Hedge funds are investment vehicles that manage a pool of money from wealthy individuals and institutions. They operate with a high degree of autonomy and leverage, investing in a variety of assets, including stocks, real estate, and even collectibles. The risk-taking nature of hedge funds has made them both a target of criticism and a source of fascination, as their strategies can lead to significant profits or losses. Hedge funds typically charge high fees, including a management fee and a performance-based fee, which can incentivize them to take greater risks to maximize returns. However, the lack of transparency and regulation in the hedge fund industry has made it difficult to evaluate their overall performance and has led to concerns about their potential impact on financial stability.