Research

Hedge Fund Performance Commentary

Introduction

Hedge funds returned to positive territory in February after being marginally negative in the previous month. The composite Eurekahedge Hedge Fund Index, which tracks the performance of all hedge funds on an equally-weighted basis, was up by 0.59% on the back of mid-month trend reversals in the underlying markets.

Results across the regions were mixed as European and Japanese markets declined while indices across Asia ex-Japan and the Americas were up for the month. North American hedge funds delivered the best results, gaining 1.5% on average as the managers skilfully charted through the market swings. All strategies were positive for the month, with the exception of macro managers who were flat. CTA/managed futures hedge funds posted the best performance with gains of 1.37% while the Eurekahedge Relative Value Hedge Fund Index was up for the 12th straight month with gains to the tune of 1.1%, bringing their 12-month rolling returns figure to 26.44%.

The chart below shows hedge fund returns for January and February 2010 across different geographical mandates:

January and February 2010 Returns

Click on the image for an enlarged preview

Hedge funds across most regions saw marginal movements in terms of performance in February with the exception of North American managers who posted robust gains. The Eurekahedge North American Hedge Fund Index was up by 1.5% during the month, bringing its year-to-date figure to 0.97%. Positive movements in the underlying markets after the second week resulted in gains for managers who maintained...

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