Market chaos makes China-focused hedge funds shine in 2015

In a brutal year for high-profile hedge fund managers like Bill Ackman and David Einhorn, less-famous stock pickers focused on China stood out for their stellar performance.

China-focused managers betting on rising and falling stocks returned 11 percent in 2015, outpacing both the Shanghai Composite Index and the gauge of Hong Kong-listed stocks by a wide margin, while US funds narrowly beat benchmarks and European ones trailed, according to Eurekahedge Pte.

Stars included Hao Capital Management, with offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai, whose $268 million hedge fund surged 135 percent through November.