Hedge-Fund Benchmarks: Information Content and Biases
Published
Journal Article
We discuss the information content and potential measurement biases in hedge-fund benchmarks. Hedge-fund indexes built from databases of individual hedge funds inherit the measurement biases in the databases. In addition, broad-based indexes mask the diversity of individual hedge-fund return characteristics. Consequently, these indexes provide incomplete information to investors seeking diversification from traditional asset classes through the use of hedge funds. The approach to constructing hedge-fund benchmarks we propose is based on the simple idea that the most direct way to measure hedge-fund performance is to observe the investment experience of hedge-fund investors themselves - the funds of hedge funds (FOFs). In terms of measurement biases, returns of FOFs can deliver a cleaner estimate of the investment experience of hedge-fund investors than the traditional approach. In terms of risk characteristics, indexes of FOFs are more indicative of the demand-side dynamics driven by hedge-fund investors' preferences than are broad-based indexes. Therefore, indexes of FOFs can provide valuable information for assessing the hedge-fund industry's performance.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Fung, W; Hsieh, DA
Published Date
- January 1, 2002
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 58 / 1
Start / End Page
- 22 - 34
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0015-198X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.2469/faj.v58.n1.2507
Citation Source
- Scopus