Hedge Funds: The Good and the Ugly of 2014

Despite a steady bull market, hedge funds have collectively struggled during 2014. On average, hedge funds posted returns of just 2% during 2014, compared to the S&P 500’s 2014 gain of over 12%.  Since the 2008 recession, hedge funds have seen returns of just 41%, compared to the S&P 500’s 153% gain during the same period.  Throwing in the lofty fees that hedge funds are known to charge and the investment appeal dwindles further.

Just in the first half of 2014, 461 hedge funds closed their doors, which is on pace to be the worst year for fund closures since 2009.  Part of the blame can be placed on oil for the second half of 2014’s lagging fund returns,...