There is a considerable build-up of myths around hedge funds.  In the past they have been given the power and influence to move markets, shape financial and economic policies in Washington, and secretly sway the leaders of foreign central banks.  Along these lines, they have the same status as some of James Bond’s most dangerous and clever adversaries of the likes of Auric Goldfinger, Hugo Drax and Ernst Stravo Blofeld. It appears, however, that even hedge funds are suffering from the recent financial and economic downturn. This was duly noted by the Financial Times (September 21, 2009): “Hedge funds are losing their clout in financial markets, according to new research.”

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