Hedge funds can be difficult to generalize since they use a wide variety of strategies. They are frequently used to diversify portfolios since they tend to have lower correlations to stocks and bonds, and they often outperform stocks in weak markets. But some hedge funds cannot be called low risk since they intentionally increase risks to pursue higher returns.
Key Takeaways
- Hedge funds can be generally categorized into one of four styles: long-equity, macro and managed futures, relative value and event driven.
- Convergent hedge fund strategies tend to perform better in lower volatility markets, while divergent strategies tend to perform well in higher volatility markets.
- Since 2004, hedge fund indices have outperformed the bond market with lower standard deviation and drawdown risk than the 60/40 portfolio.