This statistic shows the number of hedge funds launched worldwide from 2015 to 2017 and a forecast for 2018. In 2017, *** hedge funds were launched globally.

Hedge funds

A hedge fund is an investment vehicle that invests in a wide range of assets in order to generate a higher return for a given level of risk than that which is expected of normal investments. Regardless of what the market does, hedge funds are managed in order to generate a consistent level of return. Obviously, the higher the risk, the higher the return, but due to their design as collected limited investment partnerships, hedge funds aim to achieve a positive return on investment.

Not dissimilar to the English idiomatic phrase ‘to hedge your bets’, hedge funds aim to reduce the probability of incurring a loss by ‘hedging’ the likelihood of incurring a loss by counterbalancing this loss in some way. This is the task of hedge fund managers, who find ways to reduce the risk without eating into the investment income. It is not untypical that a hedge fund manager would invest their own capital into the fund that they manage; this vested financial interest aims to align their interests with those of their fellow investors.

Regulation of hedge funds is lax to non-existent, and because they are not available for sale to the public or to retail investors, the funds and their managers have historically been exempt from the rules that govern other types of funds, their strategic approach to investments and the techniques that are employed in their implementation.

Replication data for study of the relationship between hedge fund investments on lobbying spending. Time series data for the United States from 1998-2015. Variables include total money spent on lobbying (in billions), assets under management in hedge funds (in billions), U.S. gross domestic product (in trillions), and U.S. federal budget (in trillions). The data include both the levels of these variables, and their differenced values.

Hedge funds are significantly boosting their bullish positions on US crude oil amidst global supply concerns and economic policies from China, affecting market dynamics.

The UK hedge fund industry, a significant player in global finance, is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 8% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Firstly, increasing institutional investor interest in alternative investment strategies, particularly in areas like event-driven and relative value strategies, fuels demand for sophisticated hedge fund management. Secondly, the UK's established financial infrastructure, regulatory environment, and talent pool continue to attract both domestic and international capital. Thirdly, innovative investment approaches, such as incorporating AI and big data analytics, are enhancing returns and attracting new investors. However, challenges remain. Brexit-related uncertainties initially impacted the industry, though its resilience has been demonstrated by continued growth. Furthermore, increased regulatory scrutiny and rising operational costs present ongoing hurdles. Segment-wise, Equity, Fixed Income Credit, and Multi-Strategy funds are expected to dominate the market share, attracting substantial investments. Leading firms like Man Group, Brevan Howard, and Marshall Wace are leveraging their expertise and established networks to capitalize on market opportunities, while new entrants bring fresh perspectives and competition. The geographical distribution of activity is diverse, though the UK remains a central hub. While North America and Asia-Pacific contribute significantly to global hedge fund assets, the UK benefits from its position as a global financial center, attracting funds from across the globe. The industry’s future hinges on adapting to evolving market conditions, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Successfully navigating these dynamics will determine the extent to which the UK hedge fund industry continues its trajectory of sustained growth throughout the forecast period. Strategic partnerships, technological integration, and a focus on sustainable investment practices are likely to define the industry’s evolution. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the UK hedge funds industry, covering its evolution, current state, and future projections from 2019 to 2033. The report leverages extensive data, incorporating historical data (2019-2024), a base year of 2025, and a forecast period spanning 2025-2033, to deliver actionable insights for investors, fund managers, and industry stakeholders. Keywords include: UK Hedge Funds, Hedge Fund Market Size, UK Alternative Investments, Hedge Fund Regulations, UK Asset Management, Hedge Fund Strategies, London Hedge Funds. Recent developments include: In January 2023: Tiger Global Management fund is accelerating its transformation from a traditional stock-picking hedge find to a venture capital investment business, with startup bets now accounting for nearly 75% of the firm's assets., In January 2023: SurgoCap Partners, a new hedge fund founded by Maia Gaonkar, started trading on Tuesday with USD 1.8 billion under management, making it the largest-ever debut of a female-led hedge fund.. Notable trends are: Assets Managed in the UK by Client Type.

Discover why Suzuki's strategic focus on India offers a protective edge against global trade fluctuations for Singapore-based hedge funds.

Goldman Sachs' recommendation for a copper price surge failed as unexpected tariff exemptions caused a record price drop, impacting hedge funds.

Hedge funds reduce net-bullish crude positions, reflecting a cooling market sentiment influenced by trade concerns, the Ukraine conflict, and potential OPEC+ output changes.

As of June 17, 2024, the most shorted stock was for, the American holographic technology services provider, MicroCloud Hologram Inc., with 66.64 percent of their total float having been shorted. This is a change from mid-January 2021, when video game retailed GameStop had an incredible 121.07 percent of their available shares in a short position. In effect this means that investors had 'borrowed' more shares (with a future promise to return them) than the total number of shares available for public trading. Owing to this behavior of professional investors, retail investors enacted a campaign to drive up the stock price of Gamestop, leading to losses of billions when investors had to repurchase the stock they had borrowed. At this time, a similar – but less effective – social media campaign was also carried out for the stock price of cinema operator AMC, and the price of silver. What is short selling? Short selling is essentially where an investor bets on a share price falling by: borrowing a number of shares selling these shares while the price is still high; purchasing the same number again once the price falls; then returning the borrowed shares at a profit. Of course, a profit will only be made if the share price does fall; should the share price rise the investor will then need to purchase the shares back at a higher price, and thus incur a loss. Short selling can lead to some very large profits in a short amount of time, with Tesla stock generating over one billion dollars in short sell profits during the first week of March 2020 alone, owing to the financial crash caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, owing to the short-term, opportunistic nature of short selling, these returns look less impressive when considered as net profits from short sell positions over the full year. The risks of short selling Short selling carries greater risks than traditional investments, and for this reason financial advisors often recommend against this strategy for ‘retail’ (i.e. non-professional) investors. The reason for this is that losses from short selling are potentially uncapped, whereas losses from traditional investments are limited to the initial cost. For example, if someone purchases 100 dollars of shares, the maximum they can lose is the 100 dollars the spent on those shares. However, say someone borrows 100 dollars of shares instead, betting on the price falling. If these shares are then sold for 100 dollars but the price subsequently rises, the losses could greatly exceed the initial investment should the price rise to, say, 500 dollars. The risks of short selling can be seen by looking again at Tesla, with the company causing the greatest losses over 2020 from short selling at over 40 billion U.S. dollars.

Norway Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: Inward: USD: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data was reported at -10.417 USD mn in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 66.694 USD mn for 2021. Norway Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: Inward: USD: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data is updated yearly, averaging 28.139 USD mn from Dec 2021 (Median) to 2023, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 66.694 USD mn in 2021 and a record low of -10.417 USD mn in 2023. Norway Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: Inward: USD: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Norway – Table NO.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: USD: by Industry: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment:Reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) is treated as portfolio investment. A survey is underway to evaluate the importance of reverse investment in equity. Netting of reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series excluding resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for listed outward equity positions: Own funds at book value, Book values. Valuation method used for unlisted inward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted outward equity positions: Own funds at book value, Book value. Valuation method used for inward and outward debt positions: Book value.; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are excluded from FDI positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationships (FDIR) method. Debt between fellow enterprises are partially covered. Collective investment institutions are partially covered as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are covered as direct investors. FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions are allocated according to the activity of the resident direct investor. Outward FDI positions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Statistical unit: Enterprise.

Goldman Sachs advised clients to bet on rising copper prices, but an unexpected tariff decision led to a record 22% price drop, highlighting market volatility.

South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Position: Inward: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data was reported at 887.588 USD mn in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 551.311 USD mn for 2021. South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Position: Inward: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data is updated yearly, averaging 513.849 USD mn from Dec 2013 (Median) to 2022, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.325 USD bn in 2017 and a record low of 0.000 USD mn in 2014. South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Position: Inward: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Position: by Industry: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment: Netting of reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) and reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series excluding resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted outward equity positions: Own funds at book value, Accumulation of FDI equity flows, Book values. Valuation method used for inward debt positions: Nominal value. Valuation method used for outward debt positions: Market value.; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are excluded from FDI transactions and positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationship (FDIR). Fellow enterprises are partially covered in FDI transactions and positions. However given the reporting treshold, almost all of the value of transactions of fellows are covered in the statistics. Collective investment institutions are included as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are included as direct investors (outward FDI transactions and positions). FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI positions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Statistical unit: Enterprise.

KR: Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data was reported at -33.030 USD mn in 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of -30.249 USD mn for 2021. KR: Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data is updated yearly, averaging -31.639 USD mn from Dec 2013 (Median) to 2022, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 14.748 USD mn in 2014 and a record low of -208.423 USD mn in 2020. KR: Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Income: by Industry: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment: Netting of reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) and reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series excluding resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted outward equity positions: Own funds at book value, Accumulation of FDI equity flows, Book values. Valuation method used for inward debt positions: Nominal value. Valuation method used for outward debt positions: Market value.; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are excluded from FDI transactions and positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationship (FDIR). Fellow enterprises are partially covered in FDI transactions and positions. However given the reporting treshold, almost all of the value of transactions of fellows are covered in the statistics. Collective investment institutions are included as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are included as direct investors (outward FDI transactions and positions). FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI positions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Statistical unit: Enterprise.

South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: Outward: USD: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data was reported at 84.197 USD mn in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of -15.027 USD mn for 2022. South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: Outward: USD: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data is updated yearly, averaging -10.728 USD mn from Dec 2013 (Median) to 2023, with 11 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 253.238 USD mn in 2019 and a record low of -195.524 USD mn in 2020. South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: Outward: USD: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: USD: by Industry: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment: Netting of reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) and reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series excluding resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted outward equity positions: Own funds at book value, Accumulation of FDI equity flows, Book values. Valuation method used for inward debt positions: Nominal value. Valuation method used for outward debt positions: Market value.; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are excluded from FDI transactions and positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationship (FDIR). Fellow enterprises are partially covered in FDI transactions and positions. However given the reporting treshold, almost all of the value of transactions of fellows are covered in the statistics. Collective investment institutions are included as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are included as direct investors (outward FDI transactions and positions). FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI positions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Statistical unit: Enterprise.

South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Position: Outward: USD: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data was reported at 1.410 USD bn in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.366 USD bn for 2022. South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Position: Outward: USD: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data is updated yearly, averaging 886.819 USD mn from Dec 2013 (Median) to 2023, with 11 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.410 USD bn in 2023 and a record low of 669.880 USD mn in 2014. South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Position: Outward: USD: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Position: USD: by Industry: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment: Netting of reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) and reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series excluding resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted outward equity positions: Own funds at book value, Accumulation of FDI equity flows, Book values. Valuation method used for inward debt positions: Nominal value. Valuation method used for outward debt positions: Market value.; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are excluded from FDI transactions and positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationship (FDIR). Fellow enterprises are partially covered in FDI transactions and positions. However given the reporting treshold, almost all of the value of transactions of fellows are covered in the statistics. Collective investment institutions are included as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are included as direct investors (outward FDI transactions and positions). FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI positions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Statistical unit: Enterprise.

South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: Inward: USD: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data was reported at 45.636 USD mn in 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of 385.710 USD mn for 2021. South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: Inward: USD: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data is updated yearly, averaging 6.130 USD mn from Dec 2013 (Median) to 2022, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 385.710 USD mn in 2021 and a record low of -113.804 USD mn in 2014. South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: Inward: USD: Total: Gambling and Betting Activities: Sporting and Other Recreational Activities data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: USD: by Industry: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment: Netting of reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) and reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series excluding resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted outward equity positions: Own funds at book value, Accumulation of FDI equity flows, Book values. Valuation method used for inward debt positions: Nominal value. Valuation method used for outward debt positions: Market value.; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are excluded from FDI transactions and positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationship (FDIR). Fellow enterprises are partially covered in FDI transactions and positions. However given the reporting treshold, almost all of the value of transactions of fellows are covered in the statistics. Collective investment institutions are included as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are included as direct investors (outward FDI transactions and positions). FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI positions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Statistical unit: Enterprise.