Grant Hogan, research analyst at Blue Ink Investments – a Sanlam Investments company – says, “Like unit trusts, hedge funds offer exposure to all asset classes, but because they are less regulated, they allow managers the freedom to short stocks and use derivatives to exploit investment opportunities. And because of the freedom hedge funds enjoy, they can be used to invest in a wider range of instruments than traditional investments.”

He said choosing the right fund is critical. “Some hedge funds pursue aggressive strategies and can take on substantial risk while pursuing high returns, while most may have a risk profile equal to or even lower than the typical long-only fund. These funds aim to provide stable returns that display a low correlation to the rest of the market. It is very important to understand the specific hedge fund you want to invest in and select a trusted manager.”

Here are Hogan’s top 10 tips for choosing a hedge fund:

1. Consider your motivations for investing

   Many people think investing in hedge funds is about performance. However, hedge funds are most valuable for the diversification they bring to a portfolio. If you are in it solely for performance, you may be disappointed. Be clear about what you expect from the investment at the outset.

2. There are no shortcuts in selecting a hedge fund

   Take your time when selecting one. There are over 100 hedge funds in South Africa today, and most claim to have a unique edge over the rest. They all have different strategies and sub-strategies, and have very different risk and return profiles that profit during varying market conditions. This all needs to be carefully analysed.

3. Make sure the hedge fund has significant investments from fund managers

   The common denominator for all good hedge funds is co-investment in the underlying hedge fund by the management team. This is one of the core tenets of hedge fund selection – that the investor’s success is strongly aligned with that of the hedge fund manager.

4. Know the manager

   Ensure that the hedge fund managers are experienced fund managers who have a proven ability to deliver consistent returns in many different environments.

5. Understand the investment objective

   Don’t invest in a fund that you don’t understand. Ask for a detailed explanation of the fund strategy and what type of assets it invests in. Funds with higher rates of return may take risks that are beyond your comfort level and are inconsistent with your investment goals.

6. How liquid is the fund?

   Consider your long- and short-term financial goals. Most hedge funds have notice periods, and you may not be able to get your money out as quickly as you had hoped. Ensure that the fund’s liquidity matches your investment objectives. Would the investment tie up your assets to the point that you couldn't easily access your wealth if you needed it quickly? Plan your investments so that you have enough liquidity to meet your needs and goals.

7. Understand the risks

   Think about the amount of volatility you are comfortable with. Most hedge funds are risk-mitigating investment strategies as opposed to return-seeking investment strategies, but there are exceptions. Ensure that the objectives of the hedge fund are consistent with yours.

8. Consider the age of the fund

   You can obtain a better picture of a fund's performance by looking at how it has performed over longer periods and how it has weathered the ups and downs of the market.

9. Consider the size of the fund

   Some hedge funds invest in a small number of stocks – a few successful stocks can have a significant impact on the fund’s performance. But as these funds grow larger and increase the number of stocks they own, each stock has less impact on the fund's performance. This may make it more difficult to sustain and repeat past results.

10. What does the fund cost?

    Understand what your fees are paying for. Is the level of fees consistent with an acceptable probability of success for the investor?