Which factor could potentially lead to higher returns for investors in hedge funds?

The use of leverage in investment strategies can potentially lead to higher returns for investors in hedge funds. Leverage allows hedge funds to borrow capital in order to increase the size of their investment positions. By enhancing their exposure to certain assets, hedge fund managers can amplify both the potential gains and the risks associated with those investments. When investments performed well, the returns generated on the larger investment base exceed the returns that would have been achieved without leverage, thus leading to higher returns for investors.

It is important to note that while the potential for higher returns exists with leverage, so too does the potential for greater losses, which underscores the need for careful risk management. The nuanced nature of leverage makes it a common tool among hedge funds looking to maximize return irrespective of market conditions.

On the other hand, options focused on the absence of fees, guaranteed investments, or a concentration in low-risk government bonds do not inherently provide a mechanism for achieving higher returns. Absence of fees might be beneficial in preserving net returns, but does not impact the potential for those returns to increase. Guaranteed investments typically offer lower returns as a trade-off for reduced risk, while investments in government bonds are generally associated with stable but lower-yielding returns. Thus, none of these options can match