Investing November 7, 2003

Van: Hedge Funds 2.7% Better in October

November 7, 2003 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The Van US Hedge Fund Index edged up 2.7% net of fees in October, preliminary data shows.
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October’s preliminary results mark the eighth month in a row the Index has posted a positive gain and represent a marked improvement from September’s 0.8% return (See  Van Global Hedge Fund Index Up 1.2% in September ).   Year to date, the Index is now up 14.7%, according to a news release.

George Van, Chairman of VAN, points to Long/short equity funds as a major factor in the composite enjoying its largest gain since May ( SeeHedge Fund Index Up 3.7% in May) .     Also contributing to the positive results were Distressed Securities, Emerging Markets and Special Situations.  

Overall, 84% of the more than 300 hedge funds reporting returns thus far were up in October, and of those, 17% outperformed the S&P 500, which rose 5.7%.  

An updated October Van Index, based on a larger sample of funds, will be released in mid-November.     Final results for October will be available at  www.hedgefund.com   at the beginning of next month.

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