Active share is a measure of how different a hedge fund's portfolio is from its benchmark index. It is calculated by taking the weighted average of the absolute differences between the fund's portfolio weightings and the benchmark index weightings. A high active share indicates that the fund is taking significant positions that are different from the benchmark, while a low active share indicates that the fund is more closely tracking the benchmark.
Active share is a relevant metric for evaluating long/short equity hedge funds because it can help investors to assess how much risk the fund is taking and how much potential alpha it has to generate. Long/short equity hedge funds with a high active share are typically taking more risk and have more potential to generate alpha than funds with a low active share. However, they are also more likely to experience losses during market downturns.
Investors should also consider the fund manager's track record and investment strategy when evaluating active share. A fund with a high active share may still be a good investment if the fund manager has a proven track record of generating alpha and the investment strategy is well-conceived. However, investors should be aware of the increased risk associated with high active share funds.
Here are some specific examples of how investors can use active share to evaluate long/short equity hedge funds:
- Compare active share to benchmarks: Investors can compare the active share of different hedge funds to their benchmarks. This can help investors to identify funds that are taking on more or less risk than their peers.
- Compare active share to other hedge funds: Investors can compare the active share of different hedge funds with similar investment strategies. This can help investors to identify funds that are more or less active than their peers.
- Use active share to set investment expectations: Investors can use active share to set investment expectations. For example, if an investor knows that a hedge fund has a high active share, they should be prepared for more volatility and potential losses during market downturns.
It is important to note that active share is just one of many factors that investors should consider when evaluating long/short equity hedge funds. Other important factors include the fund manager's track record, investment strategy, and risk management procedures.
Investors should also be aware that hedge funds are complex investments and can be risky. It is important to consult with a qualified financial advisor before investing in hedge funds.