Risk Considerations
Brexit Risk. The United Kingdom's official departure from the European Union (commonly referred to as "Brexit") led to volatility in global financial markets, in particular those of the United Kingdom and across Europe, and the weakening in political, regulatory, consumer, corporate and financial confidence in the United Kingdom and Europe. It is not currently possible to determine the extent of the impact that Brexit may have on the portfolio's investments and this uncertainty could negatively impact current and future economic conditions in the United Kingdom and other countries, which could negatively impact the value of the portfolio's investments.
Buy & Hold Risk – Taxable Trusts. This UIT is a buy and hold strategy and investors should consider their ability to hold the trust until maturity. There may be tax consequences unless units are purchased in an IRA or other qualified plan.
Covenant-Lite Loan Risk. Certain of the funds invest significantly in "covenant-lite" loans, which are loans made with minimal protections for the lender. Because covenant-lite loans are less restrictive on borrowers and provide less protection for lenders than typical corporate loans, the risk of default may be significantly higher.
ETF Risk. ETFs are subject to various risks, including management's ability to meet the fund's investment objective, and to manage the fund's portfolio when the underlying securities are redeemed or sold, during periods of market turmoil and as investors' perceptions regarding ETFs or their underlying investments change. Unlike open-end funds, which trade at prices based on a current determination of the fund's net asset value, ETFs frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value in the secondary market.
Floating Rate Risk. Certain of the funds invest in floating-rate securities. A floating-rate security is an instrument in which the interest rate payable on the obligation fluctuates on a periodic basis based upon changes in an interest rate benchmark. As a result, the yield on such a security will generally decline in a falling interest rate environment, causing the trust to experience a reduction in the income it receives from such securities.
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.
Fixed Income Risk. The value of fixed-income securities can be expected to decline with increases in interest rates and will also fluctuate with changes in the general condition of fixed-income securities markets, changes in inflation rates or when political or economic events affecting the issuers of such securities occur. Fixed-income portfolios may be subject to federal, state, and local taxes and/or the Alternative Minimum Tax. An investment which includes foreign bonds should be made with an understanding of the additional risks involved with foreign issues including losses due to future political and economic developments, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, foreign currency devaluations, restrictions on foreign investments and exchange of securities, inadequate financial information and lack of U.S. jurisdiction over foreign issuers. Consult the Risk Factors section of the prospectus for a more complete discussion of the risks associated with the portfolio.
High-Yield or Junk Bonds Risk. Investing in high-yield securities should be viewed as speculative and you should review your ability to assume the risks associated with investments that utilize such bonds. High-yield securities are subject to numerous risks including higher interest rates, economic recession, deterioration of the junk bond market, possible downgrades and defaults of interest and/or principal. High-yield security prices tend to fluctuate more than higher rated bonds and are affected by short-term credit developments to a greater degree.
Investment Grade Bonds Risk. Investment grade securities are subject to numerous risks including higher interest rates, economic recession, deterioration of the investment grade security market or investors' perception thereof, possible downgrades and defaults of interest and/or principal.
Limited Duration Bonds Risk. Limited duration bonds are subject to interest rate risk, which is the risk that the value of a security will fall if interest rates increase. While limited duration bonds are generally subject to less interest rate sensitivity than longer duration bonds, there can be no assurance that interest rates will rise during the life of the trust.
Market Disruption Risk. Ongoing armed conflicts between Russia and Ukraine in Europe and among Israel, Hamas and other militant groups in the Middle East, have caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility within the markets in Russia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities could have a significant impact on certain investments as well as performance.
Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of mortgage-backed securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates, and may reduce the market value of the securities. In addition, mortgage-backed securities are subject to prepayment risk, the risk that borrowers may pay off their mortgages sooner than expected, particularly when interest rates decline.
Public Health Crisis Risk. A public health crisis, and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks in response, could cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects.
Senior Loans Risk. The yield on senior loans will generally decline in a falling interest rate environment and increase in a rising interest rate environment. Senior loans are generally below investment grade quality ("junk" bonds). An investment in senior loans involves the risk that the borrowers may default on their obligations to pay principal or interest when due.
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.
Additional Risk. For a discussion of additional risks of investing in the trust see the "Risk Factors" section of the prospectus.
Important Note. It is important to note that an investment can be made in the underlying funds directly rather than through the trust. These direct investments can be made without paying the trust's sales charge, operating expenses and organizational costs.
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.