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Perspectives | Index
Higher Education Price Index Forecast June 2026
According to Commonfund Institute's latest update, HEPI forecasts a 3.4 percent inflation rate for U.S. colleges and universities in fiscal year 2026. The latest forecast, based on data through June...
Featured
Governance And Policy | Insights Blog
Higher Education Endowment Return Assumptions in a Changing Environment
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Investment Strategy | Articles
Mind the Gap: The Strategic Risk of Skipping a Vintage in Private Equity
Private equity (inclusive of buyouts, growth equity, and venture capital) remains a compelling long-term asset class, but recent periods of muted distributions and below-average returns have created...
Perspectives | Press Releases
2025 HEPI Report Released
Inflation for U.S. Higher Education Institutions Rises 3.6% in Fiscal 2025, Up from Fiscal 2024 Rate Norwalk, Conn., December 11, 2025 – Data from the annual Higher Education Price Index® (HEPI) show...
Investment Strategy | Videos
Understanding the Private Equity Secondaries Market
This Commonfund Institute Online video explores the evolving landscape of the private equity secondaries market, focusing on both Limited Partner (LP)- and General Partner (GP)-led transactions.
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Private Equity | Private Equity Insights
Interval Funds and Semi-Liquid Structures: How Liquid Are They Really?
The case for interval funds and other semi-liquid vehicles is straightforward: access to private markets without a ten-year lockup, and the appeal of periodic liquidity. It's a compelling pitch. It... Learn Moreeducational-endowments
Market Commentary | Insights Blog
The Pivot Heard Around the World
A U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed”) pivot is felt throughout global markets, affecting economies worldwide.
Market Commentary | Private Equity Insights
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.
educational-endowments
Investment Strategy | Articles
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...
educational-endowments
Outsourced Cio | Insights Blog
Key OCIO Evaluation Factors
When choosing an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO), there are eight key factors an organization should consider for increasing the likelihood of a good fit and successful partnership. These...
Market Commentary | Private Equity Insights
Why European Private Equity? Why Now?
The Case for Private Equity Investments in Europe’s Lower Mid-Market
Private Equity | Private Equity Insights
Four Key Takeaways From an ALTS Conference
ALTSDC – is an education-focused alternative investment event designed to bring the investor community together to discuss the most relevant topics to investors and managers today. The event is...
educational-endowments
Investment Strategy | Insights Blog
Considerations for Smaller Institutions Seeking OCIO
Recent data from the Commonfund Benchmarks Studies indicate that smaller nonprofit institutions are using an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) for investment management more often than their...
educational-endowments
Market Commentary | Insights Blog
Stay the Course: Long-Term Investing Beyond Election Volatility
Presidential elections often beget new theories about how candidates might influence financial markets. This year is especially pivotal, with nearly half of the global population participating in...
educational-endowments
Investment Strategy | Articles
Viewpoint | Top Concerns for Private Foundations: Financial Volatility and Target Returns
In this year’s Council on Foundations–Commonfund Study of Investment of Endowments for Private and Community Foundations® (CCSF; the “Study”) we asked a new question: What are the top two current...
Market Commentary | Private Equity Insights
Is the Generative AI Opportunity Bigger than the Software and IT Markets?
We are entering the next phase where start-ups harnessing generative AI opportunities possess the potential to fundamentally re-invent the $65T services market. This opportunity represents more than...
educational-endowments
Investment Strategy | Insights Blog
How Nonprofits Eliminate the Noise to Strategically Achieve Long-Term Success
Commonfund has been partnering with boards and investment committees to design and implement investment structures that support and maintain intergenerational equity, the purchasing power of their...
educational-endowments
Market Commentary | Insights Blog
Is Your Portfolio Positioned for Lower Rates?
Until recently, investors were no doubt pleased with the continued strong equity performance in 2024 that resulted in new highs in the major domestic indices and strong returns globally.
AI's Productivity Payoff Is Here