Hedge Funds ─ Structure, Strategies, and Performance

Hedge Funds: Structure, Strategies, and Performance provides a synthesis of the theoretical and empirical literature on this intriguing, complex, and frequently misunderstood topic.

The book dispels some common misconceptions of hedge funds, showing that they are not a monolithic asset class but pursue highly diverse strategies. Furthermore, not all hedge funds are unusually risky, excessively leveraged, invest only in illiquid asses, attempt to profit from short-term market movements, or only benefit hedge fund managers due to their high fees. Among the core issues addressed are how hedge funds are structured and how they work, hedge fund strategies, leading issues in this investment, and the latest trends and developments.

The authors examine hedge funds from a range of perspectives, and from the theoretical to the practical. The book explores the background, organization, and economics of hedge funds, as well as their structure. A key part is the diverse investment strategies hedge funds follow, for example some are activists, others focusing on relative value, and all have views on managing risk. The book examines various ways to evaluate hedge fund performance, and enhances understanding of their regulatory environment. The extensive and engaging examination of these issues help the reader understands the important issues and trends facing hedge funds, as well as their future prospects.

H. Kent Baker is a University Professor of Finance in the Kogod School of Business at American University. As one of the most prolific finance academics, Professor Baker has authored or edited 26 books and has published more than 160 refereed articles in such journals as the Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Financial Management, Financial Analysts Journal, and Journal of Portfolio Management. He has consulting and training experience with more than 100 organizations. Professor Baker holds a BSBA from Georgetown University; M.Ed., MBA, and DBA degrees from the University of Maryland; and an MA, MS, and two PhDs from American University. He also holds CFA and CMA designations.

Greg Filbeck is a Samuel P. Black III Professor of Finance and Risk Management at Penn State Behrend and serves as the Interim Director for the Black School of Business. Professor Filbeck has authored or edited seven books and published more than 90 refereed academic journal articles appearing in the Financial Analysts Journal, Financial Review, and Journal of Business, Finance, and Accounting. He received a BS from Murray State University; an MS from Penn State University, and a DBA (finance) from the University of Kentucky. He also holds the CFA, FRM, PRM, CIPM, and CAIA designations.