Billionaire investor Ken Griffin’s hedge funds at Citadel have continued to perform well in 2025, despite ongoing market volatility. Citadel’s various funds have all posted positive returns, with the tactical trading fund leading the way.
According to a source familiar with the firm’s returns, Citadel’s multistrategy Wellington fund, its largest fund, saw a gain of 2.5% in the first half of the year. The tactical trading fund, which combines equities and quantitative strategies, performed even better with a 6.1% increase during the same period. The fundamental equity fund and global fixed income strategy also posted solid returns of 3.1% and 5% respectively.
With $66 billion in assets under management as of June 1, Citadel has maintained its position as a major player in the hedge fund industry. Despite the challenges posed by President Donald Trump’s trade war and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the stock market has remained resilient. The S&P 500 rebounded from a significant sell-off earlier in the year to reach record highs, with a year-to-date gain of over 5%.
Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel, has been vocal in his criticism of Trump’s trade policies, particularly the use of tariffs. He has referred to tariffs as a “painfully regressive tax” that disproportionately impacts working-class Americans. Griffin has also expressed concerns about the potential damage to the U.S. “brand” and government bond market as a result of the ongoing trade disputes.
Citadel’s flagship Wellington fund saw a remarkable 15.1% increase in returns last year, further solidifying the firm’s track record of success. Since its founding in 1990, Citadel has achieved an impressive annualized net return of 19.2% through the end of May.
In conclusion, Citadel’s hedge funds have navigated the challenges of 2025 with strong performance across the board. Ken Griffin’s leadership and strategic approach continue to drive success for the firm, positioning Citadel as a key player in the financial markets.
