Hedge funds are ramping up efforts to hire experienced macro portfolio managers as uncertainty around US monetary policy and escalating geopolitical tensions create new trading opportunities, according to a report by Bloomberg citing recruitment firms including Cordell Partners.
Demand is being driven by heightened volatility stemming from the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate stance, political pressure on Chair Jerome Powell, and global flashpoints including tensions involving Iran and Venezuela. Large, well-capitalised hedge fund platforms are increasingly willing to pay premium compensation packages to secure managers with proven track records navigating complex macro environments.
Recruiters note that seasoned macro managers, particularly those with experience across multiple market cycles, are seen as better equipped to exploit dislocations across rates, currencies and commodities. Macro strategies focus on global economic themes such as inflation, interest-rate differentials, foreign exchange and geopolitical risk.
Market turmoil linked to US President Donald Trump’s policies has underscored the opportunity set. In April last year, Trump’s announcement of tariffs on several countries wiped more than $5 trillion off the S&P 500 in just two days, while some macro-focused hedge funds were able to profit from the volatility. Discovery Capital, led by veteran macro investor Rob Citrone, gained 6% during the same period.
The broader hedge fund industry also benefited from last year’s market swings, posting its strongest performance since the global financial crisis. Hedge funds returned an average of 12.6% in 2025, according to data from Hedge Fund Research, prompting expectations of increased hiring activity in the year ahead.
Large multi-strategy platforms are leading the recruitment push. Point72, which returned 17.5% last year, is advertising more than 250 roles globally, including portfolio management positions across the US, Europe and Asia. Balyasny Asset Management and Millennium Management are also hiring aggressively after posting double-digit gains in 2025.
Competition for top macro talent remains intense, with funds deploying significant capital to attract star managers. Recruiters say compensation packages exceeding $100m are possible for select hires, though such deals are increasingly tied to performance and risk controls. Macro and rates specialists with deep expertise in foreign exchange and emerging markets are viewed as particularly attractive.
Recent hires highlight the trend. ExodusPoint has recruited former BNP Paribas senior FX options trader Baris Temelkuran as a macro portfolio manager, while Jain Global hired former JPMorgan bond trader Alex Coats in December to bolster its rates and macro capabilities.
