Hedge funds, as measured by the Dow Jones Credit Suisse Hedge Fund Index, finished the fourth quarter up 0.71%, however, the overall performance for the year was down 2.52%, according to the Dow Jones Credit Suisse Hedge Fund Index 2011 Hedge Fund Market Review.
The industry also saw an estimated USD15 billion in inflows in 2011, bringing overall assets under management for the industry to approximately USD1.71 trillion. Assets have remained relatively stable, up 1% from 2010.
The Managed Futures and Fixed Income Arbitrage sectors experienced the largest asset inflows on a percentage basis in 2011, with inflows of 23% and 19% respectively.
On an industry-wide basis, a larger percentage of asset inflows went to funds with monthly or better liquidity, suggesting greater investor demand for liquid hedge fund structures.
Overall, hedge funds, as represented by the Dow Jones Credit Suisse Hedge Fund Index, continued to provide positive risk-adjusted returns relative to other strategies.
