The past performance of an investment is not a guide to its future performance; the value of an investment and any income from it can go down as well as up. There is a risk that you could get back less than you invested. Find out more General risks of investing All types of investment carry a degree of risk. It is possible you could lose some, or all, of the money you invest. The level of risk varies depending on the type of investment. Typically, you are less likely to lose money over the long term from an investment that is considered low risk, although potential returns may also be lower. Investments considered higher risk typically offer greater opportunities for better long-term returns, though the risk of losing money is also likely to be higher. When you invest, it is important that you understand the risk to your money and are comfortable with that level of risk. If you are unsure, we would recommend that you consult a financial adviser. Past performance of a fund is not an indication of how it will perform in the future. The share price of funds, therefore the value of your investment in the funds, and any income from them, can go down as well as up, and you could get back less than you invested. The value of your investment might not keep up with any rise in the cost of living. You could lose money if financial markets fall. There is no guarantee that the investment objective of the fund will be achieved. The levels of taxation that apply to income or capital gains from the fund, including any tax relief that may be available, will depend on your personal tax situation. Funds with similar objectives may not perform in the same way as they are likely to have different holdings. Fund performance will be affected by investment decisions made by the fund manager. Fund specific risks Some of the main specific risks of investing in this fund are summarised here. Further detail is available in the prospectus for the fund. Currency: Where investments in a fund are denominated in currencies other than sterling (for example, if a fund holds assets priced in euros), its value will be affected by changes in the relevant exchange rate. Certain other investments, such as the shares in companies with profits from other countries, will also be effected. Emerging markets: Investments made in bonds, equities or other assets in less-developed countries generally carry higher risk than in developed countries. Equities: Equities (shares) can experience high levels of price fluctuation. Fixed interest securities: Government and corporate bonds generally offer a fixed level of interest to investors, so their value can be affected by changes in interest rates. When central bank interest rates fall, investors may be prepared to pay more for bonds and bond prices tend to rise. If interest rates rise, bonds may be less valuable to investors and their prices can fall. Inflation: Higher inflation can lead to some investments falling in value, particularly those with a fixed level of interest, for example government bonds and corporate bonds. Infrastructure: Investments are often in large-scale projects whose profitability can be affected by supply problems or rising prices for raw materials or natural resources. Changes in the wider economy and government regulation can also have a significant influence. Interest rate: Changes in central bank interest rates can affect all types of assets, in particular, securities such as government bonds and corporate bonds that generally offer a fixed level of interest. If interest rates go up, the value of a bond may fall, and vice versa. Issuer credit: There are times when the issuer of a security (for example, a company that has issued a bond) is unable to make income payments or repay its debt. When this happens it can result in losses for the fund. Legal and tax: The income or capital gains from investments can sometimes be affected by changes in legal and tax regulations or how these rules are applied. Liquidity: In some instances, for example, when market conditions generally are difficult, holdings in a fund may be difficult to sell and buy at the desired price. The fund value could fall as a result. Non-investment grade bonds: Bonds with a higher risk that the bond issuer might not meet its income or repayment obligations, as assessed by independent bond rating companies. Operational: Processes, systems and controls around your investment might fail. The more complex or unusual the investments that the fund holds, the more likely this is to happen. For example, developing markets may have less reliable systems or lower standards of governance than more developed markets. Smaller companies: Investment in smaller companies is typically higher risk than investment in larger companies. Shares in smaller companies can experience greater levels of volatility.