What are arbitrage funds?

What Is Arbitrage? Arbitrage involves the simultaneous purchase and sale transactions of an asset in two different markets (i.e., cash and futures markets) to profit from inefficiencies in the prices across these markets. And the funds that work on this principle are called Arbitrage Funds.

Why do arbitrageurs flock to financial markets?

Arbitrageurs flock to financial markets because they’re flush with opportunities, and the results of their activities often benefit market participants. For example, arbitrage helps minimize slippage—the difference between the expected price of an asset and the actual price that a trade takes place—by reducing price disparities across markets.

What is arbitrage & why is it important?

Arbitrage is not simply the act of buying a product in one market and selling it in another for a higher price at some later time. The transactions must occur simultaneously to avoid exposure to market risk, or the risk that prices may change in one market before both transactions are complete.

What are the disadvantages of arbitrage funds?

Here are some of the most common disadvantages. One of the primary disadvantages of arbitrage funds is their mediocre reliability. As noted above, arbitrage funds are not very profitable during stable markets. If there are not enough profitable arbitrage trades available, the fund may essentially become a bond fund, albeit temporarily.