Hedge Fund Managers in Monaco Say Credit Crisis to Worsen

The credit market contagion that led to record losses at some of the world's largest financial institutions may be far from over, according to hedge fund managers gathered in Monaco this week.

``These times will get worse before they get better,'' said Christophe Aurand, head of European operations for York Capital Management LLC, a $13 billion fund manager preparing to invest in distressed debt. He spoke at the GAIM International conference, Europe's largest annual hedge fund gathering.

More than 80 percent of the fund managers, investors and hedge fund service providers at the event said they expect the credit crisis will continue, a survey found. Almost a quarter said they expect the situation ``will deteriorate significantly.''