Learn Investment Risks - Stock Investment Risk and Forex Risk

Generally, investing in stocks can generate higherForex Risk:
returns than bonds and real estate. HoweverManaging foreign exchange (or forex) risk is
stocks carry certain investment risks. Aessential to successful investment in the forex
successful investor should learn about themarket.
different types of investment risk.Foreign exchange exposure or risk can be
Stock Investing Risk:classified into three types: transaction, translation
One of the biggest risks for investors in stockand economic exposure.
market is the economic risk. Bad economy canTransaction exposure refers to the extent to
seriously affect stock market prices and turnwhich the future cash transactions of the firm
against your investment.may be affected by any changes in the currency
Investing in stocks is subject to business risks.exchange rate.
Your investment can literally go to zero if yourTranslation exposure refers to accounting
chosen company goes out of business orexposure. It measures the impact of changes in
bankruptcy, but you can reduce this type of riskexchange rate on the financial statements of the
through diversification. If you are properlygroup of company.
diversified and invested in a wide variety ofEconomic exposure measures the impact of
stocks, the risks associated with might bechanges in exchange rate on the firm's cash flows
controlled or reduced.and earnings.
If you are investing in new or small companiesMost companies attempt to minimize the risk of
you might be experiencing growth stock risk.fluctuating exchange rates by using hedging
Growth stocks are very sensitive to theinstruments such as Forward Exchange Contracts,
fluctuations in interest rates. Any bad news aboutMoney Market Hedge, Futures, Options and
the company can dramatically decrease the stockSwaps.
price.