RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Optimizing Benchmark-Based Portfolios with Hedge Funds JF The Journal of Alternative Investments FD Institutional Investor Journals SP 35 OP 55 DO 10.3905/jai.2007.688992 VO 10 IS 1 A1 Ivilina Popova A1 David P. Morton A1 Elmira Popova A1 Jot Yau YR 2007 UL https://pm-research.com/content/10/1/35.abstract AB Hedge funds typically have non-normal return distributions marked by significant positive or negative skewness and high kurtosis. Mean-variance optimization models ignore these higher moments of the return distribution. This article introduces a new stochastic programming model which incorporates Monte Carlo simulation and optimization to examine the effects on the optimal allocation to hedge funds given benchmark related investment objectives such as expected shortfall and semi-variance. The results show that a substantial allocation—approximately 20% to hedge funds is justified. Specifically, the return distributions of portfolios constructed using the stochastic programming model skew to the right relative to those of the optimal mean-variance portfolios, resulting in higher Sortino ratios.TOPICS: Real assets/alternative investments/private equity, portfolio construction, quantitative methods, performance measurement