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Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's clear that risk management is a crucial aspect of a Portfolio Manager's (PM) role. However, the specific percentage loss or Value at Risk (VaR) that would result in a pod being shut down isn't explicitly mentioned.

PMs are expected to manage both the riskiness of individual securities and the combined risk of a portfolio of assets. They need to consider factors such as the risk of permanent capital loss in an asset, the ease of liquidating an asset, portfolio risk exposure, covariance, and diversification across themes/views.

In the hedge fund structure, PMs who don't perform well are often terminated, indicating that there are indeed strict risk constraints. However, the exact details of these constraints can vary depending on the fund's specific policies and the PM's agreement with the fund.

Remember, the best PMs are those who can effectively manage risk while still identifying profitable investment opportunities. It's a delicate balance, but that's what makes the role so challenging and rewarding!

Sources: What I've Learned About Hedge Fund Structure and Compensation, Is the common view of financial risk completely wrong?, How did you become a PM?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/buyside-viewpoint-from-a-fixed-income-pm?customgpt=1

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