Komfie Manalo, Opalesque Asia: Managed futures traders gained 0.37% in July, according to the Barclay CTA Index compiled by BarclayHedge. The Index is up 2.12% year-to-date.
"July’s global equity rally proved to be the major source of profits for many CTA portfolios," said Sol Waksman, founder and president of BarclayHedge.
Five of Barclay’s eight CTA indices had positive returns in July. The Diversified Traders Index gained 0.73%, systematic traders were up 0.50%, and financial/metals traders gained 0.24%.
"On the commodity side, long precious metals and short energy positions were profitable, but overall profits were eaten up by losses in the agriculture markets," added Waksman.
The Agricultural Traders Index was down 0.88% in July, currency traders lost 0.60%, and discretionary traders gave up 0.51%.
"Currency traders were positioned for continued strength in the U.S. dollar, but were caught out in July as the dollar weakened against the euro, Swiss franc and the Chinese yuan," said Waksman.
Year-to-date, the Financial/Metals Traders Index is up 3.09%, diversified traders have gained 2.91%, systematic traders are up 2.77%, and currency traders have gained 1.57%.
At the end of seven months, agricultural traders are down 1.65%, and the Discretionary Traders Index has lost 1.34%.
The Barclay BTOP50 Index, which measures performance of the largest CTAs, gained 1.46% in July....................... To view our full article Click here
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