Publisher description

The hedge fund industry has grown dramatically over the last two decades, with more than eight thousand funds now controlling close to two trillion dollars. Originally intended for the wealthy, these private investments have now attracted a much broader following that includes pension funds and retail investors. Because hedge funds are largely unregulated and shrouded in secrecy, they have developed a mystique and allure that can beguile even the most experienced investor. In Hedge Funds, Andrew Lo--one of the world's most respected financial economists--addresses the pressing need for a systematic framework for managing hedge fund investments. Arguing that hedge funds have very different risk and return characteristics than traditional investments, Lo constructs new tools for analyzing their dynamics, including measures of illiquidity exposure and performance smoothing, linear and nonlinear risk models that capture alternative betas, econometric models of hedge fund failure rates, and integrated investment processes for alternative investments. In a new chapter, he looks at how the strategies for and regulation of hedge funds have changed in the aftermath of the financial crisis.

What Hedge Funds Do provides a needed complement to journalistic accounts of the hedge fund industry, to deepen the understanding of non-specialist readers such as policymakers, journalists, and individual investors. What do hedge funds really do? These lightly-regulated funds continually innovate new investing and trading strategies to take advantage of temporary mispricing of assets (when their market price deviates from their intrinsic value). These techniques are shrouded in mystery, which permits hedge fund managers to charge exceptionally high fees. While the details of each funds' approach are carefully guarded trade secrets, this book draws the curtain back on the core building blocks of many hedge fund strategies Beyond the book's instructional goals, What Hedge Funds Do provides a needed complement to journalistic accounts of the hedge fund industry, to deepen the understanding of non-specialist readers such as policymakers, journalists, and individual investors. It is written by a fund practitioner and computer scientist (Balch), in collaboration with a public policy economist and finance academic (Romero).

The dynamic environment of investment banks, hedge funds, and private equity firms comes to life in David Stowell's introduction to the ways they challenge and sustain each other. Capturing their reshaped business plans in the wake of the 2007-2009 global meltdown, his book reveals their key functions, compensation systems, unique roles in wealth creation and risk management, and epic battles for investor funds and corporate influence. Its combination of perspectives—drawn from his industry and academic backgrounds—delivers insights that illuminate the post-2009 reinvention and acclimation processes. Through a broad view of the ways these financial institutions affect corporations, governments, and individuals, Professor Stowell shows us how and why they will continue to project their power and influence. - Emphasizes the needs for capital, sources of capital, and the process of getting capital to those who need it - Integrates into the chapters ten cases about recent transactions, along with case notes and questions - Accompanies cases with spreadsheets for readers to create their own analytical frameworks and consider choices and opportunities

A well-rounded hedge fund guide for the serious financial professional Alternative investment strategies-hedge funds in particular-have experienced a significant resurgence recently, largely in response to the dramatic downturn of the global equity markets. In response to this explosion in popularity, this book focuses on many of the best moneymaking strategies related to these alternative investment vehicles. IMCA (The Investment Management Consultants Association) is a professional association established in 1985, representing the investment consulting profession in the U.S. and Canada. Kenneth S. Phillips is a member of the IMCA Advisory Council and Managing Principal of Capital Partners, LLC. Ron Surz, CIMA, is a member of the IMCA Board of Directors and the President of PPCA Inc.

Whether already experienced with hedge funds or just thinking about investing in them, readers need a firm understanding of this unique investment vehicle in order to achieve maximum success. Hedge Funds unites over thirty of the top practitioners and academics in the hedge fund industry to provide readers with the latest findings in this field. Their analysis deals with a variety of topics, from new methods of performance evaluation to portfolio allocation and risk/return matters. Although some of the information is technical in nature, an understanding and applicability of the results as well as theoretical developments are stressed. Filled with in-depth insight and expert advice, Hedge Funds helps readers make the most of this flexible investment vehicle.

A comprehensive guide to the burgeoning hedge fund industry Intended as a comprehensive reference for investors and fund and portfolio managers, Handbook of Hedge Funds combines new material with updated information from Francois-Serge L’habitant’s two other successful hedge fund books. This book features up-to-date regulatory and historical information, new case studies and trade examples, detailed analyses of investment strategies, discussions of hedge fund indices and databases, and tips on portfolio construction. Francois-Serge L’habitant (Geneva, Switzerland) is the Head of Investment Research at Kedge Capital. He is Professor of Finance at the University of Lausanne and at EDHEC Business School, as well as the author of five books, including Hedge Funds: Quantitative Insights (0-470-85667-X) and Hedge Funds: Myths & Limits (0-470-84477-9), both from Wiley.

One of the fastest growing investment sectors ever seen, hedge funds are considered by many to be exotic and inaccessible. This book provides an intensive learning experience, defining hedge funds, explaining hedge fund strategies while offering both qualitative and quantitative tools that investors need to access these types of funds. Topics not usually covered in discussions of hedge funds are included, such as a theoretical discussion of each hedge fund strategy followed by trading examples provided by successful hedge fund managers.

“Every investor stands to benefit from Zask’s long experience and winning narrative.” -- Donald H. Putnam, Managing Partner, Grail Partners LLC "An easy-to-understand history lesson and guide to the often misunderstood world of hedge funds . . . a no-nonsense explanation of the industry written so that just about anyone can understand it. I highly recommend it." -- Mitch Ackles, President of The Hedge Fund Association EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO FIND BIG PROFITS IN HEDGE FUNDS All About Hedge Funds, Second Edition, is an easy-to-understand introduction to using hedge funds in any investing strategy. Hedge fund founder and longtime expert on the subject Ezra Zask examines where the industry stands today and where it is headed to help you determine how best to use hedge funds in your own portfolio. All About Hedge Funds provides: A detailed history of the hedge fund industry Criticism--fair and unfair--of hedge funds Hedge fund investing strategies Information on using hedge funds to allocate your portfolio

Praise and Reviews "As hundreds of billions of capital seek an appropriate match with thousands of hedge funds, Matthew Ridley has produced a survey of the major hedge fund strategies that will be of great utility to the novice or pro. Comprehensive, insightful, readable, leavened with common sense and wit, it is much like a Consulta due diligence review."Bruce G Wilcox, Chairman, Cumberland Associates LLC"Extremely informative - a thorough synopsis of how funds view different investments. Matt has taken a very complicated process and simplified it so everyone can understand it. After reading this book, everyone will believe they can manage a hedge fund."Marc Lasry, Founder and Managing Partner, Avenue Capital Group"In light of the recent equity bear market and increasing retail and institutional interest in hedge funds, Matt Ridley's book is a most timely introduction and analysis of this complex and diverse asset class."Gary Brass, Managing Director, Consulta Limited"An excellent book that gives a pragmatic coverage of the area without sacrificing depth, Ridley's lengthy experience of the asset class really shines through. This book should leave investment professionals new to the area with the skills they need to hit the ground running, ready to appraise, select and monitor hedge funds and hold their own even when analysing the most complex of strategies."Dr Chris Jones, Director, Alternative Investment Strategies, io investors, Visiting AssociOver the past decade hedge funds have experienced considerable growth as an alternative asset class. Disappointing returns from mainstream markets have stimulated the interest of a previously sceptical investment community. More and more asset managers are now providing their clients with access to hedge funds.How to Invest in Hedge Funds is a clear, step-by-step guide for professionals investing in this area for the first time. It is a practical introduction to various types of hedge fund strategies, and how they work and develop over time. How to Invest in Hedge Funds provides a uniquely balanced picture that outlines both the strengths and weaknesses of this kind of fund.Contents include:definition, origin, structure and attributes of a typical hedge fund;risks and merits of hedge funds;how to select a hedge fund;portfolio construction and management;how to organize a hedge fund research effort;chapters dedicated to explaining specific hedge fund strategies.Written by one of the leading practitioners in the field, How to Invest in Hedge Funds is packed with practical information and guides the reader through the process of investing in this area.