Study: Educational Endowments' Investment Returns Averaged 15.5 Percent in FY2014

Commonfund Institute Executive Director John S. Griswold noted that return data indicate an increasing emphasis on risk management among participating endowments. “We have observed a clear increase in the number of institutions employing risk limits and guidelines and applying stress tests in managing their portfolios,” Griswold said, adding, “Institutions appear to be remaining vigilant with an eye to avoiding a repetition of their experience in the financial crisis of 2007-2009.” (Please refer to the “Risk Management” section later in the release for additional information.)