The Eurekahedge Hedge Fund Index fell 2.13%1 in August amid heightened volatility in global markets and increased risk aversion. Despite the negative returns, managers delivered significant outperformance and downturn protection in a highly volatile environment. The MSCI World Index fell 7.70%2 as market sentiment turned bearish, marked by global markets changing directions frequently throughout the month. Hedge funds were able to deliver the 5.57% outperformance against the MSCI World Index, as the sector continued to attract assets, albeit marginally.
Total assets under management (AuM) were down by US$1.7 billion with the size of the industry continuing to hover around the US$1.82 trillion mark. Performance-based losses for the month totalled US$3.2 billion but despite the high volatility environment, investors still allocated capital to the hedge fund industry. Managers attracted net positive asset flows of US$1.5 billion bringing the total asset flow for the year to US$120.8 billion.
