Best and Worst Months for Hedge Fund Returns

December is the best month for hedge fund performance since 1997. Between 1997 and 2008, the Barclay Hedge Fund Index averaged 2.14% in December compared with a .95% average monthly gain over the time period. The worst month for hedge fund returns was August, with an average return of -.14%, the only month with a negative return.

The best season for hedge fund returns has been the fall, averaging 4.64%. The worst season for hedge fund returns has been the summer, averaging only .84%.

Average Hedge Fund Returns by Season/Quarter 1997-2008
Winter (Q1) Spring(Q2) Summer (Q3) Fall (Q4)
3.16% 2.89% .84% 21.4%

Average Monthly Hedge Fund Returns 1997-2008
J F M A M J J A S O N D

1.2%

1.2%

0.7%

1.1%

0.8%

1.0%

0.3%

-0.1%

0.7%

0.9%

1.4%

2.1%