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Edging Out the Competition – The Sector Specialist Advantage
Unlike the early days of private equity, when generalist private equity firms predominately relied on financial engineering to generate returns, today’s competitive markets require a much deeper...
U.S. Trade Deficit Reaches Record High Amid Global Trade Shifts
As of September 2024, the U.S. trade deficit stands at $84.4 billion, marking the highest level since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. During that period in the conflict, the deficit... Learn More
Understanding OCIO Partnerships: Key Insights and Best Practices
A Chief Investment Office “down the hall.” That’s what we aim to be at Commonfund. Our Mission As an OCIO, our goals are aligned with the institutions we work with and focused on how we can best...
Four Things You Should Know About Inflation and the Higher Education Price Index
The Higher Education Price Index (HEPI), produced annually by Commonfund Institute, is an inflation measure designed specifically for educational institutions. It is comprised of eight key components...
The Case for the Seventh P: Progression in Nonprofit Investment Stewardship
At Commonfund Institute, we’ve long adhered to the six guiding principles of nonprofit investment stewardship, often referred to as the "6 Ps": Purpose, Policy, Process, Portfolio, People, and...
Approach to Sustainability Assessment and Reporting
In recent years, sustainability-focused investing has taken on many names and has been at the center of polarizing political conversations. CF Private Equity’s approach to mandates surrounding...
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: A Resource Guide
Commonfund, in conjunction with our Native American Heritage Month subcommittee, has created a resource guide to help all of us celebrate the contributions of Native Americans and Indigenous people...
Charting the Course: Where Generative AI Could Be a Game-Changer
The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in creating text, images, music, and videos marks a new technological era. Incumbent business leaders are eager to incorporate this technology to...
Commonfund OCIO Point of View
Episode 5 In this episode we cover the macro perspective and how we analyze the Fed and interest rate risks. We also talk about fixed income and equities.
Thinking Outside the Benchmark
Twenty years ago, Mark authored an article published in The Journal of Portfolio Management titled "Thinking Outside the Benchmark" to describe a new way of pension fund management. He concluded the...
The Pivot Heard Around the World
A U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed”) pivot is felt throughout global markets, affecting economies worldwide.
Challenging Headlines Abound for “Cleantech 2.0” – As Opportunities Persist
Market cycles of euphoria followed by the inevitable hangover are not new for investors – but some headaches are sharper than others, the worst of which can blur one’s vision the morning after.
Viewpoint | Top Concerns for Community Foundations: Donor-Advised Fund Regulations
Potential regulations on donor-advised funds (DAFs) and their effect on the philanthropic sector was the most-cited concern among community foundations in this year’s Council on...
Real Assets and Sustainability Investing Post-2024 Election