Citadel, Millennium hedge funds have dismal quarter after stocks tank in March

New York Post - Apr 2nd, 2025
Open on New York Post

In March, the global hedge fund landscape saw a stark divergence in performance amid market turbulence, as major funds struggled while systematic and smaller funds thrived. Notably, Ken Griffin’s Citadel and Izzy Englander’s Millennium Management posted negative returns of -0.8% and -2%, respectively, for the first quarter. In contrast, systematic funds like Cliff Asness’s AQR Capital Management and Edouard de Langlade's EDL Capital saw robust gains. AQR's Apex Strategy reported a 9% return, and EDL Capital soared with a 22% year-to-date return, demonstrating the benefits of diversified and agile trading strategies in volatile environments.

The market volatility was fueled by significant economic developments, including shifts in German policies and US tariff uncertainties. This led to the largest selloff in German 10-year bonds since 1990 and a substantial rise in the euro. The S&P 500 also experienced notable declines, prompting hedge funds to reduce equity exposure and manage risks through cash reserves and strategic trades in swap spreads and macro exposures. The events underscore the challenges faced by traditional hedge funds amidst economic shifts and highlight the potential for systematic and niche strategies to capitalize on market inefficiencies.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a detailed examination of hedge fund performances during a volatile market period, offering insights into the strategies and outcomes of various funds. Its strengths lie in its clarity and timeliness, making complex financial information accessible to readers with some background in finance. However, the reliance on unnamed sources and the lack of explicit transparency regarding the methodology used to gather information slightly undermine its accuracy and source quality. The article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and greater engagement elements to appeal to a wider audience. Despite these limitations, it remains a valuable resource for those interested in the financial sector and the factors influencing hedge fund operations.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The news story presents several factual claims that are generally consistent with known market trends and hedge fund performances for the period in question. For instance, the story accurately reports Citadel's and Millennium Management's negative returns, aligning with available financial data. However, some claims, such as the extent of the German bond selloff and the euro's gain, require further verification against historical financial records to ensure precision. The article's reliance on sources familiar with the matter and notes from financial institutions like UBS and Goldman Sachs adds credibility but also necessitates cautious interpretation due to potential biases inherent in anonymous sourcing.

6
Balance

The article provides a reasonably balanced view by covering both the successes and challenges faced by different hedge funds. It highlights the negative returns of major funds like Citadel and Millennium, while also acknowledging the positive performances of smaller, more systematic funds. However, the narrative could benefit from a broader array of perspectives, particularly from independent financial analysts or economists, to provide a more nuanced understanding of the market dynamics affecting these outcomes. The focus on specific funds might inadvertently skew the perception of the entire hedge fund industry's performance.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information that guides the reader through the complex subject of hedge fund performances. It effectively explains key financial terms and strategies, such as long and short positions, making the content accessible to a broader audience. The use of specific examples, like the performance of AQR Capital Management and EDL Capital, helps illustrate broader trends. However, the inclusion of more background information on the market conditions could further enhance understanding for readers less familiar with the financial sector.

6
Source quality

The article cites sources familiar with the matter and financial notes from reputable institutions like UBS and Goldman Sachs, which generally enhances the credibility of the reported information. However, the reliance on unnamed sources for key performance data of hedge funds like Citadel and Millennium raises questions about the transparency and reliability of these claims. Including direct statements or reports from the hedge funds themselves or corroborating with publicly available financial documents would strengthen the source quality.

5
Transparency

The article lacks explicit transparency regarding the methodology used to gather the information presented. While it references sources familiar with the matter and financial notes, it does not provide detailed context or disclose any potential conflicts of interest that these sources might have. The lack of direct attribution for some claims, especially concerning specific hedge fund performances, reduces the transparency of the reporting. Greater disclosure about how information was obtained and the potential biases of sources would enhance the article's transparency.

Sources

  1. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=379275%29
  2. https://www.businessinsider.com/chart-february-hedge-fund-performance-citadel-millennium-balyasny-schonfeld-2025-3
  3. https://www.hedgeweek.com/hedge-funds-surrender-half-of-2025-gains-amid-market-volatility-says-goldman-sachs/