Hedge Fund vs Mutual Fund: Easiest Way to Tell the Difference!

How many times do you get confused between hedge funds and mutual funds? Which fund is the best suited for you? What should be the risk tolerance for each? 

As if these questions weren’t confusing enough that people sometimes use these terms interchangeably despite a huge difference between the two. Want to level up your financial understanding? Come along as we discover hedge fund vs mutual fund. 

Investors often come across the terms “hedge funds” and “mutual funds” when exploring investment options. While both are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to achieve common financial goals, they differ significantly in their structure, strategies, and accessibility.

Let’s start with exploring what mutual funds and hedge funds are! 

What are Mutual Funds? 

Mutual funds are a way for many people to put their money together and invest in a mix of different things like stocks, bonds, or other investments. When you invest in a mutual fund, you essentially buy shares, and your money is managed by professional fund managers. These managers make decisions on where to invest based on the fund’s objectives, whether it’s focused on growth, income, or a combination of both. 

The diversification aspect is crucial – by spreading investments across various assets, the risk is reduced compared to investing in individual stocks or bonds. Mutual funds provide an accessible way for individuals to participate in the financial markets without needing extensive knowledge, as the fund manager takes care of the investment decisions.

What are Hedge Funds?

Hedge funds are investment funds that pool capital from accredited individuals or institutional investors and employ various strategies to generate returns. Unlike mutual funds, hedge funds often have more flexibility in their investment approaches, allowing them to go long or short on assets, use leverage, and invest in a broader range of financial instruments. Hedge fund managers aim to outperform traditional markets and provide investors with higher returns, often taking both long and short positions to capitalize on market fluctuations.

While hedge funds offer potential for higher returns, they also come with increased risk due to their more aggressive strategies. Additionally, hedge funds are typically subject to less regulation than mutual funds, and they often have higher fees. Investors in hedge funds usually need to meet specific financial requirements and should be aware of the fund’s unique investment strategies, risk factors, and potential restrictions on withdrawing funds. Overall, hedge funds cater to sophisticated investors seeking more dynamic and alternative investment options beyond the traditional offerings of mutual funds.

Now that you know what mutual funds and hedge funds are, let’s get to the crux: hedge fund vs mutual fund. 

Hedge fund vs mutual fund: Structure & Regulation

Hedge funds and mutual funds exhibit notable disparities in their structures and regulatory frameworks. Hedge funds, tailored for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors, operate with fewer regulatory constraints compared to their mutual fund counterparts. The relative lack of oversight provides hedge funds with greater flexibility in crafting investment strategies, contributing to their reputation for more intricate and diverse approaches.

On the other hand, mutual funds, designed for a broader investor base, adhere to regulatory standards set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This regulatory oversight ensures investor protection and imposes specific rules to govern mutual fund operations, fostering transparency and accountability.

Hedge Fund vs Mutual Fund: Investment Strategies

The divergence in investment strategies is a key factor distinguishing hedge funds from mutual funds. Hedge funds are renowned for their ability to employ a wide array of strategies, ranging from traditional investments in stocks and bonds to more complex approaches involving derivatives, currencies, and alternative investments like real estate. This versatility allows hedge funds to adapt to diverse market conditions.

In contrast, mutual funds typically adopt more conventional and straightforward investment approaches. They often focus on a specific asset class, such as stocks or bonds, and pursue well-defined investment objectives, whether it be capital appreciation, income generation, or a combination of both. This simplicity appeals to investors seeking a more predictable and understandable investment strategy.

Hedge Fund vs Mutual Fund: Risk and Return

The risk-return profile is another area where hedge funds and mutual funds diverge. Hedge funds, with their greater flexibility and ability to leverage investments, tend to be higher-risk propositions. While this elevated risk comes with the potential for higher returns, it also introduces greater volatility, making hedge funds more suitable for experienced and risk-tolerant investors who can navigate market fluctuations.

Conversely, mutual funds aim to provide a more stable return within a specified risk profile. Although there is inherent risk in any investment, mutual funds often appeal to a broader audience by offering a balanced approach that seeks to manage risk while pursuing reasonable returns.

Hedge fund vs Mutual Fund: Liquidity and Accessibility

Liquidity and accessibility represent fundamental differences between hedge funds and mutual funds. Hedge funds frequently impose restrictions on liquidity, meaning investors may encounter challenges when attempting to withdraw their investments. Some hedge funds have lock-up periods, during which investors cannot redeem their shares, further limiting liquidity.

In contrast, mutual funds are characterised by their liquidity. Investors in mutual funds can buy or sell shares on any business day at the net asset value (NAV) price. This accessibility provides investors with the flexibility to manage their investments based on changing financial needs or market conditions.

Hedge Funds vs Mutual Funds: Performance 

Indexes help assess how different parts of the market are doing. When comparing hedge funds, which aren’t very transparent about their performance, it’s useful to look at hedge fund indexes alongside the S&P 500. Additionally, comparing fees is crucial – mutual funds can have fees ranging from 0.05% to over 5%, while hedge funds usually have a “two-and-twenty fee” of 2% for management and 20% for performance. As of March 5, 2019, the S&P 500 and Hedge Fund Research Index® (HFRI) Fund Weighted Composite Index had specific gross annualised returns.

If you want to learn how to check mutual funds performance, click on the linked article. 

By now, you’re well aware that hedge funds and mutual funds are different investment vehicles. And they don’t represent the same opportunities and challenges. Next time anyone mentions hedge fund and mutual fund interchangeably, respectfully correct them, with your knowledge of hedge fund vs mutual fund. To make your financial planning journey easy, follow NewsCanvass.