Back on Choppy Waters: The 2016 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments

Title: Back on Choppy Waters

Author: Lindsay Wayt

Source: Business Officers Magazine (National Association of College and University Business Officers)

A recent article in Business Officers Magazine by Lindsay Wayt, assistant director for research and policy analysis at the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), gives an overview of the results of the 2016 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments.

According to the study’s findings, the FY 2016 endowment investment performance at colleges and universities was “the lowest since recession-level returns in 2009”—a trend that could potentially continue. The findings further show that regardless of endowment size, on average, institutions saw negative returns in FY 2016.

Wayt’s article indicates how international and U.S. markets affect endowment investment performance and also discusses asset allocations, how institutional leaders use endowment spending, and offers suggestions to institutions for navigating these “uncertain financial waters”.

To read the full article and for more information on the 2016 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments, please visit the NACUBO website.