Its Medallion Fund–which uses computers and trading algorithms to invest in world markets–returned more than 50 percent in the first three quarters of 2007. It had about $6 billion in assets as of July 1. Simons registered that performance as subprime and related markets were collapsing, sending two mortgage-related hedge funds run by Bear Stearns Cos. into bankruptcy. The turmoil pummeled the Goldman Sachs Global Alpha Fund, a rival to Renaissance’s funds, which fell more than 25 percent during the same time. Morgan Stanley’s computer jockeys lost $390 million in a single day in early August.
From Bloomberg’s profile of Jim Simons and his hedge fund management company, Renaissance Technologies
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