Given the reality of the contemporary retail market, it seems sensible to permit the marketing of funds of hedge funds.

Retail investors can currently gain access to products with hedge-fund investment characteristics through a variety of means, including listed funds of hedge funds.

We're also seeing hedge funds taking advantage of thin market conditions as we often see as we get to the end of December. And so basically, that's why we get these whippy moves.

Schwab is likely banking on a market recovery and boosts to hedge funds in the mutual fund shakeout, ... And hedge funds trade the three drivers of the economy -- tech, health care and financial -- more actively.

It is not in vain that the strategic criterion of placing only short runs on the market prevails in order simultaneously to create a feeling of scarcity and avoid an appearance of uniformity, both of which encourage consumer demand. This is such a powerful criterion that it is not uncommon to discontinue production of a much-sought-after product, sometimes to the relative desperation of the shop staff, who were sure they could sell it.

We also need to consider how we can help consumers to understand the features and risks associated with these products.