Roscommon Analytics has shut down its U.S. natural gas trading desk, marking a strategic retreat from energy commodities after a 2024 period of declining returns. The move follows a wave of restructuring across hedge funds targeting underperforming assets.
- Roscommon Analytics shut down its U.S. gas trading desk in January 2026.
- The desk managed $850 million in assets as of December 2023.
- The unit posted a 11.8% loss in 2024, contributing to a 4.2% net loss for the firm.
- 14 employees were affected, with operations to cease by February 15, 2026.
- Over $620 million in natural gas derivatives were liquidated by mid-January 2026.
- Firm is reallocating capital to fixed-income and equities strategies.
Roscommon Analytics has officially closed its U.S. natural gas trading desk, a unit that managed approximately $850 million in assets under management as of year-end 2023. The decision, confirmed in late January 2026, reflects a broader reassessment of trading strategies amid persistent volatility and unprofitable positions in the energy sector. The desk, which employed 14 specialists in Houston and New York, will be fully dismantled by February 15, 2026. The closure comes after the gas desk posted negative returns of 11.8% in 2024, significantly underperforming both the broader energy index and peer hedge fund benchmarks. Internal performance reviews cited structural challenges in the natural gas market, including unpredictable supply dynamics and weather-driven demand swings, which reduced the effectiveness of algorithmic models used by the desk. Roscommon Analytics reported a 4.2% net loss across its global portfolio in 2024, prompting leadership to reallocate capital to fixed-income and equities strategies. The exit affects several key market participants, including major pipeline operators and regional gas traders engaged in daily spot and futures trading. Market observers note that the reduction in active trading volume from a major player could contribute to lower liquidity in the Henry Hub futures market, particularly in near-term contracts. Regulatory filings show that Roscommon Analytics has already begun liquidating its natural gas derivatives positions, with over $620 million in contracts settled by mid-January. Roscommon Analytics, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, has not disclosed long-term plans for its energy division. The firm has redirected its energy-focused analysts to macroeconomic research and commodity risk modeling for other portfolios.