The book is split into four parts: the first finds out the distinctiveness of performance for funds of hedge funds (alpha, persistence, factor decomposition, portfolio optimization). The second part deals with diversification, selection, allocation and hedge fund indices where correlations effects are analysed among different managing styles. Thirdly, some essays are devoted to construction, and statistical properties of funds of hedge funds, such as distributional characteristics, and higher-moment performance characteristics. Finally, the volume investigates specific items such as monitoring risk, due diligence and special classes of funds of funds, where one of the main problems is to implement quantitative methodologies to select the hedge funds. The book is a must-read for those who are looking for an edge in applying the more sophisticated approaches that have recently been developed in the hedge funds industry.
Giampaolo Gabbi, University of Siena and SDA Bocconi, Italy