(HedgeCo.Net) The hedge fund world is known for fierce competition and shifting fortunes — and today’s data shows that Viking Global is lagging its Tiger Cub peers in 2025 performance, even as tech-led market rallies boost others. Business Insider
? Performance Breakdown
In its first full year without longtime investing leader Ning Jin, Viking’s flagship fund posted a modest 5.8% gain — trailing the S&P 500’s ~16% and attracting industry scrutiny. Business Insider
Meanwhile:
- Maverick Capital: ~23%+
- D1 Capital: ~28%+
- Coatue: 13%+
These Tiger Cub affiliates, spun out from Tiger Management’s lineage, have thrived on tech-heavy portfolios aligned with the AI and growth narratives driving public markets. Business Insider
? Leadership and Strategy Shifts
Justin Walsh, Viking’s new CIO, has steered a more diversified investment portfolio focused on financials and short positions — a strategy that protected capital in earlier downturns but lagged during the year’s tech surge. Business Insider
This divergence offers a stark lesson on style drift and timing in hedge fund performance. Diversification is valuable, but missing major sector rallies can materially affect relative returns.
? Broader Hedge Fund Trends
As macro drivers continue to oscillate between AI-led tech growth and broader equity market momentum, hedge fund strategies are adapting:
- Macro funds are capitalizing on rate, currencies, and global economic shifts.
- Quant strategies harness machine learning and algorithmic signals to capture real-time alpha.
- Activist funds are targeting strategic restructurings (similar to Ackman’s insurance play).
Performance dispersion among major hedge fund groups illustrates how tactical positioning matters more than ever in an era of rapid technological adoption.