The lines between the traditional and alternative investment universes are getting even blurrier thanks to Sprott Asset Management. The Toronto firm, which manages both hedge funds and mutual funds, recently launched the Sprott Global Equity Fund, an open-ended mutual fund trust employing shorts.

The fund uses a proprietary quantitative model to invest in global mid- and large-cap companies with a minimum market cap of approximately US$1 billion. It will also short sell up to of 20% of its portfolio.

The mutual fund, which has a minimum initial investment requirement of C$5,000 (US$4,700), will be managed by its investment team.

The firm has also hired Sylvain Ratelle as an investment strategist to assist with the new offering. Ratelle has managed equity portfolios in mutual funds, pension money and private client assets for divisions of various global asset management groups including Franklin Templeton Investments, State Street Global Advisors and BMO/Harris.

Sprott manages over C$5 billion (US$4.7 billion) in assets for institutions, endowments and high net-worth individuals.