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Investments

Objectives

The objectives of the Foundation’s investment portfolio are to produce a long-term rate of return that provides sufficient funds to meet the Foundation’s required grantmaking target, cover all reasonable and necessary expenses and compensate for inflation. The assets are invested in a well-diversified global investment portfolio that accepts reasonable risk consistent with desired return.

Benchmark

The Foundation has adopted a globally diversified benchmark, the Multiple Market Index (MMI), comprised of stocks, bonds, real estate and private markets. The actual portfolio’s risk and return is measured against this benchmark over full market cycles. The Foundation’s benchmark composition and ranges are shown below:

Asset Class Benchmark Index Component Normal Weight Ranges
(95% Frequency)
Global Equity   52% +/- 30%
  MSCI World Free Index-Non U.S. 20%  
Russell 3000 Index 32%  
Emerging Market Equity MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index 3% 0 to +10%
Private Markets Private Equity Performance Indicator 5% +/- 3%
Real Estate NCREIF Property Index 10% +/- 5%
Global Bonds Citigroup World Government 25% 0 to +30%
  Bond Index-Non U.S. 7%  
  Citigroup U.S. BIG 18%  
High Yield Bonds Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield, Cash Pay Constrained Index 3% 0 to +10%
Emerging Market Debt J.P.Morgan EMBI Global 2% 0 to +10%
Cash Equivalents Three-Month Eurodollar 0% 0 to +50%
Total   100%  

Source: UBS Global Asset Management

 

Expected long term rate of return and risk

The expected long-term rate of return for the benchmark is between 7.0% and 7.5% per annum with expected annual inflation of 2.5%. The estimated long-term risk level for the benchmark is 10.4% (annualized standard deviation). This is considered a moderate risk level and appropriate for the expected return. The Foundation’s actual rate of return and risk will vary from the benchmark depending on market conditions and active investment management strategies.

Investment market conditions

Each year in its Annual Report, the Foundation provides observations regarding the past year’s market conditions, the Foundation’s investment strategy and the portfolio’s performance results. Copies of the Foundation’s Annual Reports can be found under Library & Resources.