September was a slightly down return month for many trend-followers as the first half of the month was range bound. Our sector indicators showed most markets not having clear trends with only some slight directional tilts. During the month, the markets became more directional for bonds, rates and energy. The price action in these markets aligned with economic fundamentals. A combination of continued good economic news, higher inflation, and another Fed increase all point to negative fixed income markets not just in the US but across all developed markets. Equity market signals were less clear-cut as the combination of higher rates and strong economic growth generated crosscurrents that were less clear. Cash flows should be higher, but the discount rates are also higher.
Energy markets moved higher across the board as both crude and natural gas are suggesting upward trends. The dollar has started to move higher based on rate differentials and growth. Metals and commodities show more mixed directional bets. Overall, trend opportunities in financials look to be positive for October.
After hundreds of discussions with hedge fund managers, I am still surprised that there is a fear of revealing investment processes under the assumption that someone will steal their ideas and intellectual capital. There are few investment styles that are truly unique and special. What is special is still strategy execution – the practical process of delivering returns. Skill is with the decision-making execution of information and strategy.
All hedge funds are not created equal as the return box chart shows for the post Financial Crisis period. There is a significant amount of dispersion across hedge fund styles. Over the period 2009-2018, the difference between the best and worst hedge fund category is almost 7 percent after we account for global equities and bonds.
The attraction to private equity and other less liquid alternatives is clear from the Guide to Alternatives by JP Morgan Asset Management. The return profile is much higher for private equity and debt funds than more liquid alternatives and global bonds; however, the dispersion in returns is multiples higher than what can be expected from other public categories.
