The Matrix Emerging Markets Index Fund is designed to allow participation in the upside of emerging markets whilst reducing downside risk.

Global money flows are focusing on emerging markets because of their higher GDP growth rates, cheaper labour and good natural-resource supplies.

However, history shows that returns can be very volatile. From the beginning of 2000 to the end of November 2007, the MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index has increased by 211 per cent but, over that period, the peak to trough drawdown is 47.76 per cent.

The Matrix Emerging Markets Index Fund will be managed by Connecticut-based MAXAM Capital Management, which also runs the Matrix Max Fund, according to a strict rule-based methodology. It will invest in around 40 underlying hedge funds, creating a portfolio that will be broadly diversified across all emerging market regions and also across asset classes.

The fund is suitable for UK self-invested personal pensions and small self-administered schemes and offshore bonds, with all share classes listed on the Irish Stock Exchange.

Sandra Manzke, the founder and chief executive of MAXAM believes that the Matrix Emerging Markets Index Fund will give investors the ability to access some of the largest and best performing hedge funds in the emerging markets asset class, with a low minimum.

‘By investing through an enhanced index product, investors have immediately added diversification to their portfolio, as assets are deployed amongst numerous managers. Thus, investors have the potential for lower volatility based upon lessened concentration risk versus investing directly in one manager.

‘The Matrix Emerging Markets Index Fund will afford investors the ability to take advantage of the opportunity set throughout the emerging markets investment landscape which continues to offer dynamic investment results. Emerging markets continue to be one of the fastest growing segments of the hedge fund business.’

The initial offer period opens on 28 January and will close on 20 February. There is a minimum investment of £10,000.

For more information visit: www.matrixgroup.co.uk