United States Brent Oil Fund, LP
For the period ended Mar 31, 2026. Filed May 8, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2026 · Filed May 8, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-09-30; filed 2025-11-07.
0001104659-25-108402
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2026-03-31; filed 2026-05-08.
0001104659-26-057778
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 130 previous paragraphs and 121 current paragraphs.
75 unchanged; 38 reworded; 0 added; 6 removed; 11 previous and 8 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 4 previous and 3 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Removed paragraphs (6)
Previous report
interest rates and successfully reduced inflation so that it is close to the stated two percent goal. As a result, in 2024, the Federal Reserve began reducing interest rates. However, the rate of inflation in the United States is still above the stated two percent goal. Inflation has the effect of eroding the value of cash or bonds. In a high inflation environment, the value of BNO’s cash and Treasury investments may decline.
Previous report
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Previous report
The decrease in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was due primarily to a decrease in commissions and professional fees.
Previous report
The early 2020’s witnessed extraordinary events in global financial markets, and crude oil offered no exception. During the first half of 2020, simultaneous demand and supply shocks led to unparalleled risk and volatility in oil futures markets. The oil demand shock was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the oil supply shock was caused by a Saudi-Russia price war. These twin shocks, which had never occurred at the same time before, caused several unprecedented effects. First, the front month WTI Oil Futures Contract traded at negative prices for the first and only time in history. WTI crude oil hit an all-time closing low of $(37.63) on April 20, 2020, while Brent crude reached its lowest level since the early 2000’s, closing at $19.33 on April 21, 2020. Second, annualized volatility of front month WTI crude oil futures prices reached 984% in May 2020 after averaging 25% in the first two months of 2020 and 35% in 2019. The volatility includes several record-breaking returns that occurred between March and May of 2020. Brent futures volatility also rose dramatically but peaked at a much lower 147% annualized. Third, WTI Oil Futures Contracts, which typically move together (i.e., increase or decrease) about 99% of the time, often moved in opposite directions, with daily correlation dropping to (24%). Fourth, futures curves, which can exhibit conditions known as “contango” and “backwardation” (as discussed above), moved into an extreme formation that some market experts referred to as “super contango.” This was a result of extreme bearishness in spot prices, which saw the front month WTI Oil Futures Contract detach from the rest of the futures curve and fall to an extreme position relative to later dated futures contracts. These last two effects did not occur with Brent crude oil futures, however contango did reach record levels.
Previous report
As economies reopened and OPEC+ supply cuts were absorbed by the market, WTI crude oil prices rose from all-time lows and conditions for a new bull market emerged. Bullish fundamentals for crude oil prices were already in place when Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022. The war led to another round of heightened volatility and higher prices. Crude oil peaked in May 2022, then declined for the remainder of the year. Since early 2023, crude oil prices have traded mostly between approximately $65 to $80, with several prominent price reversals.
Previous report
In April of 2025, the Trump administration announced large and widespread tariffs on trading partners. While no tariffs on crude oil itself were announced, and the administration later paused tariff implementation and announced changing tariff levels on a country-by-country basis, the overall impact of the administration’s actions may increase the risk of a global economic slowdown or recession, which would reduce demand for crude oil. As negotiations with trading partners continue, final trade policy remains elusive and crude oil prices may be volatile as a result.
Reworded paragraphs (38)
Previous wording
BNO, a Delaware limited partnership, is a commodity pool that issues shares that may be traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of BNO is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its shares’ per share NAV to reflect the daily changes, in percentage terms, of the spot price of Brent crude oil, as measured by the daily changes in the price of a specified short-term futures contract on Brent crude oil as traded on the ICE Futures Europe Exchange (the “ICE Futures”) that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire (the “Benchmark Futures Contract”), plus interest earned on BNO’s collateral holdings, less BNO’s expenses. “Near month contract” means the next contract traded on the ICE Futures due to expire. “Next month contract” means the first contract traded on the ICE Futures due to expire after the near month contract. BNO seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing so that the average daily percentage change in BNO’s NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days will be within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract over the same period. As a result, investors should be aware that BNO 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 Benchmark Futures Contract, provided that the average daily percentage change in BNO’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 Benchmark Futures Contracts over the same period.
Current wording
BNO, a Delaware limited partnership, is a commodity pool that issues shares that may be traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of BNO is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its shares’ per share NAV to reflect the daily changes, in percentage terms, of the spot price of Brent crude oil, as measured by the daily changes in the price of a specified short-term futures contract on Brent crude oil as traded on the ICE Futures Europe Exchange (the “ICE Futures”) that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire (the “Benchmark Futures Contract”), plus interest earned on BNO’s collateral holdings, less BNO’s expenses. “Near month contract” means the next contract traded on the ICE Futures due to expire. “Next month contract” means the first contract traded on the ICE Futures due to expire after the near month contract. BNO seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing so that the average daily percentage change in BNO’s NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days will be within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract over the same period. As a result, investors should be aware that BNO 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 Benchmark Futures Contract, provided that the average daily percentage change in BNO’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 Benchmark Futures Contract over the same period.
Previous wording
The accountability levels for the Benchmark Futures Contract and other Futures Contracts traded on U.S.-based futures exchanges, such as the NYMEX, are not a fixed ceiling, but rather a threshold above which the NYMEX may exercise greater scrutiny and control over an investor’s positions. The current accountability level for investments for any one-month in the Benchmark Futures Contract is 10,000 net futures contracts. In addition, the NYMEX imposes an accountability level for all months of 20,000 net futures contracts for investments in futures contracts for Brent crude oil. If BNO and the Related Public Funds exceed these accountability levels for investments in the futures contracts for oil, the NYMEX and ICE Futures will monitor such exposure and may ask for further information on BNO’s and the Related Public Funds’ activities, including the total size of all positions, investment and trading strategy, and the extent of liquidity resources of BNO and the Related Public Funds. If deemed necessary by the NYMEX and/or ICE Futures, BNO could be ordered to reduce its aggregate net futures contracts back to the accountability level. In contrast, the position limits for the ICE Futures maintain that when 100 lots or more are traded, the activity must be reported to the exchange on a daily basis. ICE Futures also maintains that an Expiration Limit of 6,000 lots, long or short, will apply for the five business days up to and including the expiration date. As of September 30, 2025, BNO held 1,545 Futures Contracts traded on the ICE Futures Europe and did not hold any Futures Contracts for Brent crude oil traded on the NYMEX. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, BNO did not exceed accountability levels imposed by the ICE Futures Europe or the NYMEX.
Current wording
The accountability levels for the Benchmark Futures Contract and other Futures Contracts traded on U.S.-based futures exchanges, such as the NYMEX, are not a fixed ceiling, but rather a threshold above which the NYMEX may exercise greater scrutiny and control over an investor’s positions. The current accountability level for investments for any one-month in the Benchmark Futures Contract is 10,000 net futures contracts. In addition, the NYMEX imposes an accountability level for all months of 20,000 net futures contracts for investments in futures contracts for Brent crude oil. If BNO and the Related Public Funds exceed these accountability levels for investments in the futures contracts for oil, the NYMEX and ICE Futures will monitor such exposure and may ask for further information on BNO’s and the Related Public Funds’ activities, including the total size of all positions, investment and trading strategy, and the extent of liquidity resources of BNO and the Related Public Funds. If deemed necessary by the NYMEX and/or ICE Futures, BNO could be required to reduce its aggregate net futures contracts back to the accountability level. In contrast, the position limits for the ICE Futures maintain that when 100 lots or more are traded, the activity must be reported to the exchange on a daily basis. ICE Futures also maintains that an Expiration Limit of 6,000 lots, long or short, will apply for the five business days up to and including the expiration date. As of March 31, 2026, BNO held 9,154 Futures Contracts traded on the ICE Futures Europe and did not hold any Futures Contracts
Previous wording
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 NYMEX and ICE Futures impose position limits on contracts held in the last few days of trading in the near month contract to expire. It is unlikely that BNO will run up against such position limits because BNO’s investment strategy is to close out its positions and “roll” from the near month contract to expire to the next month contract beginning two weeks from expiration of the contract. Investors should note that the foregoing accountability levels and position limits are subject to change, which in turn could change the amount and type of permitted investments in which BNO invests. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, BNO did not exceed any position limits imposed by the ICE Futures or the NYMEX.
Current wording
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 NYMEX and ICE Futures impose position limits on contracts held in the last few days of trading in the near month contract to expire. It is unlikely that BNO will run up against such position limits because BNO’s investment strategy is to close out its positions and “roll” from the near month contract to expire to the next month contract beginning two weeks from expiration of the contract. Investors should note that the foregoing accountability levels and position limits are subject to change, which in turn could change the amount and type of permitted investments in which BNO invests. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, BNO did not exceed any position limits imposed by the ICE Futures or the NYMEX.
Previous wording
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 BNO 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 BNO 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 BNO’s FCMs.
Current wording
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 BNO 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 BNO 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
Previous wording
Geopolitical conflict, including war and armed conflicts (such as the Russia-Ukraine war, conflicts in the Middle East, and the expansion of such conflicts in surrounding areas), sanctions, the introduction of or changes in tariffs or trade barriers, global or local recessions, and acts of terrorism, can also, directly or indirectly, negatively impact, and/or cause volatility in, the price of Brent crude oil and the value, pricing, and liquidity of the investments or other assets held by BNO.
Current wording
Geopolitical conflict, including war and armed conflicts (such as the Russia-Ukraine war, military conflicts in the Middle East, and the expansion of such conflicts in surrounding areas), sanctions, the introduction of or changes in tariffs or trade barriers, global or local recessions, and acts of terrorism, can also, directly or indirectly, negatively impact, and/or cause volatility in, the price of commodities such as Brent crude oil and the value, pricing, and liquidity of the investments or other assets held by BNO.
Previous wording
BNO may be subject to interest rate risk, which may prevent BNO from investing fully at prevailing rates until any current investments in Treasuries Bills mature in order to avoid selling those investments at a loss.
Current wording
BNO may be subject to interest rate risk, which may prevent BNO from investing fully at prevailing rates until any current investments in Treasuries mature in order to avoid selling those investments at a loss.
Previous wording
Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities and other investments in BNO’s portfolio will fluctuate in value because of a change in interest rates. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable, and BNO may lose money because of movements in interest rates. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities typically falls. In a rising interest rate environment, BNO may not be able to fully invest at prevailing rates until any current investments in Treasuries 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. In addition, in rising interest rate environments, it is possible that the Treasuries Bills held by BNO will decline in value. When interest rates fall, BNO 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.
Current wording
Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities and other investments in BNO’s portfolio will fluctuate in value because of a change in interest rates. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable, and BNO may lose money because of movements in interest rates. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities typically falls. In a rising interest rate environment, BNO may not be able to fully invest at prevailing rates until any current investments in Treasuries 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. In addition, in rising interest rate environments, it is possible that the Treasuries held by BNO will decline in value. When interest rates fall, BNO 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.
Previous wording
Inflation is a general increase in the overall price level of goods and services in the economy. The United States Federal Reserve has a stated goal of maintaining a two percent increase in inflation over the long run, as measured by the annual change in the price index for personal consumption expenditures. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States experienced inflation above the Federal Reserve’s stated two-percent goal. Other world economies similarly experienced elevated inflation rates. The Federal Reserve increased
Current wording
Inflation is a general increase in the overall price level of goods and services in the economy. The United States Federal Reserve has a stated goal of maintaining a two percent increase in inflation over the long run, as measured by the annual change in the price index for personal consumption expenditures. Inflation has the effect of eroding the value of cash or bonds. In a high inflation environment, the value of BNO’s cash and Treasury investments may decline.
Previous wording
Brent crude oil futures prices were volatile and exhibited an uneven trend during the nine months ended September 30, 2025. The price of the Benchmark Futures Contract started the period at $74.64 per barrel. The high of the period was on January 15, 2025 when the price reached $82.03 per barrel. The low for the period was on May 5, 2025, which was $60.23 per barrel. The period ended with the Benchmark Futures Contract at $66.03 per barrel, an increase of approximately (11.54)% over the period. BNO’s per share NAV began the period at $30.14 and ended the period at $29.99 on September 30, 2025, a decrease of approximately (0.50)% over the period. The Benchmark Futures Contract prices listed above began with the March 2025 contracts and ended with the December 2025 contracts. The decrease of approximately (11.54)% on the Benchmark Futures Contract listed above is a hypothetical return only and would not actually be realized by an investor holding Futures Contracts. An investment in Futures Contracts would need to be rolled forward during the time period described in order to simulate such a result. Furthermore, the change in the nominal price of these differing Futures Contracts, measured from the start of the period to the end of the period, does not represent the actual benchmark results that BNO seeks to track, which are more fully described below in the section titled “Tracking BNO’s Benchmark.”
Current wording
Brent crude oil futures prices were volatile and exhibited an uneven trend during the three months ended March 31, 2026. The price of the Benchmark Futures Contract started the period at $60.85 per barrel. The high of the period was on March 20, 2026 when the price reached $107.86 per barrel. The low for the period was on January 7, 2026, which was $59.96 per barrel. The period ended with the Benchmark Futures Contract at $103.97 per barrel, an increase of approximately 70.86% over the period. BNO’s per share NAV began the period at $28.29 and ended the period at $51.86 on March 31, 2026, an increase of approximately 83.32% over the period. The Benchmark Futures Contract prices listed above began with the March 2026 contracts and ended with the June 2026 contracts. The increase of approximately 70.86% on the Benchmark Futures Contract listed above is a hypothetical return only and would not actually be realized by an investor holding Futures Contracts. An investment in Futures Contracts would need to be rolled forward during the time period described in order to simulate such a result. Furthermore, the change in the nominal price of these differing Futures Contracts, measured from the start of the period to the end of the period, does not represent the actual benchmark results that BNO seeks to track, which are more fully described below in the section titled “Tracking BNO’s Benchmark.”
Previous wording
During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Brent crude oil futures experienced states of backwardation. When the market is in a state of contango, the near month Brent crude oil futures contract is lower than the price of the next month Brent crude oil futures contract, or contracts further away from expiration. During periods of backwardation, the near month Brent crude oil futures contract is higher than the price of the next month Brent crude oil futures contract, or contracts further away from expiration. For a discussion of the impact of backwardation and contango on total returns, see “Term Structure of Crude Oil Prices and the Impact on Total Returns” below.
Current wording
During the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Brent crude oil futures market was primarily in a state of backwardation. When the market is in a state of contango, the near month Brent crude oil futures contract is lower than the price of the next month Brent crude oil futures contract, or contracts further away from expiration. During periods of backwardation, the near month Brent crude oil futures contract is higher than the price of the next month Brent crude oil futures contract, or contracts further away from expiration. For a discussion of the impact of backwardation and contango on total returns, see “Term Structure of Crude Oil Prices and the Impact on Total Returns” below.
Previous wording
*Results of Operations.*As of September 30, 2025, BNO had issued 3,400,000 shares outstanding. On January 27, 2023, the SEC declared effective a registration statement filed by BNO that registered an unlimited number of shares. As a result, BNO has an unlimited number of shares that can be issued in the form of Creation Baskets. More shares may have been issued by BNO than are outstanding due to the redemption of shares.
Current wording
*Results of Operations.*As of March 31, 2026, BNO had issued 18,350,000 shares outstanding. On January 27, 2023, the SEC declared effective a registration statement filed by BNO that registered an unlimited number of shares. As a result, BNO has an unlimited number of shares that can be issued in the form of Creation Baskets. More shares may have been issued by BNO than are outstanding due to the redemption of shares.
Previous wording
Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by BNO, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were lower during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. As a result, the amount of income earned by BNO as a percentage of average daily total net assets was lower during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. To the degree that the aggregate yield is lower, the net expense ratio, inclusive of income, will be higher.
Current wording
Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by BNO, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were lower during the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. As a result, the amount of income earned by BNO as a percentage of average daily total net assets was lower during the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. To the degree that the aggregate yield is lower, the net expense ratio, inclusive of income, will be higher.
Previous wording
The decrease in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024, was due primarily to a decrease in commissions and professional fees.
Current wording
The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, was due primarily to an increase in brokerage commissions.
Previous wording
The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024, was due primarily to a lower number of Brent Crude Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.
Current wording
The increase in total commissions accrued to brokers for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, was due primarily to a higher number of Brent Crude Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.
Previous wording
For the 30-valuation days ended September 30, 2025, the average daily change in price of the Benchmark Futures Contract was 0.036%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was 0.047%. The average daily difference was 0.011% (or 1.1 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%), meaning that over this time period BNO’s NAV performed within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
Current wording
For the 30-valuation days ended March 31, 2026, the average daily change in price of the Benchmark Futures Contract was 1.737%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was 1.746%. The average daily difference was 0.009% (or 0.9 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%), meaning that over this time period BNO’s NAV performed within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
Previous wording
Since the commencement of the offering of BNO’s shares to the public on June 2, 2010 to September 30, 2025, the average daily change in the Benchmark Futures Contract was 0.028%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was 0.029%. The average daily difference was 0.001% (or 0.1 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%), meaning that over this time period BNO’s NAV performed within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
Current wording
Since the commencement of the offering of BNO’s shares to the public on June 2, 2010 to March 31, 2026, the average daily change in the Benchmark Futures Contract was 0.042%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period
Previous wording
The following two charts demonstrate the correlation between the changes in BNO’s NAV and the changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. The first chart below shows the daily movement of BNO’s per share NAV versus the daily movement of the Benchmark Futures Contract for the 30 valuation day period ended September 30, 2025, the last trading day in September. The second chart below
Current wording
The following two charts demonstrate the correlation between the changes in BNO’s NAV and the changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. The first chart below shows the daily movement of BNO’s per share NAV versus the daily movement of the Benchmark Futures Contract for the 30 valuation day period ended March 31, 2026, the last trading day in March. The second chart below shows the monthly total returns of BNO as compared to the monthly value of the Benchmark Futures Contract for the five years ended March 31, 2026.
Previous wording
share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the Benchmark Futures Contract, BNO would have had an estimated per share NAV of $29.34 as of September 30, 2025, for a total return over the relevant time period of (2.66)%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of (0.50)% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of (2.66)% was a difference over the time period of 2.17%, which is to say that BNO’s actual total return outperformed its benchmark by that percentage. BNO 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 BNO to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Current wording
For the three months ended March 31, 2026, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 83.32%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $28.29 as of December 31, 2025 and an ending per share NAV as of March 31, 2026 of $51.86. During this time period, BNO made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if BNO’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the Benchmark Futures Contract, BNO would have had an estimated per share NAV of $51.55 as of March 31, 2026, for a total return over the relevant time period of 82.21%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of 83.32% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of 82.21% was a difference over the time period of 1.11%, which is to say that BNO’s actual total return outperformed its benchmark by that percentage. BNO 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 BNO to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Previous wording
By comparison, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 3.25%. This was based on an initial per share NAV of $27.39 as of December 31, 2023 and an ending per share NAV as of September 30, 2024 of $28.28. During this time period, BNO made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if BNO’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the Benchmark Futures Contract, BNO would have had an estimated per share NAV of $27.47 as of September 30, 2024, for a total return over the relevant time period of 0.29%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of 3.25% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of 0.29% was a difference over the time period of 2.96%, which is to say that BNO’s actual total return outperformed its benchmark by that percentage. BNO 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 BNO to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Current wording
By comparison, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 3.28%. This was based on an initial per share NAV of $30.14 as of December 31, 2024 and an ending per share NAV as of March 31, 2025 of $31.13. During this time period, BNO made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if BNO’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the Benchmark Futures Contract, BNO would have had an estimated per share NAV of $30.90 as of March 31, 2025, for a total return over the relevant time period of 2.53%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of 3.28% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of 2.53% was a difference over the time period of 0.75%, which is to say that BNO’s actual total return outperformed its benchmark by that percentage. BNO 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 BNO to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Previous wording
First, BNO may buy or sell its holdings in the then current Benchmark Futures Contract at a price other than the closing settlement price of that contract on the day during which BNO executes the trade. In that case, BNO may pay a price that is higher, or lower, than the closing settlement price of the Benchmark Futures Contract, which could cause the changes in the daily per share NAV of BNO to either be higher or lower relative to the daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, USCF attempted to minimize the effect of these transactions by seeking to execute its purchase or sale of the Benchmark Futures Contract at, or as close as possible to, the end of the day settlement price. However, it may not always be possible for BNO to obtain the settlement price and there is no assurance that failure to obtain the closing settlement price in the future will not adversely impact BNO’s attempt to track the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Current wording
First, BNO may buy or sell its holdings in the then current Benchmark Futures Contract at a price other than the closing settlement price of that contract on the day during which BNO executes the trade. In that case, BNO may pay a price that is higher, or lower, than the closing settlement price of the Benchmark Futures Contract, which could cause the changes in the daily per share NAV of BNO to either be higher or lower relative to the daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, USCF attempted to minimize the effect of these transactions by seeking to execute its purchase or sale of the Benchmark Futures Contract at, or as close as possible to, the end of the day settlement price. However, it may not always be possible for BNO to obtain the settlement price and there is no assurance that failure to obtain the closing settlement price in the future will not adversely impact BNO’s attempt to track the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Previous wording
Second, BNO 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 BNO to track slightly higher or lower than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. At the same time, BNO earns dividend and interest income on its cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries. BNO is not required to distribute any portion of its income to its shareholders and did not make any distributions to shareholders during the nine months ended September 30, 2025. Interest payments, and any other income, were retained within the portfolio and added to BNO’s NAV. When this income exceeds the level of BNO’s 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), BNO will realize a net yield that will tend to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO to track slightly higher than daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. 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 Benchmark Futures Contract. USCF anticipates that interest rates may continue to stagnate over the near future. It is anticipated that fees and expenses paid by BNO may be lower than interest earned by BNO. As such, USCF anticipates that BNO could possibly outperform its benchmark so long as interest earned is greater than the fees and expenses paid by BNO.
Current wording
Second, BNO 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 BNO to track slightly lower than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. At the same time, BNO earns dividend and interest income on its cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries. BNO 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, 2026. Interest payments, and any other income, were retained within the portfolio and added to BNO’s NAV. When this income exceeds the level of BNO’s 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), BNO will realize a net yield that will tend to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO to track slightly higher than daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. 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 Benchmark Futures Contract. USCF anticipates that interest rates may continue to stagnate over the near future. It is anticipated that fees and expenses paid by BNO may be lower than interest earned by BNO. As such, USCF
Previous wording
Third, BNO may hold Other Crude Oil-Related Investments in its portfolio that may fail to closely track the Benchmark Futures Contract’s total return movements. In that case, the error in tracking the Benchmark Futures Contract could result in daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO that are either too high, or too low, relative to the daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, BNO did not hold any Other Crude Oil-Related Investments. If BNO increases in size, and due to its obligations to comply with market conditions, regulatory limits, and risk mitigation measures imposed by its FCMs, BNO may
Current wording
Third, BNO may hold Other Crude Oil-Related Investments in its portfolio that may fail to closely track the Benchmark Futures Contract’s total return movements. In that case, the error in tracking the Benchmark Futures Contract could result in daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO that are either too high, or too low, relative to the daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, BNO did not hold any Other Crude Oil-Related Investments. If BNO increases in size, and due to its obligations to comply with market conditions, regulatory limits, and risk mitigation measures imposed by its FCMs, BNO may invest in Other Crude Oil-Related Investments, such as OTC swaps, which may have the effect of increasing transaction related expenses and may result in increased tracking error. OTC swaps increase transaction-related expenses due to the fact that BNO must pay to the swap counterparty certain fees that BNO does not have to pay for transactions executed on an exchange.
Previous wording
If the futures market is in contango, an investor would be buying a next month futures contract for a higher price than the current near month futures contract. Again, assuming the near month futures contract is $50 per barrel, the price of the next month futures contract might be $51 per barrel, or 2% more expensive than the front month futures contract. Hypothetically, and assuming no other changes, the value of the $51 next month futures contract would fall to $50 as it approaches expiration. In this example, the value of an investment in the second month would tend to underperform the spot price of Brent crude oil. As a result, it would be possible for the new near month futures contract to rise only 10% while the spot price of Brent crude oil may have risen a higher amount, e.g., 12%. Similarly, the spot price of Brent crude oil could have fallen 10% while the value of an investment in the second month futures contract might have fallen another amount, e.g., 12%. Over time, if contango remained constant, this difference between the spot price and the futures contract price would continue to increase.
Current wording
If the futures market is in contango, an investor would be buying a next month futures contract for a higher price than the current near month futures contract. Again, assuming the near month futures contract is $50 per barrel, the price of the next month futures contract might be $51 per barrel, or 2% more expensive than the front month futures contract. Hypothetically, and assuming no other changes, the value of the $51 next month futures contract would fall to $50 as it approaches expiration. In this example, the value of an investment in the second month would tend to underperform the spot price of Brent crude oil. As a result, it would be possible for the new near month futures contract to rise only 10% while the spot price of Brent crude oil may have risen a higher amount, e.g., 12%. Similarly, the spot price of Brent crude oil could have fallen 10% while the value of an investment in the second month futures contract might
Previous wording
The chart below compares the daily price of the near month Brent crude oil futures contract to the price of the 13 th month Brent crude oil futures contract (i.e., a contract one year forward) over the last 10 years. When the price of the near month futures contract is higher than the price of the 13 th month futures contract, the market would be described as being in backwardation. When the price of the near month futures contract is lower than the 13 th month futures contract, the market would be described as being in contango. Although the price of the near month futures contract and the price of the 13 th month futures contract tend to move together, it can be seen that at
Current wording
The chart below compares the daily price of the near month Brent crude oil futures contract to the price of the 13 th month Brent crude oil futures contract (i.e., a contract one year forward) over the last 10 years. When the price of the near month futures contract is higher than the price of the 13 th month futures contract, the market would be described as being in backwardation. When the price of the near month futures contract is lower than the 13 th month futures contract, the market would be described as being in contango. Although the price of the near month futures contract and the price of the 13 th month futures contract tend to move together, it can be seen that at times the near month futures contract prices are higher than the 13 th month futures contract prices (backwardation) and, at other times, the near month futures contract prices are lower than the 13 th month futures contract prices (contango).
Previous wording
Historically, the Brent crude oil futures markets have experienced periods of contango and backwardation. Following the global financial crisis in the fourth quarter of 2008, the crude oil market moved into contango and remained primarily in contango until 2013. In 2014, global crude oil inventories grew rapidly after OPEC voted to defend its market share against U.S. shale-oil producers, resulting in another multi-year period during which the crude oil market remained primarily in contango. In March 2020, contango dramatically increased and reached historic levels during the economic crisis arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, related supply chain disruptions and ongoing disputes among oil producing countries over the potential limits on the production of crude oil, and a corresponding collapse in demand for crude oil and a lack of on-land storage for crude oil. This level of contango was due to significant market volatility that occurred in crude oil markets as well as futures markets. Crude oil prices collapsed in the wake of the COVID-19 demand shock, which reduced global petroleum consumption, and the price war launched by Saudi Arabia at the beginning of March 2020 in response to Russia’s unwillingness to participate in extending previously agreed upon supply cuts. An estimated twenty million barrels a day of crude demand evaporated as a result of quarantines and massive drops in industrial and manufacturing activity. Eventually, the United States, OPEC, Russia, and other oil producers around the world agreed to a historic 9.7 million barrel per day cut to crude supply. The supply cut along with the partial reopening of economies during the third quarter of 2020 reduced some of the unprecedented volatility that oil markets experienced in the Spring of 2020. Likewise, contango returned to moderate levels in May of 2020. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, Brent crude oil futures were in a state of backwardation as measured by the difference between the front month and the second month contract.
Current wording
Historically, the Brent crude oil futures markets have experienced periods of contango and backwardation. Following the global financial crisis in the fourth quarter of 2008, the crude oil market moved into contango and remained primarily in contango until 2013. In 2014, global crude oil inventories grew rapidly after OPEC voted to defend its market share against U.S. shale-oil producers, resulting in another multi-year period during which the crude oil market remained primarily in contango. In March 2020, contango dramatically increased and reached historic levels during the economic crisis arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, related supply chain disruptions and ongoing disputes among oil producing countries over the potential limits on the production of crude oil, and a corresponding collapse in demand for crude oil and a lack of on-land storage for crude oil. This level of contango was due to significant market volatility that occurred in crude oil markets as well as futures markets. Crude oil prices collapsed in the wake of the COVID-19 demand shock, which reduced global petroleum consumption, and the price war launched by Saudi Arabia at the beginning of March 2020 in response to Russia’s unwillingness to participate in extending previously agreed upon supply cuts. An estimated twenty million barrels a day of crude demand evaporated as a result of quarantines and massive drops in industrial and manufacturing activity. Eventually, the United States, OPEC, Russia, and other oil producers around the world agreed to a historic 9.7 million barrel per day cut to crude supply. The supply cut along with the partial reopening of economies during the third quarter of 2020 reduced some of the unprecedented volatility that oil markets experienced in the Spring of 2020. Likewise, contango returned to moderate levels in May of 2020. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, Brent crude oil futures were in a state of backwardation as measured by the difference between the front month and the second month contract.
Previous wording
Brent Crude Oil Market. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the price of the front month Brent crude oil futures contract traded in a range between $60.23 to 82.03. Brent crude prices decreased (10.21)% from December 31, 2024 through September 30, 2025 to finish the quarter at $67.02.
Current wording
Brent Crude Oil Market. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, the price of the front month Brent crude oil futures contract traded in a range between $59.96 to $118.35. Brent crude prices increased 94.495% from December 31, 2025 through March 31, 2026 to finish the quarter at $118.35
Previous wording
In the third quarter of 2025, U.S. crude oil production averaged 13.4 mbd. U.S. production rose significantly over the last five years. OPEC crude production declined from late 2022 through the third quarter of 2024 as the cartel supported prices with overall quotas and voluntary output cuts by certain countries, particularly Saudi Arabia. OPEC output rose during the nine months ending September 30, 2025, but remained below pre- and post-pandemic highs. OPEC fiercely supported prices with voluntary cuts and production quotas from mid-2022 to late 2024. The cartel announced plans to begin unwinding voluntary cuts and increasing quotas in 2024 and has begun to do so after delaying and adjusting these plans several times. While OPEC has steadily increased output several times in 2025, it has also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining oil market stability and retains the flexibility to change plans as market conditions warrant. Nevertheless, the long-expected and repeatedly delayed reduction of quotas and voluntary cuts is finally underway. While not a complete policy reversal, the “OPEC put” which kept a floor on prices over the last several years has likely moved lower . Russia and OPEC have still not returned to pre-pandemic production levels, while the U.S. has become the world’s largest crude oil producing nation and other oil producing nations have also increased their output. In the U.S., the Trump administration has aggressively called for increased domestic production and its actions have and will make more drilling possible. However, U.S. drillers have shown restraint in recent years, and production may not rise as much in the future as it has in the recent past. Technology, geology, and economics tend to be larger determinants of U.S. production levels than political policy.
Current wording
In 2025, growing supplies weighed on crude oil prices. Supply exceeded demand throughout the year and the gap between output and consumption widened significantly from 0.6 mbd excess supply at the end of 2024 to 2.8 mbd by the end of 2025. U.S. crude oil production averaged 13.5 mbd. U.S. production rose significantly over the last five years. OPEC crude production declined from late 2022 through the third quarter of 2024 as the cartel supported prices with overall quotas and voluntary output cuts by certain countries, particularly Saudi Arabia. OPEC output rose from approximately 27.5 mbd to 29.0 mbd during 2025 but remained below pre-and post-pandemic highs. The cartel announced plans to begin unwinding voluntary cuts and increasing quotas in 2024 and began to do so after delaying and adjusting these plans several times. While OPEC steadily increased output several times in 2025, it also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining oil market stability and retains the flexibility to change plans as market conditions warrant. Nevertheless, the long-expected and repeatedly delayed reduction of quotas and voluntary cuts is finally underway. While not a complete policy reversal, the “OPEC put” which kept a floor on prices over the last several years has likely moved lower. Russia and OPEC have still not returned to pre-pandemic production levels, while the U.S. has become the world’s largest crude oil producing nation and other oil producing nations have also increased their output. In the U.S., the Trump administration has aggressively called for increased domestic production, and its actions have and will continue to make more drilling possible. However, U.S. drillers have shown restraint in recent years, and production may not rise as much in the future as it has in the recent past. Technology, geology, and economics tend to be larger determinants of U.S. production levels than political policy. Other Trump administration policies have introduced uncertainty into crude oil markets, including on-and-off tariffs and tariff threats. The overall impact of the administration’s actions could increase the risk of a global economic slowdown or recession, which would reduce demand for crude oil.
Previous wording
The current geopolitical situation adds complexity to the supply-demand equation. In June of 2025, Israel and the United States attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities, raising speculation that Iran might attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz. As approximately 20% of global petroleum consumption transits the Strait daily, this could have a significant effect on prices. As it stands, Iran did not close the Strait,
Current wording
Geopolitics continue to add complexity to the supply-demand equation. Tensions and flare ups supported prices and contributed to price volatility through 2025. As an example, in June of 2025, Israel and the United States attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities, raising speculation that Iran might attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz. Asapproximately 20% of global petroleum consumption transits the Strait daily, this could have had a significant effect on prices. As it stands, Iran did not close the Strait, and prices fell back to the mid-$65 range after briefly topping $75. Starting off 2026, the U.S.’s latest posturing against Iran and its actions in Venezuela, as well as ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to raise uncertainty about future supply. Ongoing global tensions, with existing and potential conflicts in various regions, remain a flash point for risk to crude oil supply, which could raise prices. Conversely, any resolution of geopolitical conflicts could ease supply disruptions, sanctions, and price volatility, which could lower prices.
Previous wording
USCF has evaluated the nature and types of estimates that it makes in preparing BNO’s financial statements and related disclosures and has determined that the valuation of its investments, 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 BNO 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, BNO estimates interest and dividend 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.
Current wording
USCF has evaluated the nature and types of estimates that it makes in preparing BNO’s financial statements and related disclosures and has determined that the valuation of its investments, 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 BNO 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, BNO estimates interest and dividend income on a daily
Previous wording
BNO currently generates cash primarily from: (i) the sale of baskets consisting of 50,000 shares (“Creation Baskets”) and (ii) income earned on Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents. BNO has allocated substantially all of its net assets to trading in Crude Oil Interests. BNO invests in Crude Oil 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 Futures Contracts and Other Crude Oil-Related Investments. A significant portion of BNO’s NAV is held in cash and cash equivalents that are used as margin and as collateral for its trading in Crude Oil Interests. The balance of the assets is held in BNO’s account at its custodian bank and in investments in money market funds and Treasuries at the FCMs. Income received from BNO’s investments in money market funds and Treasuries is paid to BNO. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, BNO’s expenses [14.2] did not exceed the income BNO earned and the cash earned from the sale of Creation Baskets and the redemption of Redemption Baskets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, BNO did not use other assets to pay expenses. To the extent income exceeds expenses, BNO’s NAV will be positively impacted.
Current wording
BNO currently generates cash primarily from: (i) the sale of baskets consisting of 50,000 shares (“Creation Baskets”) and (ii) income earned on Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents. BNO has allocated substantially all of its net assets to trading in Crude Oil Interests. BNO invests in Crude Oil 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 Futures Contracts and Other Crude Oil-Related Investments. A significant portion of BNO’s NAV is held in cash and cash equivalents that are used as margin and as collateral for its trading in Crude Oil Interests. The balance of the assets is held in BNO’s account at its custodian bank and in investments in money market funds and Treasuries at the FCMs. Income received from BNO’s investments in money market funds and Treasuries is paid to BNO. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, BNO’s expenses did not exceed the income BNO earned and the cash earned from the sale of Creation Baskets and the redemption of Redemption Baskets. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, BNO did not use other assets to pay expenses. To the extent income exceeds expenses, BNO’s NAV will be positively impacted.
Previous wording
Although permitted to do so under its LP Agreement, BNO has not leveraged, and does not intend to leverage, its assets through borrowings or otherwise, and makes its investments accordingly. Consistent with the foregoing, BNO’s investments will take into account the need for BNO to maintain adequate liquidity to meet its margin and collateral requirements and to avoid, to the extent reasonably possible, BNO becoming leveraged. If market conditions require it, these risk reduction procedures, including changes to BNO’s investments, may occur on short notice.
Current wording
Although permitted to do so under its LP Agreement, BNO has not leveraged, and does not intend to leverage, its assets through borrowings or otherwise, and BNO makes its investments accordingly. Consistent with the foregoing, BNO’s investments will take into account the need for BNO to maintain adequate liquidity to meet its margin and collateral requirements and to avoid, to the extent reasonably possible, BNO becoming leveraged. If market conditions require it, these risk reduction procedures, including changes to BNO’s investments, may occur on short notice.
Previous wording
BNO’s investments in Crude Oil 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 BNO from promptly liquidating its positions in Futures Contracts. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, BNO did not purchase or liquidate any of its positions while daily limits were in effect; however, BNO cannot predict whether such an event may occur in the future.
Current wording
BNO’s investments in Crude Oil 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 BNO from promptly liquidating its positions in Futures Contracts. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, BNO did not purchase or liquidate any of its positions while daily limits were in effect; however, BNO cannot predict whether such an event may occur in the future.
Previous wording
BNO may terminate at any time, regardless of whether BNO has incurred losses, subject to the terms of the LP Agreement. In particular, unforeseen circumstances, including, but not limited to, (i) market conditions, regulatory requirements, risk mitigation measures (including those that may be taken by BNO, BNO’s FCMs, counterparties or other market participants) that would lead BNO to determine that it could no longer foreseeably meet its investment objective or that BNO’s aggregate net assets in relation to its operating expenses or its margin or collateral requirements make the continued operation of BNO unreasonable or imprudent, or (ii) adjudication of incompetence, bankruptcy, dissolution, withdrawal or removal of USCF as the general partner of BNO could cause BNO, to terminate unless a majority interest of the limited partners within 90 days of the event elects to continue the partnership and appoints a successor general partner, or the affirmative vote of a majority in interest of the limited partners subject to certain conditions. However, no level of losses will require USCF to terminate BNO. BNO’s termination would cause the liquidation and potential loss of an investor’s investment. Termination could also negatively affect the overall maturity and timing of an investor’s investment portfolio.
Current wording
expenses or its margin or collateral requirements make the continued operation of BNO unreasonable or imprudent, or (ii) adjudication of incompetence, bankruptcy, dissolution, withdrawal or removal of USCF as the general partner of BNO could cause BNO, to terminate unless a majority interest of the limited partners within 90 days of the event elects to continue the partnership and appoints a successor general partner, or the affirmative vote of a majority in interest of the limited partners subject to certain conditions. However, no level of losses will require USCF to terminate BNO. BNO’s termination would cause the liquidation and potential loss of an investor’s investment. Termination could also negatively affect the overall maturity and timing of an investor’s investment portfolio.
Previous wording
limited to, executing and clearing trades only with creditworthy parties and/or requiring the posting of collateral or margin by such parties for the benefit of BNO to limit its credit exposure. An FCM, when acting on behalf of BNO 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 BNO, all assets of BNO relating to domestic Futures Contracts trading. These FCMs are not allowed to commingle BNO’s assets with their other assets. In addition, the CFTC requires FCMs to hold in a secure account BNO’s assets related to foreign Futures Contracts.
Current wording
USCF attempts to manage the credit risk of BNO by following various trading limitations and policies. In particular, BNO 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 Crude Oil-Related Investments it holds. USCF has implemented procedures that include, but are not limited to, executing and clearing trades only with creditworthy parties and/or requiring the posting of collateral or margin by such parties for the benefit of BNO to limit its credit exposure. An FCM, when acting on behalf of BNO 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 BNO, all assets of BNO relating to domestic Futures Contracts trading. These FCMs are not allowed to commingle BNO’s assets with their other assets. In addition, the CFTC requires FCMs to hold in a secure account BNO’s assets related to foreign Futures Contracts.
Previous wording
As of September 30, 2025, BNO held cash deposits and short-term investments in the amount of $103,571,005 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 BNO’s custodian or FCMs, as applicable, cease operations.
Current wording
As of March 31, 2026, BNO held cash deposits and short-term investments in the amount of $870,665,331 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 BNO’s custodian or FCMs, as applicable, cease operations.
Previous wording
As of September 30, 2025, BNO had no 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 BNO. While BNO’s exposure under these indemnification provisions cannot be estimated, they are not expected to have a material impact on BNO’s financial position.
Current wording
As of March 31, 2026, BNO had no 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
Previous wording
The parties cannot anticipate the amount of payments that will be required under these arrangements for future periods, as BNO’s per share NAVs and trading levels to meet its investment objective will not be known until a future date. These agreements are effective for
Current wording
The parties cannot anticipate the amount of payments that will be required under these arrangements for future periods, as BNO’s per share 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 BNO’s existence. Either party may terminate these agreements earlier for certain reasons described in the agreements.
Previous wording
As of September 30, 2025, BNO’s portfolio held 1,545 Brent Crude Oil Futures CO Contracts traded on the ICE Futures Europe. As of September 30, 2025, BNO did not hold any Futures Contracts traded on the NYMEX. For a list of BNO’s current holdings, please see BNO’s website at www.uscfinvestments.com. The end of day portfolio disclosed on BNO website would reflect any investments in Futures Contracts beyond the Benchmark Futures Contract, and/or Other Crude Oil-Related Investments, including any made in light of market conditions, regulatory requirements, risk mitigation measures (including those that may be taken by BNO, BNO’s FCMs, counterparties or other market participants), liquidity requirements, or other factors. Independent of the BNO website, BNO may make available portfolio holdings information to Authorized Participants that reflects BNO’s anticipated holdings.
Current wording
As of March 31, 2026, BNO’s portfolio held 9,154 Futures Contracts for Brent crude oil traded on the ICE Futures Europe and did not hold any Futures Contracts for Brent crude oil traded on the NYMEX. For a list of BNO’s current holdings, please see BNO’s website at www.uscfinvestments.com. The end of day portfolio disclosed on BNO website would reflect any investments in Futures Contracts beyond the Benchmark Futures Contract, and/or Other Crude Oil-Related Investments, including any made in light of market conditions, regulatory requirements, risk mitigation measures (including those that may be taken by BNO, BNO’s FCMs, counterparties or other market participants), liquidity requirements, or other factors. Independent of the BNO website, BNO may make available portfolio holdings information to Authorized Participants that reflects BNO’s anticipated holdings.
Rearranged current paragraphs (8)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
for Brent crude oil traded on the NYMEX. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, BNO did not exceed accountability levels imposed by the ICE Futures Europe or the NYMEX.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
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 BNO’s FCMs.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
was 0.043%. The average daily difference was 0.001% (or 0.1 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%), meaning that over this time period BNO’s NAV performed within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
anticipates that BNO could possibly outperform its benchmark so long as interest earned is greater than the fees and expenses paid by BNO.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
have fallen another amount, e.g., 12%. Over time, if contango remained constant, this difference between the spot price and the futures contract price would continue to increase.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
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.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
BNO may terminate at any time, regardless of whether BNO has incurred losses, subject to the terms of the LP Agreement. In particular, unforeseen circumstances, including, but not limited to, (i) market conditions, regulatory requirements, risk mitigation measures (including those that may be taken by BNO, BNO’s FCMs, counterparties or other market participants) that would lead BNO to determine that it could no longer foreseeably meet its investment objective or that BNO’s aggregate net assets in relation to its operating
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
service providers undertake in performing services which are in the best interests of BNO. While BNO’s exposure under these indemnification provisions cannot be estimated, they are not expected to have a material impact on BNO’s financial position.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (11)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was due primarily to a lower number of Brent Crude Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Portfolio Expenses. BNO’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 BNO pays to USCF is calculated as a percentage of the total net assets of BNO. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by BNO, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were lower during the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. As a result, the amount
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
of income earned by BNO as a percentage of average daily total net assets was lower during the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. To the degree that the aggregate yield is lower, the net expense ratio, inclusive of income, will be higher.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
shows the monthly total returns of BNO as compared to the monthly value of the Benchmark Futures Contract for the five years ended September 30, 2025.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was (0.50)%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $30.14 as of December 31, 2024 and an ending per share NAV as of September 30, 2025 of $29.99. During this time period, BNO made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if BNO’s daily changes in its per
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
invest in Other Crude Oil-Related Investments, such as OTC swaps, which may have the effect of increasing transaction related expenses and may result in increased tracking error. OTC swaps increase transaction-related expenses due to the fact that BNO must pay to the swap counterparty certain fees that BNO does not have to pay for transactions executed on an exchange.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
times the near month futures contract prices are higher than the 13 th month futures contract prices (backwardation) and, at other times, the near month futures contract prices are lower than the 13 th month futures contract prices (contango).
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
and prices fell back to the mid-$65 range after briefly topping $75. Global tensions, with existing and potential conflicts in various regions, remain a flash point for risk to crude oil supply, which could raise prices. Conversely, any resolution of geopolitical conflicts could ease supply disruptions, sanctions, and price volatility, which could lower prices.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
USCF attempts to manage the credit risk of BNO by following various trading limitations and policies. In particular, BNO 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 Crude Oil-Related Investments it holds. USCF has implemented procedures that include, but are not
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
a specific term agreed upon by the parties with an option to renew, or, in some cases, are in effect for the duration of BNO’s existence. Either party may terminate these agreements earlier for certain reasons described in the agreements.