Hedge funds were up 0.46 per cent in March, according to the Barclay Hedge Fund Index compiled by BarclayHedge. The Index is up 2.57 per cent through the end of the first quarter, versus a return of 0.95 per cent for the S&P 500.
“Prices for risk assets declined in March as the headwinds fomented by weaker than expected consumer spending and durable goods orders, together with a strengthening US Dollar, drove equities and commodities lower,” says Sol Waksman (pictured), founder and president of BarclayHedge.
Overall, 16 of Barclay’s 18 hedge fund indices had gains in March. The Healthcare & Biotechnology Index was up 1.71 per cent, European Equities gained 1.15 per cent, the Equity Market Neutral Index was up 1.12 per cent, and Global Macro rose 1.10 per cent.
On the losing side, the Equity Short Bias Index was down 0.80 per cent, and the Technology Index lost 0.37 per cent. Equity Short bias has lost 4.05 per cent year to date.
At the end of the first quarter in 2015, Healthcare & Biotechnology has gained 8.28 per cent, European Equites have gained 4.14 per cent, Global Macro is up 3.99 per cent, Equity Long/Short has gained 2.85 per cent, Equity Long Bias is up 2.60 per cent, and the Multi Strategy Index has added 2.55 per cent.
The Barclay Fund of Funds Index gained 0.66 per cent in March, and is up 2.69 per cent for the year.
