LATEST REPORT: Q1 2026
Resourceful investment managers watch for rewarding opportunities in emerging markets. Along with the potential for a high return on investment, this category of fund comes with relatively high risk. This HFR Industry Report provides analysis of the world of emerging market hedge funds.
Results often vary by region in this category. Index performance, risk/return analysis, and more, can help give investors and managers gain insight into forming their own selective approach to the Emerging Markets.
HFRI MENA Index leads YTD gains as Iran conflict escalates;
HFRI Japan Index gains +8.8 percent YTD;
EM, Asian hedge fund industry AUM rise to record
CHICAGO, (October 1, 2026) – Emerging Markets hedge funds advanced YTD through August 2026, reversing sharp declines in March, as global interest rates surged to 20-year highs and oil prices rose with extreme daily volatility as the outlook for resolution of the Iran military conflict remained unclear. The HFRI MENA Index jumped +18.7 percent YTD through August to lead industry regional index performance, while the HFRI Emerging Markets (Total) Index gained +8.2 percent YTD, as reported today with the releases of the HFR Asian Hedge Fund Industry Report and the HFR Emerging Markets Hedge Fund Industry Report from HFR®, the established global leader in the indexation, analysis and research of the global hedge fund industry.
Stay up-to-date on key trends affecting the hedge fund industry. HFR’s specially-priced bundled subscription includes quarterly publications of HFR Global, Asian, Emerging Markets, and Market Microstructure Reports. The ultimate resource available for the industry insider.
