UBS-ETF HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index SF

Morningstar Europe Editor 24 February, 2011 | 5:55PM
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The UBS-ETF HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index SF aims to deliver the performance of the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index using synthetic replication. The index, compiled by Hedge Fund Research Inc., is designed to be representative of the overall composition of the investable hedge fund universe. The HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index consists of 44 hedge funds, each following one of the six core hedge fund strategies: equity hedge, relative value arbitrage, macro, event-driven, distressed securities and convertible arbitrage. The index is rebalanced quarterly in accordance with each strategy’s respective asset weight in the hedge fund industry (see this table for recent composition). Again, disclosure is limited to the breakdown of the fund’s portfolio by strategy and regional exposure.

Cons:
While UBS provides details on HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index, it won’t give investors access to security-level information, so full transparency is lacking here.

This fund is also pricey. The fund levies a higher TER of 1.10% and typical hedge fund fees built into its underlying index, including an average 1.5-2% annual management fee and a 20% performance fee.

The HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index (USD) has performed poorly since 2005, posting a meagre average return of 0.83% per annum. The index took a serious beating during the 2008 market meltdown, shedding 23.3%. Since 2008, the index has rebounded but is still lagging its rivals.

Over the past five years, the index has shown a moderate-to-high correlation with the MSCI World of 0.69, which reduces its attraction as a portfolio diversifier.

Pros:
Because it tracks the performance of 44 hedge funds, this structure provides diversification across strategies and individual managers.

The UBS-ETF HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index SF is available in USD and EUR.

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