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.

Snapshot img

Hedge Fund Market in US Size 2025-2029

The US hedge fund market size is forecast to increase by USD 738 billion at a CAGR of 8.1% between 2024 and 2029.

US Hedge Fund Market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing investor interest in alternative investment options. This trend is driven by the desire for higher returns and risk diversification, leading to a surge in assets under management. Furthermore, technological advancements are transforming the hedge fund industry, enabling companies to offer innovative solutions and improve operational efficiency. However, the market is not without challenges. Regulatory constraints continue to pose significant obstacles, with stringent regulations governing fund operations, investor protection, and transparency.
Compliance with these regulations requires substantial resources and expertise, presenting a significant challenge for hedge fund managers. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate these challenges effectively must stay informed of regulatory developments and invest in robust compliance frameworks. Additionally, leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance transparency can help hedge funds remain competitive and meet investor demands.

What will be the Size of the Hedge Fund Market in US during the forecast period?

Request Free Sample

US hedge funds market activities and evolving patterns continue to unfold, shaping the industry's landscape. Hedge funds employ various strategies, such as quantitative methods, algorithmic trading, and relative value strategies, to manage risk and generate alpha. Investor relations play a crucial role in attracting and retaining capital from high-net-worth individuals, family offices, pension funds, and institutional investors. Fund of funds and multi-strategy funds offer diversification, while big data analytics and alternative data inform investment decisions. Machine learning and artificial intelligence enhance risk management and performance measurement. Regulatory compliance and transparency are essential components of hedge fund operations, ensuring liquidity and mitigating drawdowns.
Market dynamics are influenced by various factors, including hedge fund leverage, volatility, and capacity. Hedge fund managers must navigate these complexities to deliver competitive returns, employing due diligence and effective fee structures. Hedge fund distribution channels, such as conferences and sales efforts, facilitate access to new investors. The hedge fund market is a continually evolving ecosystem, where technology, regulatory requirements, and investor expectations shape the industry's future. Hedge fund liquidation and exit strategies, performance fees, and risk appetite are critical considerations for hedge fund managers and investors alike. Ultimately, the hedge fund industry's success hinges on its ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing financial landscape.

How is this Hedge Fund in US Industry segmented?

The hedge fund in US industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Offshore
  Domestic
  Fund of funds


Method

  Long and short equity
  Event driven
  Global macro
  Others


End-user

  Institutional
  Individual


Fund Structure

  Small (
  Medium (USD500M-USD2B)
  Large (>USD2B)


Investor Type

  Institutional
  High-Net-Worth Individuals


Geography

  North America

    US

By Type Insights

The offshore segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The offshore segment of the hedge fund market in the US houses funds that are managed or marketed by American firms but are domiciled and operated in offshore jurisdictions. These funds, located in financial centers known for their favorable regulatory environments, tax treatment, and legal infrastructure, offer investors tax efficiency through lower or zero taxation on investment income, capital gains, and distributions. The reduced regulatory burden in offshore jurisdictions enables greater flexibility in fund operations, investment strategies, and disclosure obligations, making offshore hedge funds an appealing choice for tax-conscious investors. Portfolio construction, risk management, and hedge fund allocation strategies are crucial elements for these funds, with relative value and long-short equity strategies commonly employed.

Performance fees and management fees are the primary revenue sources for hedge fund managers, while family offices and institutional investors provide significant hedge fund capital. Regulatory compliance and due diligence are essential for investors, ensuring transparency and performance measurement. Hedge fund research, risk appetite, and investor relat

Are hedge funds worth your money? Hedge funds have developed from investment funds that were designed to lower the risk of your portfolio to a multitude of different investment styles with different goals. Their heyday was probably during the 90s and early 2000s when several star hedge fund managers rose to prominence and their assets under management grew significantly. However, since then hedge funds have been under scrutiny as their investment returns have been lacking and their ability to function as a diversification to a traditional stock and bond portfolio was put into question. As hedge funds have their own set of leverage and investment rules it is no wonder they have been accused of being greedy, unsuccessful and secretive. However, with this dataset you can make your own analysis.

Content This dataset covers monthly hedge fund returns starting from 1997. The date column refers to the last day of the month - the end date of the return period, if I understand correctly. There are 12 different hedge fund strategies covered and the return index series are formed as an aggregate of other hedge fund index providers.

The strategy explanations are in EDHEC website:

Convertible Arbitrage - https://risk.edhec.edu/conv-arb/ CTA Global - https://risk.edhec.edu/cta-global/ Distressed Securities - https://risk.edhec.edu/dist-sec/ Emerging Markets - https://risk.edhec.edu/emg-mkts/ Equity Market Neutral - https://risk.edhec.edu/equity-market-neutral/ Event Driven - https://risk.edhec.edu/event-driven/ Fixed Income Arbitrage - https://risk.edhec.edu/fix-inc-arb/ Global Macro - https://risk.edhec.edu/global-macro/ Long/Short Equity - https://risk.edhec.edu/ls-equity/ Merger Arbitrage - https://risk.edhec.edu/merger-arb/ Relative Value - https://risk.edhec.edu/relative-value/ Short Selling - https://risk.edhec.edu/short-selling/ Funds of Funds - https://risk.edhec.edu/fof/ Acknowledgements All credit for the maintenance and upload of the data goes to EDHEC. You should check their website for additional resources:

https://risk.edhec.edu/all-downloads-hedge-funds-indices

Inspiration The EDHEC hedge fund data is the data used in examples/vignettes of PortfolioAnalytics - a package for optimizing, testing and analyzing portfolio returns. You should be easily able to expand the analysis from the vignettes just by using the larger dataset available here:

https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/PortfolioAnalytics/index.html

The US hedge fund market, a cornerstone of alternative investments, is projected to reach a substantial size, exhibiting robust growth over the forecast period (2025-2033). The market's 2025 value of $2.77 billion reflects a significant accumulation of assets under management by prominent firms such as Bridgewater Associates, Renaissance Technologies, and BlackRock. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.52% indicates consistent expansion, driven by several key factors. Increased investor interest in alternative investment strategies seeking higher returns than traditional markets, coupled with the sophisticated risk management techniques employed by hedge funds, fuels this growth. Technological advancements, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and big data analytics, are enhancing investment strategies, contributing to improved performance and attracting further investment. However, regulatory scrutiny and evolving investor preferences pose potential constraints. The industry’s evolution is characterized by a shift towards more specialized strategies and the increasing adoption of sustainable and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing principles. This suggests a move beyond traditional long/short equity strategies into niche areas like quantitative trading, private equity, and global macro strategies. The competitive landscape remains intensely competitive, with established giants vying for market share against nimble, emerging players employing innovative techniques. The segmentation of the US hedge fund market likely encompasses various investment strategies (e.g., long/short equity, global macro, distressed debt, event-driven), fund sizes (e.g., mega-funds, mid-sized funds, smaller funds), and investor types (e.g., institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals). Regional variations within the US market might also exist, reflecting economic activity and investor concentration in certain areas. The forecast anticipates continued growth, although the rate may fluctuate based on macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical events, and evolving regulatory frameworks. The dominance of established players is likely to persist, though disruptive innovations and the emergence of new, successful firms could reshape the competitive landscape in the coming years. Recent developments include: January 2024: The Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association (PBHFA), the premier trade association for investors and financial professionals in South Florida, and Entoro, a leading boutique finance and investment banking group, announced a strategic partnership to improve deal distribution for hedge funds., October 2022: Divya Nettimi, a former Viking Global Investors portfolio manager who oversaw over USD 4 billion at the Greenwich, Connecticut-based hedge fund firm, became the first woman to launch a hedge fund that has committed more than USD 1 billion.. Key drivers for this market are: Positive Trends in Equity Market is Driving the Market. Potential restraints include: Positive Trends in Equity Market is Driving the Market. Notable trends are: Rise of the Crypto Hedge Funds in United States.

As of 2024, there were roughly over ***** equity long/short hedge funds operating worldwide. These are hedge funds that take both long and short positions in investments. While multi-strategy hedge funds were among the top performers by net annualized return, these hedge fund types formed a lower portion of the hedge fund pool, with *** being operational in 2024. Growth of the hedge fund industry The hedge fund industry has experienced steady growth since its boom in the 1990s. Despite facing setbacks including that of the 2008 fiscal crisis, the industry has rebounded, managing assets valued at over ************* U.S. dollars in 2024. This continued success has been partly due to the industry's resilience and adaptability, adjusting investment strategies and portfolio holdings to changing market dynamics. How do different fund strategies impact performance? Hedge fund performance can vary considerably depending on the investment strategy adopted. Those following a multi-strategy approach achieved the highest net performance over one-, three-, and five-year periods. This strategy allocates funds across multiple sub-strategies and asset classes, resulting in highly diverse portfolios with a one-year median net performance exceeding ** percent in 2024. Conversely, arbitrage strategies, which leverage mispricing in equity shares to generate maximum returns, delivered the ************* net returns over a one-year period in 2024.

Are hedge funds worth your money?

Hedge funds have developed from investment funds that were designed to lower the risk of your portfolio to a multitude of different investment styles with different goals. Their heyday was probably during the 90s and early 2000s when several star hedge fund managers rose to prominence and their assets under management grew significantly. However, since then hedge funds have been under scrutiny as their investment returns have been lacking and their ability to function as a diversification to a traditional stock and bond portfolio was put into question. As hedge funds have their own set of leverage and investment rules it is no wonder they have been accused of being greedy, unsuccessful and secretive. However, with this dataset you can make your own analysis.

Content

This dataset covers monthly hedge fund returns starting from 1997. The date column refers to the last day of the month - the end date of the return period, if I understand correctly. There are 12 different hedge fund strategies covered and the return index series are formed as an aggregate of other hedge fund index providers.

The strategy explanations are in EDHEC website:

• Convertible Arbitrage - https://risk.edhec.edu/conv-arb/
• CTA Global - https://risk.edhec.edu/cta-global/
• Distressed Securities - https://risk.edhec.edu/dist-sec/
• Emerging Markets - https://risk.edhec.edu/emg-mkts/
• Equity Market Neutral - https://risk.edhec.edu/equity-market-neutral/
• Event Driven - https://risk.edhec.edu/event-driven/
• Fixed Income Arbitrage - https://risk.edhec.edu/fix-inc-arb/
• Global Macro - https://risk.edhec.edu/global-macro/
• Long/Short Equity - https://risk.edhec.edu/ls-equity/
• Merger Arbitrage - https://risk.edhec.edu/merger-arb/
• Relative Value - https://risk.edhec.edu/relative-value/
• Short Selling - https://risk.edhec.edu/short-selling/
• Funds of Funds - https://risk.edhec.edu/fof/

Acknowledgements

All credit for the maintenance and upload of the data goes to EDHEC. You should check their website for additional resources:

https://risk.edhec.edu/all-downloads-hedge-funds-indices

Inspiration

The EDHEC hedge fund data is the data used in examples/vignettes of PortfolioAnalytics - a package for optimizing, testing and analyzing portfolio returns. You should be easily able to expand the analysis from the vignettes just by using the larger dataset available here:

https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/PortfolioAnalytics/index.html

The United Kingdom Hedge Funds Market is Segmented by Investment Strategy (Equity Long/Short, Global Macro, Event-Driven, and More), Investor Type (Pension Funds, Insurance Companies, and More), Distribution Channel (Direct Sales, Placement Agents/Intermediaries, and More), Fund Domicile & Structure (UK-Onshore, Offshore, Cayman, and More), and Region. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Value (USD).

Hedge funds are private, unregulated investment funds that use sophisticated instruments or strategies, such as derivative securities, short positions or leveraging, to generate alpha. Hedge funds cover a wide range of strategies with different risk and return profiles.

About This Dataset

Data Date: 1997/1 - 2021/6 Columns : 13 Different Investing Style Index Value : Monthly Return

Description

Convertible Arbitrage : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/conv_arb.pdf CTA Global : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/cta.pdf Distressed Securities : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/distressed.pdf Emerging Markets : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/emerging.pdf Equity Market Neutral : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/market_ntl.pdf Event Driven : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/event_driven.pdf Fixed Income Arbitrage : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/fix_inc.pdf Global Macro : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/global_macro.pdf Long/Short Equity : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/long_short.pdf Merger Arbitrage : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/merger.pdf Relative Value : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/value.pdf Short Selling : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/short.pdf Funds of Funds : https://risk.edhec.edu/sites/risk/files/indices/Indices/Edhec%20Alternative%20Indices/Web/report/fof.pdf

Credit To

Data Source :EDHEC-Risk Institute Since 2003, EDHEC-Risk Institute has been publishing the EDHEC-Risk Alternative Indices, which aggregate and synthesise information from different index providers, so as to provide investors with representative benchmarks. These indices are computed for thirteen investment styles that represent typical hedge fund strategies. https://risk.edhec.edu/all-downloads-hedge-funds-indices

From 2021 through May 2024, the in-flow and out-flow of hedge funds varied. 2022, saw the largest fund outflow, with investors pulling over 100 billion U.S. dollars. Meanwhile long/short equity-focused hedge funds saw the largest share of investment outflows of almost ** billion U.S. dollars in 2024. However, as of May 2024, fund outflows were reduced compared to the previous years.

Hedge Fund Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global hedge fund market size reached USD 4.3 trillion in 2024, with a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2025 to 2033. Propelled by increasing institutional participation and diversification strategies, the market is forecasted to attain USD 8.3 trillion by 2033. The hedge fund industry is experiencing significant growth due to evolving investment landscapes, increased demand for alternative assets, and the pursuit of higher returns in a persistently low-yield environment. As per our latest research, these factors are fundamentally reshaping the hedge fund ecosystem and driving expansion across all major regions.

Several key growth drivers are fueling the expansion of the global hedge fund market. Firstly, institutional investors such as pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and endowments are allocating a larger share of their portfolios to hedge funds in search of alpha and risk-adjusted returns. This trend is underpinned by the ongoing need to diversify away from traditional asset classes like equities and fixed income, especially in the face of heightened market volatility and macroeconomic uncertainty. Additionally, the growing sophistication of hedge fund strategies, enabled by advancements in technology and data analytics, is attracting a broader range of investors seeking customized solutions for capital preservation and growth. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into investment models is further enhancing the ability of hedge funds to generate returns in complex and dynamic markets.

Another significant growth factor is the increasing appeal of hedge funds among high net worth individuals (HNWIs) and family offices. As global wealth continues to rise, particularly in emerging markets, HNWIs are seeking access to alternative investment vehicles that offer uncorrelated returns and downside protection. Hedge funds, with their flexible mandate and diverse strategy spectrum, are well positioned to meet these evolving investor needs. Moreover, regulatory reforms in several jurisdictions have made it easier for sophisticated retail investors to participate in hedge fund offerings, further expanding the investor base. The proliferation of digital platforms and fund marketplaces has also reduced barriers to entry, enabling greater transparency, operational efficiency, and investor engagement.

The hedge fund market is also benefiting from its ability to adapt to shifting macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions. In periods of market dislocation, hedge funds have demonstrated resilience by employing strategies such as long/short equity, global macro, and event-driven approaches to capitalize on price inefficiencies and arbitrage opportunities. This agility has reinforced the perception of hedge funds as valuable portfolio diversifiers and risk mitigators. Furthermore, as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations become increasingly central to investment decision-making, many hedge funds are integrating ESG factors into their strategies, appealing to a new generation of socially conscious investors and institutional allocators.

From a regional perspective, North America continues to dominate the global hedge fund market, accounting for the largest share of assets under management (AUM). However, Asia Pacific and Europe are emerging as key growth engines, supported by regulatory liberalization, rising institutional participation, and the development of sophisticated financial markets. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing increased activity, driven by growing demand for alternative investments and the expansion of local capital markets. These regional dynamics are contributing to a more diversified and resilient global hedge fund landscape.

Strategy Type Analysis

The hedge fund market is characterized by a diverse array of strategy types, each designed to exploit specific market inefficiencies and deliver differentiated risk-return profiles. Equity hedge strategies remain the most prevalent, accounting for a significant portion of global hedge fund assets. These funds typically take long and short positions in equities and related derivatives, aiming to generate alpha through stock selection and market timing. The appeal of equity hedge strategies lies in their flexibility to adapt to varying market conditions

US Hedge Fund Market size was valued at USD 5.27 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 11.76 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2026 to 2032.Rising Institutional Investment: The US hedge fund market is experiencing a surge in institutional investment, driven by the need for diversified portfolios and higher returns. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in their 2023 report, institutional investors now account for over 70% of hedge fund assets, up from 65% in 2020. Recent news from BlackRock highlights a growing trend of pension funds and endowments allocatingGrowing Demand for Alternative Strategies: The demand for alternative investment strategies is growing as traditional asset classes face increased volatility.

This statistic presents the annual returns of hedge funds in 2017, by hedge fund type. Equity focused hedge funds performed the best, with the long/short equity funds generating ***** percent and equity market neutral with **** percent returns in that year.

This statistic presents the performance spread of different hedge funds as well as fund performance in top and bottom-deciles worldwide in 2017. In that year, the top ten percent of long/short equity funds generated a return rate of **** percent, while the bottom *** percent lost **** percent of their investments. This amounts to a **** percentage point spread.

Global Hedge Fund Advisory Market is segmented by Application (Investment Firms_High-Net-Worth Individuals_Family Offices_Corporations_Pension Funds), Type (Long/Short Equity Funds_Global Macro Funds_Event-Driven Strategies_Arbitrage Funds_Quantitative Hedge Funds), and Geography (North America_ LATAM_ West Europe_Central & Eastern Europe_ Northern Europe_ Southern Europe_ East Asia_ Southeast Asia_ South Asia_ Central Asia_ Oceania_ MEA)

A list of the top 50 NewGen Equity Long Short Fund holdings showing which stocks are owned by NewGen Equity Long Short Fund's hedge fund.

We propose a dynamic measure of extremal connectedness tailored to the short reporting period and unbalanced nature of hedge funds data. Using multivariate extreme value regression techniques, we estimate this measure conditional on factors reflecting the economic uncertainty and the state of the financial markets, and derive risk indicators reflecting the likelihood of extreme spillovers. Empirically, we study the dynamics of tail dependencies between hedge funds grouped per investment strategies, as well as with the banking sector. We show that during crisis periods, some pairs of strategies display an increase in their extremal connectedness, revealing a higher likelihood of simultaneous extreme losses. We also find a sizable tail dependence between hedge funds and banks, indicating that banks are more likely to suffer extreme losses when the hedge fund sector does. Our results highlight that a proactive regulatory framework should account for the dynamic nature of the tail dependence and its link with financial stress.

From 2022 to 2023, shifts in investment strategies occurred for many of the crypto hedge fund respondents. In 2022, over **** of the survey respondents stated using either a quantitative long/short crypto strategy or a market-neutral strategy. A market-neutral strategy aims to avoid significant market losses, often by hedging long and short positions against each other, however by 2023, the level of hedge funds implementing a market-neutral strategy fell by ** percent. Discretionary long only crypto was the second most popular strategy in 2023, with ** percent of respondents stating they had followed this investment method.

Discover the booming US Hedge Fund Market! Projected to reach $1.43 trillion in 2025 with a 7.9% CAGR, this in-depth analysis reveals market trends, key players (BlackRock, Bridgewater, etc.), investment strategies, and future growth forecasts. Learn about the opportunities and challenges in this lucrative sector.