Array ( [episodeID] => 414 [featureSeriesID] => 1 [featureSeasonID] => 15 [featureEpisodeID] => 15 [featureTitle] => Matthew Pouncett on how market neutral hedge funds protect portfolios [featureDescription] => Market neutral hedge funds can help investors reduce market risk and protect portfolios from severe drawdowns. Matthew Pouncett, Portfolio Manager at Laurium Capital, explains how.\r\n\r\nPouncett breaks down how market neutral strategies combine long and short positions to generate returns that are less dependent on whether equity markets rise or fall. He explains why this can provide valuable diversification when traditional assets such as equities and bonds move together during periods of market stress.\r\n\r\nThe conversation also examines downside protection, volatility, and why avoiding major losses can be critical to long-term compounding. Pouncett explains sequencing risk for retirees who are withdrawing income from their investments and why a major drawdown at the wrong time can permanently damage a retirement portfolio.\r\n\r\nHe also discusses where market neutral hedge funds can fit alongside equities and cash for South African investors seeking smoother returns while still growing their capital ahead of inflation.\r\n\r\n0:00 Intro\r\n1:08 How market neutral hedge funds work\r\n3:11 Why traditional diversification can fail\r\n6:02 Performance during volatile markets\r\n7:35 Understanding downside protection\r\n9:55 Stress-testing a hedge fund portfolio\r\n12:14 Protecting retirement portfolios\r\n14:27 Where market neutral funds fit\r\n\r\nFollow BusinessTech:\r\nX - https://twitter.com/businesstechSA\r\nFacebook - https://web.facebook.com/BusinessTechSA\r\nInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/businesstechsa\r\nWebsite - https://businesstech.co.za/news/\r\n\r\n#HedgeFunds #Investing #RetirementPlanning [featureEpisode] => https://player.vimeo.com/video/1242673715 [featureDuration] => 17:54 min [featureImageMobile] => img/guests/ET-001-0030-015.jpg [featurePublication] => 2026-11-03 07:02:00 [featureLogo] => img/logos/SL115.png )