United States Brent Oil Fund LP

Previous wording

BNO, a Delaware limited partnership, is a commodity pool that issues shares that may be purchased and sold 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 purchased and sold 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.

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 their 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.

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 their 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, 2024, BNO held 3,018 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 the nine months ended September 30, 2024, BNO did not exceed accountability levels imposed by the ICE Futures Europe or the NYMEX.

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. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, 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. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, BNO did not exceed any position limits imposed by the ICE Futures or the NYMEX.

Previous wording

Brent crude oil futures prices were volatile and exhibited an uneven trend during the six months ended June 30, 2024. The price of the Benchmark Futures Contract started the period at $77.04 per barrel. The high of the period was on April 5, 2024 when the price reached $91.17 per barrel. The low for the period was on January 2. 2024, which was $75.89 per barrel. The period ended with the Benchmark Futures Contract at $85.00 per barrel, an increase of approximately 10.33% over the period. BNO’s per share NAV began the period at $27.39 and ended the period at $32.17 on June 30, 2024, an increase of approximately 17.45% over the period. The Benchmark Futures Contract prices listed above began with the March 2024 contracts and ended with the September 2024 contracts. The increase of approximately 10.33% 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024. The price of the Benchmark Futures Contract started the period at $77.04 per barrel. The high of the period was on April 5, 2024 when the price reached $91.17 per barrel. The low for the period was on September 10, 2024, which was $69.19 per barrel. The period ended with the Benchmark Futures Contract at $71.70 per barrel, a decrease of approximately 6.93% over the period. BNO’s per share NAV began the period at $27.39 and ended the period at $28.28 on September 30, 2024, an increase of approximately 3.25% over the period. The Benchmark Futures Contract prices listed above began with the March 2024 contracts and ended with the December 2024 contracts. The decrease of approximately 6.93% 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 six months ended June 30, 2024, the Brent crude oil futures experienced states of both contango and 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Brent crude oil futures experienced states of both contango and 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

As of June 30, 2024, BNO had 4,000,000 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 September 30, 2024, BNO had 7,650,000 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

As of June 30, 2024, BNO had the following Authorized Participants: ABN AMRO Clearing USA LLC, Citadel Securities LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co., Jane Street Capital LLC, JP Morgan Securities Inc., Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, RBC Capital Markets LLC and Virtu Americas LLC.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, BNO had the following Authorized Participants: ABN AMRO Clearing USA LLC, Citadel Securities LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co., JP Morgan Securities Inc., Jane Street Capital LLC, Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, RBC Capital Markets LLC and Virtu Americas LLC.

Previous wording

Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by BNO, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were higher during the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. As a result, the amount of income earned by BNO as a percentage of average daily total net assets was higher during the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. To the degree that the aggregate yield is higher, the net expense ratio, inclusive of income, will be lower.

Current wording

Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by BNO, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were higher during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. As a result, the amount of income earned by BNO as a percentage of average daily total net assets was higher during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. To the degree that the aggregate yield is higher, the net expense ratio, inclusive of income, will be lower.

Previous wording

The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023, was due primarily to an increase in professional fees.

Current wording

The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was due primarily to an increase in commissions and professional fees.

Previous wording

The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023, was due primarily to a lower number of Brent Crude Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.

Current wording

The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was due primarily to a lower number of Brent Crude Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.

Previous wording

The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023, was due primarily to a increase in commissions and professional fees.

Current wording

The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, was due primarily to an increase in commissions and professional fees.

Previous wording

The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023, 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 September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, 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 June 30, 2024, the average daily change in price of the Benchmark Futures Contract was 0.137%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was 0.153%. The average daily difference was 0.016% (or 1.6 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 September 30, 2024, the average daily change in price of the Benchmark Futures Contract was (0.273)%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was (0.256)%. The average daily difference was (0.017)% (or 1.7 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 June 30, 2024, the average daily change in the Benchmark Futures Contract was 0.032%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was 0.032%. The average daily difference was 0.00% (or 0.0 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 ten percent (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 September 30, 2024, 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 0.028%. The average daily difference was 0.000% (or 0.0 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

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 17.45%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $27.39 as of December 31, 2023 and an ending per share NAV as of June 30, 2024 of $32.17. 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 $31.56 as of June 30, 2024, for a total return over the relevant time period of 15.22%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of 17.45% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of 15.22% was a difference over the time period of 2.23%, 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 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 is 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.

Previous wording

By comparison, for the six months ended June 30, 2023, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was (9.80)%. This was based on an initial per share NAV of $28.26 as of December 31, 2022 and an ending per share NAV as of June 30, 2023 of $25.49. 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 $25.06 as of June 30, 2023, for a total return over the relevant time period of (11.32)%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of (9.80)% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of (11.32)% was a difference over the time period of 1.52%, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 13.45%. This was based on an initial per share NAV of $28.26 as of December 31, 2022 and an ending per share NAV as of September 30, 2023 of $32.06. 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 $31.20 as of September 30, 2023, for a total return over the relevant time period of 10.40%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of 13.45% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of 10.40% was a difference over the time period of 3.05%, 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 to the daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024, 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 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 six months ended June 30, 2024. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024. 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.

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 six months ended June 30, 2024, 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.

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 nine months ended September 30, 2024, 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

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 six months ended June 30, 2024, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024, 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 six months ended June 30, 2024, the price of the front month Brent crude oil futures contract traded in a range between $75.89 to $91.17. Brent crude prices increased 12.16% from December 31, 2023 through June 30, 2024 to finish the quarter at $86.41.

Current wording

Brent Crude Oil Market.* *During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the price of the front month Brent crude oil futures contract traded in a range between $69.19 to $91.17. Brent crude prices decreased (6.84)% from December 31, 2023 through September 30, 2024 to finish the quarter at $71.77.

Previous wording

Crude oil prices struggled to find direction during the first half of 2023 with seventeen notable price reversals, most of which exceeded $5. Prices rose dramatically in the third quarter, from approximately $70 to over $90. This strong bull market completely reversed in the fourth quarter and by December crude had plunged back to the $70 to $75 range. U.S. crude oil production growth accelerated in late July and rose until the end of the year, finally surpassing pre-pandemic levels and reaching a record of 13.3 mbd in December.

Current wording

Crude oil prices struggled to find direction during the first half of 2023 with seventeen notable price reversals, most of which exceeded $5. Prices rose dramatically in the third quarter of 2023, from approximately $70 to over $90. This strong bull market completely reversed in the fourth quarter and by December crude had plunged back to the $70 to $75 range. U.S. crude oil production growth accelerated in late July and rose until the end of the year, finally surpassing pre-pandemic levels and reaching a record of 13.3 mbd in December 2023.

Previous wording

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, global crude oil demand exceeded supply during June of 2024 after falling below supply during April and May of 2024. U.S. crude oil production was relatively flat in the second quarter of 2024, rising from 13.1 mbd to match a record high of 13.3 mbd that was reached in 2023 and again in February of 2024. OPEC crude production mostly declined since late 2022 but began to rise in February of 2024. 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. OPEC has fiercely supported prices with voluntary cuts and production quotas over the last several years. In June of 2024, OPEC announced that it would extend 1.65 mbd of previously agreed upon quotas until the end of 2025. OPEC also announced an extension of 2.2 mbd of voluntary cuts by some members until September of 2024, after which these voluntary reductions would be phased out over the following twelve months. Statements by oil ministers, particularly Saudi Arabia, emphasized that OPEC could change its plans if warranted by the data, reflecting the cartel's current preference for higher prices rather than market share. If OPEC's strategic focus shifts from price support to market share defense, prices could come under pressure. The unwinding of cuts and quotas also poses some risk to prices if demand growth fails to compensate, or if supply from other producers, especially the United States, increases. Ongoing demand growth during a time when OPEC continues to restrain supply could lead to stable or higher prices over time. Supply constraints, worker shortages, infrastructure and manufacturing energy usage, the Russia-Ukraine war, the terror attacks by Hamas on Israel, the Israel/Iran conflict, and other conflict in the Middle East, and other geopolitical tensions, political unrest, and attacks or threats of attack by terrorists, are other factors that could contribute to future increases in crude oil prices. Conversely, changes in OPEC policy, further non-OPEC production growth, and any sluggishness in the global economy could weigh on prices.

Current wording

U.S. crude oil production averaged 13.3 mbd and peaked at a record 13.4 mbd in the third quarter of 2024. OPEC crude production has mostly declined since late 2022. Globally, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that crude oil demand exceeded supply in the third quarter of 2024. However, the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that world demand for crude oil will rise 1 mbd in 2025 while supply in non-OPEC countries alone will rise by 1.5 mbd. Should the IEA’s forecast prove correct, crude oil prices will largely depend on OPEC’s actions. 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. OPEC has fiercely supported prices with voluntary cuts and production quotas over the last several years. In June of 2024, OPEC announced that it would extend 1.65 mbd of previously agreed upon quotas until the end of 2025. OPEC also announced an extension of 2.2 mbd of voluntary cuts by some members until September of 2024, after which these voluntary reductions would be phased out over the following twelve months. Statements by oil ministers, particularly Saudi Arabia, emphasized that OPEC could change its plans if warranted by the data, reflecting the cartel’s current preference for higher prices rather than market share. Indeed, in November, OPEC pushed the extension of voluntary cuts through December of 2024. If OPEC’s strategic focus shifts from price support to market share defense, prices could come under pressure. Even if OPEC continues to postpone the unwinding of its cuts and voluntary quotas, any sluggishness in the global economy could weigh on prices. If the IEA’s forecast proves accurate, OPEC or other producers would have to limit more production to maintain stable prices. Since demand and demand growth remain healthy for now, any new reductions in global output could be bullish for crude prices.

Previous wording

Geopolitical risk remains particularly high in 2024. The Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East conflict have the potential to create further supply disruptions and sanctions, which could lead to further volatility. However, if a resolution to the conflicts were to occur, volatility could decrease and prices could decline somewhat in a short period of time. Even short-term changes in perceived geopolitical risk can cause the market to change swiftly. Crude oil prices may also be highly reactive to developments as global buyers and sellers of crude reposition their relationships.

Current wording

The current geopolitical situation adds complexity to the supply-demand equation. Escalation of the crisis in the Middle East or the Russia-Ukraine war would increase the geopolitical risk premium and volatility in crude prices as these conflicts have the potential to create further supply disruptions and sanctions, as has been apparent during recent escalations between Israel and Iran. Crude oil prices may also be highly reactive to developments if global buyers and sellers of crude reposition relationships more than has already occurred, and which remains a possibility with geopolitical tensions between many nations rising. However, if a resolution to the conflicts were to occur, volatility could decrease, and prices could decline somewhat in a short period of time. Even short-term changes in perceived geopolitical risk can cause the market to change swiftly.

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 six months ended June 30, 2024, 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 six months ended June 30, 2024, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024, BNO did not use other assets to pay expenses. To the extent income exceeds expenses, BNO’s NAV will be positively impacted.

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 six months ended June 30, 2024, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024, 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

As of June 30, 2024, BNO held cash deposits and investments in Treasuries and money market funds in the amount of $126,490,638 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 September 30, 2024, BNO held cash deposits and investments in Treasuries and money market funds in the amount of $219,734,600 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

USCF pays the fees of the Marketing Agent as well as BNY Mellon’s fees for performing administrative, custodial, and transfer agency services. BNY Mellon’s fees for performing administrative services include those in connection with the preparation of BNO’s condensed financial statements and its SEC, NFA and CFTC reports. USCF and BNO have also entered into a licensing agreement with

Current wording

USCF pays the fees of the Marketing Agent as well as BNY Mellon’s fees for performing administrative, custodial, and transfer agency services. BNY Mellon’s fees for performing administrative services include those in connection with the preparation of BNO’s condensed financial statements and its SEC, NFA and CFTC reports. USCF and certain Related Public Funds have also entered into a licensing agreement with the NYMEX pursuant to which the Related Public Funds, other than BNO, USCI and CPER, pay a licensing fee to the NYMEX. BNO also pays the fees and expenses associated with its tax accounting and reporting requirements.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, BNO’s portfolio held 1,514 Brent Crude Oil Futures CO Contracts traded on the ICE Futures. As of June 30, 2024, 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 September 30, 2024, BNO held 3,018 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.