Hedge funds are a type of investment vehicle that pools capital from accredited investors or institutional clients to invest in a variety of assets, often with complex portfolio strategies and techniques. Unlike mutual funds, which are regulated to limit risk, hedge funds have the flexibility to pursue aggressive strategies, including leverage, derivatives, short selling, and more. But how exactly do hedge funds work, and what makes them different from other types of investments?
Hedge funds are known for their wide range of investment strategies. These can include long/short equity, market neutral, event-driven, and global macro strategies, among others. The goal is often to generate high returns regardless of market conditions, which is why hedge funds are so attractive to certain investors.
One of the key features of hedge funds is their ability to use leverage—borrowing funds to increase the potential return on investment. However, this also increases the risk. Hedge fund managers employ various risk management strategies to mitigate potential losses, but the use of leverage means there is always a higher level of risk compared to traditional investment vehicles.
Hedge fund managers typically earn a management fee, often 2% of assets under management, and a performance fee, commonly 20% of the fund's profits. This "2 and 20" fee structure is designed to incentivize managers to perform well, as they directly benefit from the fund's success.
However, this can also lead to a focus on short-term gains over long-term stability, so it's important for investors to carefully consider the fee structure and the incentives it creates.