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Year-End Update and 2026 Investment Outlook
Calendar year 2025 delivered strong equity market returns globally, continuing the outsized performance of the past two years. In the U.S., the S&P 500 index returned 17.9 percent. Not to be outdone,... Learn More
Exiting the Recovery Phase
Third Quarter 2021 Economic Outlook The end of the third quarter 2021 marks a turning point in the economic cycle. It’s the point where, despite the pandemic still being a part of daily lives,...
Chart of the Month | Are We on the Verge of a Global Energy Crisis?
It is hard to imagine that in the short span of less than 18 months, energy markets went from a state of overabundance to one of severe shortages and skyrocketing prices. In April 2020, Brent oil...
Viewpoint | The Climate for Responsible Investing is Changing
Climate change is a source of concern around the world—from environmental scientists to government policymakers to ordinary citizens. In a more figurative sense, the climate for responsible investing...
Commonfund Capital Closes 3rd Global Private Equity Fund at $236 Million
Commonfund Capital Global Private Equity Partners III, L.P. Includes Capital Commitments from Pensions, Foundations, Endowments, Insurance Companies and Family Offices Wilton, CT, September 15, 2021...
Chart of the Month | The Confusing State of the Labor Market
The U.S. labor market continues to recover from one of the worst declines in employment since the 1930s. In the early days of the pandemic last April, demand for labor plummeted and the unemployment...
Viewpoint | Diverse Managers
The inclusion of diverse managers in institutional portfolios offers access to a broader array of investment talent. Data indicate that foundations are beginning to recognize and act on this...
The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota: A Pioneer for 38 Years and Counting
If a pioneer is the first to open new ways of thought and action, the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota (WFMN) fits the definition perfectly. Founded in 1983, WFMN became the first statewide women’s...
Commonfund Capital Closes its Third Co-Investment Fund at $160 Million
Commonfund Capital Co-Investment Opportunities III, LP includes Capital Commitments from Foundations, Endowments, and Family Offices
OCIO Operational Services: Four Questions to Consider
When properly implemented, outsourcing the investment of nonprofit assets can help institutions establish governance processes, manage a complex portfolio, and navigate operational complexity and...
Chart of the Month | Home Prices Are Up 32 Percent In Five Years – And Still Climbing
Housing demand appears to be slowing down in the first half of 2021, yet home prices have continued to climb at an accelerated pace. This month’s chart highlights the supply and demand factors...
Commonfund Celebrates 50 Years of Service
On July 1st, 1971, The Common Fund for Nonprofit Organizations commenced operations with a $2.8 million grant from the Ford Foundation under the leadership of President George Keane and the Board of...
Chart of the Month | Supply Chain Woes as the Pandemic Recedes in the U.S.
Supply chain woes continue to wreak havoc for retailers who are grappling with a strong rebound in consumer spending. Average six-month spending on durable goods, spurred by over $5 trillion in...
Private Markets Year in Review and 2026 Outlook
As we enter our 38th year, we write to share with you our year-end letter and observations of what may be ahead in 2026 in the private equity investment environment.