- Market Risk: Because of the fluctuations in the price of financial assets, the portfolio value may decrease. Because of that reason, there may be loss in capital.
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Interest Rate Risk: Fluctuation in interest rate may affect the yield and value of investments in debt instruments. Generally, if interest rates rise, the value of such investments may fall.
- Country Risk: The economic, politic and social structure of a country ( where the investment is made) in addition to interest rate and exchange rate policies may have impact on the price of the fund. These could be currency restrictions, transfer risks, moratorium, tax regulations etc. Moreover, there can be fluctuations in the price of the fund because of the global economic and politic effects.
- Credit Risk: Investments in the fund are subject to possible loss due to the potential financial failure of underlying securities and the potential inability of issuers to meet their obligations. The possibility of default is higher for corporate bonds than it is for government bonds.
- Operational Risk: The risk that can be based on, directly or indirectly, the inadequate internal processes, people, systems and/or external agents. Investment process is being overseen by internal control and risk management. Additionally, this process is being inspected by regulatory authorities.
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Exchange Rate Risk: It is defined as the risk of closing out the long or short foreign currency positions due to sudden fluctuations in exchange rates. The funds that invest on foreign currency type of assets have the exchange rate risk.
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Derivative Products: Derivatives can be utilized for the management of investment risk; however, derivative instruments may not be suitable for all investors, as there may be contingent liability transactions such as swaps. Fund portfolio can include currency, commodity, interest, financial indicator or financial instrument option, forward and future agreements in order to protect itself from risk or/and increase fund return. Risk to which fund is exposed cannot exceed total fund value. Derivative Products in fund portfolio should be compatible with fund’s investment strategy.
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Counterparty Risk: Investors may have total or partial loss of the invested capital in mutual funds due to the bankruptcy or to the weakening financial status of the issuer. Mutual funds involve counterparty risk due to investment products held within the fund’s portfolio.
- Liquidity Risk: In secondary markets, there is risk for investors who cash out their investment products. Liquidity risk is the risk that investors may have difficulty finding a buyer when they want to sell and may be forced to sell at a significant discount to market value. Mutual funds involve liquidity risk due to investment products held within the fund’s portfolio.