August was characterised by muted volumes and volatility across most asset classes.
Hedge funds generated small, positive returns, with the HFRX Global Hedge Fund index gaining 0.2 per cent for the month.
GAM portfolio manager Anthony Lawler, says: “The headline hedge fund index eked out a small gain and continues its winning streak, now positive for each of the past six months. However, the strategy level indices generated mixed performance, with event driven traders the main beneficiaries of ongoing market stability, while the HFRX Macro/CTA Index was a notable detractor as several trends stalled and reversed.”
The HFRX Macro/CTA Index lost 1.0 per cent for the month. Lawler says: “Systematic strategies posted negative performance due to modest price reversals in widely held positions. Notable reversals included fixed income as rates rose following year-to-date moves lower in yields, the currency market as the US dollar strengthened, and also commodities with crude rallying and precious metals falling.”
The HFRX Event Driven index gained 1.3 per cent for the month. “Event driven strategies continued to provide positive returns as supportive equity and credit market conditions remain in place. Event driven trades across equities and distressed credit have recovered well after the challenges of crowded positions last year and in January 2016,” says Lawler.
The low trading volumes and subdued volatility levels in August have carried into the first days of September. However, Lawler says he expects markets to now focus on catalysts and growth expectations.
“As we come out of the seasonally quiet summer months, we see investors raising risk levels and looking ahead to catalysts, including scheduled economic data releases, a busy central bank calendar in September and upcoming elections in Europe and the US,” he says.
