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In the week ending 12 December, 2014, several reports highlighted that “a fast-growing segment of U.S. retirement plans” are using hedge-fund type strategies to bet a small but increasing slice of their assets. BlackRock Inc, the world's largest asset manager, and Manning & Napier are among the managers that use strategies such as shorting stocks and trading derivatives in some 401(k) retirement plans, including target date funds. J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Voya Investment Management are considering adding similar strategies, according to Reuters. Reuters added that a hedge-fund style can be more expensive and riskier than just buying stocks and bonds, and workers may not fully realise their exposure, retirement consultants said. On the other hand, they can act as a shock absorber to events like the 2008 financial crisis.

Meanwhile hedge fund launches slowed down in Q3 as total hedge fund industry capital posted a narrow gain to rise to a new record of $2.82tln. Boston Company Asset has launched two new strategies aimed at institutional investors; Palmer Square Capital has launched its sixth mutual fund, the Palmer Square Long/Short Credit Fund; former Kingdon executive Philip Hilal plans to launch a hedge fund in the first half of 2015; and Laurent Constanty and Fabien Baetz are preparing to start a global cross-asset, long-biased hedge fund in January.

Allianz Global Investors has launched a new Alternative Investments pillar within its global investment platform; and ML Capital launches the MontLake QIAIF Platform in association with Centurion Investment.

Phibro is winding down in its current form, laying off some U.S. employees and pursuing a sale of some overseas operations.

The HFRI Equity Hedge (Total) Index was up 0.74% in November (+2.64% YTD); The Greenwich Globa......................

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