What does exposure to market risk imply?

Exposure to market risk means that an investor's portfolio may be affected by market fluctuations. Market risk refers to the potential for an investment's value to decrease due to changes in the overall market, including factors such as economic shifts, political events, changes in interest rates, and investor sentiment. This type of risk impacts all types of investments, including equities, fixed-income securities, and derivatives.

When a portfolio is exposed to market risk, it indicates that the performance of the assets within that portfolio is susceptible to these broader market movements. For example, if the stock market experiences a downturn, investments in equities within a portfolio are likely to suffer losses, regardless of the individual companies' performance. Thus, understanding and managing market risk is crucial for investors aiming to protect their capital and achieve their investment objectives.