The discussion on this week’s HedgeAnswers call was fast and furious, because people are confused and even a bit dazed about where the hedge fund industry is going, how it is going to survive and what the future holds for managers and investors alike as the potential for regulation is becoming a reality.
I am pleased to report that yes, the industry will survive and even thrive in the years to come. Sure, regulation is coming down the pike, and Congress and many of the state houses around the country are searching for ways to regulate what they see as an unregulated industry. Well, don’t worry, the industry will adapt, investors will still be able to find places to make money whether the markets rise or fall. Investors and managers understand the value of portfolios that can zig when the markets zag. That’s why they look for investments that can go both long and short the market.
During the call we discussed strategy, fund formation and how to raise money. We exchanged ideas, got information and, most important, learned from each other. There is an excitement around the hedge fund industry right now.
Still, there needs to be caution. Never has it been more important to conduct thorough due diligence. Never has it been more important to understand how your money is being managed. Never has it been more important to ask questions and demand answers. Remember, it’s your money; you should get involved in how it’s managed and if you don’t like the answers, look somewhere else. Lately it seems that everyone is taking things on face value. Maybe people are afraid of getting to the heart of the matter because they’re afraid of what they’ll find.
On Tuesday, Congress held a hearing into the Bank of America-Merrill Lynch merger. Member after member of the committee asked question after question, or rather made statement after statement, questioning the merger, questioning the actions of C-suite bankers and specifically attacking the company’s recently relieved-of-duty CEO Ken Lewis.
It was quite interesting to watch, since it was clear that a number of the committee members have little if any idea how markets work, how money moves or, most important, any understanding that Mr. Lewis and his team were doing what they were told to do with a gun to their heads. It seems to me that Mr. Lewis did what he thought was not only right by his company but also what was right for the country and shouldn’t be vilified for actions he took at the behest of the same government that is now criticizing his actions.
The next HedgeAnswers’ call is is scheduled for December 15 at 10 a.m. I hope you will join us. Register by clicking here.
THINGS THAT DRIVE ME CRAZY
Nothing bothered me enough this week to be worthy of an angry tirade, or even a complaint. But, hard as it is to believe, I do have something nice to say, yes, read that again, something nice. I have found the customer service model Comcast can use to fix its problems – LL Bean. The venerable Maine-based outfitter is without a doubt on top of customer service like no other. While I won’t bore you with the details, suffice it to say that this company clearly puts the customer first. Maybe the people at Comcast should order some Maine Hunting Shoes and experience the right kind of service first hand. Not to mention get a good pair of boots.