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 a good size hedge fund? ›

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

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 BlackRock a hedge fund? ›

BlackRock manages US$38bn across a broad range of hedge fund strategies. With over 20 years of proven experience, the depth and breadth of our platform has evolved into a comprehensive toolkit of 30+ strategies.

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.

How much money is considered a hedge fund? ›

prIvATe Funds oF Hedge Funds

are not registered and often impose minimum investment requirements of $250,000 or more. To participate, you must meet SEC Qualified Purchaser criteria.

What is the minimum size to start a hedge fund? ›

There's no real prescribed target, but you should aim to have at least $5 million in AUM to be successful, while $20 million will make you noticeable to investors. Having $100 million will get you noticed by institutional investors.

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.

How do hedge funds get paid? ›

Hedge funds make money by charging a management fee and a percentage of profits. The typical fee structure is 2 and 20, meaning a 2% fee on assets under management and 20% of profits, sometimes above a high water mark. For example, let's say a hedge fund manages $1 billion in assets. It will earn $20 million in fees.

How much does a hedge fund VP make? ›

Vice President Of Hedge Funds Salary
Annual SalaryHourly Wage
Top Earners$244,500$118
75th Percentile$190,000$91
Average$157,532$76
25th Percentile$115,000$55

How much do hedge funds typically return? ›

The average annual return on investment for hedge funds varies widely depending on the fund's strategy, market conditions, and the skill of the fund managers. Historically, it's been around 6-8%, but this can fluctuate significantly.

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.

Can a hedge fund fail? ›

There is some evidence that in approximately half of cases scrutinised, hedge funds were forced to shut down owing to various operational risk factors, such as misrepresentation of investments, misappropriation of funds/ general fraud, unauthorised trading and style breaches, or inadequate resources and infrastructure.

Can you start a hedge fund with a million dollars? ›

To start a true, institutional-quality hedge fund that uses the LP / GP (Limited Partner / General Partner) structure and has large external investors, such as endowments, pension funds, and funds of funds, you'll need to raise hundreds of millions of USD.

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.

How much does it cost to run a small hedge fund? ›

Annual fund administration fees average $24,000 for emerging hedge funds and more than $100,000 for large, complex funds. With respect to establishing a U.S. hedge fund, average hedge fund startup costs range from $50,000 to $100,000, and first- year operational costs usually total $75,000 to $150,000.

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