CITIC Limited Half-Year Report 2019

25 Half-Year Report 2019 CITIC Limited across its different business sectors, it performs a continual risk management review to ensure commodity risks are well understood and controlled within its business strategies. 5. Market price risk CITIC Limited holds investments in financial assets classified as Derivative financial instruments or Investments in financial assets in the consolidated balance sheet. To control price risks arising from such investments, the Group actively monitors the price changes and diversifies the relevant investment risks through appropriate asset allocation. Economic Environment CITIC Limited operates diversified businesses globally in various countries and regions. As a result, its financial condition, operational results and business prospects are, to a significant degree, subject to the development of both international and domestic economies, as well as the political and legislative environment. As China’s economy is undergoing structural changes, the formation of new growth drivers involves further reforms in a variety of areas, including politics, economy, technology, culture and society. The global economy is still on the way of recovery, but the performances in main economic entities and regions are divergent, and challenges from trade friction and other aspects are increasing. The growth prospect is with uncertainty. If negative economic factors appear in countries and regions in which CITIC Limited operates, there might be an adverse impact on its operational results, financial condition and profitability. Operational Risk The financial services segment of the Group covers various sectors, including banking, securities, trust, insurance and asset management. As information technology is widely applied in the modern financial services industry, the reliability of computer systems, computer networks and information management software is essential to both traditional financial and innovative businesses. Unreliable information technology systems or underdeveloped network technologies may result in inefficient trading systems, business interruption, or loss of important information, thus affecting the reputation and service quality of financial institutions and even incurring economic losses and legal disputes. CITIC Limited carries out resources and energy, manufacturing, engineering contracting, real estate, and other businesses in countries and regions across the world, and these businesses might continue to encounter a diversity of operational difficulties. Certain difficulties, if beyond the control of CITIC Limited, might result in production delays or increases in production costs. These operational risks include delay of government payments, deterioration of tax policies, labour disputes, unforeseen technical failures, various disasters and emergencies, unexpected changes in mineral, geological or mining conditions, pollution and other environmental damage, as well as potential disputes with foreign partners, customers, subcontractors, suppliers or local residents or communities. Such risks would cause damage or loss to the relevant businesses of CITIC Limited, which in turn could adversely affect its operations, financial condition and profitability. Credit Risk With the proliferation of new market entities, innovative business models, new products, businesses and counterparties, credit risks could increase in both width and complexity. In this unpredictable economic climate, with extensive business operations and counterparties, the Group pays close attention to market developments and credit risks arising from business partners. If the Group fails to investigate and prevent such risks, they may have an adverse impact on its operations, financial condition and profitability.