The second quarter of 2008 saw Asia-focused hedge funds around the world gain capital inflows of $530 million from investors, says Chicago-based Hedge Fund Research. But the industry’s total assets under management grew by a mere 0.25% (about $200 million to $100.48 billion) because managers have lost $320 million in volatile markets. And while the industry did enjoy net inflows from investors in the second quarter, the gain is nearly half the $1 billion gain from the first quarter, suggesting that investor interest is flagging. As absolute-return vehicles, hedge funds are failing the test this year. Those Asia ex-Japan-focused strategies tracked by HFR have in aggregate lost -15.86% year-to-date, while Japan-only strategies have lost -7.14%, and Asia including Japan strategies are down -8.29%.   more »

Baer Capital has announced the launch of their new fund that invests in Indian equities, distressed debt and derivatives, further propelling Dubai’s prominence in the hedge fund industry. The Beacon India Alpha Equity Fund is the latest fund aimed at capitalizing on India’s emerging markets. ‘We are extremely excited about the launch of the Beacon India Alpha Equity Fund which is a long short equity fund focused on listed Indian equities and managed by Baer Capital Partners International Ltd,” said Brij Singh, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Baer Capital Partners. “The Beacon India Alpha Equity Fund is an integral part of our mission to create a ‘Best in Class’ alternative asset management platform focused on India.”   more »