What risk do investors in segregated funds face related to market performance?

Investors in segregated funds face market performance risk primarily because the value of these investments is directly tied to the performance of the underlying assets, which can include stocks, bonds, or other securities. As market conditions fluctuate, the value of the segregated fund can rise or fall, leading to potential gains or losses for the investor. This exposure to market movements means that, unlike fixed-return investments, the returns on segregated funds can vary depending on how well the underlying investments perform over time.

The structure of segregated funds allows for the potential of greater returns when markets are performing well, but it also means that the risk of loss exists during downturns. Therefore, while there may be features like guarantees on maturity or death benefits, these do not eliminate the inherent risk associated with market volatility.