Book excerpt: Hedge your stock market bets with funds that can deliver returns in down markets Hedge Funds For Dummies is your introduction to the popular investing strategy that can help you gain positive returns, no matter what direction the market takes. Hedge funds use pooled funds to focus on high-risk, high-return investments, often with a focus on shorting—so you can earn profit even when stocks fall. But there’s a whole lot more to it than that. This book teaches you about the diversity of hedge funds, their pros and cons, and their potentially lucrative role as a part of your portfolio. We also give you tips on finding a broker that is right for you and the investment you wish to make. Let Dummies be your investment advisor as you set up a strategy that will deliver results. Understand the ins and outs of hedge funds and how they fit in your portfolio Choose the funds that make the most sense for your unique situation Build a hedge fund strategy based on tested techniques and the latest market data Avoid common mistakes and identify solid funds to ensure success This Dummies guide is for traders and investors looking to learn more about hedge funds and how they can become lucrative investments in a down market.