The Eurekahedge Hedge Fund Index gained 0.44%1 in July; a month marked by high risk aversion arising from uncertain macroeconomic conditions, the ongoing debt crisis in Europe and the drawn out political debate in America regarding the US debt ceiling. Hedge funds were able to provide substantial downturn protection amid these conditions while global markets were mostly down during the month as the MSCI World Index2 declined by 2.59%.