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Meanwhile, hedge fund launches were steady in 2Q17, with 180 new funds opening as inflows resumed and total industry capital reached a record. The number of 2Q17 launches was slightly below the 189 launches in 1Q17 and the 170 launches in 2Q16.

The HFRI Fund Weighted Composite Index® has gained +5.4 YTD though August, with monthly performance gains in nine consecutive months.

Average hedge fund management and incentive fees declined narrowly from 1Q17 as the average management fee fell by 1 basis point (bp) to 1.46 percent in 2Q, and the average incentive fee fell 10 bps to 17.2 percent. The average management fee for funds launched in 2Q17 fell to 1.28 percent, as compared to 1.4 percent for 1Q17 launches, while the average incentive fee for funds launched in 2Q17 declined to 16.9 percent, down 21 bps from the prior quarter. HFR estimates that only approximately 30 percent of all hedge funds currently charge management and incentive fees equal to or greater than 2-and-20.

HFRI performance dispersion declined in 2Q, as the top decile of hedge funds gained an average of +10.1 percent, while the bottom decile declined -8.3 percent (a dispersion of 18.4 percent), representing a modest decline from +14.12 and -7.0 percent, respectively, in 1Q17 (21.1 percent dispersion). Over the trailing 12 month period ending 2Q, the top decile of funds averaged a +34.3 percent return, while the bottom decile fell an average of -15.4 percent, a one-year performance dispersion of 49.7 percent.

"Hedge fund liquidations declined as total industry capital eclipsed another record with new investor inflows, while the HFRI extended steady performance gains through mid-2017," stated Kenneth J. Heinz, President of HFR. "We expect a continuation of the favorable trend in new launches, as well as expansion of the alternative investor base interest to also encompass Risk Parity & Risk Premia strategies. With equity markets continuing the pattern toward increasing record levels, investors continue to exhibit and demonstrate enthusiasm for hedge funds and alternative beta strategies as integral portfolio components."