 They may not pay interest prior to liquidation and may be structured to pay distributions only at maturity. As with many similar investments, the rate of return is based on the performance of the underlying assets held in the portfolio or the underlying index or underlying commodity backing the structured product. If the structured product is not designated as being 100% principal protected, FDIC insured, or deemed as market protected, some of your principal may be at risk and the return of the principal is only guaranteed to the degree specified in the contract.