In 2024, 54 percent of the households in the United States owned shares in a mutual fund. This is a significant increase on the 5.7 percent recorded in 1980, but close to 52 percent found in 2022.Mutual fundsA mutual fund is a variety of collective investment vehicle managed professionally that pools money from many investors to purchase securities. They play an important role in household finances in the United States of today, most notably in retirement planning. It is commonly applied only to the forms of collective investment that are regulated and are sold to the public at large. The majority of mutual funds are what is known as ‘open-ended’, meaning that shares can be bought or sold at anytime. There are a number of advantages associated with mutual funds as opposed to direct investment in individual securities. The nature of the fund as a collective investment vehicle provides increased diversification and ease of comparison to investors. The fact that they are managed professionally, and that the investment is pooled, enables participation in investments that would normally only be available to larger investors. Mutual funds are also stable in price as daily liquidity ensures minimum loss of value. Despite several advantages, as with every aspect of investment, some disadvantages are to be considered. Fees are an inevitable part of a professionally managed fund, as is the inability to customize the investment. A common complaint is also that the investor has less control over the timing of the recognition of their gains.

In 2025, ** 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 ** 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.

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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?

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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

Sale-Or-Purchase-of-Stock Time Series for Jupiter Fund Management Plc. Jupiter Fund Management Plc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm manages mutual funds, hedge funds, client focused portfolios, and multi-manager products for its clients. It invests in the public equity markets across U.K., Europe and global emerging markets. The firm also invests in fixed income markets, fund of funds products, hedge funds, and absolute return funds. Jupiter Fund Management Plc was founded in 1985 and is based in London, United Kingdom.

As of August 2025, Euroclear was the largest fund manager among global fund managers by assets under management (AUM), managing around **** trillion U.S. dollars. BlackRock came in second, with approximately **** trillion US dollars in assets under management. Meanwhile, Schwab ranked third, managing fund assets worth ***** trillion US dollars. Types of investment funds. Investment funds are an important part of financial planning and investing. There are several different types of investment funds offered by fund managers, each with their own purpose and asset types. Mutual funds pool money from many investors and use that money to purchase a portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other securities. Index funds are a type of mutual fund that tracks a market index, like the S&P 500. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a type of mutual fund, that is continuously traded on a stock exchange. ETFs often track market indexes or sectors. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) provide both retail and institutional investors with exposure to income-generating real estate assets such as office buildings, apartments and hotels, without having to fully invest in an individual property. The benefits of investment funds. The main advantage of investment funds is that they provide instant portfolio diversification. Rather than choosing just a few stocks or bonds, funds allow you to invest in a wide variety of different securities in one purchase. This helps reduce risk, as poor performance of one holding has less impact on the overall fund. Funds also provide access to professional management and research. Managers can take advantage of opportunities and insights that an individual investor may not have the ability to leverage. Finally, funds offer convenience. Investors won't be required to constantly rebalance portfolios. While costs and fees are a consideration, investment funds can be an excellent hands-off way for both retail and institutional investors to benefit from the market while spreading risk over many asset classes and securities.

Sale-Or-Purchase-of-Stock Time Series for Abacus Life Inc.. Abacus Global Management, Inc. operates as an alternative asset manager and market maker in the United States. It operates in five segments: Active Management, Originations, Asset Management, Portfolio Servicing, and Technology Services. The Active Management segment is involved in the buying, selling, and trading of policies; and the maintenance of policies until receipt of death benefits. Its Originations segment originates life insurance policy settlements between investors or buyers, and the sellers, who are often the original policy owners. The Asset Management segment provides asset management services to investors investing in alternative investment and equity portfolio funds based on fund investment agreements. Its Portfolio Servicing segment offers policy services to customers on a contract basis. The Technology Services segment provides real-time mortality verification, missing participant verification, and other services specific to the life insurance market services to customers on a contract basis. It sells its products through financial advisors or agents, direct-to-consumer, and traditional life settlements intermediaries. The company was formerly known as Abacus Life, Inc. and changed its name to Abacus Global Management, Inc. in February 2025. Abacus Global Management, Inc. was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Orlando, Florida.

India Mutual Funds: Equity: Net Purchase/Sales data was reported at 240,473.200 INR mn in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 116,381.800 INR mn for Sep 2018. India Mutual Funds: Equity: Net Purchase/Sales data is updated monthly, averaging 333.700 INR mn from Jan 2000 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 226 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 240,473.200 INR mn in Oct 2018 and a record low of -101,981.000 INR mn in Mar 2016. India Mutual Funds: Equity: Net Purchase/Sales data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Securities and Exchange Board of India. The data is categorized under Global Database’s India – Table IN.ZC001: Mutual Funds Statistics: Securities and Exchange Board of India.

Sale-Or-Purchase-of-Stock Time Series for Capital Gearing Trust. Capital Gearing Trust p.l.c is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by CG Asset Management Limited. The fund invests in the public equity and fixed income markets of the United Kingdom. It invests in the stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. For the fixed income portion of the portfolio the fund primarily invests in government bonds. It also invests a portion of its portfolio in funds. The fund benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the FTSE Equity Investment Instruments Index and the Retail Price Index. Capital Gearing Trust p.l.c was formed on May 3, 1963 and is domiciled in the United Kingdom.

A list of the top 50 Renaissance Technologies holdings showing which stocks are owned by Jim Simons's hedge fund.

According to a January 2021 survey of social media users in the United States, around five in ten users of LinkedIn reported having money invested in the stock market. Reddit users were also more likely to have made stock investments in the past, as 52 percent of the respondents belonging to the Reddit's community reported having money personally or jointly in the stock market. In January 2021, Reddit users belonging to the subreddit r/wallstreetbets came together in a coordinated buying of GameStop shares in order to deliberately increase the losses of hedge funds that had expected the price would decrease.

Sale-Or-Purchase-of-Stock Time Series for eQ Oyj. eQ Oyj is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm through its subsidiaries provides asset management, corporate finance and investments. The firm specializing in fund of funds investments and secondary transactions. It seeks to make primary investments to funds being raised and to acquire commitments in the secondary market. The firm invests in venture capital and middle market funds, buyout funds, and private equity funds in the technology sector. It seeks to invest in funds based in Baltic States, Northern Europe, North America, South America, Southern Europe, CEE/SEE, Africa, United States, Western Europe, EU, Finland, Benelux, Asia, Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, France, Russia/CIS, Nordic Region, the former Soviet republics, and Eastern Europe. In its own funds, it invests predominantly in Northern European and North-American funds that are in the size bracket of "50 and "500 million. In its client mandates, it invests in European buyout funds of any size. Typically the funds we invest in acquire majority positions in target companies. The firm was formerly known as Amanda Capital Oyj. eQ Oyj was founded in 2000 and is based in Helsinki, Finland.

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.

A list of the top 50 BlackRock holdings showing which stocks are owned by BlackRock Inc's hedge fund.

A list of the top 50 Berkshire Hathaway holdings showing which stocks are owned by Warren Buffett's hedge fund.

Private Equity Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global private equity market size reached USD 6.4 trillion in 2024, demonstrating robust expansion driven by increased investor appetite and a dynamic deal-making environment. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2025 to 2033, propelling the market value to an estimated USD 15.1 trillion by 2033. This growth trajectory is underpinned by a surge in cross-border investments, technological advancements, and the increasing role of private capital in financing innovation and business transformation across diverse industries.

One of the primary growth factors for the private equity market is the sustained low interest rate environment witnessed globally in recent years, which has encouraged institutional investors, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds to seek higher-yielding alternatives to traditional fixed-income products. Private equity offers attractive risk-adjusted returns, portfolio diversification, and access to high-growth companies, making it a preferred asset class for sophisticated investors. Additionally, the proliferation of dry powder—unallocated capital waiting to be invested—has fueled competition among private equity firms, driving up valuations and accelerating the pace of deal activity. This abundance of capital has empowered firms to pursue larger and more complex transactions, further expanding the market’s size and influence.

Another significant driver is the increasing adoption of technology across private equity operations and portfolio companies. Digital transformation initiatives, such as the integration of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation, have enhanced the ability of private equity firms to identify lucrative investment opportunities, optimize portfolio management, and drive value creation post-acquisition. Furthermore, the rise of sector-focused funds and specialized investment strategies has enabled private equity managers to develop deep expertise in high-growth industries such as healthcare, technology, and renewable energy. This specialization not only attracts limited partners seeking targeted exposure but also enhances the ability of general partners to deliver outsized returns through operational improvements and strategic guidance.

The evolving regulatory landscape and the growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are also shaping the private equity marketÂ’s future. Investors are increasingly demanding greater transparency, responsible investment practices, and measurable ESG outcomes from private equity managers. This trend has prompted firms to integrate ESG considerations into their investment processes, from due diligence to portfolio monitoring and exit planning. As a result, ESG-focused funds are gaining traction, attracting capital from impact-oriented investors and broadening the marketÂ’s appeal. The convergence of financial performance and societal impact is expected to drive innovation in fund structures, reporting standards, and stakeholder engagement, further propelling the marketÂ’s growth.

The Private Equity Secondary market is gaining prominence as investors seek liquidity and risk management solutions in an increasingly dynamic investment landscape. This market involves the buying and selling of pre-existing investor commitments to private equity funds, offering a strategic avenue for investors to rebalance portfolios, manage exposure, and optimize returns. The growth of the secondary market is driven by a combination of factors, including the maturation of private equity portfolios, increased transparency, and the rising demand for alternative investment strategies. As the market continues to evolve, secondary transactions are becoming more sophisticated, with innovative deal structures and a broader range of participants, including institutional investors, family offices, and specialized secondary funds. This trend underscores the growing importance of liquidity solutions in the private equity ecosystem, enabling investors to navigate market cycles and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Regionally, North America continues to dominate the private equity landscape, accounting for the largest share of global assets under management and deal flow. However, Europe and Asia Pacific are rapidly gaining groun

Graph and download economic data for Money Market Funds; Total Financial Assets, Level (MMMFFAQ027S) from Q4 1945 to Q2 2025 about MMMF, IMA, financial, assets, and USA.

As of August 2025, Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF was the highest valued exchange-traded fund globally, with a market capitalization of about ******illion U.S. dollars. Market capitalization of an ETF is calculated by multiplying the number of shares issued in the fund by the share price. At over ****trillion U.S. dollars, the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund is overall the largest investment fund by AUM. The Vanguard fund is different because shares in the fund are sold as a variety of different products, some of which are structured as ETFs (like the third-largest fund listed in this statistic), while others are structured as traditional mutual funds. What are ETFs? ETFs are similar to mutual funds, in that they consist of a pool of investors’ funds which are managed by an independent third party for the purpose of a common financial investment. However, ETFs differ through how shares in the fund are bought and sold through a stock exchange, rather than directly from the fund manager. This provides the advantages of generally lower prices (as the transaction costs are paid by the exchange operator rather than the fund manager), and the possibility of intraday trading (as shares in a traditional mutual fund can only be bought and sold after the close of daily trading. The total assets managed by ETFs globally is almost *** times lower than that of mutual funds, although the gap in AUM between ETFs and mutual funds in the United States is much lower, at just over ***** times less. Who are the largest ETF providers? The largest provider of ETFs globally is Blackrock, the world’s largest asset management company. As of August 2025, the company had more than *** trillion U.S. dollars of assets under management in exchange traded funds in the U.S. alone, while Blackrock’s total assets under management across all products reached over *****trillion U.S. dollars. Rounding out the top three providers of ETFs are fellow U.S asset managers Vanguard and State Street.

Sale-Or-Purchase-of-Stock Time Series for IG Group Holdings PLC. IG Group Holdings plc, a fintech company, engages in the online trading business in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, the United States, Europe, and institutional and emerging markets. The company offers retail over the counter derivatives, including contracts for difference, OTC FX and options; and exchange-traded derivatives options and futures under the tastytrade. It also provides stock trading and investment services, such as share trading, smart portfolios, and ISA and SIPPs, as well as equities, exchange traded funds, and fixed income products, which include fractional shares, mutual funds, UK treasury bills, UK tax wrappers, securities lending, and proxy voting services; and cash crypto trading. In addition, the company offers content and education solutions, such as daily live programming, news and original content, and webinars and tutorials, as well as content, education, and support tools, including signals, analytics, charting applications, and proprietary insights through the Trade Live with IG and tastylive channels. Further, it engages in CFD trading, foreign exchange, and market risk management; spread betting; data distribution; software development and support services; turbo warrants issuing; financing; market maker; network and content provision; and brokerage activities. The company serves investors, customers, communities, colleagues, regulators, and suppliers. IG Group Holdings plc was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

A mutual fund is a type of investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of securities such as stocks, bonds, or other assets. Managed by professional fund managers, mutual funds offer investors the benefits of diversification, liquidity, and professional management. They are popular among individuals who seek to invest in a range of assets without needing to directly manage or analyze individual investments. Mutual funds are often categorized by their investment objectives, such as growth, income, or balanced funds, and can be either actively or passively managed.

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Private Equity Market Size 2025-2029

The private equity market size is forecast to increase by USD 885.7 billion at a CAGR of 9.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The private equity and venture capital investment landscape is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increase in deal volumes and the rising number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) worldwide. This trend is fueled by the attractive returns offered by private equity and venture capital investments, which have become a popular asset class for wealth management portfolios. However, this market is not without challenges. Transaction risks, such as regulatory changes and foreign exchange fluctuations, can pose significant hurdles for investors. Additionally, there is a growing demand for impact investing, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, as investors seek to align their financial goals with social and environmental objectives.
Navigating these trends and challenges requires a deep understanding of market dynamics and a strategic approach to investment opportunities. This market trends and analysis report delves deeper into these topics, providing valuable insights for professionals seeking to maximize their private equity investments.

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The markets continue to evolve, with investment strategies becoming increasingly data-driven and sophisticated. Investor returns remain a key focus, with growth stage investing and innovation hubs driving value creation. Risk management is crucial in this industry, with deal origination and fundraising strategies carefully considered. Management fees and capital calls are essential components of the fund lifecycle, while deal closing and post-investment management ensure optimal portfolio performance. Cryptocurrency investments represent an emerging trend, with digital assets joining traditional assets in investment portfolios. Impact measurement and regulatory compliance are also critical, as private equity firms strive for transparency and customer experience.
ESG integration and industry consolidation are shaping the venture capital ecosystem, with secondary market sales providing liquidity for investors. Fund size and investment strategies vary, with some focusing on start-ups and emerging technologies. Technology adoption is a significant factor in fund performance, with customer acquisition and retention key to long-term success. Fund returns are closely monitored, with performance fees incentivizing top-performing funds. In the global private equity landscape, fundraising strategies and industry trends continue to evolve. Regulatory compliance and customer experience are paramount, with digital assets investment and ESG integration shaping the future of the industry.
Private equity sales and industry consolidation are ongoing, with post-investment management and portfolio optimization crucial to maximizing returns.

How is this Private Equity Industry segmented?

The private equity 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.

End-user

  Privately held companies
  Start-up companies


Application

  Leveraged buyouts
  Venture capital
  Equity investment
  Enterpreneurship


Investments

  Large Cap
  Upper Middle Market
  Lower Middle Market
  Real Estate
  Large Cap
  Upper Middle Market
  Lower Middle Market
  Real Estate


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  Middle East and Africa



  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

The privately held companies segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the realm of investment, private equity portfolios play a significant role in the additive manufacturing market. These portfolios encompass various investment vehicles, such as buyout funds, growth equity funds, strategic investments, and late-stage funding. Each type caters to different growth stages of companies in the sector. Buyout funds focus on acquiring controlling stakes in mature companies, often facilitating digital transformation and operational improvements. Growth equity funds, on the other hand, invest in companies with proven business models, aiming to fuel their expansion through capital infusion and industry expertise. Strategic investments are made by firms seeking to gain a foothold in a new market or expand their existing presence.

Legal frameworks and regulatory landscapes play a crucial role in shaping the market dynamics. Alternative investments, such as distressed debt funds and private debt, provide opportunities