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 may be primarily concentrated in specific countries, geographical regions and/or industry sectors. This may result in wider fluctuations in the value of the portfolio compared to more broadly invested portfolios.
There may be insufficient buyers or sellers of particular investments giving rise to delays in trading and being able to make settlements, and/or large fluctuations in value. This may lead to larger financial losses than might be anticipated.