Bridgewater Associates’ flagship hedge fund jumped 11.3% this year through last week, benefiting from market swings set off by President Donald Trump’s trade wars.
The gains in Bridgewater’s Pure Alpha II, which invests in stocks, bonds, currencies and commodities, accelerated during the first half of March, according to a person familiar with its performance. The S&P 500 fell 5.3% in that span, while all of the G7 currencies gained against the dollar.
The firm profited while some other macro peers lost money. Brevan Howard Asset Management’s $11.7 billion Master Fund slid 1% in the first week of March, extending the year’s decline to 5.4%. DE Shaw & Co.’s Oculus fund, which mostly makes macro wagers, fell 4.4% through March 7.
Last year, Bridgewater’s main macro fund returned 11.3% — its best performance since 2018. Even so, that gain trailed its biggest macro competitors.
Nir Bar Dea, who was named Bridgewater’s sole chief executive officer in 2023, has taken steps meant to increase the firm’s returns, including capping the size of its flagship funds and focusing more on artificial intelligence.
Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.
From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.
"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.
Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.
Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.
