No offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities or securities
derivative products of any kind, or any type of trading or investment
advice, recommendation or strategy, is made, given or in any manner
endorsed by TradeVec Limited. or any of its affiliates. Past
performance, whether actual or indicated by simulated historical tests
of strategies, is no guarantee of future performance or success.
Please take a moment to carefully read the Risk
Disclosure provided here for your protection. If you don't understand
any of the information provided on these pages or if you have any
questions, please contact the National Futures Association (NFA) and
CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission). The regulatory agencies
for the Forex, Futures and Options market in the United States, require
that customers be informed about potential risks in any trading
activities:
The Foreign Exchange market,
also referred to as the “Forex” or “FX” market. This brief statement
does not disclose all of the risks and other significant aspects of spot
foreign currency and options trading on margin. Before deciding whether
or not to participate in the Forex market, you should carefully
consider your investment objectives, level of experience and risk
appetite. Most importantly, do not invest money you cannot afford to
lose.
Because of the volatile
nature of the off-exchange foreign currency markets, the purchase and
sale of off-exchange foreign currency involve a high degree of risk.
There is considerable exposure to risk in any off-exchange foreign
exchange transaction, including, but not limited to, leverage,
creditworthiness, limited regulatory protection and market volatility
that may substantially affect the price, or liquidity of a currency or
currency pair. Off-exchange foreign currency transactions are not
suitable for many members of the public. Such transactions should be
entered into only by persons who have carefully considered the risks
involved with the trading of off-exchange foreign currencies. A person
should not purchase off-exchange foreign currencies unless he or she is
prepared to sustain a total loss of the purchase price. All investors
should read and understand the disclosure of risks relating to the
trading of off-exchange foreign currency transactions.
- Forex dealers are not all regulated the same way.
Only regulated entities, such as banks, insurance companies,
broker-dealers or futures commission merchants, and affiliates of
regulated entities may enter into off-exchange Forex trades with retail
customers. Therefore, you should make sure the dealer is regulated and
check out the dealer's registration status and background with its
regulator.
Although Forex dealers must be regulated, firms and
individuals can solicit retail accounts for Forex dealers and manage
those accounts without being regulated. Therefore, you should find out
if these persons are regulated. If they are not, you may be exposed to
additional risks. - You could lose more money than you initially invest. You
will be required to deposit an amount of money (often referred to as
"margin") with your Forex dealer in order to buy or sell an off-exchange
Forex contract. Only a relatively small amount of money can enable you
to hold a Forex position for much more than the account value. This is
referred to leverage or gearing. The smaller the deposit in relation to
the underlying value of the contract, the greater the leverage.
If the price moves in an
unfavorable direction, high leverage can produce large losses in
relation to your initial deposit. In fact, even a small move against
your position may result in a large loss, including the loss of your
entire initial deposit and the liability for additional losses. Buying
and selling Forex options present additional risks. Many of these risks
are similar to those inherent in buying options on futures contracts. - High Leverage And Low Margin Can Lead To Quick Losses. The
high leverage and low margin associated with Forex can result in
significant losses due to price changes in Foreign Exchange Contracts
and Cross Currency Contracts. The amount of initial margin may be small
relative to the value of the foreign currency so that transactions are
'leveraged' or 'geared'. A relatively small market movement may 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. Customers must
maintain the minimum margin requirement on their open positions at all
times. It is the customer's responsibility to monitor his/her account
balance. We have the right to liquidate any or all open positions
whenever the minimum margin requirement is not maintained.
The high degree of leverage that
is obtainable in the trading of off-exchange foreign currency
transactions can work against you as well as for you. Leverage can lead
to large losses as well as gains. - 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.
- There is no central marketplace. Unlike
regulated futures exchanges, in the retail off-exchange Forex market,
there is no central marketplace with many buyers and sellers. The Forex
dealer determines the execution price, so you are relying on the
dealer's integrity for a fair price.
- Commission, Conversions 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. You
should be aware that profit and loss 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. These charges will affect your net profit (if any) or increase
your loss.
- The trading system could break down. If
you are using an Internet-based or other electronic system to place
trades, some part of the system could fail. In the event of a system
failure, it is possible that, for a certain time period, you may not be
able to enter new orders, execute existing orders, or modify or cancel
orders that were previously entered. A system failure may also result in
loss of orders or order priority.
Futures and Futures Options Trading Risk Disclosure
This brief statement does
not disclose all of the risks and other significant aspects of trading
in futures and futures options. In light of the risks, 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 and other relevant
circumstances.
Futures and futures options trading is speculative, high-risk and aimed at achieving short-term trading profits.
Futures
- Effect of "Leverage" or "Gearing"
Transactions
in futures carry a high degree of risk. The amount of initial margin is
small relative to the value of the futures contract, meaning that
transactions are heavily "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. - Risk-reducing orders or strategies
The
placing of certain orders (e.g., "stop-loss" orders, where permitted,
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.
Options
- 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. 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 than
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 being
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 futures and options
- 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. - Suspension or restriction of trading and pricing relationships
Market
conditions (e.g., illiquidity) 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. - 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 had been specifically identifiable as yours will be pro-rated in
the same manner as cash for purposes of distribution in the event of a
shortfall. - Commissions and other charges
Before
you begin to trade, you should obtain a clear explanation of all
commissions, fees and other charges which you will or may incur for
which you will or may be liable. These commissions, fees and charges
will affect your net profit (if any) or increase your loss. - 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 inquire 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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 counterparty to the transaction. In these
situations, it may be difficult or impossible to liquidate an existing
position, to assess the value, to determine a firm 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.
Day Trading Risk Disclosure
Consider
the following points before engaging in a day trading strategy. For the
purposes of this notice, a "day trading strategy" means an overall
trading strategy characterized by the regular transmission by a customer
of intra-day orders to effect both purchase and sale transactions (at
least several per week and, for some active traders, often numerous
transactions per day) using systematic or strategic approaches.
- Active trading has a very high level of risk. Active
trading generally is not appropriate for someone of limited resources
or limited investment or trading experience or low-risk tolerance. You
should be prepared to lose all of your funds that you invest in your
trades. In particular, you should not fund this type of trading with
retirement savings, student loans, second mortgages, emergency funds,
funds set aside for purposes such as education or home ownership, or
funds required to meet your living expenses.
- Be cautious of claims of large profits from active trading. You
should be wary of advertisements or other statements that emphasize the
potential for large profits from active trading. Active trading may
result in few or no profits, and worse, may lead to large financial
losses very quickly.
- Active trading requires sophisticated knowledge of securities markets. Active
trading requires in-depth knowledge of the securities markets and of
sophisticated and disciplined trading techniques and strategies. Also,
you must compete with professional, licensed traders employed by
securities firms and other knowledgeable, experienced and well-trained
traders. You should have appropriate knowledge and experience before
engaging in active trading.
- Active trading requires in-depth knowledge of your broker’s operations. An
important part of executing active trading strategies is the quality
and consistency of the order execution services you use. Whether you use
the services of professional brokers or electronic systems, your
success will be affected by their strengths and weaknesses and the
methods and practices of the brokerage firm in executing trades. You
should develop an intimate knowledge of these matters before you engage
in active trading. Under certain market conditions, you may find it
difficult or impossible to liquidate a position quickly at a reasonable
price. This can occur, for example, when the market for a stock suddenly
drops, or if trading is halted due to recent news events or unusual
trading activity. The more volatile securities you trade, the greater
the likelihood that problems may be encountered in executing a
transaction. In addition to normal market risks, you may experience
losses due to systems failures.
- Active trading may result in you paying large commissions. You
pay commissions on each trade you make. The more actively you trade,
the more commissions will increase your losses or reduce your profits.
- Active trading on margin or short selling may result in losses beyond your initial investment account amount. When
you actively trade with borrowed funds, you can lose more than you
originally placed at risk. A decline in the value of the securities that
are purchased may require you to provide additional funds to avoid the
forced sale of those securities or other securities or collateral in or
for your account. Short selling as part of your trading strategy also
may lead to large losses, because you may have to purchase a stock at a
very high price in order to cover a short position.
Extended Hours Trading Risk Disclosure
- Risk of Lower Liquidity. Liquidity
refers to the ability of market participants to buy and sell
securities. Generally, the more orders that are available in a market,
the greater the liquidity. Liquidity is important because with greater
liquidity it is easier for investors to buy or sell securities, and as a
result, investors are more likely to pay or receive a competitive price
for securities purchased or sold. There may be lower liquidity in
extended hours trading as compared to regular market hours. As a result,
your order may only be partially executed, or not at all.
- Risk of Higher Volatility. Volatility
refers to the changes in price that securities undergo when trading.
Generally, the higher the volatility of a security, the greater its
price swings. There may be greater volatility in extended hours trading
than in regular market hours. As a result, your order may only be
partially executed, or not at all, or you may receive an inferior price
in extended hours trading than you would during regular market hours.
- Risk of Changing Prices. The
prices of securities traded in extended hours trading may not reflect
the prices either at the end of regular market hours, or upon the
opening the next morning. As a result, you may receive an inferior price
in extended hours trading than you would during regular market hours.
- Risk of Unlinked Markets. Depending
on the extended hours trading system or the time of day, the prices
displayed on a particular extended hours trading system may not reflect
the prices in other concurrently operating extended hours trading
systems dealing in the same securities. Accordingly, you may receive an
inferior price in one extended hours trading system than you would in
another extended hours trading system.
- Risk of News Announcements. Normally,
issuers make news announcements that may affect the price of their
securities after regular market hours. Similarly, important financial
information is frequently announced outside of regular market hours. In
extended hours trading, these announcements may occur during trading,
and if combined with lower liquidity and higher volatility, may cause an
exaggerated and unsustainable effect on the price of a security.
- Risk of Wider Spreads. Spread
refers to the difference the price at which a security can be bought
and the price at which it can be sold. Lower liquidity and higher
volatility in extended hours trading may result in wider than normal
spreads for a particular security.