Range of returns in a MM pod

What is a good way to contextualize returns in a MM pod?


Would +5% vs S&P be considered a good return for a pod? What is the typical range that you expect from a median performing pod and how often do you see 10%+ vs S&P returns?


Does every MM fund using S&P as benchmark for comp and performance and not use sector specific index?

 

Pods are market neutral so they would look at absolute returns not returns vs S&P

Truism have heard is 1-3% return on gross market value (longs and shorts) is good, 5% is very strong, HSD with any consistently is god mode

Think there is some Pareto distribution to pod returns so the majority are not great and get managed out while most of the PnL comes from relatively few pods (some of this might be structural like TMT and Heathcare having more dispersion) and a lot of it is down to better risk management and process (or if you want to be more cynical, luck)

 

Returns at market neutral funds are often thought of in the context of the strategy's vol. Returning your vol is generally considered good, and 2x+ vol as exceptional.

Some time ago, I once had a certain factor-neutral strategy sector head suggest thinking about my base case return as 30 vol and then subtracting that amount out from what it would cost for me to join relative to my existing expected payout and deferred comp. I guess they were trying to either test my naivety or how badly I craved a PM title...no thank you.

 
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