Hedge fund strategies: performance, risk and diversification opportunities

This study aimed at comparing the performances of distinct hedge fund strategies and assessing the diversification opportunities using hedge funds. This paper analyses the overall performance of distinct hedge fund strategies (as indices) for the period of 2001-2020. Hedge fund performances are compared using alternative risk adjusted performance metrics; first, alpha based on four asset-pricing models (CAPM, Fama-French 3 factor, Carhart and Fama-French 5 factor models); then, the Sharpe ratio. The findings of the study revealed that almost all hedge fund strategies outperform the benchmark return (MSCI World Index) and are superior in terms of risk/return measures. The alternative risk metrics used in the calculation of risk-adjusted performances did not cause a dramatic change in the rank ordering of the hedge fund strategies.