Van Global Hedge Fund Index Rose 2.5% In October

by Philip Morton, Investors Offshore.com

17 November 2003

The Van Global Hedge Fund Index rose 2.5% in October, the hedge fund adviser announced last week.

Revealing that October's figures were based on over 800 funds which submitted data last month, Van Hedge explained that positive returns were the norm amongst hedge funds, with some 85% of funds in the Global Index reporting gains.

However, despite this, October's hedge fund gains generally lagged those of the stock markets, with only 16% of hedge funds managing to outperform the 5.7% returned by the S&P 500.

Commenting on the results, George Van, chairman of Van Hedge observed that:

"Hedge funds have averaged a gain in all but one month this year and the Van Global Hedge Fund Index has now returned 14.5% net year to date. Although that gain is less than that of the rebounding equity markets, I think hedge fund investors are pleased with the performance they're seeing."

According to October's figures, Emerging Markets performed best, returning 4.9% net, with Aggressive Growth and Value (both long/short equity strategies), following close behind with 4% net gains last month.

Final results for October will be calculated at the end of this month, Van Hedge announced on Thursday.

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