Long Short Funds
Long Short Category III AIFs simultaneously hold long positions in fundamentally undervalued stocks and short positions in overvalued ones — aiming to generate alpha from both directions of price movement while maintaining a managed net market exposure.
- check_circleLong undervalued + short overvalued stocks
- check_circleNet long exposure: typically 30–70%
- check_circleShorts executed via F&O derivatives
- check_circleAbsolute return orientation
- check_circleFund-level taxation at MMR ~42.744%
How Long Short Works
The Long Short strategy generates returns from two sources: the upward price movement of long positions (undervalued stocks expected to appreciate) and the downward price movement of short positions (overvalued stocks expected to decline). The difference in returns between longs and shorts — the "spread" — is the fund's alpha.
In India, short positions are typically implemented via single-stock futures or options from the F&O segment of NSE/BSE, rather than through actual stock borrowing (which is limited in India's Securities Lending and Borrowing mechanism). This has important implications for basis risk and roll costs.
SEBI AIF Regs, 2012 – Reg 3(4)(c)
Exposure Definitions
Total long positions + total short positions (notional). Typically 150–200% of NAV for active L/S funds. Measures how much total market risk the fund is taking.
Long positions minus short positions, expressed as % of NAV. A net exposure of 50% means the fund behaves like a 50% invested long-only fund in a market move.
Sum of all long stock positions. The portion of the portfolio directly benefiting from a market rally.
Sum of all short positions (via F&O). The portion of the portfolio that profits from market or individual stock declines.
The fund's return above what the net exposure to the market would explain. The skill-based return from stock selection on both long and short books.
Portfolio Construction
Long Book
High-conviction positions in fundamentally strong, undervalued businesses with near-term earnings catalysts. Typically 20–40 positions sized 2–7% each. Long tenure (12–24 months).
Short Book
Positions in structurally challenged, overvalued, or deteriorating businesses. Implemented via NSE/BSE F&O. Held for shorter periods (1–6 months) with disciplined stop-losses.
Net Exposure Management
The manager dynamically adjusts the ratio of longs to shorts based on market valuation, macro outlook, and risk appetite. More cautious markets → lower net exposure.
Tail Risk Hedging
Index puts or VIX calls used to hedge extreme market events. These tail hedges reduce drawdowns during market crashes at the cost of carrying premiums in stable markets.
Pair Trades
Simultaneous long/short positions within the same sector (e.g., long HDFC Bank, short smaller private bank). Sector exposure is neutralised; returns driven purely by relative performance.
Event-Driven Positions
Catalytic events — results surprises, management changes, regulatory decisions, mergers — drive concentrated positions with defined timelines and exit triggers.
Key Characteristics at a Glance
Minimum Corpus
₹20 Crore
per scheme
Min. Investor Ticket
₹1 Crore
₹25L for employees
Net Exposure
30–70%
typical range
Gross Exposure
150–200%
of NAV, via F&O
Leverage
Up to 2× NAV
SEBI circular 2021
Taxation
Fund Level
MMR ~42.744%
Skin-in-the-Game
5% / ₹10 Cr
whichever is lower
Target Return
12–18% p.a.
absolute, net of fees
Risk Considerations
Short Squeeze Risk
Short positions can suffer unlimited theoretical losses if stock prices rise sharply. Short squeezes — driven by surprise earnings beats, corporate actions, or retail buying — are a significant risk.
F&O Basis & Roll Costs
Indian shorts use futures/options rather than stock borrowing. Rolling short positions monthly incurs basis costs (futures premium), which can erode short-side profitability.
Fund-Level Tax Drag
All income — including short-term gains from both long and short books — is taxed at MMR (~42.744%) at the fund level. This is the primary structural disadvantage vs PMS.
Correlation in Stress
In severe market sell-offs, all stocks tend to fall together. Shorts may not generate sufficient offsetting profits if correlations spike to 1.0. Net exposure management is critical.
Explore Long Short Fund Opportunities
Access SEBI-registered Category III Long Short AIFs through PlatAlt's institutional platform.