WEST PALM BEACH, FL (www.hedgeco.net) – The new released S&P Hedge Fund Index data shows that Hedge funds gained 0.83 percent in February after getting off to a slow start in 2005. The releasestated that, �S&P Hedge Fund Index (S&P HFI), finished the month of February up 0.83% to produce a positive year-to-date return of 0.36% for the index, also bouncing back from a sluggishJanuary were the S&P Directional/Tactical and S&P Event-Driven Indices, returning 0.67% and 1.53% respectively for the month.�

The data also shows that the S&P Arbitrage Index also ended February on a positive note, returning 0.29% during the month. The Equity managers within the S&P Directional/Tactical Index, made the largest gains in February. According to the release, �The S&P Equity Long/Short Index moved up 1.80% during the month. Strong stock selection and a trend toward more concentrated holdings benefited many managers as equity markets continued to rally on improved balance sheets and earnings.�

The S&P Managed Futures Index, however ended the month in slightly negative territory, the index was down 0.14% for the month. Gains recorded in energy and futures sectors were offset by losses in long gains and government bond positions, S&P said. Also profits and losses were evenly split in the currency trading arena as stops and reverse positions ended up in neutral positions when the US dollar began to weaken once more against the major world currencies according to the report.

Standard & Poor’s is the world’s leading provider of independent investment research, ratings and indices.

Paul Oranika
Editor-in-Chief
HedgeCo.Net
Email: Editor@hedgeco.net

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