The Van Hedge Fund Indices were one of the first performance
benchmarks based on a large and representative sample of hedge fund
returns. Published from 1995 until now, the Van Indices reflect the
average performance of hedge funds back to 1988. The Indices are
produced on a monthly basis. They represent the average performance
of hedge funds around the world and therefore tracks the performance
of the overall hedge fund universe.
All Index returns are based on hedge funds returns that are net of
fees. They are simple non-dollar-weighted averages. Indexes for
different time periods may be based on different funds, depending
on the hedge funds reporting to VAN at the time. The database, used
in construction of the Indices, contains information on approximately
5,300 hedge funds. The Van Global Hedge Fund Index is reported on a percentage-change
basis. The Index was set at an initial value of 1,000 as of its
January 1, 1988 inception.
The csv data file consists of 16 columns, the first with the date
entries formatted as "%m/%d/%Y", followed by 14 columns with the
Index, and the last column with the Global Hedge Fund Index.
The Indexes are:
AggressiveGrowth
DistressedSecurities
EmergingMarkets
FundofFunds
Income
Macro
MarketNeutralArbitrage
MarketNeutralHedging
MarketTiming
Opportunistic
SeveralStrategies
ShortSelling
SpecialSituations
Value
VanGlobalHedgeFundIndex