Quote from jj90:
Performance like everything else is relative. I know you are one of the few legit guys here heech, so you can certainly start the big dick competition. However, my point as you will notice is addressed at those who may not be at quite at the same level, or at least that I don't know of. If you haven't accomplished something at least equivalent to the guy mentioned in the OP's post, you are unqualified to be saying yes or no.
Also to play devil's advocate, how does one know that the individual mentioned in the OP's post isn't about to have his P&L breakout to the upside? In fact, how do you know you aren't about to hit your max DD or blowup?
Well, now I kinda feel bad... I don't usually like big swinging dick competitions, and I try not to brag/participate in any such thing. So, that's not my intent here. This is especially because I'm realistic enough to say, in fact, there but for the grace of God go I... anything could happen tomorrow, including a big DD.
But coming back on topic... I have a hard time accepting the original manager in question has actually "accomplished" anything. Being up 400% in 2 years (or 200% in 4 years) is, in and of itself, not necessarily impressive. I've been up 1000% in a single night playing craps, and I wouldn't expect ANYONE to be impressed or envious of that performance... it was just a matter of luck.
On a risk adjusted basis (just eye-balling the chart), this guy is not doing well. He's taken huge risks, and it works out for him sometimes, and it doesn't work out at other times. On risk adjusted basis, I seriously doubt he's even doing better than a random stock picker.
I'd like to believe that I'm *not* taking the same risks in my strategy, and I'm certainly proud that my risk-adjusted returns are substantially better (so far). But, if I happened to reach max DD tomorrow and stare at a 50% drop in NAV (*always* a possibility)... I can assure you I absolutely wouldn't be out there trying to raise money with that record. Frankly, I'd be too embarrassed. (And I certainly wouldn't want my "friends" investing, for that matter.)