Changes to interest rates, credit risk and/or issuer defaults will have a significant impact on the performance of fixed income securities. Non-investment grade fixed income securities can be more sensitive to changes in these risks than higher rated fixed income securities. Potential or actual credit rating downgrades may increase the level of risk.
Asset backed securities and mortgage backed securities are subject to the same risks described for fixed income securities. These instruments may be subject to 'Liquidity Risk', have high levels of borrowing and may not fully reflect the value of underlying assets.
Derivatives may be highly sensitive to changes in the value of the asset on which they are based and can increase the size of losses and gains, resulting in greater fluctuations in the value of the Fund. The impact to the Fund can be greater where derivatives are used in an extensive or complex way.
The benchmark index only excludes companies engaging in certain activities inconsistent with ESG criteria if such activities exceed the thresholds determined by the index provide. Such ESG screening may reduce the potential investment universe and this may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments compared to a fund without such screening.
Counterparty Risk: The insolvency of any institutions providing services such as safekeeping of assets or acting as counterparty to derivatives or other instruments, may expose the Fund to financial loss.
Credit Risk: The issuer of a financial asset held within the Fund may not pay income or repay capital to the Fund when due.
Liquidity Risk: Lower liquidity means there are insufficient buyers or sellers to allow the Fund to sell or buy investments readily.