Research Center
Select a Topic:
Featured
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
POPULAR ARTICLES
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.
Stay connected with the Insights Blog
Featured
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
Outsourced Cio | Insights Blog
Understanding the OCIO Governance Model
Explore the intricate governance dynamics within Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) models and how they shape investment outcomes. You can learn more about Commonfund's OCIO services here.
educational-endowments
Investment Strategy | Insights Blog
Educational Alpha Podcast: A Conversation with Mark Anson
In this episode of the "Educational Alpha Podcast" host Bill Kelly sits down with Mark Anson, CEO and CIO of Commonfund to explore the evolution of the endowment model and its ongoing relevance in...
Market Commentary | Private Equity Insights
The Secondary Market is Vaulting Over Prior Records
2024 is expected to be a record year for secondaries, but the market volume should be even larger. The secondary market remains undercapitalized and under-resourced. Investors are unable to transact...
Market Commentary | Private Equity Insights
Are Mega-Cap Technology Stocks Enough to Ride the AI Wave?
The past 18 months have witnessed the dominance of a small group of tech stocks in the U.S. equity market. Collectively dubbed the Magnificent Seven (Mag 7)1, these stocks as a basket have...
educational-endowments
Market Commentary | Insights Blog
How Long Can the Yen Carry Trade Carry On?
Since Japan's economic crash in the 1990s, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) has maintained extremely low interest rates to combat deflation. For nearly a decade, Japan's benchmark rate has been negative,...
educational-endowments
Perspectives | Insights Blog
Commonfund Convenes: Foundations that Support Higher Education
Last month, Commonfund OCIO hosted an inaugural convening of institutionally-related foundations (IRFs) - foundations that are a separate entity and serve as administrative and often fundraising...
educational-endowments
Market Commentary | Podcasts
Fed Rate Cuts Ahead: Bonds, Recession Risk & Election Impact
Episode 4 The Fed's first rate cut in years may finally be within reach — but what does that mean for your portfolio? Commonfund OCIO's Chief Investment Strategist Kris Kwait joins host Anita Hariton...
educational-endowments
Investor Spotlight | Spotlight
Montana Tech’s Rigorous STEM Curriculum Produces In-Demand Graduates
Borrowing from the popular TV quiz show “Jeopardy!” the answer is: “Montana Technological University.” The question: “What is the only university in the U.S. with an underground mine located on...
educational-endowments
Outsourced Cio | Insights Blog
Why do Nonprofit Investors Seek an OCIO?
According to data from Commonfund's Benchmarks Studies, Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) usage is on the rise among private and community foundations and higher education over the past 10...
educational-endowments
Governance And Policy | Articles
Policy Areas Impacting Endowments and Foundations Today
Commonfund Institute aims to lift up and provide insight into how significant policy developments may impact nonprofit institutional investors. In the prior article, we covered implications of the...
educational-endowments
Perspectives | Insights Blog
Discover Your Next Summer Read!
Summer 2024 is finally here, and Commonfund has curated a list of illuminating books to make your sunny days even brighter! Perfect for beach days or cozy retreats, these selections celebrate the...
educational-endowments
Market Commentary | Insights Blog
The Fed and Markets Expectations Start to Align
It took six months, but the FOMC and the short-term rates markets are finally in alignment with respect to the level of the Fed Funds rate as we approach the second half of 2024. Since the beginning...
AI's Productivity Payoff Is Here