12 June 2013
Beware of Economic Forecasts
When a leading investment manager states that there is a '60% Chance of Recession in the next 3-5 Years' the firm unwittingly confirms that predicting the economy is nearly worthless as a tool to base your investment decisions on. Nebulous forecasts such as these should be considered to be advertising for the fund manager and a way to get attention in the financial media circus hungry for the next eye-catching headline.
Labels:
Economists,
Experts
11 June 2013
Hedge Fund Performance: do not compare Apples with Oranges
Comparing Hedge Fund performance with the S&P Index is comparing apples with oranges (Goldman Sachs Report). One may have a critical view of Hedge Funds – and they are far from perfect – but they are expected to provide satisfactory returns on a risk-adjusted basis and diversification away from mainstream investments such as large-cap equities that dominate the major stock indices. A less simplistic analysis is needed and in addition those looking to invest in hedge funds need to fully understand the instrument rather than being taken in by a sales pitch.
Labels:
Diversification,
Hedge Funds,
Performance