Author: Ann C. Logue
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118050924
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 364
Book Description
If you want to diversify your portfolio and lower your risk exposure with hedge funds, here’s what you should know: Hedge Funds For Dummies explains all the different types of funds, explores the pros and cons of funds as an investment, shows you how to find a good broker, and much more. Authored by Ann Logue, a financial writer and hedge fund specialist, this handy, friendly guide covers all the bases for investors of all levels. Whether you’re just building your first portfolio or you’ve been investing for years, you’ll find everything you need to know inside: What a hedge fund is and what it does How hedge funds are structured Determining whether a hedge fund is right for your portfolio Calculating investment risk and return Short- and long-term tax issues Developing a hedge fund investment strategy Monitoring and profiting on macroeconomic trends Evaluating fund performance Evaluating hedge fund management If you’re investing for the future, you definitely want to minimize your risk and maximize your returns. A balanced portfolio with hedge funds is one of the best ways to achieve that sort of balance. This book walks you step by step through the process of evaluating and choosing funds, incorporating them into your portfolio in the right amounts, and making sure they give you the returns you expect and deserve. You’ll learn all the ins and outs of funds, including: What kind of fees you should expect to pay Picking a hedge fund advisor or broker Fulfilling paperwork and purchasing requirements Performing technical analysis and reading the data How to withdraw funds and handle the taxes Tracking fund performance yourself or through reporting services Hedge fund strategies for smaller portfolios Performing due diligence on funds that interest you This friendly, to-the-point resource includes information you can’t do without, including sample portfolios that show you how to invest wisely. Hedge funds are an important part of every balanced portfolio, and this friendly guide tells how to use them to your best advantage. With important resources, vital information, and commonsense advice, Hedge Funds For Dummies is the perfect resource for every investor interested in hedge funds.
Hedge Funds For Dummies
Author: Ann C. Logue
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118050924
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 364
Book Description
If you want to diversify your portfolio and lower your risk exposure with hedge funds, here’s what you should know: Hedge Funds For Dummies explains all the different types of funds, explores the pros and cons of funds as an investment, shows you how to find a good broker, and much more. Authored by Ann Logue, a financial writer and hedge fund specialist, this handy, friendly guide covers all the bases for investors of all levels. Whether you’re just building your first portfolio or you’ve been investing for years, you’ll find everything you need to know inside: What a hedge fund is and what it does How hedge funds are structured Determining whether a hedge fund is right for your portfolio Calculating investment risk and return Short- and long-term tax issues Developing a hedge fund investment strategy Monitoring and profiting on macroeconomic trends Evaluating fund performance Evaluating hedge fund management If you’re investing for the future, you definitely want to minimize your risk and maximize your returns. A balanced portfolio with hedge funds is one of the best ways to achieve that sort of balance. This book walks you step by step through the process of evaluating and choosing funds, incorporating them into your portfolio in the right amounts, and making sure they give you the returns you expect and deserve. You’ll learn all the ins and outs of funds, including: What kind of fees you should expect to pay Picking a hedge fund advisor or broker Fulfilling paperwork and purchasing requirements Performing technical analysis and reading the data How to withdraw funds and handle the taxes Tracking fund performance yourself or through reporting services Hedge fund strategies for smaller portfolios Performing due diligence on funds that interest you This friendly, to-the-point resource includes information you can’t do without, including sample portfolios that show you how to invest wisely. Hedge funds are an important part of every balanced portfolio, and this friendly guide tells how to use them to your best advantage. With important resources, vital information, and commonsense advice, Hedge Funds For Dummies is the perfect resource for every investor interested in hedge funds.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118050924
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 364
Book Description
If you want to diversify your portfolio and lower your risk exposure with hedge funds, here’s what you should know: Hedge Funds For Dummies explains all the different types of funds, explores the pros and cons of funds as an investment, shows you how to find a good broker, and much more. Authored by Ann Logue, a financial writer and hedge fund specialist, this handy, friendly guide covers all the bases for investors of all levels. Whether you’re just building your first portfolio or you’ve been investing for years, you’ll find everything you need to know inside: What a hedge fund is and what it does How hedge funds are structured Determining whether a hedge fund is right for your portfolio Calculating investment risk and return Short- and long-term tax issues Developing a hedge fund investment strategy Monitoring and profiting on macroeconomic trends Evaluating fund performance Evaluating hedge fund management If you’re investing for the future, you definitely want to minimize your risk and maximize your returns. A balanced portfolio with hedge funds is one of the best ways to achieve that sort of balance. This book walks you step by step through the process of evaluating and choosing funds, incorporating them into your portfolio in the right amounts, and making sure they give you the returns you expect and deserve. You’ll learn all the ins and outs of funds, including: What kind of fees you should expect to pay Picking a hedge fund advisor or broker Fulfilling paperwork and purchasing requirements Performing technical analysis and reading the data How to withdraw funds and handle the taxes Tracking fund performance yourself or through reporting services Hedge fund strategies for smaller portfolios Performing due diligence on funds that interest you This friendly, to-the-point resource includes information you can’t do without, including sample portfolios that show you how to invest wisely. Hedge funds are an important part of every balanced portfolio, and this friendly guide tells how to use them to your best advantage. With important resources, vital information, and commonsense advice, Hedge Funds For Dummies is the perfect resource for every investor interested in hedge funds.
Hedge Funds
Author: IMCA
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0471473421
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 225
Book Description
A well-rounded hedge fund guide for the serious financial professional Alternative investment strategies-hedge funds in particular-have experienced a significant resurgence recently, largely in response to the dramatic downturn of the global equity markets. In response to this explosion in popularity, this book focuses on many of the best moneymaking strategies related to these alternative investment vehicles. IMCA (The Investment Management Consultants Association) is a professional association established in 1985, representing the investment consulting profession in the U.S. and Canada. Kenneth S. Phillips is a member of the IMCA Advisory Council and Managing Principal of Capital Partners, LLC. Ron Surz, CIMA, is a member of the IMCA Board of Directors and the President of PPCA Inc.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0471473421
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 225
Book Description
A well-rounded hedge fund guide for the serious financial professional Alternative investment strategies-hedge funds in particular-have experienced a significant resurgence recently, largely in response to the dramatic downturn of the global equity markets. In response to this explosion in popularity, this book focuses on many of the best moneymaking strategies related to these alternative investment vehicles. IMCA (The Investment Management Consultants Association) is a professional association established in 1985, representing the investment consulting profession in the U.S. and Canada. Kenneth S. Phillips is a member of the IMCA Advisory Council and Managing Principal of Capital Partners, LLC. Ron Surz, CIMA, is a member of the IMCA Board of Directors and the President of PPCA Inc.
How to Create and Manage a Hedge Fund
Author: Stuart A. McCrary
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9780471224884
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
Includes trading examples that illustrate points about risk management and leverage. Presents all the practical knowledge necessary to run a leveraged investment company. Non-technical explanations brings an element of transparency to a part of the investment world often thought of as difficult to understand.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9780471224884
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
Includes trading examples that illustrate points about risk management and leverage. Presents all the practical knowledge necessary to run a leveraged investment company. Non-technical explanations brings an element of transparency to a part of the investment world often thought of as difficult to understand.
So You Want to Start a Hedge Fund
Author: Ted Seides
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111915698X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 240
Book Description
Helpful, Accessible Guidance for Budding Hedge Funds So You Want to Start a Hedge Fund provides critical lessons and thoughtful insights to those trying to decipher the industry, as well as those seeking to invest in the next generation of high performers. This book foregoes the sensational, headline-grabbing stories about the few billionaire hedge fund managers to reach the top of the field. Instead, it focuses on the much more common travails of start-ups and small investment firms. The successes and failures of a talented group of competitive managers—all highly educated and well trained—show what it takes for managers and allocators to succeed. These accounts include lessons on funding, team development, strategy, performance, and allocation. The hedge fund industry is concentrated in the largest funds, and the big funds are getting bigger. In time, some of these funds will not survive their founders and large sums will get reallocated to a broader selection of different managers. This practical guide outlines the allocation process for fledgling funds, and demonstrates how allocators can avoid pitfalls in their investments. So You Want to Start a Hedge Fund also shows how to: Develop a sound strategy and raise the money you need Gain a real-world perspective about how allocators think and act Structure your team and investment process for success Recognize the patterns of successful start-ups The industry is approaching a significant crossroads. Aggregate growth is slowing and competition is shifting away from industry-wide growth, at the expense of traditional asset classes, to market share capture within the industry. So You Want to Start a Hedge Fund provides guidance for the little funds—the potential future leaders of the industry.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111915698X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 240
Book Description
Helpful, Accessible Guidance for Budding Hedge Funds So You Want to Start a Hedge Fund provides critical lessons and thoughtful insights to those trying to decipher the industry, as well as those seeking to invest in the next generation of high performers. This book foregoes the sensational, headline-grabbing stories about the few billionaire hedge fund managers to reach the top of the field. Instead, it focuses on the much more common travails of start-ups and small investment firms. The successes and failures of a talented group of competitive managers—all highly educated and well trained—show what it takes for managers and allocators to succeed. These accounts include lessons on funding, team development, strategy, performance, and allocation. The hedge fund industry is concentrated in the largest funds, and the big funds are getting bigger. In time, some of these funds will not survive their founders and large sums will get reallocated to a broader selection of different managers. This practical guide outlines the allocation process for fledgling funds, and demonstrates how allocators can avoid pitfalls in their investments. So You Want to Start a Hedge Fund also shows how to: Develop a sound strategy and raise the money you need Gain a real-world perspective about how allocators think and act Structure your team and investment process for success Recognize the patterns of successful start-ups The industry is approaching a significant crossroads. Aggregate growth is slowing and competition is shifting away from industry-wide growth, at the expense of traditional asset classes, to market share capture within the industry. So You Want to Start a Hedge Fund provides guidance for the little funds—the potential future leaders of the industry.
Handbook of Hedge Funds
Author: François-Serge Lhabitant
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470026634
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 654
Book Description
A comprehensive guide to the burgeoning hedge fund industry Intended as a comprehensive reference for investors and fund and portfolio managers, Handbook of Hedge Funds combines new material with updated information from Francois-Serge L’habitant’s two other successful hedge fund books. This book features up-to-date regulatory and historical information, new case studies and trade examples, detailed analyses of investment strategies, discussions of hedge fund indices and databases, and tips on portfolio construction. Francois-Serge L’habitant (Geneva, Switzerland) is the Head of Investment Research at Kedge Capital. He is Professor of Finance at the University of Lausanne and at EDHEC Business School, as well as the author of five books, including Hedge Funds: Quantitative Insights (0-470-85667-X) and Hedge Funds: Myths & Limits (0-470-84477-9), both from Wiley.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470026634
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 654
Book Description
A comprehensive guide to the burgeoning hedge fund industry Intended as a comprehensive reference for investors and fund and portfolio managers, Handbook of Hedge Funds combines new material with updated information from Francois-Serge L’habitant’s two other successful hedge fund books. This book features up-to-date regulatory and historical information, new case studies and trade examples, detailed analyses of investment strategies, discussions of hedge fund indices and databases, and tips on portfolio construction. Francois-Serge L’habitant (Geneva, Switzerland) is the Head of Investment Research at Kedge Capital. He is Professor of Finance at the University of Lausanne and at EDHEC Business School, as well as the author of five books, including Hedge Funds: Quantitative Insights (0-470-85667-X) and Hedge Funds: Myths & Limits (0-470-84477-9), both from Wiley.
The Little Book of Hedge Funds
Author: Anthony Scaramucci
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118099672
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 279
Book Description
The Little Book of Hedge Funds that's big on explanations even the casual investor can use An accessible overview of hedge funds, from their historical origin, to their perceived effect on the global economy, to why individual investors should understand how they work, The Little Book of Hedge Funds is essential reading for anyone seeking the tools and information needed to invest in this lucrative yet mysterious world. Authored by wealth management expert Anthony Scaramucci, and providing a comprehensive overview of this shadowy corner of high finance, the book is written in a straightforward and entertaining style. Packed with introspective commentary, highly applicable advice, and engaging anecdotes, this Little Book: Explains why the future of hedge funds lies in their ability to provide greater transparency and access in order to attract investors currently put off because they do not understand how they work Shows that hedge funds have grown in both size and importance in the investment community and why individual investors need to be aware of their activities Demystifies hedge fund myths, by analyzing the infamous 2 and 20 performance fee and addressing claims that there is an increased risk in investing in hedge funds Explores a variety of financial instruments—including leverage, short selling and hedging—that hedge funds use to reduce risk, enhance returns, and minimize correlation with equity and bond markets Written to provide novice investors, experienced financiers, and financial institutions with the tools and information needed to invest in hedge funds, this book is a must read for anyone with outstanding questions about this key part of the twenty-first century economy.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118099672
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 279
Book Description
The Little Book of Hedge Funds that's big on explanations even the casual investor can use An accessible overview of hedge funds, from their historical origin, to their perceived effect on the global economy, to why individual investors should understand how they work, The Little Book of Hedge Funds is essential reading for anyone seeking the tools and information needed to invest in this lucrative yet mysterious world. Authored by wealth management expert Anthony Scaramucci, and providing a comprehensive overview of this shadowy corner of high finance, the book is written in a straightforward and entertaining style. Packed with introspective commentary, highly applicable advice, and engaging anecdotes, this Little Book: Explains why the future of hedge funds lies in their ability to provide greater transparency and access in order to attract investors currently put off because they do not understand how they work Shows that hedge funds have grown in both size and importance in the investment community and why individual investors need to be aware of their activities Demystifies hedge fund myths, by analyzing the infamous 2 and 20 performance fee and addressing claims that there is an increased risk in investing in hedge funds Explores a variety of financial instruments—including leverage, short selling and hedging—that hedge funds use to reduce risk, enhance returns, and minimize correlation with equity and bond markets Written to provide novice investors, experienced financiers, and financial institutions with the tools and information needed to invest in hedge funds, this book is a must read for anyone with outstanding questions about this key part of the twenty-first century economy.
Understanding Hedge Funds
Author: Scott Frush
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071631577
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 242
Book Description
Capitalize on the Opportunities Hedge Funds Offer for Increased Investment Returns and Reduced Risk Understanding Hedge Funds is a clear, direct guide to the nature and use of hedge funds. This concise resource demystifies the different types of hedge funds, weighs the opportunities and risks, and helps you determine which ones are best for you. Writing in an informal, user-friendly style, financial expert Scott Frush answers any question you may have about these largely unregulated investments. Avoiding complex mathematics, he presents an overview of the hedge fund market...describes the place of hedge funds in the global financial system...explains how to pick a hedge fund manager... and shows you how to avoid common mistakes and misconceptions. With this wealth-building resource you'll be to: Learn the advantages and disadvantages of hedge funds vs. mutual funds Discover strategies for low, moderate, and high-risk investing Learn about the role of hedge funds in asset allocation Explore important legal and regulatory issues impacting hedge funds Utilize the author's valuable hedge fund checklist and toolkit
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071631577
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 242
Book Description
Capitalize on the Opportunities Hedge Funds Offer for Increased Investment Returns and Reduced Risk Understanding Hedge Funds is a clear, direct guide to the nature and use of hedge funds. This concise resource demystifies the different types of hedge funds, weighs the opportunities and risks, and helps you determine which ones are best for you. Writing in an informal, user-friendly style, financial expert Scott Frush answers any question you may have about these largely unregulated investments. Avoiding complex mathematics, he presents an overview of the hedge fund market...describes the place of hedge funds in the global financial system...explains how to pick a hedge fund manager... and shows you how to avoid common mistakes and misconceptions. With this wealth-building resource you'll be to: Learn the advantages and disadvantages of hedge funds vs. mutual funds Discover strategies for low, moderate, and high-risk investing Learn about the role of hedge funds in asset allocation Explore important legal and regulatory issues impacting hedge funds Utilize the author's valuable hedge fund checklist and toolkit
Investment Strategies of Hedge Funds
Author: Filippo Stefanini
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119995280
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 399
Book Description
One of the fastest growing investment sectors ever seen, hedge funds are considered by many to be exotic and inaccessible. This book provides an intensive learning experience, defining hedge funds, explaining hedge fund strategies while offering both qualitative and quantitative tools that investors need to access these types of funds. Topics not usually covered in discussions of hedge funds are included, such as a theoretical discussion of each hedge fund strategy followed by trading examples provided by successful hedge fund managers.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119995280
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 399
Book Description
One of the fastest growing investment sectors ever seen, hedge funds are considered by many to be exotic and inaccessible. This book provides an intensive learning experience, defining hedge funds, explaining hedge fund strategies while offering both qualitative and quantitative tools that investors need to access these types of funds. Topics not usually covered in discussions of hedge funds are included, such as a theoretical discussion of each hedge fund strategy followed by trading examples provided by successful hedge fund managers.
How to Invest in Hedge Funds
Author: Matthew Ridley
Publisher: Kogan Page Publishers
ISBN: 9780749440848
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 438
Book Description
Praise and Reviews "As hundreds of billions of capital seek an appropriate match with thousands of hedge funds, Matthew Ridley has produced a survey of the major hedge fund strategies that will be of great utility to the novice or pro. Comprehensive, insightful, readable, leavened with common sense and wit, it is much like a Consulta due diligence review."Bruce G Wilcox, Chairman, Cumberland Associates LLC"Extremely informative - a thorough synopsis of how funds view different investments. Matt has taken a very complicated process and simplified it so everyone can understand it. After reading this book, everyone will believe they can manage a hedge fund."Marc Lasry, Founder and Managing Partner, Avenue Capital Group"In light of the recent equity bear market and increasing retail and institutional interest in hedge funds, Matt Ridley's book is a most timely introduction and analysis of this complex and diverse asset class."Gary Brass, Managing Director, Consulta Limited"An excellent book that gives a pragmatic coverage of the area without sacrificing depth, Ridley's lengthy experience of the asset class really shines through. This book should leave investment professionals new to the area with the skills they need to hit the ground running, ready to appraise, select and monitor hedge funds and hold their own even when analysing the most complex of strategies."Dr Chris Jones, Director, Alternative Investment Strategies, io investors, Visiting AssociOver the past decade hedge funds have experienced considerable growth as an alternative asset class. Disappointing returns from mainstream markets have stimulated the interest of a previously sceptical investment community. More and more asset managers are now providing their clients with access to hedge funds.How to Invest in Hedge Funds is a clear, step-by-step guide for professionals investing in this area for the first time. It is a practical introduction to various types of hedge fund strategies, and how they work and develop over time. How to Invest in Hedge Funds provides a uniquely balanced picture that outlines both the strengths and weaknesses of this kind of fund.Contents include:definition, origin, structure and attributes of a typical hedge fund;risks and merits of hedge funds;how to select a hedge fund;portfolio construction and management;how to organize a hedge fund research effort;chapters dedicated to explaining specific hedge fund strategies.Written by one of the leading practitioners in the field, How to Invest in Hedge Funds is packed with practical information and guides the reader through the process of investing in this area.
Publisher: Kogan Page Publishers
ISBN: 9780749440848
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 438
Book Description
Praise and Reviews "As hundreds of billions of capital seek an appropriate match with thousands of hedge funds, Matthew Ridley has produced a survey of the major hedge fund strategies that will be of great utility to the novice or pro. Comprehensive, insightful, readable, leavened with common sense and wit, it is much like a Consulta due diligence review."Bruce G Wilcox, Chairman, Cumberland Associates LLC"Extremely informative - a thorough synopsis of how funds view different investments. Matt has taken a very complicated process and simplified it so everyone can understand it. After reading this book, everyone will believe they can manage a hedge fund."Marc Lasry, Founder and Managing Partner, Avenue Capital Group"In light of the recent equity bear market and increasing retail and institutional interest in hedge funds, Matt Ridley's book is a most timely introduction and analysis of this complex and diverse asset class."Gary Brass, Managing Director, Consulta Limited"An excellent book that gives a pragmatic coverage of the area without sacrificing depth, Ridley's lengthy experience of the asset class really shines through. This book should leave investment professionals new to the area with the skills they need to hit the ground running, ready to appraise, select and monitor hedge funds and hold their own even when analysing the most complex of strategies."Dr Chris Jones, Director, Alternative Investment Strategies, io investors, Visiting AssociOver the past decade hedge funds have experienced considerable growth as an alternative asset class. Disappointing returns from mainstream markets have stimulated the interest of a previously sceptical investment community. More and more asset managers are now providing their clients with access to hedge funds.How to Invest in Hedge Funds is a clear, step-by-step guide for professionals investing in this area for the first time. It is a practical introduction to various types of hedge fund strategies, and how they work and develop over time. How to Invest in Hedge Funds provides a uniquely balanced picture that outlines both the strengths and weaknesses of this kind of fund.Contents include:definition, origin, structure and attributes of a typical hedge fund;risks and merits of hedge funds;how to select a hedge fund;portfolio construction and management;how to organize a hedge fund research effort;chapters dedicated to explaining specific hedge fund strategies.Written by one of the leading practitioners in the field, How to Invest in Hedge Funds is packed with practical information and guides the reader through the process of investing in this area.
More Money Than God
Author: Sebastian Mallaby
Publisher: A&C Black
ISBN: 1408809753
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 497
Book Description
Wealthy, powerful, and potentially dangerous, hedge-find managers have emerged as the stars of twenty-first century capitalism. Based on unprecedented access to the industry, More Money Than God provides the first authoritative history of hedge funds. This is the inside story of their origins in the 1960s and 1970s, their explosive battles with central banks in the 1980s and 1990s, and finally their role in the financial crisis of 2007-9. Hedge funds reward risk takers, so they tend to attract larger-than-life personalities. Jim Simons began life as a code-breaker and mathematician, co-authoring a paper on theoretical geometry that led to breakthroughs in string theory. Ken Griffin started out trading convertible bonds from his Harvard dorm room. Paul Tudor Jones happily declared that a 1929-style crash would be 'total rock-and-roll' for him. Michael Steinhardt was capable of reducing underlings to sobs. 'All I want to do is kill myself,' one said. 'Can I watch?' Steinhardt responded. A saga of riches and rich egos, this is also a history of discovery. Drawing on insights from mathematics, economics and psychology to crack the mysteries of the market, hedge funds have transformed the world, spawning new markets in exotic financial instruments and rewriting the rules of capitalism. And while major banks, brokers, home lenders, insurers and money market funds failed or were bailed out during the crisis of 2007-9, the hedge-fund industry survived the test, proving that money can be successfully managed without taxpayer safety nets. Anybody pondering fixes to the financial system could usefully start here: the future of finance lies in the history of hedge funds.
Publisher: A&C Black
ISBN: 1408809753
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 497
Book Description
Wealthy, powerful, and potentially dangerous, hedge-find managers have emerged as the stars of twenty-first century capitalism. Based on unprecedented access to the industry, More Money Than God provides the first authoritative history of hedge funds. This is the inside story of their origins in the 1960s and 1970s, their explosive battles with central banks in the 1980s and 1990s, and finally their role in the financial crisis of 2007-9. Hedge funds reward risk takers, so they tend to attract larger-than-life personalities. Jim Simons began life as a code-breaker and mathematician, co-authoring a paper on theoretical geometry that led to breakthroughs in string theory. Ken Griffin started out trading convertible bonds from his Harvard dorm room. Paul Tudor Jones happily declared that a 1929-style crash would be 'total rock-and-roll' for him. Michael Steinhardt was capable of reducing underlings to sobs. 'All I want to do is kill myself,' one said. 'Can I watch?' Steinhardt responded. A saga of riches and rich egos, this is also a history of discovery. Drawing on insights from mathematics, economics and psychology to crack the mysteries of the market, hedge funds have transformed the world, spawning new markets in exotic financial instruments and rewriting the rules of capitalism. And while major banks, brokers, home lenders, insurers and money market funds failed or were bailed out during the crisis of 2007-9, the hedge-fund industry survived the test, proving that money can be successfully managed without taxpayer safety nets. Anybody pondering fixes to the financial system could usefully start here: the future of finance lies in the history of hedge funds.