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.

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 13.41 percent and equity market neutral with 8.45 percent returns in that year.

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

The US hedge fund market, a significant player in global finance, is projected to reach a substantial size, exhibiting robust growth. The market's considerable size of $1432.83 billion in 2025, coupled with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.9%, indicates a promising trajectory for the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth is driven by several factors, including increasing institutional investor participation seeking higher returns and diversification beyond traditional asset classes. The popularity of various investment strategies, such as long and short equity, event-driven, and global macro, further fuels market expansion. The market is segmented by fund type (offshore, domestic, fund of funds), investment approach, and end-user (institutional, individual). While competitive pressures from established giants like BlackRock, Bridgewater Associates, and Renaissance Technologies exist, the market also presents opportunities for emerging managers specializing in niche strategies. Regulatory changes and overall economic conditions remain key factors influencing market performance. Despite significant growth potential, the US hedge fund market also faces certain challenges. Increased regulatory scrutiny, heightened competition, and the inherent volatility associated with hedge fund investments are all potential restraints. Furthermore, the performance of specific strategies can fluctuate depending on market conditions, impacting investor confidence and inflows. Attracting and retaining talent is another crucial area for hedge fund managers, as skilled professionals are highly sought after in this competitive field. The geographic concentration of the industry in key financial hubs like New York and Connecticut may present both advantages and disadvantages, as concentration can lead to higher competition while also offering greater access to talent and capital. The continued evolution of technology and the adoption of advanced analytical tools are likely to reshape the competitive landscape in the coming years.

As of August 2023, hedge funds in North America had the highest level of exposure to the healthcare industry. Information and technology ranked second as the net expense rate for North American hedge funds rested at roughly seven percent. The net exposure displays the difference between the long position (positions held) and the short position (positions borrowed) in a hedge fund. When calculated into a percentage this number informed investors worldwide of a fund's risk level to market fluctuations.

Quant Fund Market size was valued at USD 16,008.69 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 31,365.94 Billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 10.09% from 2024 to 2031.

Quant Fund Market Definition

Quant Funds, short for quantitative funds, represent a distinctive category of investment vehicles that rely on advanced mathematical models and algorithmic methodologies for decision-making. These funds operate on a systematic and rule-based approach, utilizing computer-driven algorithms to guide the entire investment process, from asset allocation to stock selection. Unlike traditional actively managed funds, quant funds minimize human intervention and emotional biases in investment decisions, placing a strong emphasis on data-driven analysis and predefined quantitative models.

In the realm of quant funds, fund managers play a pivotal role in crafting and refining the quantitative models that govern investment strategies. Their primary responsibility lies in overseeing the development of algorithms, ensuring their relevance to market conditions, and periodically refining the models to adapt to evolving financial landscapes. However, the day-to-day decision-making process is largely automated, with the algorithms executing buy or sell orders based on predetermined criteria, thereby reducing the impact of subjective judgment and emotional reactions.

The Hedge Fund Market is projected to grow at 3.6% CAGR, reaching $6019.79 Billion by 2029. Where is the industry heading next? Get the sample report now!

Latin America's Hedge Fund Software market will be USD 613.01 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7% from 2024 to 2031. The market is foreseen to reach USD 172.0 million by 2031 due to the Growing interest in alternative investments and increased focus on risk management.

From 2022 to 2023, shifts in investment strategies occurred for many of the crypto hedge fund respondents. In 2022, over half 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 10 percent. Discretionary long only crypto was the second most popular strategy in 2023, with 19 percent of respondents stating they had followed this investment method.

The global money market fund sales market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for short-term, low-risk investment options and the need for liquidity management by both institutional and individual investors. Let's assume a 2025 market size of $5 trillion and a CAGR of 6% for the forecast period (2025-2033). This implies a substantial expansion to approximately $8.1 trillion by 2033. Key drivers include rising interest rates in some regions, increasing regulatory scrutiny of other investment vehicles, and the ongoing need for safe haven assets amidst global economic uncertainties. Growth is further fueled by the expanding adoption of digital platforms and fintech solutions, streamlining access and enhancing investor experience. Segment-wise, prime money funds maintain a significant market share due to their higher yields compared to government or treasury funds, particularly appealing to institutional investors. However, tax-exempt money funds are expected to witness increased growth driven by tax benefits. Sales channels are evolving, with the prominence of indirect sales (through financial advisors and intermediaries) complemented by a steadily growing direct sales segment fueled by increased investor sophistication and access to online platforms. Geographic distribution reveals a concentrated market share held by North America and Europe, predominantly the United States and the United Kingdom respectively. However, the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, is poised for significant expansion, fueled by burgeoning middle-class savings and increasing awareness of money market funds as a suitable investment option. While regulatory changes and potential economic downturns pose restraints, innovative product offerings and expansion into emerging markets will continue to shape the market landscape. Competitive intensity is high, with major players like BlackRock, Vanguard, and Fidelity Investments vying for market share through diversified product offerings, strong distribution networks, and technological advancements. The market's future is influenced by macro-economic factors, investor sentiment, and ongoing regulatory evolution.

Europe Hedge Fund Software market USD 406.26 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8% from 2024 to 2031. Stringent regulatory requirements driving demand for compliance-focused software is expected to aid the sales to USD 921.7 million by 2031

Australia Liabilities: Stock: Non Money Market Financial Investment Funds: Short Term Loans & Placements: Other Depository Corporations data was reported at 0.000 AUD mn in Dec 2017. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 AUD mn for Sep 2017. Australia Liabilities: Stock: Non Money Market Financial Investment Funds: Short Term Loans & Placements: Other Depository Corporations data is updated quarterly, averaging 0.000 AUD mn from Jun 1988 (Median) to Dec 2017, with 119 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 AUD mn in Dec 2017 and a record low of 0.000 AUD mn in Dec 2017. Australia Liabilities: Stock: Non Money Market Financial Investment Funds: Short Term Loans & Placements: Other Depository Corporations data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.AB030: SNA08: SESCA08: Funds by Sector: Financial Corporations: Non Money Market Financial Investment Funds: Stock.

In 2024, 62 percent of adults in the United States invested in the stock market. This figure has remained steady over the last few years, and is still below the levels before the Great Recession, when it peaked in 2007 at 65 percent. What is the stock market? The stock market can be defined as a group of stock exchanges, where investors can buy shares in a publicly traded company. In more recent years, it is estimated an increasing number of Americans are using neobrokers, making stock trading more accessible to investors. Other investments A significant number of people think stocks and bonds are the safest investments, while others point to real estate, gold, bonds, or a savings account. Since witnessing the significant one-day losses in the stock market during the Financial Crisis, many investors were turning towards these alternatives in hopes for more stability, particularly for investments with longer maturities. This could explain the decrease in this statistic since 2007. Nevertheless, some speculators enjoy chasing the short-run fluctuations, and others see value in choosing particular stocks.

Australia Liabilities: Flow: Non Money Market Financial Investment Funds: Short Term Loans & Placements: Banks data was reported at 0.000 AUD mn in Dec 2017. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 AUD mn for Sep 2017. Australia Liabilities: Flow: Non Money Market Financial Investment Funds: Short Term Loans & Placements: Banks data is updated quarterly, averaging 0.000 AUD mn from Jun 1988 (Median) to Dec 2017, with 119 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 AUD mn in Dec 2017 and a record low of 0.000 AUD mn in Dec 2017. Australia Liabilities: Flow: Non Money Market Financial Investment Funds: Short Term Loans & Placements: Banks data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.AB029: SNA08: SESCA08: Funds by Sector: Financial Corporations: Non Money Market Financial Investment Funds: Flow.

Germany Assets: Stock: NFI: DS: Short Term data was reported at 19.700 EUR bn in Sep 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 19.800 EUR bn for Jun 2024. Germany Assets: Stock: NFI: DS: Short Term data is updated quarterly, averaging 6.200 EUR bn from Mar 1999 (Median) to Sep 2024, with 103 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 21.400 EUR bn in Dec 2022 and a record low of 0.400 EUR bn in Dec 2002. Germany Assets: Stock: NFI: DS: Short Term data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Deutsche Bundesbank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.AB006: ESA 2010: Funds by Sector: Non Money Market Investment Funds: Stock.

Germany Liabilities: Stock: NFI: Loans: Short Term data was reported at 0.200 EUR bn in Sep 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.100 EUR bn for Jun 2024. Germany Liabilities: Stock: NFI: Loans: Short Term data is updated quarterly, averaging 0.500 EUR bn from Mar 1999 (Median) to Sep 2024, with 103 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 18.800 EUR bn in Jun 2009 and a record low of 0.000 EUR bn in Dec 2018. Germany Liabilities: Stock: NFI: Loans: Short Term data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Deutsche Bundesbank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.AB006: ESA 2010: Funds by Sector: Non Money Market Investment Funds: Stock.

European Union DS: Short-Term: Non MMF Investment Funds data was reported at 15.084 EUR mn in Nov 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 14.990 EUR mn for Oct 2024. European Union DS: Short-Term: Non MMF Investment Funds data is updated monthly, averaging 19.068 EUR mn from Dec 2020 (Median) to Nov 2024, with 48 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 151.118 EUR mn in Jun 2021 and a record low of 0.649 EUR mn in May 2022. European Union DS: Short-Term: Non MMF Investment Funds data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by European Central Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s European Union – Table EU.Z001: European Central Bank: Debt Securities: World Aggregates: Outstandings: Market Value.

This table contains a time series of the investments of institutional investors since 1950. It enables analyzes of the shifts within the investment portfolio of institutional investors. This is not only possible for institutional investors as a whole, but also for the three groups: pension funds, insurance companies and investment funds other than money market funds. Data available annual figures from 1950 up to and including 2016. Status of the figures: The results up to and including 2015 are final, the results for 2016 are provisional. Since this table has been discontinued, the data is no longer finalized. Changes as of September 7, 2018: None, this table has been discontinued. When will new numbers come out? Not applicable anymore. A new division of tasks has been agreed in the context of the strategic cooperation between Statistics Netherlands and DNB. Institutional investors explicitly fall within DNB's field of activity. The publication of tables by Statistics Netherlands relating to institutional investors has therefore been discontinued. DNB provides results on institutional investors to the OECD. More information can be found in section 3, including links to the results as published by the OECD.

Poland Financial Assets: Flow: NC: FC: IF: Debt Securities: Short Term data was reported at 1,617.000 PLN mn in Jun 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 419.000 PLN mn for Mar 2018. Poland Financial Assets: Flow: NC: FC: IF: Debt Securities: Short Term data is updated quarterly, averaging 105.000 PLN mn from Mar 2004 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,776.000 PLN mn in Jun 2009 and a record low of -3,209.000 PLN mn in Jun 2008. Poland Financial Assets: Flow: NC: FC: IF: Debt Securities: Short Term data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bank of Poland. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Poland – Table PL.AB006: ESA 2010: Funds by Sector: Financial Corporations: Investment Funds excl Money Market Funds: Flow.

Germany Assets: Flow: NFI: DS: Short Term data was reported at -0.400 EUR bn in Jun 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.400 EUR bn for Mar 2024. Germany Assets: Flow: NFI: DS: Short Term data is updated quarterly, averaging 0.000 EUR bn from Mar 1999 (Median) to Jun 2024, with 102 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6.000 EUR bn in Sep 2009 and a record low of -5.100 EUR bn in Dec 2009. Germany Assets: Flow: NFI: DS: Short Term data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Deutsche Bundesbank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.AB005: ESA 2010: Funds by Sector: Non Money Market Investment Funds: Flow.