Focus Sections » OTHER FOCUS SECTIONS » ABSOLUTE RETURNS

The post-Ucits III environment has opened a door to a new investment vehicle in the form of alpha-generating absolute return strategies. But, as these are unchartered waters, which pioneers are willing to take the plunge? Elizabeth Cripps provides the answers

There are many strategies to take into account when investing in hedge funds and, by spreading their exposure across a diverse range and against bond and equity indices, investors can use alternatives to optimise reduction of portfolio risk, as well as gain additional alpha

Given the expectations for a prevailing low-return environment and the increased fear of capital losses, investors’ attention is increasingly turning away from relative performance and moving towards absolute returns. But what are the merits of absolute return strategies and how can long-only investment houses structure their products with the aim of providing both long-term positive returns and shortfall protection?