Risk Considerations
Equity Risk. An investment in a portfolio containing common stocks is subject to certain risks, such as an economic recession and the possible deterioration of either the financial condition of the issuers of the equity securities or the general condition of the stock market.
Sector Concentration Risk. A portfolio which is concentrated in an individual sector is subject to additional risks, including limited diversification.
China Concentration Risk. China's emerging market economy may be subject to over-extension of credit, currency devaluations and restrictions, decreased exports, economic recession, a reversal of economic liberalization, political unrest or changes in China's trading status. A deterioration of the relationship with the United States could have negative implications on issuers from these countries.
Emerging Markets Risk. Risks associated with investing in non-U.S. securities may be more pronounced in emerging and developing markets where the securities markets are substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid, less regulated, and more volatile than the U.S. and developed non-U.S. markets.
Financials Risk. The companies engaged in the financials sector are subject to the adverse effects of volatile interest rates, economic recession, decreases in the availability of capital, increased competition from new entrants in the field, and potential increased regulation.
Foreign Securities Risk. Securities of non-U.S. issuers are subject to additional risks, including currency fluctuations, political risks, withholding, the lack of adequate financial information, and exchange control restrictions impacting non-U.S. issuers.
Hong Kong Concentration Risk. An investment in a portfolio which includes issuers located in Hong Kong is subject to risks related to Hong Kong's current and future political and economic environment and their ties to China's economy. A deterioration of the relationship with the United States could have negative implications on issuers from these countries.
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Risk. An investment in a portfolio containing small-cap and mid-cap companies is subject to additional risks, as the share prices of small-cap companies and certain mid-cap companies are often more volatile than those of larger companies due to several factors, including limited trading volumes, products, financial resources, management inexperience and less publicly available information.
United Kingdom Concentration Risk. Because the portfolio is concentrated in companies headquartered in the United Kingdom, it may present more risks than a portfolio which is broadly diversified over several regions.
Volatility Risk. The value of the securities held by the trust may be subject to steep declines or increased volatility due to changes in performance or perception of the issuers.
Operational Risk. As the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent in the course of business, the trust has become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cybersecurity.