Hedge funds bubble ?
In a way, hedge funds are to mutual funds what Evel Knievel was to
weekend motorcyclists. Unlike mutual funds, which are restricted in the
ways they can invest, hedge funds can use leverage, trade derivatives
and bet that stocks will fall, a technique called shorting. And unlike
mutual funds, which generally try to beat a market average, hedge funds
seek positive returns, even in down markets.
In 2003, the 25 highest-paid hedge fund managers earned more than $200
million, on average, according to a survey by Institutional Investor
magazine. The top-ranked manager, George Soros, took home $750 million
that year. At No. 2 was David Tepper, manager of the $3 billion
Appaloosa funds, who earned $510 million, according to the magazine.
[NYT]