Do Investors Really Need Complex Derivative Strategies? Evidence from Hedge Funds and Funds of Hedge Funds

32 Pages Posted: 20 Feb 2009 Last revised: 17 Jan 2023

Date Written: January 22, 2010

Abstract

This study investigates the benefits of using a more complex derivative strategy of a fund in relation to their performance and risk characteristics using samples of 3,382 individual hedge funds and 761 funds of hedge funds. The results of the study are consistent with the hypothesis that the complexity of derivative strategy can be related to increased probability of suffering large losses. The results also present evidence that that the complexity is related to weaker performance leaving little reasonable motivation for investors to invest in complex derivative strategies.

Keywords: hedge funds, derivatives, Financial Risk

JEL Classification: G01, G11, G23

Suggested Citation

Peltomaki, Jarkko, Do Investors Really Need Complex Derivative Strategies? Evidence from Hedge Funds and Funds of Hedge Funds (January 22, 2010). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1344656 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1344656

Jarkko Peltomaki (Contact Author)

University of Vaasa ( email )

P.O. Box 700
Wolffintie 34
FIN-65101 Vaasa, FI-65101
Finland

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