KYI: Know Your Investment

What do Long-Only Equity Funds do?

Long-Only Equity Funds are investment vehicles that
invest in stocks with the expectation of price appreciation.
Unlike hedge funds, they do not engage in short-selling or
use complex financial derivatives. These funds aim to
generate returns through careful stock selection based on
fundamental analysis, market trends, and economic
forecasts.

Why Invest in Long-Only Equity Funds?

Investing in Long-Only Equity Funds is ideal for those seeking
exposure to stock markets with a traditional investment
approach. These funds benefit from the market’s long-term
growth trends, providing potential for substantial returns
over time. They are suitable for investors with a longer-term
investment horizon and a tolerance for stock market volatility.

“Nothing goes in one direction forever... Just about everything is cyclical, Howard Marks

India’s GDP set to sustain 6% plus growth, and outpace most leading economies. Source: RBI and ICRA

India's benchmark gauge - BSE's market capitalisation or m-cap grew from Rs 3.2 lakh crore to Rs 343.5 lakh crore in 2023 (see chart). If we concise it to five years, BSE's m-cap has more than doubled from Rs 154.6 lakh crore, according to data from Geojit Insights.

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A long-only equity fund is a type of investment fund that primarily invests in equities or stocks with the intention of profiting from the appreciation of those securities over time. Unlike hedge funds or other alternative investment vehicles, long-only equity funds typically do not engage in short selling or employ other complex investment strategies. Instead, they maintain a "long" position in the stocks they select, meaning they buy and hold them with the expectation that their value will increase.

Long-Only Equity Funds: Long-only equity funds primarily invest in stocks with the intention of holding them for the long term. They aim to profit from the appreciation of these stocks over time and typically do not engage in short selling or employ complex trading strategies.

Hedge Funds: Hedge funds employ a variety of investment strategies beyond simple long-only positions. These strategies may include short selling, derivatives trading, leverage, arbitrage, and other sophisticated techniques aimed at generating returns in both rising and falling markets.

Long-only funds typically offer a simpler investment approach compared to long/short equity strategies. They can provide exposure to the potential upside of the stock market without the complexity and potential risks associated with short selling. Long-only funds may be more suitable for investors seeking straightforward equity exposure and long-term capital appreciation without the added volatility and downside risk management required in long/short equity strategies.

  • Investment strategy: Long-only hedge funds offer a straightforward investment approach focused solely on long positions, making them easier to understand for some investors.
  • Potential for higher returns: In bull markets, long-only hedge funds may outperform traditional long/short equity hedge funds due to their concentrated exposure to upward market movements.

  • Limited downside protection: Long-only hedge funds lack the ability to hedge against market downturns through short positions, potentially exposing investors to greater downside risk during market corrections.
  • Higher fees: Despite offering a more simplified investment strategy, long-only hedge funds may still charge high fees comparable to traditional hedge funds, which could erode returns over time.

Yes, targeting asset management firms specializing in long-only strategies may be more appropriate for investors interested in long-only investing. These firms typically offer a broader range of long-only investment options across various asset classes and market sectors, with a focus on delivering consistent, long-term returns through prudent stock selection and portfolio management. Additionally, long-only asset management firms may offer lower fees and greater transparency compared to hedge funds, making them attractive options for investors seeking simplicity and alignment with their long-term investment goals.

Investing in a long-only equity fund can provide investors with the opportunity to participate in the potential growth of the stock market over time. Additionally, these funds often offer diversification benefits by investing in a broad range of companies across different sectors and industries.