Hedge funds thrive in emerging markets for best start since 2009

LIMA: Hedge funds may be getting pounded in most corners of the world -- suffering outflows and forced to trim fees to appease clients. But there’s one place they’re still turning a hefty profit: emerging markets.

Leveraged funds focused on developing nations returned 14% in the first seven months of 2017, according to Hedge Fund Research Inc. That’s on track to be the best year since 2009, when they returned 20% on average. It’s more than triple the 3.7% return posted by the benchmark index of all hedge funds.