Sep 28, 2021
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Dominque Mielle joins the podcast to discuss the transformation
of the hedge fund industry, as encapsulated in her book 'Damsel in
Distressed: My Life in the Golden Age of Hedge Funds.'
Mielle's career in hedge funds spans three decades, a period of
dramatic growth that has culminated with many investors today
questioning whether it still makes sense to allocate to the asset
class -- to the extent that it can even be called an asset
class.
The guest says hedge funds still have value in certain
circumstances, but there are many forces working against them.
She also has some views on markets and even cryptos that are
discussed in the back end of the episode.
(Spotify users can click on the timestamp to link to the start of the segment directly)
Her reasons for writing the book: very few women in hedge funds and the critical growth periods she observed in the industry (2:05);
So does the hedge fund industry have a future? (5:15);
What exactly has changed in the last 20+ years to make hedge funds less compelling? (8:02);
There is certainly less mystique around hedge funds, and the media now reports returns and other things regularly -- something the host himself has been guilty of. How has that affected things? (13:54);
Okay, so what is the value proposition for hedge funds? (18:58);
Background on the guest (25:36);
What if a woman wrote a 'Liar's Poker' of the hedge fund world? And why aren't there more women in finance? (31:30);
The guest's view of markets at present. Tapering is critical (40:23);
Her views on cryptocurrencies (44:47).
Website: DominiqueMielle.com;
Book: Damsel In Distressed, by Post Hill Press;
Twitter: DominiqueMielle.
Not intended as investment advice.