HDGE uses a combination of quantitative and fundamental factors to build a portfolio of short interests in large- and midcap US-listed securities. This actively-managed fund uses a bottom-up approach as it aims to pick firms with low earnings quality or aggressive accounting practices, and thereby profit when the market prices adjust to the reality of these distortions. However, it should be noted that a long bull market is a tough climate for short-only strategy, and returns may show it. The funds strategy also involves frequent buying and selling of securities, which may result to a high portfolio turnover and consequently, may create a drag on returns. Overall, HDGE still enjoys a solid asset base and can be used as an alternative for 'vanilla' inverse equity funds.
