Company Overview

Invesco DB Base Metals Fund is a commodity pool that trades futures contracts in aluminum, copper, and zinc with the goal of tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Industrial Metals Index. The Fund was formed in 2006 and is managed by Invesco Capital Management LLC.

The Fund has returned -1.86% over the past three months based on its net asset value (NAV). This was driven by falling aluminum and zinc futures prices, partially offset by rising copper futures. The Fund’s market price per share has decreased from $18.31 to $17.95 over the quarter.

Revenue and Profit Analysis

The Fund had a net loss of $2.2 million over the past three months. This loss was caused by:

• $1.6 million in interest/dividend income
• $(0.1) million in net realized trading losses
• $(3.5) million in unrealized losses on futures positions
  
• $0.2 million in operating expenses

The unrealized trading losses show that the Fund’s open futures positions have declined in value over the quarter. However, the Fund aims to track its benchmark index rather than generate profits.

Fund Operations

The Fund operates by trading futures contracts on aluminum, copper, and zinc. The total value of the Fund’s futures positions is set to match the Fund’s net asset value rather than the benchmark index value.

The Fund holds U.S. Treasuries and cash to meet margin requirements on its futures positions. The remainder is held on deposit for cash management. Interest and dividends from these cash holdings make up the majority of the Fund’s income.

The Fund has minimal cash flow needs outside of trading futures contracts. Its expenses are capped at a management fee paid to Invesco and futures brokerage commissions.

Outlook

The near-term outlook for industrial metals remains uncertain. Aluminum and zinc prices face ongoing pressure, while copper has shown some upside due to tight supplies. However, unpredictable events like the Ukraine war or COVID-19 outbreaks in China present risks.

Going forward, the Invesco DB Base Metals Fund will likely continue experiencing volatility driven by fluctuations in commodity futures markets. However, the Fund presents an opportunity for investors to gain diversified exposure to industrial metals in a single investment.