Alternatives
Liquidity, Distributions and the Exit Backlog: How Endowments Are Navigating the Drought
Endowments are not abandoning private equity, but they are being selective.
Tag: Commonfund
Asset Allocation
Amidst Geopolitical Uncertainty, Institutional Investors Rein In Return Expectations
Nearly half of surveyed investors said they expect lower returns from companies in the S&P 500 Index in 2026, according to research from asset manager Commonfund.
Asset Allocation
Private K-12 Schools See Double-Digit Returns, Uptick in OCIO Use
Independent school endowments saw an average 11.5% return in fiscal 2025, with more than half outsourcing various investment functions, according to Commonfund.
Asset Allocation
In ‘Turbulent Year,’ University Endowments Report Average 10.9% Return
Institutions withdrew more than $33 billion to support spending, according to the 2025 NACUBO-Commonfund study of endowments.
Alternatives
Why Endowments Are Not a Quick Fix for Universities Facing Funding Cuts
Restrictions on use and the funds’ earmarked status limit how much universities can rely on endowments to address funding shortfalls.
Asset Allocation
Independent Schools Increasingly Using Outsourced CIO Providers
Nearly one-half of institutions surveyed by Commonfund reported using an OCIO.
Asset Allocation
US College, University Endowments Returned 11.2% Last Year
According to the 2024 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments, 658 institutions, representing $873.7 billion in assets, reported a $30 billion increase in spending.
Newsmakers
Julia Mord Named CIO of Commonfund OCIO
Currently the deputy CIO at Tulane University, Mord’s appointment is effective March 31.
Research
Institutional Investors Remain Optimistic for 2024
A Commonfund survey of more than 200 institutions indicated confidence that the U.S. will not face a severe recession in late 2024 or early 2025.
Asset Allocation
The Appeal of OCIOs: Questing for Good Returns
Asset managers are turning to outside helpers as a kind of extra ammunition.
Research
Private School Endowments Return 7.4% in 2018
Size matters, as the larger funds outperformed the smaller ones.
Institutional Investors ‘Somewhat Concerned’ US Could Enter Bear Market in Next Two Years
The closely watched Commonfund survey also shows investors are bullish on emerging markets but anticipate US underperformance.
NACUBO Taps TIAA for Annual Endowment Study
Previous sponsor to provide complementary research.