The Times They Are a-Changin’ – Your Commodity Strategy Must Be Dynamic Too – USCF Investments – 6.24.26

Summary:

Commodities have certainly captured headlines since the Iran conflict started in early March. Do investors understand that the current commodity price rally predates the Persian Gulf crisis and has been accelerating since the beginning of the year? The SummerHaven Dynamic Commodity Index (SDCITR) is up 30% YTD by mid-May, and in fact the SDCITR has returned 317% over six years since the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020, whereas the S&P 500 Total Return is up merely 215% over the same period.

The commodity supply and demand impact from the Iran conflict goes much deeper than just oil and natural gas. All shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted for months, and even the metals and agriculture sectors are being affected in surprising ways. The rapidly changing picture for commodities cannot be captured by a fixed strategy – these markets require a dynamic commodity strategy that incorporates the shifting economic fundamentals with real-time adjustment each month.

The SummerHaven Dynamic Commodity Index (SDCITR) rebalances completely each month guided by scarcity-focused fundamental commodity data. We will review the rationale and efficacy for SDCITR’s approach, with comparison to traditional indexes that rebalance only once a year (or less) focused on size and liquidity.

Accepted for 1 CFP / IWI / CFA CE Credit

Speakers:

Kurt is the CEO and Founder of SummerHaven. He previously ran the commodity index business for UBS and led the successful effort to acquire and integrate AIG’s commodity index business. Prior to joining UBS, Kurt structured commodity index and equity derivative solutions for clients of AIG Financial Products. SummerHaven Index Management, LLC creates innovative fundamental indexes focused on providing investors with better risk-adjusted returns than traditional indexes. The firm is led by a seasoned management team with over 110 years of collective financial markets experience with commodity futures, equity and fixed income markets. USCF has partnered with SummerHaven on several funds including the United States Commodity Index Fund (USCI), the United States Copper Index Fund (CPER), the USCF SummerHaven Dynamic Commodity Strategy No K-1 Fund (SDCI) and the USCF Gold Strategy Plus Income Fund (USG).

As Chief Investment Officer for USCF, Kevin brings over 20 years of experience as a Senior Commodities Portfolio Manager. Kevin is responsible for expanding USCF’s product line and overseeing the company’s investment policies and portfolio management team. Prior to joining USCF, he was Senior Portfolio Manager of Alternatives and Commodities for Invesco PowerShares. Kevin was part of the OppenheimerFunds team responsible for launching a the first commodities mutual fund and subsequently incorporated the first off-shore Cayman subsidiary for a commodities fund. Kevin also served as Senior Portfolio Manager, head of Commodities and earned the Barron’s/Value Line “Top 100 Managers” designation three times. Kevin is a CFA Charterholder and CAIA Charterholder. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Texas Tech University. He is registered with FINRA for Series 7, 63 and with NFA for Series 3 and has completed his Swaps Proficiency Requirements. Kevin is a Registered Representative of ALPS Distributors, Inc.

Maya is the Head of Distribution for USCF. Maya has over 20 years of experience in asset management and is responsible for expanding the firm’s distribution and business development efforts. Prior to joining USCF, Maya was at Brandes Investment Partners where she served as National Accounts Manager, Associate Portfolio Manager and Product Coordinator for the Small Cap and Canadian Portfolios. Maya received her BSBA in Finance from San Diego State University. She holds a Series 3 registration with the NFA as well as FINRA Series 6,7, and 63. Maya is a registered representative of ALPS Distributors, Inc.