The use of derivatives may increase overall risk by magnifying the effect of both gains and losses leading to large changes in value and potentially large financial loss. A counterparty to a derivative transaction may fail to meet its obligations which may also lead to a financial loss.
The value of equities (e.g. shares) and equity-related investments may vary according to company profits and future prospects as well as more general market factors. In the event of a company default (e.g. insolvency), the owners of their equity rank last in terms of any financial payment from that company.
Investments in real estate securities can carry the same risks as investing directly in real estate itself. Real estate prices rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and national economic and political conditions, interest rates and tax considerations.