Hedge funds post positive returns

Hedge funds posted positive returns in May, despite growing concerns that inflationary pressures and spiking oil prices would hinder growth rates, according to data from Hedge Fund Intelligence Ltd. of London. The Hedge Fund Intelligence Composite Index increased 1.24% in May and has gained a modest 0.64% for the year. Hedge funds invested in U.S. equities gained 2.66% in May, as the Federal Reserve loaned $75 billion to banks and the dollar’s greater strength against the euro helped the index recover from a weak first quarter. The index has increased 0.93% year-to-date. Hedge funds tracking commodities increased 1.42% in May and are up 8.08% this year, as lower interest rates, the falling dollar and $135-a-barrel crude oil has led investors to move to commodities. Other indices posting strong returns for the month included global equities, technology and Latin American equities, which increased 2.46%, 2.3% and 1.99% respectively.