and held 172 Futures Contracts on the COMEX, totaling 2,944 futures contracts.
United States Copper Index Fund
CPER invests in Futures Contracts for commodities that are traded on the COMEX and, to a lesser extent, in order to comply with regulatory requirements or in view of market conditions, Other Copper-Related Investments. Market conditions that USCF currently anticipates could cause CPER to invest in Other Copper-Related Investments include, but are not limited to, those allowing CPER to obtain greater liquidity or to execute transactions with more favorable pricing.
35
The investment objective of CPER is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its shares’ per share NAV to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the SummerHaven Copper Index Total ReturnSM (the “SCI”), less CPER’s expenses. CPER seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing so that the average daily percentage change in CPER’s NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days will be within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the prices of the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts over the same period. The SCI is designed to reflect the performance of the investment returns from a portfolio of copper futures contracts on the COMEX. The SCI is owned and maintained by SHIM and calculated and published by the NYSE Arca. The SCI is comprised of either one or three Eligible Copper Futures Contracts that are selected on a monthly basis based on quantitative formulas relating to the prices of the Eligible Copper Futures Contracts developed by SHIM. The Eligible Copper Futures Contracts that at any given time make up the SCI are referred to herein as “Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts.”
CPER seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts. CPER may also, to a lesser extent, invest in other Eligible Copper Futures Contracts beyond the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts or other exchange-traded futures contracts that are economically identical or substantially similar to the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts, as well as other investments based on copper, such as cash-settled options on Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts, forward contracts for copper, cleared swap contracts, non-cleared “over-the-counter” or “OTC” transactions that are based on the price of copper and other Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts and indices based on the foregoing (collectively, “Other Copper-Related Investments”). The following factors, among others, may be considered when determining CPER's investments in Eligible Copper Futures Contracts or in Other Copper-Related Investments: regulatory requirements, risk mitigation measures taken by CPER, CPER's FCMs, counterparties or other market participants, liquidity and market conditions. Other factors that may impact CPER's investments in other Eligible Copper Futures Contracts, other exchange-traded futures contracts, or Other Copper-Related Investments include allowing CPER to obtain greater liquidity or to execute transactions with more favorable pricing. In addition, CPER may need to hold significant portions of its portfolio in cash beyond what it has historically held for reasons including (but not limited to) the need to address the changes in market conditions, regulatory requirements or risk mitigation measures or the need to satisfy potential margin requirements. For convenience and unless otherwise specified, Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts, other Eligible Copper Futures Contracts and Other Copper-Related Investments collectively are referred to as “Copper Interests.”
CPER seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing so that the average daily percentage change in CPER’s NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days will be within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the prices of the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts over the same period. USCF believes that market arbitrage opportunities will cause daily changes in CPER’s share price on the NYSE Arca on a percentage basis, to closely track the daily changes in CPER’s per share NAV on a percentage basis. USCF believes that the net effect of this expected relationship and the expected relationship described above between CPER’s per share NAV and the SCI will be that the daily changes in the price of CPER’s shares on the NYSE Arca on a percentage basis will closely track the daily changes in the SCI on a percentage basis, less CPER’s expenses. While CPER is composed of Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts and is therefore a measure of the prices of the corresponding commodities comprising the SCI for future delivery, there is nonetheless expected to be a reasonable degree of correlation between the SCI and the cash or spot prices of the commodities underlying the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts.
Investors should be aware that CPER’s investment objective is not for its NAV or market price of shares to equal, in dollar terms, the spot prices of the commodities underlying the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts or the prices of any particular group of futures contracts. CPER will not seek to achieve its stated investment objective over a period of time greater than one day. This is because natural market forces called contango and backwardation have impacted the total return on an investment in CPER’s shares during the past year relative to a hypothetical direct investment in various commodities and, in the future, it is likely that the relationship between the market price of CPER’s shares and changes in the spot prices of the underlying commodities will continue to be impacted by contango and backwardation. (It is important to note that the disclosure above ignores the potential costs associated with physically owning and storing the commodities, which could be substantial.) CPER’s shares began trading on November 15, 2011. As of March 31, 2024, CPER held 1,552 Futures Contracts on the COMEX.
Other Defined Terms
The SCI, together with the SDCI, are referred to throughout this quarterly report on Form 10-Q collectively as the “Applicable Index” or “Indices.”
Benchmark Component Futures Contracts and Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts are referred to throughout this quarterly report on Form 10-Q collectively as “Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts.”
36
Other Commodity-Related Investments and Other Copper-Related Investments are collectively referred to herein as “Other Related Investments.” Commodity Interests and Copper Interests are collectively referred to herein as “Applicable Interests” throughout this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Regulatory Disclosure
The regulation of commodity interest trading in the United States and other countries is an evolving area of the law. Below are certain key regulatory requirements that are, or may be, relevant to the Trust Series. The various statements made in this summary are subject to modification by legislative action and changes in the rules and regulations of the SEC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), CFTC, NFA, the futures exchanges, clearing organizations and other regulatory bodies. Pending final resolution of all applicable regulatory requirements, some examples of how new rules and regulations could impact the Trust Series are discussed in “Item 1. Business” in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Exchange Accountability Levels, Position Limits and Price Fluctuation Limits. Designated contract markets (“DCMs”), such as the NYMEX and ICE Futures, have established accountability levels and position limits on the maximum net long or net short futures contracts in commodity interests that any person or group of persons under common trading control (other than as a hedge, which is not applicable to the Trust Series’ investments) may hold, own or control. These levels and position limits apply to the futures contracts that each Trust Series invests in to meet the investment objective of such Trust Series. In addition to accountability levels and position limits, the NYMEX and ICE Futures may also set daily price fluctuation limits on futures contracts. The daily price fluctuation limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day’s settlement price. Once the daily price fluctuation limit has been reached in a particular futures contract, no trades may be made at a price beyond that limit.
The accountability levels for the commodities comprising an Applicable Index and other futures contracts traded on U.S. based futures exchanges are not a fixed ceiling, but rather a threshold above which such exchanges may exercise greater scrutiny and control over an investor’s positions.
As of March 31, 2024, USCI held 373 Futures Contracts on the NYMEX, held 1,348 Futures Contracts on the ICE Futures, held 196 Futures Contracts on the CBOT, held 165 Futures Contracts on the CME, held 690 Futures Contracts on the LME and held 172 Futures Contracts on the COMEX, totaling 2,944 futures contracts. As of March 31, 2024, CPER held 1,552 Futures Contracts on the COMEX. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, no Trust Series exceeded accountability levels imposed by the NYMEX, COMEX, CME, CBOT, LME or ICE Futures.
Position limits differ from accountability levels in that they represent fixed limits on the maximum number of futures contracts that any person may hold and cannot allow such limits to be exceeded without express CFTC authority to do so. In addition to accountability levels and position limits that may apply at any time, the Futures Exchanges may impose position limits on contracts held in the last few days of trading in the near month contract to expire. It is unlikely that a Trust Series will run up against such position limits. A Trust Series does not typically hold the near month contract in its Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts. In addition, each Trust Series’ investment strategy is to close out its positions during each Rebalancing Period in advance of the period right before expiration and purchase new contracts. As such, none of the Trust Series anticipates that position limits that apply to the last few days prior to a contract’s expiration will impact it. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, no Trust Series exceeded position limits imposed by the NYMEX, COMEX, CME, CBOT, LME or ICE Futures.
Federal Position Limits
Part 150 of the CFTC’s regulations (the “Position Limits Rule”) establishes federal position limits for 25 core referenced futures contracts (comprised of agricultural, energy and metals futures contracts), futures and options linked to the core referenced futures contracts, and swaps that are economically equivalent to the core referenced futures contracts that all market participants must comply with, with certain exemptions.
Certain Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts are subject to position limits under the Position Limits Rule, and the trading by each Trust Series does not qualify for an exemption therefrom. Accordingly, the Position Limits Rule could inhibit the Trust Series’ ability to invest in the Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts and thereby could negatively impact the ability of the Trust Series to meet its investment objective.
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No Trust Series has limited the size of its offering and each Trust Series intends to utilize substantially all of its proceeds to purchase Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts and Other Commodity-Related Investments to the extent possible. If a Trust Series encounters accountability levels, position limits, or price fluctuation limits for Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts, it may purchase commodity futures on other exchanges that trade listed commodity futures or enter into swaps or other transactions to meet its investment objective. In addition, if a Trust Series exceeds accountability levels on an exchange, and is required by the exchange to reduce its holdings, such reduction could potentially cause a tracking error between the price of the shares of a Trust Series and the prices of the Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts.
Margin for OTC Swaps
Rules put in place by U.S. federal banking regulators, the CFTC and the SEC require the daily exchange of variation margin and initial margin for swaps between swap dealers, major swap participants, security-based swap dealers, and major security-based swap participants (“Swap Entities”) and swaps between Swap Entities and their counterparties that are “financial end-users” (such rules, the “Margin Rules”). The Margin Rules require Swap Entities to exchange variation margin with all of their counterparties who are financial end-users. The minimum variation margin amount is the daily mark-to-market change in the value of the swap, taking into account the amount of variation margin previously posted or collected. Swap Entities are required to exchange initial margin with their financial end-users who have “material swaps exposure” (i.e., an average daily aggregate notional of $8 billion or more in non-cleared swaps calculated in accordance with the Margin Rules). The Margin Rules specify the types of collateral that may be posted or collected as initial margin or variation margin (generally cash, certain government, government-sponsored enterprise securities, certain liquid debt, certain equity securities, certain eligible publicly traded debt, and gold) and sets forth haircuts for certain collateral asset classes.
No Trust Series is a Swap Entity under the Margin Rules, but each is a financial end-user. Accordingly, each Trust Series will be subject to the variation margin requirements of the Margin Rules for any swaps that it enters into. However, no Trust Series has material swaps exposure and, accordingly, no Trust Series will be subject to the initial margin requirements of the Margin Rules.
Mandatory Trading and Clearing of Swaps
CFTC regulations require that certain swap transactions be executed on organized exchanges or “swap execution facilities” and cleared through regulated clearing organizations (“derivative clearing organizations” (“DCOs”)), if the CFTC mandates the central clearing of a particular class of swap and such swap is “made available to trade” on a swap execution facility. Currently, swap dealers, major swap participants, commodity pools, certain private funds and entities predominantly engaged in activities that are financial in nature are required to execute on a swap execution facility, and clear, certain interest rate swaps and index-based credit default swaps. As a result, if a Trust Series enters into an interest rate or index-based credit default swap that is subject to these requirements, such swap will be required to be executed on a swap execution facility and centrally cleared. Mandatory clearing and “made available to trade” determinations with respect to additional types of swaps may be issued in the future, and, when finalized, could require each Trust Series to electronically execute and centrally clear certain OTC instruments presently entered into and settled on a bi-lateral basis. If a swap is required to be cleared, initial and variation margin requirements are set by the relevant clearing organization, subject to certain regulatory requirements and guidelines. Additional margin may be required and held by a Trust Series’ FCM.
Other Requirements for Swaps
Swaps that are not required to be cleared and executed on a SEF but that are executed bilaterally are also subject to various requirements pursuant to CFTC regulations, including, among other things, reporting and recordkeeping requirements and, depending on the status of the counterparties, trading documentation requirements and dispute resolution requirements.
Derivatives Regulations in Non-U.S. Jurisdictions
In addition to U.S. laws and regulations, a Trust Series may be subject to non-U.S. derivatives laws and regulations if it engages in futures and/or swap transactions with non-U.S. persons. For example, each Trust Series may be impacted by European laws and regulations to the extent that it engages in futures transactions on European exchanges or derivatives transactions with European entities. Other jurisdictions impose requirements applicable to futures and derivatives that are similar to those imposed by the U.S., including position limits, margin, clearing and trade execution requirements.
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The CFTC is generally prohibited by statute from regulating trading on non-U.S. futures exchanges and markets. The CFTC, however, has adopted regulations relating to the marketing of non-U.S. futures contracts in the United States. These regulations permit certain contracts on non-U.S. exchanges to be offered and sold in the United States.
Infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 could negatively affect the Trust Series and the valuation and performance of the investments of each Trust Series.
Infectious disease outbreaks like the COVID-19 pandemic may arise in the future and could adversely affect each Trust Series and, more generally, individual issuers and capital markets, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. For example, COVID-19 resulted in numerous deaths, travel restrictions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines and the imposition of both local and more widespread “work from home” measures, cancellations, loss of employment, supply chain disruptions, and lower consumer and institutional demand for goods and services, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic that occurred in 2020 had a material adverse impact on local economies in the affected jurisdictions and also on the global economy, as cross border commercial activity and market sentiment were impacted by the outbreak and government and other measures seeking to contain COVID-19's spread.
An infectious disease outbreak may arise in the future and could have the same or similar effects as the COVID-19 pandemic, or different effects that cannot be foreseen. Moreover, as was the case with the COVID-19 pandemic, actions taken by government and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world in response to an infectious disease outbreak, including the potential for significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, may affect the value, volatility, pricing and liquidity of some investments or other assets, including those held by or invested in by each Trust Series. Public health crises caused by infectious disease outbreaks may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally and their duration cannot be determined with certainty.
In a rising rate environment, the Trust Series may not be able to fully invest at prevailing rates until any current investments in Treasury Bills mature in order to avoid selling those investments at a loss.
When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities typically falls. In a rising interest rate environment, a Trust Series may not be able to fully invest at prevailing rates until any current investments in Treasury Bills mature in order to avoid selling those investments at a loss. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term investments and higher for longer term investments. The risk to the Trust Series of rising interest rates may be greater in the future due to the end of a long period of historically low rates, the effect of potential monetary policy initiatives, including actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve and other foreign equivalents to curb inflation, and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. When interest rates fall, a Trust Series may be required to reinvest the proceeds from the sale, redemption or early prepayment of a Treasury Bill or money market security at a lower interest rate.
A Trust Series may potentially lose money by investing in government money market funds.
The Trust Series invest in government money market funds. Although such government money market funds seek to preserve the value of an investment at $1.00 per share, there is no guarantee that they will be able to do so and a Trust Series may lose money by investing in a government money market fund. An investment in a government money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), or any other government agency. The share price of a government money market fund can fall below the $1.00 share price. A Trust Series cannot rely on or expect a government money market fund’s adviser or its affiliates to enter into support agreements or take other actions to maintain the government money market fund’s $1.00 share price. The credit quality of a government money market fund’s holdings can change rapidly in certain markets, and the default of a single holding could have an adverse impact on the government money market fund’s share price. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of securities held by a government money market fund may vary. A government money market fund’s share price can also be negatively affected during periods of high redemption pressures and/or illiquid markets.
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Commodity Markets
Commodity Futures Price Movements
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
As measured by the four major diversified commodity indexes listed below, commodity futures prices exhibited a strong upward trend during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The table below compares the total returns of the SDCI to the three major diversified commodity indexes over this time period.
SummerHaven Dynamic Commodity Index Total ReturnSM (“SDCI”)(1) |
| 8.66 | % |
S&P GSCI Commodity Index (GSCI®) Total Return(2) |
| 10.36 | % |
Bloomberg Commodity Index Total Return(2) |
| 2.19 | % |
Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index-Optimum Yield Total ReturnTM(2) |
| 4.50 | % |
(1)The inception date for the SummerHaven Dynamic Commodity Index Total ReturnSM is December 2009.
(2)Source: Bloomberg
The value of the SDCI as of December 31, 2023 was $1,964.25. As of March 31, 2024, the value of the SDCI was $2,134.33, up approximately 8.66% over the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Of the 27 components of SummerHaven Dynamic Commodity Index (SDCI), seventeen had positive returns for the first quarter of 2024. Gasoline returned 31.3% in the first-quarter while natural gas declined by -19.62%. The best performing sector was livestock (up 10.97%) followed by softs (up 9.64%). Commodities broadly rallied from early 2020 to mid-2022 as inflation grew from 1.4% in 2020 to 9.1% in 2022. Inflation is a headwind for stocks and bonds and a tailwind for real assets such as commodities. Historically, commodities have been a hedge against inflation and positive inflation shocks. As inflation has declined since mid-2022, the Bloomberg Commodity Index Total Return (BCOMTR) also declined. However, USCI's dynamic strategy led to outperformance verus the BCOMTR, rising from mid-2022 through early 2024 while BCOMTR was essentially flat. More recently, USCI's NAV was up 8.36% for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
The return of approximately 8.66% on the SDCI listed above is a hypothetical return only and could not actually be achieved by an investor holding Futures Contracts due to the impact of trading costs and other expenses. USCI’s per share NAV began the period at $56.34 and ended the period at $61.05 on March 31, 2024, a [increase/decrease] of approximately 8.36% over the period. See “Tracking Each Trust Series’ Benchmark” below for information about how expenses and income affect USCI’s per share NAV.
The Russia-Ukraine war and the emerging conflict in the Middle East due to Hamas’ attack on Israel have raised concerns among investors that a global shortage of many commodities is possible. Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus are major producers and exporters of many metals, grains, and energy products that are critical to global supply. Substantial productive capacity has been halted in Ukraine, and Russia may be unable or unwilling to export what it produces. This has put upward pressure on commodity prices globally, beyond the impact of bullish fundamentals that were already in place. Should the war continue or escalate, or if sanctions or retaliation lead to a further reduction in production and exports from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus, then commodity prices could rise further and prices could become more volatile. Conversely, should concerns about commodity shortages resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war ebb due to an expected or actual resolution of the war, then commodity prices could stabilize or decline. Likewise, the situation in the Middle East has impacted energy prices, with WTI and Brent crude oil rising approximately 10% in the first two weeks after the Hamas attack. Crude, along with gasoline, heating oil, and gasoil would experience even stronger gains if production or transportation of crude oil is disrupted. If the situation remains contained primarily to Israel, and or, should hostilities end, then prices for crude oil and its derivatives could stabilize or decline.
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Copper Markets
Copper Futures Price Movements
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
As measured by the two major copper indexes, copper futures prices exhibited an upward trend during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The table below compares the total returns of the SCI to the Bloomberg Copper Subindex Total Return over this time period.
SummerHaven Copper Index Total ReturnSM(“SCI”)(1) |
| 4.26 | % |
Bloomberg Copper Subindex Total Return(2) |
| 3.74 | % |
(1)The inception date for the SummerHaven Copper Index Total ReturnSM is November 2010.
(2)Source: Bloomberg
The value of the SCI as of December 31, 2023 was $1,294,82. As of March 31, 2024, the value of the SCI was $1,350.00, up approximately 4.26% over the three months ended March 31, 2024.
The return of approximately 4.26% on the SCI listed above is a hypothetical return only and could not actually be achieved by an investor holding Futures Contracts due to the impact of trading costs and other expenses. CPER’s per share NAV began the period at $24.10 and ended the period at $25.06 on March 31, 2024, an increase of approximately 3.98% over the period. See “Tracking Each Trust Series’ Benchmark” below for information about how expenses and income affect CPER’s per share NAV.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, the price of the front month copper futures contract traded in a range between $368.15 per pound and $413.00 per pound. Prices increased by 11.65% between December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 finishing the period at $400.70. Copper futures markets were essentially flat in 2023, with strong gains at the start of the year slowly declining back to late 2022 levels. Despite growing supply constraints and forecasts for forthcoming copper shortages, 2023 saw reduced economic activity from China, that weighed on copper demand. With tight markets, increased demand from China, and a growing drumbeat of forecasts for a supply crunch, Copper resumed its upward trajectory in the first quarter of 2024. Long-term, copper demand is likely to remain robust and supply is also likely to remain constrained and slow to respond to demand increases.
The Russia-Ukraine war has affected many commodities in which Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus are major producers and exports, such as certain metals, grains, and energy products. However, copper is not one of the metals that depends heavily on supply from the region. As a result, copper prices rose only modestly from the outbreak of the war in comparison to other metals, such as Nickel. Copper supply is more affected by events, such as protests and labor strikes, that impact mining in south American nations, including Chile and Peru. Meanwhile, copper demand typical depends on the state of the global economy, particularly China, which drives industrial, commercial, and manufacturing use.
Valuation of Futures Contracts and the Computation of the Per Share NAV
Each Trust Series’ NAV is calculated once each NYSE Arca trading day. The per share NAV for a particular trading day is released after 4:00 p.m. New York time. Trading during the core trading session on the NYSE Arca typically closes at 4:00 p.m. New York time. The Trust Series’ Administrator uses the closing prices on the relevant Futures Exchanges of the Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts (determined at the earlier of the close of such exchange or 2:30 p.m. New York time) for the contracts held on the Futures Exchanges, but calculates or determines the value of all other investments of such Trust Series using market quotations, if available, or other information customarily used to determine the fair value of such investments.
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Results of Operations
On July 30, 2010, USCI received a notice of effectiveness from the SEC for its registration of 50,000,000 shares on Form S-1 with the SEC. On August 10, 2010, USCI listed its shares on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “USCI.” USCI established its initial offering per share NAV by setting the price at $50 and issued 100,000 shares to the initial Authorized Participant, Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp., in exchange for $5,000,000 in cash on August 10, 2010. USCI commenced investment operations on August 10, 2010 by purchasing Futures Contracts traded on the Futures Exchanges. In order to satisfy NYSE Arca listing standards that at least 100,000 shares be outstanding at the beginning of the trading day on the NYSE Arca, USCF purchased the initial Creation Basket from the initial Authorized Participant at the initial offering price. The $1,000 fee that would otherwise be charged to the Authorized Participant in connection with an order to create or redeem was waived in connection with the initial Creation Basket. USCF agreed not to resell the shares comprising such basket except that it may require the initial Authorized Participant to repurchase all of these shares at a per share price equal to USCI’s per share NAV within five days following written notice from USCF, subject to the conditions that: (i) on the date of repurchase, the initial Authorized Participant must immediately redeem these shares in accordance with the terms of the Authorized Participant Agreement and (ii) immediately following such redemption at least 100,000 shares of USCI remain outstanding. USCF held such initial Creation Basket until September 3, 2010, at which time the initial Authorized Participant repurchased the shares comprising such basket in accordance with the specified conditions noted above. On September 14, 2011, USCF redeemed the 20 Sponsor Shares of USCI, and on September 19, 2011, USCF purchased five shares of USCI in the open market.
As of March 31, 2024, USCI had 2,750,000 shares outstanding. As of March 31, 2024, USCI had issued 41,600,000 shares, 2,750,000 of which were outstanding. USCI has an unlimited number of shares registered and available for issuance. More shares may have been issued by USCI than are outstanding due to the redemption of shares.
As of March 31, 2024, CPER had 6,250,000 shares outstading. As of March 31, 2024, CPER had issued 28,100,000 shares, 6,250,000 of which were outstanding. CPER has an unlimited number of shares registered and available for issuance. More shares may have been issued by CPER than are outstanding due to the redemption of shares.
USCF and the Trustee entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement effective as of December 15, 2017.
As of March 31, 2024, USCI and CPER had the following Authorized Participants: ABN AMRO Clearing USA LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Citadel Securities LLC, Goldman Sachs & Company, Jefferies LLC., JP Morgan Securities Inc., Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp., Morgan Stanley & Company Inc., RBC Capital Markets LLC and Virtu Americas LLC.
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
USCI
| Three months |
| Three months | ||||
ended | ended | ||||||
March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||
Average daily total net assets | $ | 162,417,496 | $ | 231,996,221 | |||
Dividend and interest income earned on Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents | $ | 2,126,104 | $ | 2,526,373 | |||
Annualized yield based on average daily total net assets | 5.26 | % | 4.42 | % | |||
Management fee | $ | 322,987 | $ | 457,636 | |||
Total fees and other expenses excluding management fees | $ | 155,168 | $ | 168,841 | |||
Total commissions accrued to brokers | $ | 36,102 | $ | 54,445 | |||
Total commissions as annualized percentage of average total net assets |
| 0.09 | % |
| 0.10 | % | |
Portfolio Expenses. USCI’s expenses consist of investment management fees, brokerage fees and commissions, certain offering costs, licensing fees, registration fees, the fees and expenses of the independent directors of USCF and expenses relating to tax accounting and reporting requirements. The management fee that USCI pays to USCF is calculated as a percentage of the total net assets of USCI. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
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Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by USCI, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were higher during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. However, as a result of lower average daily total net assets, the dividend and interest income earned was lower for the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter even though the amount of income earned by USCI as a percentage of average daily total net assets was higher during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. To the degree that the aggregate yield is higher, the net expense ratio, inclusive of income, will be lower.
The decrease in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, was due primarily to a decrease in brokerage commissions.
The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, was due primarily to a lower number of Commodity Futures Contracts being held and traded.
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
CPER
Three months | Three months |
| |||||
ended | ended |
| |||||
| March 31, 2024 |
| March 31, 2023 |
| |||
Average daily total net assets | $ | 129,293,121 | $ | 159,749,672 | |||
Dividend and interest income earned on Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents | $ | 1,692,246 | $ | 1,761,097 | |||
Annualized yield based on average daily total net assets | 5.26 | % | 4.47 | % | |||
Management fee | $ | 208,802 | $ | 256,037 | |||
Total fees and other expenses excluding management fees | $ | 128,771 | $ | 139,589 | |||
Total commissions accrued to brokers | $ | 6,596 | $ | 16,912 | |||
Total commissions as annualized percentage of average total net assets | 0.02 | % | 0.04 | % | |||
Portfolio Expenses. CPER’s expenses consist of investment management fees, brokerage fees and commissions, certain offering costs, licensing fees, registration fees, the fees and expenses of the independent directors of USCF and expenses relating to tax accounting and reporting requirements. The management fee that CPER pays to USCF is calculated as a percentage of the total net assets of CPER. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by CPER, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were higher during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. However, as a result of lower average daily total net assets, the dividend and interest income earned was lower for the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter even though the amount of income earned by CPER as a percentage of average daily total net assets was higher during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. To the degree that the aggregate yield is higher, the net expense ratio, inclusive of income, will be lower.
The decrease in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, was due primarily to a decrease in brokerage commissions, insurance and Directors’ fees.
The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, was due primarily to a lower average number of Commodity Futures Contracts being held and traded.
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Tracking Each Trust Series’ Benchmark
USCF seeks to manage each Trust Series’ portfolio such that changes in its average daily per share NAV, on a percentage basis, closely track the daily changes in the average price of the Applicable Index, also on a percentage basis. Specifically, USCF seeks to manage the portfolio such that over any rolling period of 30-valuation days, the average daily change in a Trust Series’ per share NAV is within a range of 90% to 110% (0.9 to 1.1) of the average daily change in the price of the Applicable Index. As an example, if the average daily movement of the price of the Applicable Index for a particular 30-valuation daytime period was 0.50% per day, USCF would attempt to manage the portfolio such that the average daily movement of the per share NAV during that same time period fell between 0.45% and 0.55% (i.e., between 0.9 and 1.1 of the Applicable Index’s results). Each Trust Series’ portfolio management goals do not include trying to make the nominal price of its per share NAV equal to the nominal price of the Applicable Index, the nominal price of any particular commodity Futures Contract or the spot price for any particular commodity. USCF believes that it is not practical to manage the portfolio to achieve such an investment goal when investing in listed Futures Contracts and Other-Related Investments.
USCI
For the 30-valuation days ended March 31, 2024, the simple average daily change in the SDCI was 0.228%, while the simple average daily change in the per share NAV of USCI over the same time period was 0.224%. The average daily difference was (0.004)% (or (0.4) basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the SDCI, the average error in daily tracking by the per share NAV was (1.598)%, meaning that over this time period USCI’s tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
Since the commencement of the offering of USCI’s shares to the public on August 10, 2010 through March 31, 2024, the simple average daily change in the SDCI was 0.015%, while the simple average daily change in the per share NAV of USCI over the same time period was 0.010%. The average daily difference was (0.005)% (or (0.5) basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the SDCI, the average error in daily tracking by the per share NAV was (6.361)%, meaning that over this time period USCI’s tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
The following two charts demonstrate the correlation between the changes in SDCI’s NAV and the changes in the SDCI. The first chart below shows the daily movement of USCI’s per share NAV versus the daily movement of the SDCI for the 30-valuation day period ended March 31, 2024. The second chart below shows the monthly total returns of USCI as compared to the monthly value of the SDCI for the five years ended March 31, 2024.
*PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
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*PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
An alternative tracking measurement of the return performance of USCI versus the return of its SDCI can be calculated by comparing the actual return of USCI, measured by changes in its per share NAV, versus the expected changes in its per share NAV under the assumption that USCI’s returns had been exactly the same as the daily changes in its SDCI.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the actual total return of USCI as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 8.36%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $56.34 as of December 31, 2023 and an ending per share NAV as of March 31, 2024 of $61.05. During this time period, USCI made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if USCI’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the SDCI, USCI would have had an estimated per share NAV of $61.22 as of March 31, 2024, for a total return over the relevant time period of 8.66%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of USCI of 8.36% and the expected total return based on the SDCI of 8.66% was a difference over the time period of (0.30)%, which is to say that USCI’s actual total return underperformed its benchmark by that percentage. USCI incurs expenses primarily composed of the management fee, brokerage commissions for the buying and selling of futures contracts, and other expenses. The impact of these expenses, offset by interest and dividend income, and net of positive or negative execution, tends to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of USCI to track slightly lower than daily changes in the price of the SDCI.
By comparison, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, the actual total return of USCI as measured by changes in its per share NAV was (3.47)%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $56.23 as of December 31, 2022 and an ending per share NAV as of March 31, 2023 of $54.28. During this time period, USCI made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if USCI’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the SDCI, USCI would have had an estimated per share NAV of $54.47 as of March 31, 2023, for a total return over the relevant time period of (3.13)%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of USCI of (3.47)% and the expected total return based on the SDCI of (3.13)% was a difference over the time period of (0.34)%, which is to say that USCI’s actual total return underperformed its benchmark by that percentage. USCI incurs expenses primarily composed of the management fee, brokerage commissions for the buying and selling of futures contracts, and other expenses. The impact of these expenses, offset by interest and dividend income, and net of positive or negative execution, tends to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of USCI to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the SDCI.
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CPER
For the 30-valuation days ended March 31, 2024, the simple average daily change in the SCI was 0.288%, while the simple average daily change in the per share NAV of CPER over the same time period was 0.284%. The average daily difference was (0.004)% (or (0.4) basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the SCI, the average error in daily tracking by the per share NAV was (2.021)%, meaning that over this time period CPER’s tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
Since the commencement of the offering of CPER’s shares to the public on November 15, 2011 through March 31, 2024, the simple average daily change in the SCI was 0.013%, while the simple average daily change in the per share NAV of CPER over the same time period was 0.009%. The average daily difference was (0.004)% (or (0.4) basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1)%. As a percentage of the daily movement of the SCI, the average error in daily tracking by the per share NAV was (2.895)%, meaning that over this time period CPER’s tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
The following two charts demonstrate the correlation between the changes in CPER’s NAV and the changes in the SCI. The first chart below shows the daily movement of CPER’s per share NAV versus the daily movement of the SCI for the 30-valuation day period ended March 31, 2024. The second chart below shows the monthly total returns of CPER as compared to the monthly value of the SCI for the five years ended March 31, 2024.
*PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
46
*PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
An alternative tracking measurement of the return performance of CPER versus the return of its SCI can be calculated by comparing the actual return of CPER, measured by changes in its per share NAV, versus the expected changes in its per share NAV under the assumption that CPER’s returns had been exactly the same as the daily changes in its SCI.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the actual total return of CPER as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 3.98%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $24.10 as of December 31, 2023 and an ending per share NAV as of March 31, 2024 of $25.06. During this time period, CPER made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if CPER’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the SCI, CPER would have had an estimated per share NAV of $25.13 as of March 31, 2024, for a total return over the relevant time period of 4.27%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of CPER of 3.98% and the expected total return based on the SCI of 4.27% was a difference over the time period of (0.29)%, which is to say that CPER’s actual total return underperformed its benchmark by that percentage. CPER incurs expenses primarily composed of the management fee, brokerage commissions for the buying and selling of futures contracts, and other expenses. The impact of these expenses, offset by interest and dividend income, and net of positive or negative execution, tends to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of CPER to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the SCI.
By comparison, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, the actual total return of CPER as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 8.54%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $23.07 as of December 31, 2022 and an ending per share NAV as of March 31, 2023 of $25.04. During this time period, CPER made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if CPER’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the SCI, CPER would have had an estimated per share NAV of $25.13 as of March 31, 2023, for a total return over the relevant time period of 8.93%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of CPER of 8.54% and the expected total return based on the SCI of 8.93% was a difference over the time period of (0.39)%, which is to say that CPER’s actual total return underperformed its benchmark by that percentage. CPER incurs expenses primarily composed of the management fee, brokerage commissions for the buying and selling of futures contracts, and other expenses. The impact of these expenses, offset by interest and dividend income, and net of positive or negative execution, tends to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of CPER to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the SCI.
47
Factors That Can Impact Ability to Track the Applicable Index
There are currently five factors that have impacted or are most likely to impact a Trust Series’ ability to accurately track its Applicable Index.
First, a Trust Series may buy or sell its holdings in the then current Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts at a price other than the closing settlement price of that contract on the day during which such Trust Series executes the trade. In that case, a Trust Series may pay a price that is higher, or lower, than that of the Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts, which could cause the changes in the daily per share NAV of a Trust Series to either be too high or too low relative to the daily changes in the price of the Applicable Index. USCF attempts to minimize the effect of these transactions by seeking to execute its purchase or sale of the Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts at, or as close as possible to, the end of the day settlement price. However, it may not always be possible for a Trust Series to obtain the closing settlement price and there is no assurance that failure to obtain the closing settlement price in the future will not adversely impact a Trust Series’ attempt to track the Applicable Index.
Second, each Trust Series incurs expenses primarily composed of the management fee, brokerage commissions for the buying and selling of futures contracts, and other expenses. The impact of these expenses tends to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of such Trust Series to track slightly lower than daily changes in the price of the Applicable Index. At the same time, each Trust Series earns dividend and interest income on its cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries. A Trust Series is not required to distribute any portion of its income to its shareholders and did not make any distributions to shareholders during the three months ended March 31, 2024. Interest payments, and any other income, were retained within the portfolio and added to each Trust Series’ NAV. When this income exceeds the level of a Trust Series’ expenses for its management fee, brokerage commissions and other expenses (including ongoing registration fees, licensing fees and the fees and expenses of the independent directors of USCF), such Trust Series realizes a net yield that will tend to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of such Trust Series to track slightly higher than daily changes in the price of the Applicable Index. If short-term interest rates rise above these levels, the level of deviation created by the yield would increase. Conversely, if short-term interest rates were to decline, the amount of error created by the yield would decrease. When short-term yields drop to a level lower than the combined expenses of the management fee and the brokerage commissions, then the tracking error becomes a negative number and would tend to cause the daily returns of the per share NAV to underperform the daily returns of the Applicable Index. USCF anticipates that interest rates may continue to increase over the near future from historical lows. It is anticipated that fees and expenses paid by each Trust Series may continue to be lower than interest earned by each Trust Series. As such, USCF anticipates that each Trust Series could possibly outperform its benchmark so long as interest earned is higher than the fees and expenses paid by each Trust Series.
Third, a Trust Series may hold Futures Contracts in a particular commodity other than the one specified as the Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contract, or may hold Other Related Investments in its portfolio that may fail to closely track the Applicable Index’s total return movements. Taking USCI as an example, assume for a given month one of the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts is the NYMEX WTI physically settled Futures Contract, trading under the symbol “CL,” for the contract month of November 2020. It is possible that USCI could hold a NYMEX WTI financially settled Futures Contract, trading under the symbol “WS,” for the contract month of November 2020. Alternatively, and using the same example, USCI could hold the ICE WTI financially settled Futures Contract, also for the contract month of November 2020. As a third example, USCI could hold the NYMEX WTI physically settled Futures Contract, trading under the symbol “CL,” but for a contract month other than November 2020. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, no Trust Series held any Other Related Investments.
Fourth, a Trust Series could hold Other-Related Investments. In that case, the error in tracking the Applicable Index could result in daily changes in the per share NAV of a Trust Series that are either too high, or too low, relative to the daily changes in the price of the Applicable Index. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, none of the Trust Series held any Other-Related Investments, but did, at times, temporarily hold Futures Contracts that were in months other than the months specified as the Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contract. If any Trust Series increases in size, and due to its obligations to comply with regulatory limits, or due to other market pricing or liquidity factors, such Trust Series may invest in Futures Contract months other than the designated month specified as the Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contract, or in Other-Related Investments, which may have the effect of increasing transaction related expenses and may result in increased tracking error.
Finally, a Trust Series could hold the same Futures contracts as its benchmark but at a different weight. This is due to the fact that the benchmark can theoretically own a fractional percentage of a Futures contract but a Trust Series must own a full contract. For a Trust Series with a smaller asset base, this percentage difference can have a material impact.
48
SDCI
The SDCI is a commodity sector index designed to broadly represent major commodities while overweighting the components that are assessed to be in a low inventory state and underweighting the components assessed to be in a high inventory state. The SDCI is designed to reflect the performance of a fully margined or collateralized portfolio of 14 eligible commodity futures contracts with equal weights, selected each month from a universe of 27 eligible commodity futures contracts. The SDCI is rules-based and rebalanced monthly based on observable price signals. In this context, the term “rules-based” is meant to indicate that the composition of the SDCI in any given month will be determined by quantitative formulas relating to the prices of the futures contracts that relate to the commodities that are eligible to be included in the SDCI. Such formulas are not subject to adjustment based on other factors.
The overall return on the SDCI is generated by two components: (i) uncollateralized returns from the Benchmark Component Futures Contracts comprising the SDCI and (ii) a daily fixed income return reflecting the interest earned on a hypothetical 3-month U.S. Treasury Bill collateral portfolio, calculated using the weekly auction rate for the 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bills published by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. SHIM is the owner of the SDCI. Currently, the SDCI is composed of physical non-financial commodity futures contracts with active and liquid markets traded upon futures exchanges in major industrialized countries. The futures contracts are denominated in U.S. dollars and weighted equally by notional amount. The SDCI currently reflects commodities in five commodity sectors: petroleum (e.g., crude oil, heating oil, etc.), precious metals (e.g., gold, silver platinum), industrial metals (e.g., zinc, nickel, aluminum, copper, etc.), grains (e.g., wheat, corn, soybeans, etc.), and non-primary sector (e.g., sugar, cotton, coffee, cocoa, natural gas, live cattle, lean hogs, feeder cattle).
Table 1 below lists the eligible commodities, the relevant futures exchange on which the futures contract is listed and quotation details. Table 2 lists the eligible futures contracts, their sector designation and maximum allowable tenor.
TABLE 1
Commodity |
| Designated Contract |
| Exchange |
| Units |
| Quote |
Aluminum |
| High Grade Primary Aluminum |
| LME |
| 25 metric tons |
| USD/metric ton |
Cocoa |
| Cocoa |
| ICE-US |
| 10 metric tons |
| USD/metric ton |
Coffee |
| Coffee “C” |
| ICE-US |
| 37,500 lbs |
| U.S. cents/pound |
Copper |
| Copper |
| COMEX |
| 25,000 lbs |
| U.S. cents/pound |
Corn |
| Corn |
| CBOT |
| 5,000 bushels |
| U.S. cents/bushel |
Cotton |
| Cotton |
| ICE-US |
| 50,000 lbs |
| U.S. cents/pound |
Crude Oil (WTI) |
| Light, Sweet Crude Oil |
| NYMEX |
| 1,000 barrels |
| USD/barrel |
Crude Oil (Brent) |
| Crude Oil |
| ICE-UK |
| 1,000 barrels |
| USD/barrel |
Gas Oil |
| Gas Oil |
| ICE-UK |
| 100 metric tons |
| USD/metric ton |
Gold |
| Gold |
| COMEX |
| 100 troy oz. |
| USD/troy oz. |
Heating Oil |
| Heating Oil |
| NYMEX |
| 42,000 gallons |
| U.S. cents/gallon |
Lead |
| Lead |
| LME |
| 25 metric tons |
| USD/metric ton |
Lean Hogs |
| Lean Hogs |
| CME |
| 40,000 lbs. |
| U.S. cents/pound |
Live Cattle |
| Live Cattle |
| CME |
| 40,000 lbs. |
| U.S. cents/pound |
Feeder Cattle |
| Feeder Cattle |
| CME |
| 50,000 lbs. |
| U.S. cents/pound |
Natural Gas |
| Henry Hub Natural Gas |
| NYMEX |
| 10,000 mmbtu |
| USD/mmbtu |
Nickel |
| Primary Nickel |
| LME |
| 6 metric tons |
| USD/metric ton |
Platinum |
| Platinum |
| NYMEX |
| 50 troy oz. |
| USD/troy oz. |
Silver |
| Silver |
| COMEX |
| 5,000 troy oz. |
| U.S. cents/troy oz. |
Soybeans |
| Soybeans |
| CBOT |
| 5,000 bushels |
| U.S. cents/bushel |
Soybean Meal |
| Soybean Meal |
| CBOT |
| 100 tons |
| USD/ton |
Soybean Oil |
| Soybean Oil |
| CBOT |
| 60,000 lbs. |
| U.S. cents/pound |
Sugar |
| World Sugar No. 11 |
| ICE-US |
| 112,000 lbs. |
| U.S. cents/pound |
Tin |
| Tin |
| LME |
| 5 metric tons |
| USD/metric ton |
Unleaded Gasoline |
| Reformulated Blendstock for Oxygen Blending |
| NYMEX |
| 42,000 gallons |
| U.S. cents/gallon |
Wheat |
| Wheat |
| CBOT |
| 5,000 bushels |
| U.S. cents/bushel |
Zinc |
| Special High Grade Zinc |
| LME |
| 25 metric tons |
| USD/metric ton |
49
TABLE 2
Commodity | Commodity | Max. | ||||||
Symbol |
| Name |
| Sector |
| Allowed Contracts |
| tenor |
CO |
| Brent Crude |
| Petroleum |
| All 12 Calendar Months |
| 9 |
CL |
| Crude Oil |
| Petroleum |
| All 12 Calendar Months |
| 9 |
QS |
| Gas Oil |
| Petroleum |
| All 12 Calendar Months |
| 4 |
HO |
| Heating Oil |
| Petroleum |
| All 12 Calendar Months |
| 4 |
XB |
| RBOB |
| Petroleum |
| All 12 Calendar Months |
| 4 |
BO |
| Soybean Oil |
| Grains |
| Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Dec |
| 1 |
C |
| Corn |
| Grains |
| Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Dec |
| 4 |
S |
| Soybeans |
| Grains |
| Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Aug, Nov |
| 4 |
SM |
| Soymeal |
| Grains |
| Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Dec |
| 3 |
W |
| Wheat (Soft Red Winter) |
| Grains |
| Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Dec |
| 4 |
LA |
| Aluminum |
| Industrial Metals |
| All 12 Calendar months |
| 4 |
HG |
| Copper |
| Industrial Metals |
| Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Dec |
| 1 |
LL |
| Lead |
| Industrial Metals |
| All 12 Calendar Months |
| 4 |
LN |
| Nickel |
| Industrial Metals |
| All 12 Calendar Months |
| 4 |
LT |
| Tin |
| Industrial Metals |
| All 12 Calendar Months |
| 1 |
LX |
| Zinc |
| Industrial Metals |
| All 12 Calendar Months |
| 4 |
GC |
| Gold |
| Precious Metals |
| Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec |
| 1 |
PL |
| Platinum |
| Precious Metals |
| Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct |
| 1 |
SI |
| Silver |
| Precious Metals |
| Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Dec |
| 1 |
NG |
| Natural Gas |
| Non-Primary Sector |
| All 12 Calendar Months |
| 6 |
FC |
| Feeder Cattle |
| Non-Primary Sector |
| Jan, Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| 1 |
LH |
| Lean Hogs |
| Non-Primary Sector |
| Feb, Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug, Oct, Dec |
| 1 |
LC |
| Live Cattle |
| Non-Primary Sector |
| Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec |
| 3 |
CC | Cocoa | Non-Primary Sector | Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Dec | 1 | ||||
KC | Coffee | Non-Primary Sector | Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Dec | 1 | ||||
CT | Cotton | Non-Primary Sector | Mar, May, Jul, Dec | 1 | ||||
SB | Sugar | Non-Primary Sector | Mar, May, Jul, Oct | 3 |
Prior to the end of each month, SHIM determines the composition of the SDCI and provides such information to Bloomberg. Values of the SDCI are computed by Bloomberg and disseminated approximately every fifteen (15) seconds from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, which also publishes a daily SDCI value at approximately 5:30 p.m., New York City time, under the index ticker symbol “SDCITR:IND.” Only settlement and last-sale prices are used in the SDCI’s calculation, bids and offers are not recognized — including limit-bid and limit-offer price quotes. Where no last-sale price exists, typically in the more deferred contract months, the previous days’ settlement price is used. This means that the underlying SDCI may lag its theoretical value. This tendency to lag is evident at the end of the day when the SDCI value is based on the settlement prices of the Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts, and explains why the underlying SDCI often closes at or near the high or low for the day.
Composition of the SDCI
The composition of the SDCI on any given day, as determined and published by SHIM, is determinative of the benchmark for USCI. However, it is not possible to anticipate all possible circumstances and events that may occur with respect to the SDCI and the methodology for its composition, weighting and calculation. Accordingly, a number of subjective judgments must be made in connection with the operation of the SDCI that cannot be adequately reflected in this description of the SDCI. All questions of interpretation with respect to the application of the provisions of the SDCI methodology, including any determinations that need to be made in the event of a market emergency or other extraordinary circumstances, will be resolved by SHIM.
50
The composition of the SDCI was revised beginning with the commodity selection process that commenced on December 24, 2020. SHIM revised the composition of the SDCI to consolidate the six commodity sectors that comprised the index into five sectors. Specifically, prior to December 24, 2020, the SDCI reflected commodities in six commodity sectors: energy (e.g., crude oil, natural gas, heating oil, etc.), precious metals (e.g., gold, silver platinum), industrial metals (e.g., zinc, nickel, aluminum, copper, etc.), grains (e.g., wheat, corn, soybeans, etc.), softs (e.g., sugar, cotton, coffee, cocoa), and livestock (e.g., live cattle, lean hogs, feeder cattle). Since then, the composition of SDCI has reflected the five commodity sectors: petroleum (e.g., crude oil, heating oil, etc.), precious metals (e.g., gold, silver platinum), industrial metals (e.g., zinc, nickel, aluminum, copper, etc.), grains (e.g., wheat, corn, soybeans, etc.), and non-primary sector (e.g., sugar, cotton, coffee, cocoa, natural gas, live cattle, lean hogs, feeder cattle), discussed above and utilized the commodity selection as described below.
Contract Expirations
Because the SDCI is comprised of actively traded contracts with scheduled expirations, it can be calculated only by reference to the prices of contracts for specified expiration, delivery or settlement periods, referred to as contract expirations. The contract expirations included in the SDCI for each commodity during a given year are designated by SHIM, provided that each contract must be an active contract. An active contract for this purpose is a liquid, actively-traded contract expiration, as defined or identified by the relevant trading facility or, if no such definition or identification is provided by the relevant trading facility, as defined by standard custom and practice in the industry.
If a Futures Exchange ceases trading in all contract expirations relating to a particular Futures Contract, SHIM may designate a replacement contract on the commodity. The replacement contract must satisfy the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the SDCI. To the extent practicable, the replacement will be effected during the next monthly review of the composition of the SDCI. If that timing is not practicable, SHIM will determine the date of the replacement based on a number of factors, including the differences between the existing Futures Contract and the replacement Futures Contract with respect to contractual specifications and contract expirations.
If a contract is eliminated and there is no replacement contract, the underlying commodity will necessarily be dropped from the SDCI. The designation of a replacement contract, or the elimination of a commodity from the SDCI because of the absence of a replacement contract, could affect the value of the SDCI, either positively or negatively, depending on the price of the contract that is eliminated and the prices of the remaining contracts. It is impossible, however, to predict the effect of these changes, if they occur, on the value of the SDCI.
Commodity Selection
Fourteen of the 27 eligible Futures Contracts are selected for inclusion in the SDCI for the next month, subject to the constraint that each of the four commodity sectors (excluding non-primary sector) is represented by at least one commodity. The methodology used to select the 14 Futures Contracts is based solely on quantitative data using observable futures prices and is not subject to human bias.
Monthly commodity selection is a two-step process based upon examination of the relevant futures prices for each commodity:
1) The annualized percentage price difference between the closest-to-expiration Futures Contract and the next closest- to-expiration Futures Contract is calculated for each of the 27 eligible Futures Contracts on USCI’s Selection Date.
2) The 14 commodities with the highest percentage price difference are selected.
When evaluating the data from the first step, all four primary commodity sectors must be represented (Petroleum, Grains, Industrial Metals and Precious Metals). If the selection of the 14 commodities with the highest percentage price difference fails to meet the overall diversification requirement that all four primary commodity sectors are represented in the SDCI, the commodity with the highest percentage price difference among the commodities of the omitted primary sector(s) would be substituted for the commodity with the lowest percentage price difference among the fourteen commodities.
The 14 commodities selected are included in the SDCI for the next month on an equally-weighted basis. Due to the dynamic monthly commodity selection, the sector weights will vary from approximately 7% to 43% over time, depending on the price observations each month. The Selection Date for the SDCI is the fifth business day prior to the end of that calendar month.
51
The following graph shows the sector weights of the commodities selected for inclusion in the SDCI as of March 31, 2024.
Contract Selection
For each commodity selected for inclusion into the SDCI for a particular month, the SDCI selects a specific Benchmark Component Futures Contract with a tenor (i.e., contract month) among the eligible tenors (the range of contract months) based upon the relative prices of the Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts within the eligible range of contract months. The previous notwithstanding, the contract expiration is not changed for such month if a contract remains in the SDCI, as long as the contract does not expire or enter its notice period in the subsequent month.
Portfolio Construction
The portfolio rebalancing takes place during the Rebalancing Period. At the end of each of the days in the Rebalancing Period, one fourth of the prior month portfolio positions are replaced by an equally-weighted position in the commodity contracts determined on USCI’s Selection Date. At the end of the Rebalancing Period, the SDCI takes an equal-weight position of approximately 7.14% in each of the selected commodity contracts.
SDCI Total Return Calculation
The value of the SDCI on any business day is equal to the product of (i) the value of the SDCI on the immediately preceding business day multiplied by (ii) one plus the sum of the day’s returns for another version of the SDCI known as the SummerHaven Dynamic Commodity Index Excess Return (“SDCI ER”) (explained below) and one business day’s interest from hypothetical Treasuries. The value of the SDCI is calculated and published by Bloomberg.
SDCI Base Level
The SDCI was set to 100 on January 2, 1991.
52
SDCI ER Calculation
The total return of the SDCI ER reflects the percentage change of the market values of the underlying commodity futures. During the Rebalancing Period, the SDCI changes its contract holdings during a four day period. The value of the SDCI ER at the end of a business day “t” is equal to the SDCI ER value on day “t-1” multiplied by the sum of the daily percentage price changes of each commodity future factoring in each respective commodity future’s notional holding on day “t-1”.
Rebalancing Period
During the Rebalancing Period, existing positions are replaced by new positions based on the signals used for contract selection as outlined above. At the end of Selection Date, the signals are observed and on the first day following Selection Date a new portfolio is constructed that is equally weighted in terms of notional positions in the newly selected contracts.
Hypothetical Performance of the SDCI
The table and chart below show the hypothetical performance of the SDCI from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2024. The composition of the SDCI was revised effective December 24, 2020. Beginning with the commodity selection process that commenced on December 24, 2020, SHIM revised the composition of the SDCI to consolidate the six commodity sectors that comprised the index into five sectors. Specifically, prior to December 24, 2020, the SDCI reflected commodities in six commodity sectors: energy (e.g., crude oil, natural gas, heating oil, etc.), precious metals (e.g., gold, silver platinum), industrial metals (e.g., zinc, nickel, aluminum, copper, etc.), grains (e.g., wheat, corn, soybeans, etc.), softs (e.g., sugar, cotton, coffee, cocoa), and livestock (e.g., live cattle, lean hogs, feeder cattle).
HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS HAVE MANY INHERENT LIMITATIONS, SOME OF WHICH ARE DESCRIBED BELOW. NO REPRESENTATION IS BEING MADE THAT USCI WILL OR IS LIKELY TO ACHIEVE PROFITS OR LOSSES SIMILAR TO THOSE SHOWN. IN FACT, THERE ARE FREQUENTLY SHARP DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS AND THE ACTUAL RESULTS ACHIEVED BY ANY PARTICULAR TRADING PROGRAM.
ONE OF THE LIMITATIONS OF HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS IS THAT THEY ARE GENERALLY PREPARED WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT. IN ADDITION, HYPOTHETICAL TRADING DOES NOT INVOLVE FINANCIAL RISK, AND NO HYPOTHETICAL TRADING RECORD CAN COMPLETELY ACCOUNT FOR THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL RISK IN ACTUAL TRADING.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE ABILITY TO WITHSTAND LOSSES OR TO ADHERE TO A PARTICULAR TRADING PROGRAM IN SPITE OF TRADING LOSSES ARE MATERIAL POINTS WHICH CAN ALSO ADVERSELY AFFECT ACTUAL TRADING RESULTS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER FACTORS RELATED TO THE MARKETS IN GENERAL OR TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ANY SPECIFIC TRADING PROGRAM WHICH CANNOT BE FULLY ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE PREPARATION OF HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS AND ALL OF WHICH CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT ACTUAL TRADING RESULTS.
The performance data does not reflect any reinvestment or distribution of profits, commission charges, management fees or other expenses that would have been incurred in connection with operating and managing a commodity pool designed to track the SDCI. Such fees and expenses would reduce the performance returns shown in the table below.
53
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Hypothetical Performance Results* for the period from
Year Ending 2013 through March 31, 2024 YTD
Year |
| Ending Level* |
| Annual Return |
|
2013 |
| 1,678.73 |
| (2.77) | % |
2014 |
| 1,475.68 |
| (12.10) | % |
2015 |
| 1,265.58 |
| (14.24) | % |
2016 |
| 1,262.46 |
| (0.25) | % |
2017 |
| 1,364.38 |
| 8.07 | % |
2018 |
| 1,221.18 |
| (10.50) | % |
2019 |
| 1,219.05 |
| (0.17) | % |
2020 |
| 1,089.40 |
| (10.64) | % |
2021 |
| 1,468.49 |
| 34.80 | % |
2022 | 1,933.23 | 31.65 | % | ||
2023 | 1,964.25 | 1.60 | % | ||
2024 (YTD) | 2,134.33 | 8.66 | % |
*The “base level” for the SDCI was set at 100 on January 2, 1991. The “Ending Level” represents the value of the components of the SDCI on the last trading day of each year and is used to illustrate the cumulative performance of the SDCI. In addition to the actual performance of the SDCI, this chart includes the hypothetical performance of the SDCI had the changes to the composition of the SDCI, which became effective on December 24, 2020, been effective during the January 1, 2013 through December 24, 2020 period.
54
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
SummerHaven Dynamic Commodity Index Total ReturnSM (“SDCI”) Year-Over-Year Hypothetical
Total Returns (Year Ending 2013 through 3/31/24 YTD)*
*In addition to the actual performance of the SDCI, this chart includes as “SDCI Hypothetical TR” the hypothetical performance of the SDCI had the changes to the composition of the SDCI, which became effective on December 24, 2020, been effective during the January 1, 2013 through December 24, 2020 period.
The following table and chart compare the hypothetical total return of the SDCI in comparison with the actual total return of three major indexes for the period from December 31, 1997 to March 31, 2024.
*PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Hypothetical and Historical Results for the period | |||||||||
| from December 31, 1997 through March 31, 2024 | ||||||||
| S&P GSCI |
| DB LCI OY |
| SDCI TR | ||||
BCOM TR | TR | TR | Actual | ||||||
Total return |
| 49.70 | % | 20.73 | % | 327.99 | % | 848.50 | % |
Average annualized return (total) |
| 3.48 | % | 5.61 | % | 8.51 | % | 11.64 | % |
Annualized volatility |
| 15.94 | % | 22.98 | % | 18.73 | % | 15.36 | % |
Annualized Sharpe ratio |
| 0.08 |
| 0.08 |
| 0.38 | 0.56 | ||
Source: SHIM, Bloomberg
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The table immediately above shows the performance of the SDCI from December 31, 1997 through March 31, 2024 in comparison with three traditional commodities indices: the S&P GSCI Commodity Index (GSCI®) Total Return, Bloomberg Commodity Index Total ReturnSM (“BCOM TR”), and the Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index-Optimum Yield Total ReturnTM (“DB LCI OYTR”). The S&P GSCI® Commodity Index Total Return is a composite index of commodity sector returns representing an unleveraged, long-only investment in commodity futures that is broadly diversified across the spectrum of commodities. The Bloomberg Commodity Index Total ReturnSM is currently composed of futures contracts on a diversified basket of commodities traded on U.S. exchanges. The Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index-Optimum Yield Total ReturnTM is designed to reflect the performance of certain wheat, corn, light sweet crude oil, heating oil, gold and aluminum futures contracts plus the returns from investing in 3-month U.S. Treasury Bills. The data for the SDCI Total Return Index is derived by using the SDCI’s calculation methodology with historical prices for the futures contracts comprising the SDCI. The information about each of the indices comes from publicly-available material about such indices but is not designed to provide a thorough overview of the methodology of each index.
None of the indices has an investment objective identical to the SDCI. As a result, there are inherent limitations in comparing the performance of such indices against the SDCI. For more information about these indices and their methodologies, please refer to the material published by the sponsors of each such index which may be found on their websites. USCI is not responsible for any information found on such websites, and such information is not part of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
In the table above, “Total Return” refers to the return of the relevant index from December 31, 1997 to March 31, 2024; “Annualized Volatility” is a measure of the amount of variation or fluctuation in the returns of the relevant index. Annualized Volatility is calculated by taking the monthly standard deviation of the relevant index’s return and multiplying it by the square root of 12; and “Annualized Sharpe Ratio” is a measure of the total return of each relevant index adjusted by the risk-free interest rate (the 90-Day U.S. Treasury Bill yield) and the volatility of each index. Many investors consider volatility to be a measure of risk, and lower volatility of investment returns is considered a positive investment attribute as opposed to higher volatility. Annualized Sharpe Ratio is a standard measure for investors to compare two different investments or indexes that have different levels of volatility. If two indexes have the same total return, but one has lower Annualized Volatility, then its Annualized Sharpe Ratio will be higher. The higher the Annualized Sharpe Ratio, the better the risk-adjusted performance. Annualized Sharpe Ratio is calculated by taking the average monthly total return of the relevant index and subtracting the then current yield on the 90-Day U.S. Treasury Bill. The annualized return of this series is then divided by the Annualized Volatility of this series, and this result is the Annualized Sharpe Ratio for the relevant index. A higher Sharpe Ratio is not a guarantee that one investment or index will in the future produce better risk adjustment total returns, but USCF believes it is a useful tool for investors to consider when making investment decisions.
The following chart compares the hypothetical total return of the SDCI in comparison with the actual total return of three major indexes between March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2024, where the SDCI TR includes the initial composition of the index until December 24, 2020 when changes to the index composition became effective.
56
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Ten Year Comparison of Index Returns of the BCOM TR,
S&P GSCI TR, DB LCI OY TR, and the Hypothetical Returns of the SDCI TR
(3/31/2014-3/31/2024)
Source: SHIM, Bloomberg
The following chart compares the hypothetical total return of the SDCI in comparison with the actual total return of three major indexes over a five year period, where the SDCI TR includes the initial composition of the index until December 24, 2020 when changes to the index composition became effective.
57
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Five Year Comparison of Index Returns of the BCOM TR,
S&P GSCI TR, DB LCI OY TR, and the Hypothetical Returns of the SDCI TR
(3/31//2019-3/31/2024)
Source: SHIM, Bloomberg
SCI
The SCI is a single-commodity index designed to be an investment benchmark for copper as an asset class. The SCI is composed of copper futures contracts on the COMEX exchange. The SCI attempts to maximize backwardation and minimize contango while utilizing contracts in liquid portions of the futures curve.
The SCI is rules-based and is rebalanced monthly based on observable price signals described below in the section “Contract Selection and Weighting.” In this context, the term “rules-based” is meant to indicate that the composition of the SCI in any given month will be determined by quantitative formulas relating to the prices of the futures contracts that are included in the SCI. Such formulas are not subject to adjustment based on other factors.
The overall return on the SCI is generated by two components: (i) uncollateralized returns from the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts comprising the SCI, and (ii) a daily fixed income return reflecting the interest earned on hypothetical 3-month Treasuries, calculated using the weekly auction rate for 3-Month Treasuries published by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. SHIM is the owner of the SCI.
Table 1 below lists the Futures Exchange on which the Eligible Copper Futures Contracts are listed and quotation details. Table 2 lists the Eligible Copper Futures Contracts, their sector designation and maximum allowable tenor.
58
TABLE 1
Commodity |
| Designated Contract |
| Exchange |
| Units |
| Quote |
Copper |
| Copper |
| COMEX |
| 25,000 lbs |
| U.S. cents/pound |
TABLE 2
Commodity |
|
| Max. | |||
Commodity Name |
| Symbol |
| Allowed Contracts |
| Tenor |
Copper |
| HG |
| All 12 calendar months |
| 12 |
Prior to the end of each month, SHIM determines the composition of the SCI and provides such information to the NYSE Arca. Values of the SCI are computed by the NYSE Arca and disseminated approximately every fifteen (15) seconds from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, which also publishes a daily SCI value at approximately 5:30 p.m., New York City time, under the index ticker symbol “SCI.” Only settlement and last-sale prices are used in the SCI’s calculation, bids and offers are not recognized — including limit-bid and limit-offer price quotes. Where no last-sale price exists, typically in the more deferred contract months, the previous days’ settlement price is used. This means that the underlying SCI may lag its theoretical value. This tendency to lag is evident at the end of the day when the SCI value is based on the settlement prices of the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts, and explains why the underlying SCI often closes at or near the high or low for the day.
Composition of the SCI
The composition of the SCI on any given day, as determined and published by SHIM, is determinative of the benchmark for CPER. Neither the index methodology for the SCI nor any set of procedures, however, are capable of anticipating all possible circumstances and events that may occur with respect to the SCI and the methodology for its composition, weighting and calculation. Accordingly, a number of subjective judgments must be made in connection with the operation of the SCI that cannot be adequately reflected in this description of the SCI. All questions of interpretation with respect to the application of the provisions of the index methodology for the SCI, including any determinations that need to be made in the event of a market emergency or other extraordinary circumstances, will be resolved by SHIM.
Beginning with the commodity selection process that was scheduled to occur on December 31, 2020, the rebalancing period for the SCI changed from the first four business days of each month to the 11th-14th business days of each month, based on signals used for contract selection on the 10th business day of each month, rather than the last business day of each month. In addition, commencing with the first commodity selection date occurring after the change, the SCI was revised as follows: the number of Eligible Copper Futures Contracts was reduced, and the SCI itself is now comprised of one or three Eligible Copper Futures Contracts. Previously, the SCI could have been comprised of two or three Eligible Copper Futures Contracts. These revisions to the composition of the SCI are intended to ensure that the SCI components at any given time represent copper futures contracts for which there is an active and liquid trading market.
Contract Expirations
Because the SCI is comprised of actively traded contracts with scheduled expirations, it can be calculated only by reference to the prices of contracts for specified expiration, delivery or settlement periods, referred to as contract expirations. The contract expirations included in the SCI for each commodity during a given year are designated by SHIM, provided that each contract must be an active contract. An active contract for this purpose is a liquid, actively-traded contract expiration, as defined or identified by the relevant trading facility or, if no such definition or identification is provided by the relevant trading facility, as defined by standard custom and practice in the industry.
If a futures exchange, such as the COMEX, ceases trading in all contract expirations relating to an Eligible Copper Futures Contract, SHIM may designate a replacement contract. The replacement contract must satisfy the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the SCI. To the extent practicable, the replacement will be effected during the next monthly review of the composition of the SCI. If that timing is not practicable, SHIM will determine the date of the replacement based on a number of factors, including the differences between the existing Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contract and the replacement contract with respect to contractual specifications and contract expirations.
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The designation of a replacement contract could affect the value of the SCI, either positively or negatively, depending on the price of the contract that is eliminated and the prices of the replacement contract. It is impossible, however, to predict the effect of these changes, if they occur, on the value of the SCI.
Contract Selection and Weighting
Weights for each of the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts are determined for the next month. The methodology used to calculate the SCI weighting is based solely on quantitative data using observable futures prices and is not subject to human bias.
The monthly weighting selection is a process based upon examination of the relevant futures prices for copper:
| 1) | On CPER’s Selection Date (“CPER’s Selection Date”): |
| a) | the copper futures curve is assessed to be in either backwardation or contango (as discussed below); and |
| b) | the Three Eligible Copper Futures Contracts are identified. For each month, the Three Eligible Copper Futures Contracts are as follows |
Month |
| January |
| February |
| March |
| April |
| May |
| June |
| July |
| August |
| September |
| October |
| November |
| December |
Closest to Expiration Futures Contract | Mar | Mar | May |
| May | Jul | Jul |
| Sep | Sep | Dec | Dec | Dec | Mar | ||||||||||
Eligible Futures Contracts |
| Mar |
| May |
| May |
| Jul |
| Jul |
| Sep |
| Sep |
| Dec |
| Dec |
| Dec |
| Mar |
| Mar |
| May |
| July |
| July |
| Sep |
| Sep |
| Dec |
| Dec |
| Mar |
| Mar |
| Mar |
| May |
| May | |
| July |
| Sep |
| Sep |
| Dec |
| Dec |
| Mar |
| Mar |
| May |
| May |
| May |
| Jul |
| Jul |
A futures curve in backwardation occurs when the price of the closest-to-expiration Eligible Copper Futures Contract is greater than or equal to the price of the next closest-to-expiration Eligible Copper Futures Contract. These contracts will have expirations that are approximately two or three months apart. A curve not in backwardation is defined as being in contango, which occurs when the price of the closest-to-expiration contract is less than the price of the next closest-to-expiration contract.
2a) Backwardation: If the copper futures curve is in backwardation on the Selection Date, the SCI takes positions in the first Eligible Copper Futures Contract, weighted at 100%.
A hypothetical example is included below, with the selected Eligible Copper Futures Contract shaded below:
Copper Futures Contract |
| Expiration Date |
| Contract Price |
Nearest-to-maturity |
| December-10 |
| 374.70 |
Next nearest-to-maturity |
| March-11 |
| 365.20 |
Eligible Copper Futures Contracts |
| Price |
December-10 | 374.70 |
2b) Contango: If the copper futures curve is in contango, then the SCI takes positions in first three Eligible Copper Futures Contracts, each position is weighted at 33.33%.
A hypothetical example is included below, with the three selected Eligible Copper Futures Contracts indicated below:
Copper Futures Contract |
| Expiration Date |
| Contract Price |
Nearest-to-maturity |
| December-10 |
| 374.00 |
Next nearest-to-maturity |
| March-11 |
| 375.70 |
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Eligible Copper Futures Contracts |
| Price |
December-10 | 374.00 | |
March-11 |
| 375.70 |
May-11 |
| 376.30 |
Due to the dynamic monthly weighting calculation, the individual weights will vary-over time, depending on the price observations each month. CPER’s Selection Date for the SCI is the 10th business day of the calendar month.
The following graph shows the weights of the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts selected for inclusion in the SCI as of March 31, 2024.
Portfolio Construction
The portfolio rebalancing takes place during the Rebalancing Period. At the end of each of the days in the Rebalancing Period one fourth of the prior month portfolio positions are replaced by the new weights for the Benchmark Component Copper Futures Contracts determined on CPER’s Selection Date.
SCI Total Return Calculation
The value of the SCI on any business day is equal to the product of (i) the value of the SCI on the immediately preceding business day multiplied by (ii) one plus the sum of the day’s returns for another version of the SCI known as the SummerHaven Dynamic Copper Index Excess Return (“SCI ER”) (explained below) and one business day’s interest from the hypothetical Treasury Bill portfolio. The value of the SCI will be calculated and published by the NYSE Arca.
SCI Base Level
The SCI was set to 100 on January 2, 1991.
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SCI ER Calculation
The total return of the SCI ER reflects the percentage change of the market values of the underlying commodity futures. During the Rebalancing Period, the SCI changes its contract holdings and weightings during a four day period. The value of the SCI ER at the end of a business day “t” is equal to the SCI ER value on day “t-1” multiplied by the sum of the daily percentage price changes of each commodity future factoring in each respective commodity future’s notional holding on day “t-1”.
Rebalancing Period
The SCI is rebalanced during the 11th-14th business days of each month, based on signals used for contract selection on the 10th business day of each month, when existing positions are placed by new positions and weightings based on the signals used for contract selection on the prior calendar month as outlined above.
Hypothetical Performance of the SCI
The table and chart below show the hypothetical performance of the SCI from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2024.
HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS HAVE MANY INHERENT LIMITATIONS, SOME OF WHICH ARE DESCRIBED BELOW. NO REPRESENTATION IS BEING MADE THAT CPER WILL OR IS LIKELY TO ACHIEVE PROFITS OR LOSSES SIMILAR TO THOSE SHOWN. IN FACT, THERE ARE FREQUENTLY SHARP DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS AND THE ACTUAL RESULTS ACHIEVED BY ANY PARTICULAR TRADING PROGRAM.
ONE OF THE LIMITATIONS OF HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS IS THAT THEY ARE GENERALLY PREPARED WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT. IN ADDITION, HYPOTHETICAL TRADING DOES NOT INVOLVE FINANCIAL RISK, AND NO HYPOTHETICAL TRADING RECORD CAN COMPLETELY ACCOUNT FOR THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL RISK IN ACTUAL TRADING. FOR EXAMPLE, THE ABILITY TO WITHSTAND LOSSES OR TO ADHERE TO A PARTICULAR TRADING PROGRAM IN SPITE OF TRADING LOSSES ARE MATERIAL POINTS WHICH CAN ALSO ADVERSELY AFFECT ACTUAL TRADING RESULTS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER FACTORS RELATED TO THE MARKETS IN GENERAL OR TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ANY SPECIFIC TRADING PROGRAM WHICH CANNOT BE FULLY ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE PREPARATION OF HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS AND ALL OF WHICH CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT ACTUAL TRADING RESULTS.
The performance data does not reflect any reinvestment or distribution profits, commission charges, management fees or other expenses that would have been incurred in connection with operating and managing a commodity pool designed to track the SCI. Such fees and expenses would reduce the performance returns shown in the table below.
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PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Hypothetical Performance Results* for the period from Year
Ending 2014 through March 31, 2024 YTD
Year |
| Ending Level* |
| Annual Return |
|
2014 |
| 937.33 |
| (15.88) | % |
2015 |
| 704.39 |
| (24.85) | % |
2016 |
| 815.94 |
| 15.84 | % |
2017 |
| 1,069.01 |
| 31.02 | % |
2018 |
| 842.94 |
| (21.15) | % |
2019 |
| 905.32 |
| 7.40 | % |
2020 | 1,124.23 | 24.18 | % | ||
2021 | 1,422.52 | 26.53 | % | ||
2022 | 1,222.97 | (14.03) | % | ||
2023 | 1,294.82 | 5.88 | % | ||
2024 (YTD) | 1,350.04 | 4.26 | % |
* The “base level” for the SCI was set at 100 on January 2, 1991. The “Ending Level” represents the value of the components of the SCI on the last trading day of each year and is used to illustrate the cumulative performance of the SCI.
*PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
SummerHaven Copper Index (“SCI”) Year-Over-Year
Hypothetical Total Returns (Year Ending 2014 through 3/31/2024 YTD)
Source: SummerHaven Index Management, Bloomberg
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The following table compares the total return of the SCI in comparison with the total return a major index and spot copper prices (less storage cost) from December 31, 1997 through March 31, 2024.
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Hypothetical and Historical Results for the period | |||||||
from December 31, 1997 through March 31, 2024 | |||||||
BCOM | Spot Copper | SCI TR | |||||
| HG TR |
| (less storage) |
| Actual | ||
Total return |
| 465.20 | % | 144.05 | % | 762.10 | % |
Average annualized return (total) |
| 12.18 | % | 8.56 | % | 14.30 | % |
Annualized volatility |
| 25.23 | % | 24.38 | % | 24.75 | % |
Annualized Sharpe ratio |
| 0.39 |
| 0.26 |
| 0.48 |
|
Source: SHIM, Bloomberg
The table above shows the performance of the SCI from December 31, 1997 through March 31, 2024 in comparison with a traditional commodity index and spot copper prices: the Bloomberg Copper Subindex Total ReturnSM and spot copper prices less warehouse storage rents. The Bloomberg Copper Subindex Total ReturnSM includes the contract in the Bloomberg Commodity Index Total Return that relates to a single commodity, copper (currently the Copper High Grade futures contract traded on the COMEX). The data for the SCI Total Return Index is derived by using the SCI’s calculation methodology with historical prices for the futures contracts comprising the SCI. The information about the index above comes from publicly-available material about such index but is not designed to provide a thorough overview of the methodology of such index. The index noted above does not have investment objectives identical to the SCI. As a result, there are inherent limitations in comparing such performance against the SCI. For more information about the index and its methodologies, please refer to the material published by the sponsor of the Bloomberg Copper Subindex Total Return which may be found on its website. In addition to the actual performance of the SCI, this chart includes as “SCI Hypothetical TR” the hypothetical performance of the SCI had the changes to the composition of the SCI, which became effective on January 1, 2021, been effective during the period from December 31, 1997 through December 31, 2020. USCF is not responsible for any information found on such website, and such information is not part of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
In the table above, “Total Return” refers to the return of the relevant index from December 31, 1997 to March 31, 2024; “Annualized Volatility” is a measure of the amount of variation or fluctuation in the returns of the relevant index. Annualized Volatility is calculated by taking the monthly standard deviation of the relevant index’s return and multiplying it by the square root of 12; and “Annualized Sharpe Ratio” is a measure of the total return of each relevant index adjusted by the risk-free interest rate (the 90-Day U.S. Treasury Bill yield) and the volatility of each index. Many investors consider volatility to be a measure of risk, and lower volatility of investment returns is considered a positive investment attribute as opposed to higher volatility. Annualized Sharpe Ratio is a standard measure for investors to compare two different investments or indexes that have different levels of volatility. If two indexes have the same total return, but one has lower Annualized Volatility, then its Annualized Sharpe Ratio will be higher. The higher the Annualized Sharpe Ratio, the better the risk-adjusted performance. Annualized Sharpe Ratio is calculated by taking the average monthly total return of the relevant index and subtracting the then current yield on the 90-Day U.S. Treasury Bill. The annualized return of this series is then divided by the Annualized Volatility of this series, and this result is the Annualized Sharpe Ratio for the relevant index. A higher Sharpe Ratio is not a guarantee that one investment or index will in the future produce better risk adjustment total returns, but USCF believes it is a useful tool for investors to consider when making investment decisions.
64
The following chart compares the hypothetical total return of the SCI in comparison with the actual return of three major indexes between March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2024, where the SCI includes the original composition of the index until the changes described above and became effective on January 1, 2021, from which point then the revised composition of the index is included.
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Ten Year Comparison of Index Returns of
BCOM Copper TR, Spot Copper Price, Spot Copper Price less Storage Cost, and the
Hypothetical Returns of the SCI TR (3/31/2014-3/31/2024)
Source: SHIM, Bloomberg, LME
65
The following chart compares the hypothetical total return of the SCI in comparison with the actual total return of two major indices and spot copper prices (less storage cost) over a five year period, where the SCI includes the original composition of the index until the changes described above and became effective on January 1, 2021, from which point then the revised composition of the index is included.
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Five Year Comparison of Index Returns of
BCOM Copper TR, Spot Copper Price, Spot Copper Price less Storage Cost, and the
Hypothetical Returns of the SCI TR (3/31/2019-3/31/2024)
Source: SHIM, Bloomberg, LME
Critical Accounting Policies
Preparation of the condensed financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the application of appropriate accounting rules and guidance, as well as the use of estimates. The Trust’s application of these policies involves judgments and actual results may differ from the estimates used.
66
USCF has evaluated the nature and types of estimates that it makes in preparing the Trust’s condensed financial statements and related disclosures and has determined that the valuation of Applicable Interests, which are not traded on a United States or internationally recognized futures exchange (such as forward contracts and OTC swaps) involves a critical accounting policy. The values which are used by each Trust Series for its Futures Contracts are provided by its commodity broker who uses market prices when available, while OTC swaps are valued based on the present value of estimated future cash flows that would be received from or paid to a third party in settlement of these derivative contracts prior to their delivery date and valued on a daily basis. In addition, each Trust Series estimates interest income on a daily basis using prevailing rates earned on its cash and cash equivalents. These estimates are adjusted to the actual amount received on a monthly basis and the difference, if any, is not considered material.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
None of the Trust Series has made, and does not anticipate making, use of borrowings or other lines of credit to meet its obligations. Each Trust Series has met, and it is anticipated that each Trust Series will continue to meet, its liquidity needs in the normal course of business from the proceeds of the sale of its investments, or from the Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents that it intends to hold at all times. Each Trust Series’ liquidity needs include: redeeming shares, providing margin deposits for its existing Futures Contracts or the purchase of additional Futures Contracts and posting collateral for its OTC swaps, if applicable, and payment of its expenses, summarized below under “Contractual Obligations.”
Each Trust Series currently generates cash primarily from: (i) the sale of Creation Baskets and (ii) income earned on Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents. Each Trust Series has allocated substantially all of its net assets to trading in Applicable Interests. Each Trust Series invests in Applicable Interests to the fullest extent possible without being leveraged or unable to satisfy its current or potential margin or collateral obligations with respect to its investments in Applicable Interests. A significant portion of each Trust Series’ NAV is held in Treasuries, cash and cash equivalents that are used as margin and as collateral for its trading in Applicable Interests. The balance of the assets is held in each Trust Series’ account at the Custodian and in Treasuries at one or more FCMs. Income received from any investments in money market funds and Treasuries by a Trust Series will be paid to such Trust Series. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, each Trust Series’ income earned and the cash earned from the sale of Creation Baskets and the redemption of Redemption Baskets exceeded the expenses.
Each Trust Series’ investments in Applicable Interests may be subject to periods of illiquidity because of market conditions, regulatory considerations and other reasons. For example, most commodity exchanges limit the fluctuations in futures contracts 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 has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in the contracts can neither be taken nor liquidated unless the traders are willing to effect trades at or within the specified daily limit. Such market conditions could prevent a Trust Series from promptly liquidating its positions in Futures Contracts. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, none of the Trust Series purchased or liquidated any of its positions while daily limits were in effect; however, no Trust Series can predict whether such an event may occur in the future.
Prior to the initial offering of each Trust Series, all payments with respect to each Trust Series’ expenses are paid by USCF. None of the Trust Series has an obligation or intention to refund such payments made by USCF. USCF is under no obligation to pay any Trust Series’ future expenses. Since the initial offering of shares, each Trust Series has been responsible for expenses relating to: (i) management fees, (ii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iii) ongoing registration expenses in connection with offers and sales of its shares subsequent to the initial offering, (iv) other expenses, including tax reporting costs, (v) the fees of the Trustee in connection with its services as Delaware trustee of the Trust, (vi) fees and expenses of the independent directors of USCF and (vii) other extraordinary expenses not in the ordinary course of business, while USCF has been responsible for expenses relating to the fees of the Trust Series’ Marketing Agent, Administrator and Custodian, the trading advisory and licensing fees of SummerHaven and offering expenses relating to the initial offering of shares of each Trust Series. If USCF and each Trust Series are unsuccessful in raising sufficient funds to cover these respective expenses or in locating any other source of funding, one or more of the Trust Series could terminate and investors may lose all or part of their investment.
67
Market Risk
Trading in Applicable Interests, such as Futures Contracts, involves each Trust Series entering into contractual commitments to purchase or sell specified amounts of commodities at a specified date in the future. The aggregate market value of the contracts will significantly exceed each Trust Series’ future cash requirements since each Trust Series intends to close out its open positions prior to settlement. As a result, each Trust Series is generally only subject to the risk of loss arising from the change in value of the contracts. Each Trust Series considers the “fair value” of its derivative instruments to be the unrealized gain or loss on the contracts. The market risk associated with each Trust Series’ commitments to purchase a specific commodity will be limited to the aggregate market value of the contracts held.
Each Trust Series’ exposure to market risk depends on a number of factors, including the markets for commodities, the volatility of interest rates and foreign exchange rates, the liquidity of the Applicable Interest markets and the relationships among the contracts held by each such Trust Series. The limited experience that each Trust Series has had in utilizing its model to trade in Applicable Interests in a manner intended to track the changes in the Applicable Index, as well as drastic market occurrences, could ultimately lead to the loss of all or substantially all of an investor’s capital.
Credit Risk
When a Trust Series enters into Futures Contracts and Other Related Investments, it is exposed to the credit risk that the counterparty will not be able to meet its obligations. The counterparty for the Futures Contracts traded on the Futures Exchanges is the clearinghouse associated with the particular exchange. In general, in addition to margin required to be posted by the clearinghouse in connection with cleared trades, clearinghouses are backed by their members who may be required to share in the financial burden resulting from the nonperformance of one of their members and, therefore, this additional member support should significantly reduce credit risk. The Trust Series are not currently a member of any clearinghouse. Some foreign exchanges are not backed by their clearinghouse members but may be backed by a consortium of banks or other financial institutions. There can be no assurance that any counterparty, clearinghouse, or their members or their financial backers will satisfy their obligations to a Trust Series in such circumstances.
USCF attempts to manage the credit risk of each Trust Series by following various trading limitations and policies. In particular, each Trust Series generally posts margin and/or holds liquid assets that are approximately equal to the market value of its obligations to counterparties under the Futures Contracts and Other Related Investments it holds. USCF has implemented procedures that include, but are not limited to, executing and clearing trades and entering into OTC transactions only with creditworthy parties and/or requiring the posting of collateral or margin by such parties for the benefit of each Trust Series to limit its credit exposure. Each Trust Series’ commodity broker, or any other broker that may be retained by a Trust Series in the future, when acting as the Trust Series’ FCM in accepting orders to purchase or sell Futures Contracts on United States exchanges, is required by CFTC regulations to separately account for and segregate as belonging to a Trust Series, all assets of a Trust Series relating to domestic Futures Contracts trading. FCMs are not allowed to commingle a Trust Series’ assets with their other assets. In addition, the CFTC requires FCMs to hold in a secure account a Trust Series’ assets related to foreign Futures Contracts trading. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, USCI made investments on the London Metal Exchange. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, CPER made investments on the London Metal Exchange. In the future, a Trust Series may purchase OTC swaps, see “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of OTC swaps.
As of March 31, 2024, each of USCI and CPER held cash deposits and investments in Treasuries and money market funds in the amount of $165,806,890 and $149,717,811, respectively, with the custodian and FCMs. Some or all of these amounts held by a custodian or an FCM, as applicable, may be subject to loss should the Trust Series’ custodian or FCMs, as applicable, cease operations.
Off Balance Sheet Financing
As of March 31, 2024, neither the Trust nor any Trust Series had any loan guarantee, credit support or other off-balance sheet arrangements of any kind other than agreements entered into in the normal course of business, which may include indemnification provisions relating to certain risks that service providers undertake in performing services which are in the best interests of any Trust Series. While each Trust Series’ exposure under these indemnification provisions cannot be estimated, they are not expected to have a material impact on any Trust Series’ financial position.
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Redemption Basket Obligation
In order to meet its investment objective and pay its contractual obligations described below, each Trust Series requires liquidity to redeem shares, which redemptions must be in blocks of 50,000 shares called “Redemption Baskets.” Each Trust Series has to date satisfied this obligation by paying from the cash or cash equivalents it holds or through the sale of its Treasuries in an amount proportionate to the number of shares being redeemed.
Contractual Obligations
The Trust’s (and each series thereunder) primary contractual obligations are with USCF and certain other service providers. In return for its services, USCF is entitled to a management fee calculated as a fixed percentage of a Trust Series’ NAV. The management fee payable to USCF is 0.80% (80 basis points) per annum of average daily total net assets for USCI and 0.65% (65 basis points) per annum of average daily total net assets for CPER. Ongoing fees, costs and expenses of its operation for which a Trust Series is responsible include:
| ● | brokerage and other fees and commissions incurred in connection with the trading activities of each Trust Series; |
| ● | expenses incurred in connection with registering additional shares of each Trust Series or offering shares of each Trust Series after the time any shares of each Trust Series have begun trading on the NYSE Arca; |
| ● | the routine expenses associated with distribution, including printing and mailing, of any monthly, annual and other reports to shareholders required by applicable U.S. federal and state regulatory authorities; |
| ● | payment for routine services of the Trustee, legal counsel and independent accountants; |
| ● | payment for fees associated with tax accounting and reporting, routine accounting, bookkeeping, whether performed by an outside service provider or by affiliates of USCF; |
| ● | postage and insurance, including directors’ and officers’ liability insurance; |
| ● | costs and expenses associated with investor relations and services; |
| ● | the payment of any distributions related to redemption of shares; |
| ● | payment of all federal, state, local or foreign taxes payable on the income, assets or operations of each Trust Series and the preparation of all tax returns related thereto; and |
| ● | extraordinary expenses (including, but not limited to, indemnification of any person against liabilities and obligations to the extent permitted by law and required under the Trust Agreement and the bringing and defending of actions at law or in equity and otherwise engaging in the conduct of litigation and the incurring of legal expense and the settlement of claims and litigation). |
While USCF has agreed to pay registration fees to the SEC, FINRA, NYSE Arca or any other regulatory agency or exchange in connection with the initial offer and sale of the shares and the legal, printing, accounting and other expenses associated with such registration, each Trust Series is responsible for any registration fees and related expenses incurred in connection with any subsequent offer and sale of its shares after the initial offering of shares. In addition, any Trust Series, in its Registration Statement, may provide for different allocation of expenses among the Sponsor and such Trust Series, in each case solely with respect to such Trust Series.
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Each Trust Series pays its own brokerage and other transaction costs. Each Trust Series pays fees to FCMs in connection with its transactions in Futures Contracts. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, FCM fees were approximately 0.09% of average daily total net assets for USCI, and approximately 0.02% of average daily total net assets for CPER. In general, transaction costs on OTC Applicable Interests and on Treasuries and other short-term securities are embedded in the purchase or sale price of the instrument being purchased or sold, and may not readily be estimated. USCF had voluntarily agreed to pay certain expenses normally borne by USCI to the extent that such expenses exceeded 0.15% (15 basis points) of USCI’s NAV, on an annualized basis, through June 30, 2011 when such expense waiver was terminated. USCF voluntarily agreed to pay certain expenses typically borne by CPER to the extent that such expenses exceed 0.15% (15 basis points) of CPER’s NAV, on an annualized basis. USCF terminated such expense waiver as of April 30, 2021. As a result, the Annual Fund Operating Expenses increased, which would negatively impact your total return from an investment in CPER. This voluntary expense waiver was in addition to those amounts USCF is contractually obligated to pay as described in Note 5 to the condensed financial statements of the Trust and terminated on April 30, 2021.
The parties cannot anticipate the amount of payments that will be required under these arrangements for future periods, as each Trust Series’ NAVs and trading levels to meet its investment objective will not be known until a future date. These agreements are effective for a specific term agreed upon by the parties with an option to renew, or, in some cases, are in effect for the duration of a Trust Series’ existence. Either party may terminate these agreements earlier for certain reasons described in the agreements.
As of March 31, 2024, USCI’s portfolio consisted of 2,944 Futures Contracts traded on the Futures Exchanges and CPER’s portfolio consisted of 1,552 Futures Contracts traded on the COMEX. For a list of each of USCI’s and CPER’s current holdings, please see www.uscfinvestments.com.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Commodity Price Risk.
USCI and CPER are exposed to commodity price risk. In particular, each Trust Series is exposed to commodity risk of the commodities that comprise the Applicable Index for such Trust Series through its holdings of Futures Contracts together with any other derivatives in which it may invest, which are discussed below. As a result, fluctuations in the value of the Futures Contracts that each Trust Series holds in its portfolio, as described in “Contractual Obligations” under “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” above, are expected to directly affect the value of the Trust Series.
OTC Contract Risk
USCI and CPER may purchase OTC Commodity-Related Interests and Copper-Related Interests, such as forward contracts or swap or spot contracts. Unlike most exchange-traded futures contracts or exchange-traded options on such futures, each party to an OTC swap bears the credit risk that the other party may not be able to perform its obligations under its contract.
The Trust, on behalf of each Trust Series, may enter into certain transactions where an OTC component is exchanged for a corresponding futures contract (“Exchange for Related Position” or “EFRP” transactions). In the most common type of EFRP transaction entered into by the Trust, the OTC component is the purchase or sale of one or more baskets of a Trust Series shares. These EFRP transactions may expose a Trust Series to counterparty risk during the interim period between the execution of the OTC component and the exchange for a corresponding futures contract. Generally, the counterparty risk from the EFRP transaction will exist only on the day of execution.
Swap transactions, like other financial transactions, involve a variety of significant risks. The specific risks presented by a particular swap transaction necessarily depend upon the terms and circumstances of the transaction. In general, however, all swap transactions involve some combination of market risk, credit risk, counterparty credit risk, funding risk, liquidity risk and operational risk.
Highly customized swap transactions in particular may increase liquidity risk, which may result in a suspension of redemptions. Highly leveraged transactions may experience substantial gains or losses in value as a result of relatively small changes in the value or level of an underlying or related market factor.
In evaluating the risks and contractual obligations associated with a particular swap transaction, it is important to consider that a swap transaction may be modified or terminated only by mutual consent of the original parties and subject to agreement on individually negotiated terms. Therefore, it may not be possible for USCF to modify, terminate or offset a Trust Series’ obligations or its exposure to the risks associated with a transaction prior to its scheduled termination date.
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To reduce the credit risk that arises in connection with such contracts, a Trust Series will generally enter into an agreement with each counterparty based on the Master Agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association that provides for the netting of its overall exposure to its counterparty, if the counterparty is unable to meet its obligations to the Trust Series due to the occurrence of a specified event, such as the insolvency of the counterparty.
A Trust Series assesses or reviews, as appropriate, the creditworthiness of each potential or existing counterparty to an OTC contract pursuant to guidelines approved by USCF’s board of directors (the “Board”). Furthermore, USCF on behalf of a Trust Series only enters into OTC swaps with counterparties who are, or are affiliates of, (a) banks regulated by a United States federal bank regulator, (b) broker-dealers regulated by the SEC, (c) insurance companies domiciled in the United States, or (d) producers, users or traders of energy, whether or not regulated by the CFTC. Any entity acting as a counterparty shall be regulated in either the United States or the United Kingdom unless otherwise approved by the Board after consultation with its legal counsel. Existing counterparties are also reviewed periodically by USCF. A Trust Series will also require that the counterparty be highly rated and/or provide collateral or other credit support. Even if collateral is used to reduce counterparty credit risk, sudden changes in the value of OTC transactions may leave a party open to financial risk due to a counterparty default since the collateral held may not cover a party’s exposure on the transaction in such situations.
In general, valuing OTC derivatives is less certain than valuing actively traded financial instruments such as exchange-traded futures contracts and securities or cleared swaps because the price and terms on which such OTC derivatives are entered into or can be terminated are individually negotiated, and those prices and terms may not reflect the best price or terms available from other sources. In addition, while market makers and dealers generally quote indicative prices or terms for entering into or terminating OTC swaps, they typically are not contractually obligated to do so, particularly if they are not a party to the transaction. As a result, it may be difficult to obtain an independent value for an outstanding OTC derivatives transaction.
During the three-month reporting period ended March 31, 2024, no Trust Series had any OTC activities.
Each Trust Series anticipates that the use of Other Related Investments together with its investments in Futures Contracts will produce price and total return results that closely track the investment goals of such Trust Series. However, there can be no assurance of this. OTC swaps may result in higher transaction-related expenses than the brokerage commissions paid in connection with the purchase of Futures Contracts, which may impact a Trust Series’ ability to successfully track its Applicable Index.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Trust and each Trust Series maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Trust’s periodic reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) rules and forms.
The duly appointed officers of USCF, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, who perform functions equivalent to those of a principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Trust if the Trust had any officers, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Trust’s and each Trust Series’ disclosure controls and procedures and have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures of the Trust and each Trust Series have been effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Change in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Trust’s or any Trust Series’ internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Trust’s or any Trust Series’ internal control over financial reporting.
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Certifications
The certifications by the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of the Trust required by Section 302 and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which are filed or furnished as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, apply both to the Trust taken as a whole and each Trust Series, and the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of the Trust are certifying both as to the Trust taken as a whole and each Trust Series.
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Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, a Trust Series may be involved in legal proceedings arising primarily from the ordinary course of its business. None of the Trust Series is currently party to any material legal proceedings. In addition, USCF, as sponsor of the Trust and general partner of the Related Public Funds may, from time to time, be involved in litigation arising out of its operations in the ordinary course of its business. Except as described herein, USCF is not currently party to any material legal proceedings.
Optimum Strategies Action
On April 6, 2022, USO and USCF were named as defendants in an action filed by Optimum Strategies Fund I, LP, a purported investor in call option contracts on USO (the “Optimum Strategies Action”). The action was in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut at Civil Action No. 3:22-cv-00511.
The Optimum Strategies Action asserted claims under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), Rule 10b-5 thereunder, and the Connecticut Uniform Securities Act (“CUSA”). It purported to challenge statements in registration statements that became effective in February 2020, March 2020, and on April 20, 2020, as well as public statements between February 2020 and May 2020, in connection with certain extraordinary market conditions and the attendant risks that caused the demand for oil to fall precipitously, including the COVID-19 global pandemic and the Saudi Arabia-Russia oil price war. The complaint was seeking damages, interest, costs, attorney’s fees, and equitable relief.
On March 15, 2023, the court granted the USO defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint. In its ruling, the court granted the USO defendants' motion to dismiss, with prejudice, the plaintiff’s claims under Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, and a claim for control person liability under Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. Having dismissed all claims over which the court had original jurisdiction, the court declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the plaintiff’s state law claim under CUSA and dismissed the claim without prejudice. No notice of appeal was filed.
Settlement of SEC and CFTC Investigations
On November 8, 2021, USCF and USO announced a resolution with each of the SEC and the CFTC relating to matters set forth in certain Wells Notices issued by the staffs of each of the SEC and CFTC as more fully described below.
On August 17, 2020, USCF, USO, and John Love received a “Wells Notice” from the staff of the SEC (the “SEC Wells Notice”). The SEC Wells Notice stated that the SEC staff made a preliminary determination to recommend that the SEC file an enforcement action against USCF, USO, and Mr. Love alleging violations of Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and Rule 10b-5 thereunder.
Subsequently, on August 19, 2020, USCF, USO, and Mr. Love received a Wells Notice from the staff of the CFTC (the “CFTC Wells Notice”). The CFTC Wells Notice stated that the CFTC staff made a preliminary determination to recommend that the CFTC file an enforcement action against USCF, USO, and Mr. Love alleging violations of Sections 4o(1)(A) and (B) and 6(c)(1) of the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended (the “CEA”), 7 U.S.C. §§ 6o(1)(A) and (B) and 9(1) (2018), and CFTC Regulations 4.26, 4.41, and 180.1(a), 17 C.F.R. §§ 4.26, 4.41, 180.1(a) (2019).
On November 8, 2021, acting pursuant to an offer of settlement submitted by USCF and USO, the SEC issued an order instituting cease-and-desist proceedings, making findings, and imposing a cease-and-desist order pursuant to Section 8A of the 1933 Act, directing USCF and USO to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations of Section 17(a)(3) of the 1933 Act, 15 U.S.C. § 77q(a)(3) (the “SEC Order”). In the SEC Order, the SEC made findings that, from April 24, 2020 to May 21, 2020, USCF and USO violated Section 17(a)(3) of 1933 Act, which provides that it is “unlawful for any person in the offer or sale of any securities to engage in any transaction, practice, or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon the purchaser.” USCF and USO consented to entry of the SEC Order without admitting or denying the findings contained therein, except as to jurisdiction.
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Separately, on November 8, 2021, acting pursuant to an offer of settlement submitted by USCF, the CFTC issued an order instituting cease-and-desist proceedings, making findings, and imposing a cease-and-desist order pursuant to Section 6(c) and (d) of the CEA, directing USCF to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations of Section 4o(1)(B) of the CEA, 7 U.S.C. § 6o(1) (B), and CFTC Regulation 4.41(a)(2), 17 C.F.R. § 4.41(a)(2) (the “CFTC Order”). In the CFTC Order, the CFTC made findings that, from on or about April 22, 2020 to June 12, 2020, USCF violated Section 4o(1)(B) of the CEA and CFTC Regulation 4.41(a)(2), which make it unlawful for any commodity pool operator (“CPO”) to engage in “any transaction, practice, or course of business which operates as a fraud or deceit upon any client or participant or prospective client or participant” and prohibit a CPO from advertising in a manner which “operates as a fraud or deceit upon any client or participant or prospective client or participant,” respectively. USCF consented to entry of the CFTC Order without admitting or denying the findings contained therein, except as to jurisdiction.
Pursuant to the SEC Order and the CFTC Order, in addition to the command to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations of Section 17(a)(3) of the 1933 Act, Section 4o(1)(B) of the CEA, and CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(2), civil monetary penalties totaling two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) in the aggregate were required to be paid to the SEC and CFTC, of which one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,250,000) was paid by USCF to each of the SEC and the CFTC, respectively, pursuant to the offsets permitted under the orders.
In re: United States Oil Fund, LP Securities Litigation
On June 19, 2020, USCF, USO, John P. Love, and Stuart P. Crumbaugh were named as defendants in a putative class action filed by purported shareholder Robert Lucas (the “Lucas Class Action”). The Court thereafter consolidated the Lucas Class Action with two related putative class actions filed on July 31, 2020 and August 13, 2020, and appointed a lead plaintiff. The consolidated class action is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York under the caption In re: United States Oil Fund, LP Securities Litigation, Civil Action No. 1:20-cv-04740.
On November 30, 2020, the lead plaintiff filed an amended complaint (the “Amended Lucas Class Complaint”). The Amended Lucas Class Complaint asserts claims under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, and Rule 10b-5. The Amended Lucas Class Complaint challenges statements in registration statements that became effective on February 25, 2020 and March 23, 2020 as well as subsequent public statements through April 2020 concerning certain extraordinary market conditions and the attendant risks that caused the demand for oil to fall precipitously, including the COVID-19 global pandemic and the Saudi Arabia-Russia oil price war. The Amended Lucas Class Complaint purports to have been brought by an investor in USO on behalf of a class of similarly-situated shareholders who purchased USO securities between February 25, 2020 and April 28, 2020 and pursuant to the challenged registration statements. The Amended Lucas Class Complaint seeks to certify a class and to award the class compensatory damages at an amount to be determined at trial as well as costs and attorney’s fees. The Amended Lucas Class Complaint named as defendants USCF, USO, John P. Love, Stuart P. Crumbaugh, Nicholas D. Gerber, Andrew F Ngim, Robert L. Nguyen, Peter M. Robinson, Gordon L. Ellis, and Malcolm R. Fobes III, as well as the marketing agent, ALPS Distributors, Inc., and the Authorized Participants: ABN Amro, BNP Paribas Securities Corporation, Citadel Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Credit Suisse Securities USA LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman Sachs & Company, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corporation, Morgan Stanley & Company Inc., Nomura Securities International Inc., RBC Capital Markets LLC, SG Americas Securities LLC, UBS Securities LLC, and Virtu Financial BD LLC.
The lead plaintiff has filed a notice of voluntary dismissal of its claims against BNP Paribas Securities Corporation, Citadel Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities USA LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Morgan Stanley & Company, Inc., Nomura Securities International, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, SG Americas Securities LLC, and UBS Securities LLC.
USCF, USO, and the individual defendants in In re: United States Oil Fund, LP Securities Litigation intend to vigorously contest such claims and have moved for their dismissal.
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Wang Class Action
On July 10, 2020, purported shareholder Momo Wang filed a putative class action complaint, individually and on behalf of others similarly situated, against defendants USO, USCF, John P. Love, Stuart P. Crumbaugh, Nicholas D. Gerber, Andrew F Ngim, Robert L. Nguyen, Peter M. Robinson, Gordon L. Ellis, Malcolm R. Fobes, III, ABN Amro, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Citadel Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities USA LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman Sachs & Company, JP Morgan Securities Inc., Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp., Morgan Stanley & Company Inc., Nomura Securities International Inc., RBC Capital Markets LLC, SG Americas Securities LLC, UBS Securities LLC, and Virtu Financial BD LLC, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California as Civil Action No. 3:20-cv-4596 (the “Wang Class Action”).
The Wang Class Action asserted federal securities claims under the 1933 Act, challenging disclosures in a March 19, 2020 registration statement. It alleged that the defendants failed to disclose to investors in USO certain extraordinary market conditions and the attendant risks that caused the demand for oil to fall precipitously, including the COVID-19 global pandemic and the Saudi Arabia-Russia oil price war. The Wang Class Action was voluntarily dismissed on August 4, 2020.
Mehan Action
On August 10, 2020, purported shareholder Darshan Mehan filed a derivative action on behalf of nominal defendant USO, against defendants USCF, John P. Love, Stuart P. Crumbaugh, Nicholas D. Gerber, Andrew F Ngim, Robert L. Nguyen, Peter M. Robinson, Gordon L. Ellis, and Malcolm R. Fobes, III (the “Mehan Action”). The action is pending in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Alameda as Case No. RG20070732.
The Mehan Action alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to USO and failed to act in good faith in connection with a March 19, 2020 registration statement and offering and disclosures regarding certain extraordinary market conditions that caused demand for oil to fall precipitously, including the COVID-19 global pandemic and the Saudi Arabia-Russia oil price war. The complaint seeks, on behalf of USO, compensatory damages, restitution, equitable relief, attorney’s fees, and costs. All proceedings in the Mehan Action are stayed pending disposition of the motion(s) to dismiss in In re: United States Oil Fund, LP Securities Litigation.
USCF, USO, and the other defendants intend to vigorously contest such claims.
In re United States Oil Fund, LP Derivative Litigation
On August 27, 2020, purported shareholders Michael Cantrell and AML Pharm. Inc. DBA Golden International filed two separate derivative actions on behalf of nominal defendant USO, against defendants USCF, John P. Love, Stuart P. Crumbaugh, Andrew F Ngim, Gordon L. Ellis, Malcolm R. Fobes, III, Nicholas D. Gerber, Robert L. Nguyen, and Peter M. Robinson in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York at Civil Action No. 1:20-cv-06974 (the “Cantrell Action”) and Civil Action No. 1:20-cv-06981 (the “AML Action”), respectively.
The complaints in the Cantrell and AML Actions are nearly identical. They each allege violations of Sections 10(b), 20(a) and 21D of the 1934 Act, Rule 10b-5 thereunder, and common law claims of breach of fiduciary duties, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, and waste of corporate assets. These allegations stem from USO’s disclosures and defendants’ alleged actions in light of the extraordinary market conditions in 2020 that caused demand for oil to fall precipitously, including the COVID-19 global pandemic and the Saudi Arabia-Russia oil price war. The complaints seek, on behalf of USO, compensatory damages, restitution, equitable relief, attorney’s fees, and costs. The plaintiffs in the Cantrell and AML Actions have marked their actions as related to the Lucas Class Action.
The Court consolidated the Cantrell and AML Actions under the caption In re United States Oil Fund, LP Derivative Litigation, Civil Action No. 1:20-cv-06974 and appointed co-lead counsel. All proceedings in In re United States Oil Fund, LP Derivative Litigation are stayed pending disposition of the motion(s) to dismiss in In re: United States Oil Fund, LP Securities Litigation.
USCF, USO, and the other defendants intend to vigorously contest the claims in In re United States Oil Fund, LP Derivative Litigation.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors.
There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed on February 29, 2024 (the “Form 10-K”), except for the following:
Geopolitical risk, including as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East conflict, has the potential to create further supply disruptions and sanctions, which could lead to further volatility.
The Russia-Ukraine war and sanctions brought by the United States and other countries against Russia and others, the terror attacks by Hamas on Israel and ensuing conflict in the Middle East, and other geopolitical tensions, political unrest, and attacks or threats of attack by terrorists, are factors that could contribute to supply constraints, worker shortages, infrastructure and manufacturing energy usage and increase volatility in certain commodity prices. The Russia-Ukraine war and sanctions have adversely impacted and are expected to continue to adversely impact the economies of Russia and Ukraine. In addition, the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East conflict, any sanctions, future market or supply disruptions, and the potential for wider conflicts may increase financial market volatility generally, have severe adverse effects on regional and global economic markets, and could lead to further volatility, including in the markets for commodities, commodity futures, and the NAV or share price of a Trust Series. However, if a resolution to the conflicts were to occur, volatility could decrease and prices could decline in a short period of time. The longer-term impact on commodities and futures prices, including the prices of the Applicable Benchmark Component Futures Contracts, is difficult to predict and depends on a number of factors that may have a negative impact on a Trust Series in the future.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
| (a) | None. |
| (b) | Not applicable. |
| (c) | USCI does not purchase shares directly from its shareholders. In connection with its redemption of baskets held by Authorized Participants, USCI redeemed 5 baskets (comprising 250,000 shares) during the first quarter of the year ending December 31, 2024. The following table summarizes the redemptions by Authorized Participants during the three months ended March 31, 2024: |
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Total | |||||
Number of | |||||
Shares | Average Price Per | ||||
Period |
| Redeemed |
| Share | |
1/1/24 to 1/31/24 |
| 200,000 | $ | 56.74 | |
2/1/24 to 2/29/24 |
| 50,000 | $ | 58.03 | |
3/1/24 to 3/31/24 |
| — | $ | — | |
Total |
| 250,000 |
| ||
| (d) | CPER does not purchase shares directly from its shareholders. In connection with its redemption of baskets held by Authorized Participants, CPER redeemed 12 baskets (comprising 600,000 shares) during the first quarter of the year ending December 31, 2024. The following table summarizes the redemptions by Authorized Participants during the three months ended March 31, 2024: |
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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Total | |||||
Number of | |||||
Shares | Average Price Per | ||||
Period |
| Redeemed |
| Share | |
1/1/24 to 1/31/24 |
| 250,000 | $ | 23.57 | |
2/1/24 to 2/29/24 |
| 300,000 | $ | 23.55 | |
3/1/24 to 3/31/24 |
| 50,000 | $ | 24.01 | |
Total |
| 600,000 |
| ||
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
No officers or directors of the Company have
Monthly Account Statements
Pursuant to the requirement under Rule 4.22 under the Commodity Exchange Act, each month the Trust and each Trust Series publish account statements for the Trust Series’ shareholders, which include Statements of Income (Loss) and Statements of Changes in Net Asset Value. The account statements are furnished to the SEC on a current report on Form 8-K pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and posted each month on each Trust Series’ website at www.uscfinvestments.com.
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Item 6. Exhibits.
Listed below are the exhibits, which are filed as part of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
Exhibit |
| Description of Document |
31.1(1) |
| |
31.2(1) |
| |
32.1(1) |
| |
32.2(1) |
| |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. | |
101.SCH |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. |
101.CAL |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. |
101.DEF |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. |
101.LAB |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. |
101.PRE |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
| (1) | Filed herewith. |
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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.
United States Commodity Index Funds Trust (Registrant)
By: United States Commodity Funds LLC, its Sponsor
By: | /s/ John P. Love | |
John P. Love | ||
President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
(Principal executive officer) |
Date: May 9, 2024
By: | /s/ Stuart P. Crumbaugh | |
Stuart P. Crumbaugh | ||
Chief Financial Officer | ||
(Principal financial and accounting officer) |
Date: May 9, 2024
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