The Difference Between Small and Large Hedge Funds (2024)

As we look back at the untamed securities markets that defined 2008, we naturally have to ask ourselves which asset classes performed the least poorly. To do this, we use the software platform on AlternativeSoft, which enables us to run statistics on individual funds, as well as on a group of hedge funds. Using 窶連sset Search窶兪function, we divided the assets under management (AuM) of the hedge fund universe into four buckets of different sizes1 as shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1: The Universe of Hedge Funds Broken down by Size

SizeAuMTotal Number of Funds
SmallUS$10-100m (average US$37m)4,654
Mid-sizedUS$101-500m (average US$232m)2,004
Large>US$500m (average US$693m)787
Super-large10 largest hedge funds (average US$7,721m)10

In the following sections, we first summarise our findings of how hedge funds with different sizes of AuM performed. Second, we dig a little deeper and explain our findings on the performance between four hedge fund strategies.

Did Larger Hedge Funds Outperform Smaller Ones from January to October 2008?

Much media talk, and indeed a meaningful part of hedge fund allocations, have in recent years focused on large hedge funds. But how did large funds perform in 2008 as compared to their smaller peers? Does size matter during a 窶藁arket crash窶凰

In our analysis, the 窶牢uper-large窶兪bucket outperformed the other three AuM buckets by an average of 250bps, from January to October 2008. To position this in perspective, on an annualised 3-year basis, the ten largest funds outperformed small, medium and large funds by 650bps, 500bps and 400bps respectively.ツ

The Difference Between Small and Large Hedge Funds (2024)

FAQs

The Difference Between Small and Large Hedge Funds? ›

A small hedge fund ranges between $10 to $100 million AUM, a mid-sized fund is between $101 to $500 million, and a large fund holds more than $500 million.

What is considered a small hedge fund? ›

One threshold for "small" funds, which many financial players informally consider the dividing line between small and mid-sized funds, is $100,000,000 in AUM. This is because hedge funds over that threshold are legally required to file quarterly 13F disclosure forms with the SEC.

Does size matter in the hedge fund industry? ›

Abstract. We document a negative and convex relationship between hedge fund size and future risk-adjusted returns. Small hedge funds outperform large hedge funds by 3.65 percent per year after adjusting for risk.

What is the 2 20 rule for hedge funds? ›

The 2 and 20 is a hedge fund compensation structure consisting of a management fee and a performance fee. 2% represents a management fee which is applied to the total assets under management. A 20% performance fee is charged on the profits that the hedge fund generates, beyond a specified minimum threshold.

Is Berkshire Hathaway a hedge fund? ›

No, Warren Buffett does not have a traditional hedge fund. His company, Berkshire Hathaway, operates more like a holding company that invests in stocks and entire companies for the long term.

What is the minimum income for a hedge fund? ›

Hedge funds typically require an investor to have a liquid net worth of at least $1 million, or annual income of more than $200,000. They often borrow money to use in an investment.

How much money is considered a hedge fund? ›

It is not uncommon for a hedge fund to require at least $100,000 or even as much as $1 million to participate. Unlike mutual funds, hedge funds avoid many of the regulations and requirements within the Securities Act of 1933.

Why hedge funds are so powerful? ›

Their market-neutral, or balanced, approach to investing helps seek out positive returns by investing in varied instruments over long- and short-term periods. This positions hedge funds as nimble investors in the marketplace, able to anticipate – and avoid – undue risk for their investment partners.

What is the survival rate of hedge funds? ›

In terms of life-spans (see Figure 1), this paper estimates that 70 per cent of hedge funds die within 47 months (i.e. 3.92 years) and the annual attrition rate is 8.67 per cent per annum.

What is the most successful hedge fund? ›

Citadel has now made $74 billion for investors since its inception in 1990, more than any other hedge fund firm.

Do hedge funds beat the S&P 500? ›

Reality Check: S&P 500 Outperforms Hedge Funds 🚀

Data shows that hedge funds consistently underperformed the S&P 500 every year since 2011. The average annual return for hedge funds was about 4.956%, while the S&P 500 averaged 14.4%.

How do hedge funds make money? ›

Hedge fund strategies involve investing in debt and equity securities, commodities, currencies, derivatives, and real estate. Hedge funds are loosely regulated by the SEC and earn money from the 2% management fee and 20% performance fee structure.

How much net worth do you need to have to be in a hedge fund? ›

In the United States, qualified investors include accredited investors with a net worth of at least $1 million (excluding primary residence) or an annual income of $200,000 ($300,000 for married couples) and qualified purchasers with at least $5 million in investable assets.

What is a typical hedge fund return? ›

But lately, Wall Street has been wondering if hedge funds have reached Peak Pod. Returns dropped markedly at many multistrats in 2023. The average fund in the class returned 5.4%—even as the Nasdaq Composite and the S&P 500 cranked out total returns of 45% and 26%, respectively.

How much money do most hedge funds start with? ›

You need to start in a market that can digest billions, but it is enough to start with $1-2 million. Trade it the same way as would be trading $1 billion to show people you can digest that much. If you show good track record, the capital will come. Starting a hedge fund is no small undertaking.

How big are small hedge funds? ›

Hedge funds are classified big or small based on the total amount of their AUM (Assets Under Management). A small hedge fund ranges between $10 to $100 million AUM, a mid-sized fund is between $101 to $500 million, and a large fund holds more than $500 million.

What is considered a small investor? ›

An individual person investing in small quantities of stock or bonds. This group of investors makes up a minimal fraction of total stock ownership.

What is short selling hedge funds? ›

Short selling is a trading strategy where investors speculate on a stock's decline. Short sellers bet on, and profit from a drop in a security's price. Traders use short selling as speculation, and investors or portfolio managers may use it as a hedge against the downside risk of a long position.

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