Portfolio

The Blackstone Group reported a $165.6 million profit for the second quarter, thanks to huge gains in its hedge fund businesses, according to the International Herald Tribune. The private equity firm’s hedge funds reported $225.2 million in revenue, offsetting other gains and large losses, including a pretax loss of $185.5 million.

Asset manager Threadneedle International Limited has launched two new mutual funds in the U.S., reaffirming its commitment to the U.S. marketplace.

In spite of their strong records, two Vanguard funds that have been suffering steep redemptions will now be reopened to investors—and industry observers say this is an indication of investors’ skittishness in this weak economy.

Whereas the S&P 500 declined 0.99%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.25% and the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 1.42% in July, the Hennesee Hedge Fund Index fell 1.95%.

Annual contribution limits on health savings accounts are preventing investors from accumulating enough money in them to help them gain traction, according to a report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute. For an individual, the annual contribution is currently $2,900, and for families, it’s $5,800.

Vanguard is now permitting its largest international fund, the Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund, to purchase foreign stock directly, rather than through other Vanguard index funds.

Given the turbulence in financial markets, now may seem an inopportune time for financial advisers to make drastic changes to the way they interact with investors.

MassMutual’s retirement services division is offering a customized 401(k) tool for plan sponsors and retirement plan advisers, based on asset allocation tools from Morningstar.

Hedge funds are enjoying tremendous success in Hong Kong and Singapore, with the number of managers and assets under management going through the roof, according to data from Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission and Singapore’s Monetary Authority.

After years of waiting to be compensated for damages done to their investment holdings by market timers and late traders, Janus investors will finally receive $100 million worth of restitution.