Brevan Howard Faces Steep Losses in 2025, Extending Trading Volatility

Brevan Howard Asset Management, the macro trading behemoth founded by Alan Howard, has endured its worst start to a year since its inception over two decades ago. The flagship Brevan Howard Master hedge fund plummeted 2.93% in January, erasing a significant portion of its 5.3% gain from 2024.

The decline stems partly from the fund's bets on currency volatility, which turned sour when the Trump administration delayed its tariff threats. Brevan Howard is known for its typically steady returns, but recent months have witnessed extreme swings in performance.

Other funds managed by Brevan Howard also experienced mixed results. Alpha Strategies gained 1.45% in January, while the smaller BH Digital fund soared 51.3%.

Despite recent setbacks, Brevan Howard remains a significant player in the hedge fund industry, managing approximately $35 billion in assets. However, underperformance relative to peers has prompted the firm to implement cost-cutting measures and streamline operations.