Research Publications Archive

College and University Investment Pool Returns: Fiscal Year 2023

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Fiscal year 2023 was an atypical year performance-wise compared to recent history. Public equity markets produced returns that were much higher than what was reported in private investments. As a result, smaller portfolios, which tend to have the highest allocations to public equities, outperformed larger and more diversified portfolios by significant margins. Our annual survey-based report of 160 US colleges and universities includes commentary and analysis of investment performance, asset allocation, and related trends. We also review peer data on topics such as investment policy, portfolio manager structures, and spending.

The Transformative Public University Endowment

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In today’s dynamic funding and operating environment, a lot is at stake for public colleges and universities and their endowments. The endowment is more than a static funding source; it plays a strategic and expanding role in the public university business model, and with strong stewardship, a growing endowment can transform a university’s financial equation.

A Changed Investment Landscape Is Providing Greater Opportunity for US Corporate Pensions

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Plan sponsors are strategizing for growth and managing risk in a significantly different investment environment. To accomplish their goals, it is imperative that these changes be taken into consideration. By taking a fresh look at their investment strategies and plan management, organizations have an opportunity to adapt, evolve, and reap significant benefits.

2024 Outlook: Public Equities

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We expect global equity performance will be below its long-term median level, but we believe investors should hold equity allocations in line with policy targets. Within equities, we see opportunities in developed value, developed small caps, and China. We doubt European and emerging markets ex China equities will outperform, and we believe the share of active strategies that outperform will increase.

2024 Outlook: Interest Rates

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We expect that most major central banks will cut policy rates modestly due to our view that inflation rates will continue to decline. The modest cuts will shift policy rates from restrictive levels closer to neutral levels, which are neither restrictive nor accommodative. Given this view and our view that economic activity will weaken, we see opportunity in US long Treasury securities.