HedgeWeek-AIMA Mid-Year Allocator Sentiment Report 2025

This report, produced by Hedgeweek and sponsored by AlphaSense, summarises the surprising findings from a survey of nearly 100 global allocators in the first half of 2025. Despite geopolitical volatility, investors are displaying renewed optimism towards hedge funds.

The report highlights two key trends:

1. Part I: Renewed Optimism
2. Nearly half of the surveyed allocators plan to increase their hedge fund allocations.
3. They are actively seeking new partnerships to capitalize on volatility and are raising their return expectations.
4. The report details strategy preferences and regional shifts, particularly from institutions in APAC and the Middle East.
5. Part II: Structural Shifts
6. This section explores how allocators are viewing geopolitical tension as a strategic opportunity rather than a risk.
7. It also examines changes in fee dynamics, the growing popularity of Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs), and other alternative investments.

The report includes an interview with Yashar Jedari from AlphaSense, who discusses how AI-powered research tools are enabling hedge fund managers to efficiently navigate this complex environment and level the playing field for smaller firms.