Absolute return vs Benchmarking

An absolute return trading strategy is one which attempts to make the most money possible without being limited to a comparison to a typical index such as the Nifty, Dow etc.

Relative return managers are measured how they perform relative to some pre-determined benchmark like an Index.

In my opinion, benchmarking severely restricts a Portfolio Manager. You are a part of a herd and that is what we don't want to be a part of.