Risk Warning
In light of the risks involved
in currency and other derivative instruments trading, you should undertake
such transactions only if you understand the nature of the contracts
(and contractual relationships) into which you are entering and the
extent of your exposure to risk. Trading in futures and options is
not suitable for many members of the public. You should  carefully consider
whether trading is appropriate for you in light of your experience,
objectives, financial resources andother relevant circumstances.
1. Effect of "Leverage" or "Gearing"
Transactions in forex carry a high degree of risk. The amount of Initial
margin is small relative to the value of the futures contract so that
transactions are 'leveraged' or 'geared'. A relatively small market movement
will have a proportionately larger impact on the funds you have deposited
or will have to deposit: this may work against you as well as for you.
You may sustain a total loss of initial margin funds and any additional
funds deposited with the firm to maintain your position. If the market
moves against your position or margin levels are increased, you may be
called upon to pay substantial additional funds on short notice to maintain
your position. If you fail to comply with a request for additional funds
within the time prescribed, your position may be liquidated at a loss
and you will be liable for any resulting deficit.
2. Risk-reducing orders or strategies
The placing of certain orders (e.g., "stop-loss" orders, where
permitted under local law, or "stop-limit" orders) which are
intended to limit losses to certain amounts may not be effective because
market conditions may make it Impossible to execute such orders. Strategies
using combinations of positions, such as "spread" and "straddle"
positions, may be as risky as taking simple "long" or "short"
positions.
3. Variable degree of risk
Transactions in options carry a high degree of risk. Purchasers and sellers
of options should familiarize themselves with the type of option (i.e.,
put or call) which they contemplate trading and the associated risks.
You should calculate the extent to which the value of the options must
increase for your position to become profitable, taking into
account the premium and all transaction costs. The purchaser of options
may offset or exercise the options or allow the options to expire.
The exercise of an option results either in a cash settlement or in
the purchaser acquiring or delivering the underlying interest. If the
option is on a future, the purchaser will acquire a futures position
with associated liabilities for margin (see the section on Futures
above). If the purchased options expire worthless, you will suffer
a total loss of your investment which will consist of the option premium
plus transaction costs. If you are contemplating purchasing deep-out-of-the-money
options, you should be aware that the chance of such options
becoming profitable ordinarily is remote. Selling ("writing" or "granting")
an option generally entails considerably greater risk then purchasing
options. Although the premium received by the seller is fixed, the
seller may sustain a loss well in excess of that amount.
The seller will be liable for additional margin to maintain the position
if the market moves unfavorably. The seller will also be exposed to the
risk of the purchaser exercising the option and the seller will be obligated
to either settle the option in cash or to acquire or deliver the underlying
interest. If the option is on a future, the seller will acquire a position
in a future with associated liabilities for margin (see the section on
Futures above). If the option is "covered" by the seller holding
a corresponding position in the underlying interest or a future
or another option, the risk may be reduced. If the option is not covered,
the risk of loss can be unlimited. Certain exchanges in some jurisdictions
permit deferred payment of the option premium, exposing the purchaser
to liability for margin payments not exceeding the amount of the premium.
The purchaser is still subject to the risk of losing the premium and
transaction costs. When the option is exercised or expires, the purchaser
is responsible for any unpaid premium outstanding at that time. Additional
risks common to forex, futures and options
4. Terms and conditions of contracts
You should ask the firm with which you deal about the terms and conditions
of the specific futures or options which you are trading and associated
obligations (e.g., the circumstances under which you may become
obligated to make or take delivery of the underlying interest of a
futures contract and, in respect of options, expiration dates and restrictions
on the time for exercise). Under certain circumstances the specifications
of outstanding contracts (including the exercise price of an option)
may be modified by the exchange or clearing house to reflect changes
in the underlying interest.
5. Suspension or restriction of trading and
pricing relationships
Market conditions (e.g., liquidity) and/or the operation of the rules
of certain markets (e.g., the suspension of trading in any contract or contract
month because of price limits or "circuit breakers") may increase
the risk of loss by making it difficult or impossible to effect transactions
or liquidate/offset positions. If you have sold options,
this may increase the risk of loss.
Further, normal pricing relationships between the underlying interest
and the future, and the underlying interest and the option may not exist.
This can occur when, for example, the futures contract underlying the
option is subject to price limits while the option is not. The absence
of an underlying reference price may make it difficult to judge "fair"
value.
6. Deposited cash and property
You should familiarize yourself with the protections accorded money or
other property you deposit for domestic and foreign transactions, particularly
in the event of a firm insolvency or bankruptcy. The extent to
which you may recover your money or property may be governed by specific
legislation or local rules. In some jurisdictions, property which has
been specifically identifiable as your own will be pro-rated in the
same manner as cash for purposes of distribution in the event of a
shortfall.
7. Commission and other charges
Before you begin to trade, you should obtain a clear explanation of all
commission, fees and other charges for which you will be liable. These
charges will affect your net profit (if any) or increase your loss.
8. Transactions in other jurisdictions
Transactions on markets in other jurisdictions, including markets formally
linked to a domestic market, may expose you to additional risk. Such
markets may be subject to regulation which may offer different or diminished
investor protection. Before you trade you should enquire about any
rules relevant to your particular transactions. Your local regulatory
authority will be unable to compel the enforcement of the rules of
regulatory authorities or markets in other jurisdictions where your
transactions have been effected. You should ask the firm with which
you deal for details about the types of redress available in both your
home jurisdiction and other relevant jurisdictions before you start
to trade.
9. Currency risks
The profit or loss in transactions In foreign currency-denominated contracts
(whether they are traded in your own or another jurisdiction) will
be affected by fluctuations in currency rates where there is
a need to convert from the currency denomination of the contract to
another currency.
10. Trading facilities
Most open-outcry and electronic trading facilities are supported by computer-based
component systems for the order-routing, execution, matching, registration
or clearing of trades. As with all facilities and systems, they are
vulnerable to temporary disruption or failure. Your ability to recover
certain losses may be subject to limits on liability imposed by the
system provider, the market, the clearing house and/or member firms.
Such limits may vary: you should ask the firm with which you deal for
details in this respect.
11. Electronic trading
Trading on an electronic trading system may differ not only from trading
in an open-outcry market but also from trading on other electronic
trading systems. If you undertake transactions on an electronic trading
system, you will be exposed to risks associated with the system including
the failure of hardware and software. The result of any system
failure may be that your order is either not executed according to
your instructions or is not executed at all.
12. Off-exchange transactions
In some jurisdictions, and only then In restricted circumstances, firms
are permitted to effect off-exchange transactions. The firm with which
you deal may be acting as your counter party to the transaction. It
may be difficult or impossible to liquidate an existing position, to
assess the value, to determine a fair price or to assess the exposure
to risk. For these reasons, these transactions may involve increased
risks. Off-exchange transactions may be less regulated or subject to
a separate regulatory regime. Before you undertake such transactions,
you should familiarize yourself with applicable rules and attendant
risks. |