Quote from Thunderdog:
I think there is the matter of moral hazard when managing OPM. It pays to swing wild for the fences when the trader shares a disproportionate piece of the winnings as compared to the potential losses. To the extent that the trader is looking to maximize his clients' risk adjusted returns, then all is well and the clients should know going in that they are in for a ride. However, the industry seems to be littered with traders who are principally seeking to maximize their own returns. Given the disparity in potential downsides between trader and client, they may find themselves at cross purposes. Since trading is all about risk and reward, the problem arises when the trader is more concerned about maximizing his own risk/reward equation than he is about maximizing the risk/reward of his clients. It may not be illegal to game the system in this manner, but...
What you and others like you fail to understand is that people invest in hedge funds for different reasons. its usually to take OUTSIZED RISKS for OUTSIZED RETURNS in a particular strategy. there are dozens of reasons including hedging other holdings, tax purposes, etc. you seem to approach everything from the persepective of the retail investor--trust me, there is a whole other world out there. This isnt 401K or investing for retirement with the sophisticated investors who are the only ones allowed to invest in hedge funds.
one takes a small piece of their portfolio and invests in a flyer--be it a hedge fund ( for the wealthy ) or a stock etc ( for the middle class)--both are well aware of the risks involved-for you to suggest otherwise is arrogant and quite foolish.
your socialistic, anti capitalism, anti risk nature is on full display.
surf