The portfolio invests in a relatively small number of individual holdings. This may result in wider fluctuations in value than more broadly invested portfolios.
Changes in the relative values of different currencies may adversely affect the value of investments and any related income.
There is a risk that the issuers of fixed income investments (e.g. bonds) may not be able to meet interest payments nor repay the money they have borrowed. The worse the credit quality of the issuer, the greater the risk of default and therefore investment loss.
The use of derivatives is not intended to increase the overall level of risk. However, the use of derivatives may still lead to large changes in value and includes the potential for large financial loss. A counterparty to a derivative transaction may fail to meet its obligations which may also lead to a financial loss.
These markets carry a higher risk of financial loss than more developed markets as they may have less developed legal, political, economic or other systems.
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.
The value of fixed income investments (e.g. bonds) tends to decrease when interest rates rise.