Sovereign fund eyes Asian hedge move

China's $814 billion sovereign wealth fund may increase investments in hedge funds in Asia, betting they can beat rivals trading in developed markets.

Hedge fund managers face fewer competitors in Asia, where markets are less efficient and mature than in the United States and Europe, said Roslyn Zhang, managing director of fixed income and absolute-return investments at China Investment Corp. Money will probably be allocated to the funds in the next six to 12 months, she said.

"Over the last few years we've seen the quality of talent improve a lot," Zhang said in a telephone interview. "The top managers in Asia probably have a better chance of producing more alpha here in Asia than in more developed markets," she said, referring to profits generated in excess of a benchmark index.