Banking 101 -
A comprehensive guide to hedge funds for investors
Sophisticated investors consistently seek out ways to diversify portfolios and preserve wealth over the longer term. One vehicle you may have considered including in your portfolios, is a hedge fund.
What are hedge funds?
There are many different hedge fund strategies employed by managers, each with their own characteristics of risk, potential return, liquidity and complexity. Before considering this approach, here are a few pros and cons to consider.
Pros of investing in hedge funds
- Diversification: Certain strategies can provide diversification within a portfolio, meaning that they may be designed to not move in lockstep with equity or bond markets.
- Potentially higher returns: Some hedge funds may utilise leverage as part of their strategies, which has the potential of enhancing returns, or losses.
- Access to skilled investment professionals: Investing in a hedge fund may provide access to experienced investment managers who use a variety of strategies to generate returns.
Cons of investing in hedge funds
- Higher risk: Hedge funds have the potential to be high-risk investments due to the leverage sometimes used and often do not provide the same level of investor protection due to reduced regulatory oversight.
- Limited liquidity: You will typically have limited liquidity, meaning investors may be unable to access their funds immediately.
- Higher fees: Hedge funds generally have higher fees compared to traditional investments. This is because hedge fund managers use sophisticated strategies and techniques requiring significant resources and expertise.
Final thoughts
Whether you are considering a traditional approach, alternative investments or something else, we can help you make an informed decision. While hedge funds can be attractive to investors looking to diversify their portfolio and seek attractive risk-adjusted returns, they are not suitable for everyone. Potential investors should consider the limited liquidity, lack of transparency, and high fees sometimes associated with hedge funds before making any decisions. It is essential to weigh the potential risks against the potential returns and determine whether the approach aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Arbuthnot Latham offers personalised investment management designed to deliver on your goals while balancing risk.
Contact us today to learn more about our investment management services
Becoming a client
Take control of your finances today by completing our enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call us on the number below and one of our team will be more than happy to talk about your future.
Further reading about Business Exit
The ultimate guide to discretionary investment management
If you are looking for a hassle-free approach to investing that can be tailored to your individual financial needs and goals, discretionary portfolio management may be the right choice for you.
How to choose the best long-term investments
As an investor, choosing suitable long-term investments is critical for preserving your wealth, achieving your financial objectives, and leaving a legacy for your loved ones and the causes you care about.
Exploring the pros and cons of alternative investments
Alternative investments have become an increasingly popular diversification tool for portfolios. While traditional investments offer stability, alternative investments offer the potential for higher returns – but are they worth it?
Related services
Wealth Management • Wealth Planning • Investment Management • Financial Advisers
DISCLAIMER
This communication should be considered a marketing communication. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research. It is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice, a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell any security or other investment or banking product or service. You should seek professional advice before making any investment decision. The value of investments, and the income from them can fall as well as rise, and may be affected by exchange rate fluctuations. Investors could get back less than they invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The tax treatment of investments depends upon individual circumstances and may be subject to change.
The contents of this communication are based on opinions or conditions as at the date of writing and may change without notice. To the extent permitted by law or regulation, no warranty of accuracy or completeness of this information is given and no liability is accepted for its use or reliance on it.