SIF guide
SIF strategy types explained
A practical map of equity long-short, ex-top-100, sector rotation, hybrid long-short, and active asset allocator SIF strategies.
Key takeaway
The most important SIF question is not 'which AMC launched it?' but 'what problem is this strategy trying to solve, and what evidence proves how it is being implemented?'
Knowledge map
Terms to understand first
Equity Long-Short
An equity-oriented strategy that can combine long stock exposure with short or hedge positions. Read long exposure, short exposure, net exposure, and derivative rules together.
Equity Ex-Top 100
A differentiated equity mandate focused outside the largest listed companies. The research burden shifts toward liquidity, concentration, and portfolio construction.
Sector Rotation
A strategy that can change sector weights based on market view or model signals. Compare sector risk and turnover, not only stock names.
Hybrid Long-Short
A multi-asset strategy that may combine equity, debt, arbitrage, derivatives, cash, REITs/InvITs, or other permitted exposures.
Active Asset Allocator
A flexible allocation strategy where asset mix can be as important as security selection. Check the mandate, ranges, and latest asset allocation.
Section 1
Start by naming the job
Every strategy should have a portfolio job. Equity long-short may aim for equity participation with hedge tools. Ex-top-100 may seek differentiated listed-equity opportunity. Hybrid long-short and active allocator strategies may emphasize asset allocation, downside controls, or tactical flexibility.
Section 2
Then check what the mandate permits
The name is only a clue. The official strategy document decides whether the scheme can use derivatives, debt, REITs/InvITs, cash, arbitrage, sector concentration, short exposure, or flexible allocation.
Section 3
Finally read implementation evidence
Factsheets and portfolio disclosures show how the mandate was used on a reporting date. This is where AUM, TER, manager, holdings, exposure, benchmark, liquidity, and risk labels become practical rather than theoretical.
Evidence table
How to read the data
Separate what a field can tell you from the official evidence needed before relying on it.
| Field | Read as | Evidence needed |
|---|---|---|
| Equity long-short | Equity participation with explicit hedge or short tools. | ISID mandate, derivative exposure, gross/net exposure, portfolio date, and dated Risk-band. |
| Ex-top-100 equity | Equity exposure beyond the largest listed companies, usually with higher liquidity and drawdown sensitivity. | Universe definition, market-cap bands, concentration, turnover, and portfolio disclosure. |
| Hybrid long-short | Asset allocation plus long-short tools; portfolio role may be smoother participation or tactical allocation. | Asset-class weights, derivative use, debt quality, cash, REIT/InvIT exposure, and liquidity terms. |
| Sector rotation | A more tactical equity strategy where sector calls can dominate return and risk. | Sector weights, benchmark context, turnover, concentration, and rationale language. |
| Active asset allocator | A flexible strategy where changing asset mix is the main feature. | Allocation bands, current allocation, rebalancing logic, and permitted instruments. |
Live examples
Connect the guide to tracked SIFs
DynaSIF Equity Long-Short Fund
A live example of an equity long-short SIF where NAV freshness and official source mapping matter.
DynaSIF Active Asset Allocator Long-Short Fund
Useful for understanding a multi-asset allocator where asset mix and liquidity terms drive interpretation.
qsif Sector Rotation Long-Short Fund
A sector-rotation example where sector concentration and turnover deserve separate attention.
Mistakes to avoid
Putting all SIFs into one comparison table without separating strategy family.
Treating hybrid as automatically lower risk without checking derivatives, asset mix, and liquidity.
Assuming ex-top-100 exposure is only a return opportunity while ignoring liquidity and drawdown behavior.
Reading sector rotation as simple diversified equity exposure.
Practical checklist
Before you rely on this topic
Identify the strategy family before looking at NAV.
Open the official mandate and permitted-instrument language.
Check the latest factsheet or portfolio disclosure for implementation.
Compare SIFs only within a useful strategy context.
Source trail
Where to verify next
Continue this pathway
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