Hedge fund launches accelerated sharply in late 2025, while liquidations remained near historic lows, as investors positioned for geopolitical risk, strong economic growth, and inflation uncertainty heading into 2026, according to HFR’s latest Market Microstructure Report.

Hedge funds have turned increasingly bullish on Brent crude oil, with positioning reaching its highest level since April as political unrest in Iran reintroduced a geopolitical risk premium into energy markets, according to a report by Bloomberg citing data from ICE Futures Europe.

Houston-based hedge fund Roscommon Analytics is shutting its US natural gas trading desk following losses linked to volatile energy markets, according to a report by the Financial Post citing unnamed people familiar with the situation.

Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has publicly opposed Toyota Fudosan’s revised tender offer for Toyota Industries Corporation, arguing that the bid significantly undervalues the company and undermines Japan’s corporate governance reforms.

Hedge funds moved out of bullish euro positions and flipped to a small net short just days before US President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on European nations amid escalating tensions over Greenland, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Jain Global, Bobby Jain’s multi-strategy hedge fund, generated strong trading profits last year, but heavy start-up costs significantly reduced returns for investors, highlighting the financial pressures facing new entrants to the sector, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Balyasny Asset Management posted record revenue growth in Asia last year, with regional revenues jumping 82% year-on-year as the global multi-strategy hedge fund continues to expand its footprint across the region, according to a report by Bloomberg.