Hi Mona,
My Grandfather was a farmer and rancher. He used futures to sell cattle and crops before they were ready in order to lock in a guaranteed price. This is easy to understand.
These funds like VCMDX, IVOL, COM, DRSK, and SWAN use treasuries to collateralize derivatives. Owning commodity funds is risky, but so are high market valuations, and inflation.
Morningstar does show that the 30 day Sec Yield is -1.91%, but the twelve month trailing yield is 0.43%. I only have 3% of my portfolio in VCMDX. I have another 4% in FSRRX and 1% split between COM and EAPCX.
Funds that did relatively well during the 2020 crash are COM, FSRRX, DBA, VCMDX, and EAPCX. I look for funds that have not risen to the extremes of the S&P500 and have good momentum. Small allocations to gold such as IAU or GLD may also add protection. I think it wise to be diversified.
Best Wishes in your search!
May 2021