Hedge funds and their investment strategies

Abstract

In this thesis paper, my objective is to explain the overall characteristics of a special investment vehicle - called hedge funds – that have become a major player in global financial and capital markets primarily over the last two decades. Their growing market share and influence have prompted me to conduct individual research into their history, institutional context, and main characteristics that generally set them apart from other comparable investment options. In particular, the aim of this thesis paper is to provide a more detailed description of the investment styles and strategies that hedge fund managers utilize in order to accomplish their objectives.