Ed Thorp is a legend in the Hedge Fund / Managed Futures / Global Macro space, but it’s not every day he gets the spotlight in today’s Dow 20,000 meme filled clutter that is financial blogging. That changed recently, however, when one of the bloggers for Ritholtz Wealth Management (Michael Batnick) outlined Thorp’s backstory and […]
Category: Why Alternatives?
08
Feb
2017
Alternative Links: FXCM Banned
FXCM has been banned from operating in the U.S. after the Commodity Futures Trading Commission found the retail currency broker had an undisclosed interest in the market maker that consistently “won” the largest share of FXCM’s trading volume – and thus was taking positions opposite its retail customers. FXCM banned by CFTC after taking positions […]
18
Jan
2017
Alternative Links: The Fiduciary Rule
A “fiduciary duty” is the highest standard of care recognized in American law. Among other things it means that you must act solely in the best interest of the client at all times.” Cliff Asness – Caveat Investor? The “Fiduciary Rule” and Unintended Consequences – (ValueWalk) The well-known “crisis alpha” characteristics of trend-following strategies […]
11
Jan
2017
Alternative Links: Scapegoats
As AQR sees it, computer-driven funds are just scapegoats in a doomed quest to explain jarring market movements. Topping the enemies list is JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s Kolanovic, viewed by many as a gnomic visionary after calling an equity rout in the summer of 2015, blaming forced selling by automated funds. Wall Street’s Most Famous […]
19
Dec
2016
Commodity ETFs are a Bad Long Term Bet – Duh
For what seems to be the first time in what we can tell, there are other people out there warning investors of the dangers of Commodity ETFs. This week, the Financial Times beatifically outlined one of the many issues with these sort of products, such as $USO, $UNG, and $CORN. Investors have learnt the hard way […]
08
Dec
2016
Where is all the Managed Futures Money Going?
If you were to ask for the growth of Managed Futures assets in 2015, you might get different answers depending on who you ask. Barclayhedge will tell you $8.5 Billion, we think that number is more about $10.5 Billion, and a third party recently made the claim of as high as $30 Billion at a […]
20
Jul
2016
Alternative Links: Searching and Misconceptions
Managed Futures and Multi-Strategy Funds: The Search for Diversification
20
Jul
2016
Not All Alternative Investments Perform the Same
Understanding exactly what you’re getting in the Alternatives space is as important as ever.
29
Aug
2016
Managed Futures Bucks The Money Flow Trend
Managed Futures has seen 17 Billion dollars worth of new money throughout the first half of 2016 while Hedge Funds have seen an outflow of 34 Billion.
31
Aug
2016
Alternatives Links: Swaps and Fees
The upshot is to identify whether your fund uses swaps and then to know that you’re likely going to pay more for it than is on the tin.
