Bridgewater, Point72 are hiring China specialists as policy, economic shocks leave hedge funds reeling

Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund founded by China perma bull Ray Dalio, last month listed an opening for a China analyst focusing on government policy on its website. Vacancies at Steven A. Cohen’s Point72 Asset Management include an opening for a Chinese-speaking “intelligence analyst.”

“Our China analyst is expected to be immersed in all things China and further Bridgewater’s understanding of critical developments in Chinese policy that may impact markets, economies, geopolitical relationships, and the global political economy,” Bridgewater said.

Bridgewater did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment on the role, which pays US$90,000 to US$130,000, including a base salary and a discretionary bonus.

Among other requirements, Point72 said its candidates should have deep regional or functional expertise, as well as a history of travel, residency, and/or up to three years of professional experience in China or the region. Lindsay Fortado, its spokesperson, declined to comment.

“Investing in China can be difficult without a clear understanding of the regulatory and policy landscape, so Chinese expertise is valued in that respect,” said Chris Corcoran, senior manager for financial Services in Hong Kong at Robert Walters, a global recruitment firm.

“The vast majority of clients I work with have actually been diversifying their investment outside of China lately,” he said, citing Japan as an example. “I’m aware of only one China-focused fund in double digits [returns] year to date.”

Dantai Capital is shutting down its Greater China-focused hedge fund after steep losses in 2022 and 2023, Reuters reported this month. The Hong Kong-based hedge fund said its investment style was no longer suited for China’s markets, which it said may experience “waning liquidity, weak domestic confidence and significant geopolitical risks.”