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The first sector reviewed focuses on Market Neutral and will be followed in the near future by CTA / Global Macro, Long / Short Domestic Equities, Long / Short Global Equities, Event Driven, Multi Strategy, Fund of Hedge Funds and Fixed Income.

Commenting on the Market Neutral Sector review, Daniel Liptak said, “Currently most risk in diversified portfolios arises from equities exposure and this is due to the assumption that over the long run equities outperform. The purpose of the Zenith Market Neutral Sector Report is not to dissect such an assumption, but rather highlight that a significant portion of that equity risk is on the downside.”

“Any investment allocation decision that ignores the consequences of risk and the associated long-term drag on compound returns is deficient. Zenith advocates an investment approach that is designed to minimise this exposure risk.”

The events of 2008 and the subsequent period created an opportunity for the Zenith Hedge Fund Review Team to rationally review the benefits of alternative investments.

“The objections (to hedge fund investments) that were voiced by many commentators regarding liquidity, transparency and leverage are clearly being addressed by the industry,” added Daniel Liptak.

“The negative impact of draw-downs from traditional equities and the affect on long-term compounding is a concern for all investors. Australian market neutral funds have over the last 5 years captured all the upside of the Australian All Ordinaries but importantly did not participate in the downside.”

Zenith’s composite index of approved market neutral funds has delivered a cumulative return of 105%, net of fees, since July 2005.

Over the same period the Australian All Ordinaries Equity Index has returned to investors only 2.24% (gross of fees).

“Zenith affirms that market neutral funds, when combined with long only equity funds can significantly reduce volatility of the portfolio and simultaneously increase the expected return over the longer term.”

On the issue of fees, Daniel Liptak states that while it is true hedge funds do charge higher fees they are in fact not higher than those charged by benchmark aware managers on the active portion of their portfolios.

There is a compelling argument to suggest that hedge fund managers are charging less for alpha than benchmark aware funds.

“Zenith contends that the focus on fees in the benchmark aware space is therefore warranted – but also notes that any discussion on fees should be undertaken with reference to alpha, not just the headline fee rate,”

Commenting on the successful establishment of Zenith’s Hedge Fund Review Team David Smythe confirmed that the national research provider is targeting a segment of the research market that currently is not being well serviced.

“Zenith has therefore sought to extend its coverage, particularly in the Alternatives space for the benefit of not only this target market but also for our existing clients who are interested in more in-depth coverage of Hedge Funds,” concluded David Smythe. Corporate website: www.zenithpartners.com.au

- FG