| Emerging market investment risk:The Fund may invest in the MENA region which is emerging markets. Investing in these markets may involve additional risks than investing in more developed markets. These include liquidity risk(see point 4 below), the possibility of a lower standard of corporate governance, increased political risk and the likelihood of a high degree of volatility.Risk associated with investment in specific countries:The Fund primarily invests in markets in the MENA region and has a narrower focus than those which invest broadly across markets. The Fund typically offers less diversification and therefore is considered to be more risky. Investments in the MENA markets may also be affected by the political and economic situation in the MENA regions which may adversely affect the value of the investments.Risks associated with derivative instruments:The Fund may have exposure to derivatives for investment purposes. Given the leverage effect embedded in derivatives, such investments may result in higher volatility or even a total loss in the Fund’s assets within a short period of time. Investment in derivatives may expose the Fund to substantial counterparty (see point 5 below), liquidity (see point 4 below) and volatility risks.Liquidity risk:Market liquidity in the emerging markets may be lower than the more developed markets. Accumulation and disposal of securities or financial derivative instruments may be time consuming and may need to be conducted at unfavourable prices. The Fund may also encounter difficulties in disposing of securities or financial derivative instruments at their fair market price.Counterparty risk:The Fund may have credit exposure to counterparties by virtue of positions in derivative instruments as well as certain other securities that may be held by the Fund. To the extent that a counterparty defaults on its obligation and the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its rights with respect to the investments in its portfolio, it may experience a decline in the value of its position, lose income and incur costs associated with asserting its rights.The Fund may also be exposed to credit risk on parties with whom it trades securities and derivative instruments, and may also bear the risk of settlement default.Risks of investment in equities:The equity markets may fluctuate significantly with prices rising or falling sharply, and this will have a direct impact on the Fund’s net asset value. When the equity markets are extremely volatile the Fund’s net asset value may fluctuate substantially.Investment risk:The Fund is an investment fund and is not in the nature of a bank deposit. There is no guarantee of repayment of principal. Investment in the Fund is subject to fluctuations in value and you may suffer a loss. |