Man vs. Machine: Comparing Discretionary and Systematic Hedge Fund Performance

Professor Campbell R. Harvey

Investment Strategy Advisor at Man Group

Sandy Rattray

CIO, Man Group

Otto van Hemert

Head of Macro Research at Man AHL

Using data from 1996 to 2014, we investigate misconceptions regarding the performance of discretionary and systematic hedge funds.

December 2016

  • This study compares the performance of discretionary versus systematic hedge funds, split into macro and equity strategies, using data from 1996-2014
  • Some investors suggest that systematic strategies perform worse, have returns more easily explained by risk factors and are more homogeneous than their discretionary counterparts
  • We note 74% of assets are discretionary, perhaps reflecting these views
  • Our data suggest that these beliefs are incorrect

A version of this paper has been published in The Journal of Portfolio Management and in 2017 was recognised as an ‘Outstanding Article’ in the 19th Annual Bernstein Fabozzi / Jacobs Levy Awards.​

The link to the full paper can be found here:​

https://www.iijournalseprint.com/JPM/Man/Sum17ManvsMachine33r/index.html

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