Alternative mutual funds have been gaining popularity among mutual fund investors. These funds differ from traditional mutual funds as they use hedge fund-like characteristics. In 2014, there have been nearly 50 new alternative mutual funds launched. Below are the top 10 launches so far.
Top Alternative Mutual Fund Launches
| Ticker | Mutual Fund | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|
| GSOFX | GMO Special Opportunities Fund Class VI | $504.4M |
| BXMIX | Blackstone Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund | $410M |
| ALATX | AllianceBernstein Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund | $403.9M |
| DRNAX | Dreyfus Alternative Diversifier Strategies Fund | $351.6M |
| DBNAX | Dreyfus Select Managers Long/Short Fund | $273.2M |
| DSLAX | Deutsche Strategic Equity Long/Short Fund | $208.7M |
| GURAX | Guggenheim Risk Managed Real Estate Fund | $104.3M |
| WALTX | Wells Fargo Advantage Alternative Strategies Fund | $103.1M |
| BMMAX | BlackRock Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund | $100.6.M |
| VATAX | Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund | $70.1M |
The Bottom Line
Nine of the alternative mutual funds launched so far in 2014 have already exceeded $100 million in assets, showing the growing popularity of the funds.
The high level of marketing for these funds has also increased this year, contributing to the growth of these funds.