Hedge Fund Return Statistics 1994-2005

Abstract:     
In this paper we have examined various statistical properties of several hedge fund style investments. We have used hedge fund indices from CSBF/Tremont as well as global bonds and equity investment indices covering the period 1994-2005. (This period covers both up and down turns in the equity and bond markets). We found that some of the hedge funds seem to have a higher mean return and a lower standard deviation than the equity market. The index returns distributions are not normal and exhibit negative skewness and positive excess kurtosis. With the exception of some styles, monthly hedge fund index returns have a high positive correlation with the stock market. Most styles are nearly uncorrelated with the bond market. The monthly returns of many hedge fund indices exhibit significant positive first-order autocorrelation.

Keywords: Hedge Fund, Risk, Returns, Distribution

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