Endowment Performance

Since Harvard Management Company established its current, highly diversified asset mix and investment strategies for the endowment in 1991...

Since Harvard Management Company established its current, highly diversified asset mix and investment strategies for the endowment in 1991, financial returns have been strong—and handsomely ahead of market results in general. The annualized rate of return for the past five years (even including the losses in fiscal years 2001 and 2002) is 11.8 percent—more than twice market benchmarks. For the past decade, the annualized rate of return has been 15.9 percent, 4 points more than market returns.  
Chart by Stephen Anderson
   

Most popular

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Harvard Confers Five Honorary Degrees at the 2026 Commencement

O’Brien joins journalists, a scholar of AI, and a Broadway star.

Commencement Day with Conan O’Brien

The comedian headlined a star-studded cast for Harvard’s 375th Commencement exercises.

Explore More From Current Issue

Illustration of two students in Harvard hoodies, one speaking animatedly to a phone, the other reading, looking annoyed.

We’re All Harvard Influencers, Like It or Not

In the digital age, it’s hard to avoid playing into the mythology.

Colorful illustrated map of Colonial Cambridge and the Harvard College campus featuring buildings of the campus, houses, Cambridge Common, and the Charles River

250 Years Ago, Harvard Was Home to a Revolution

A look at the sights, sounds, and characters that put the University on the frontlines of history

Three joyful graduates in caps and gowns celebrate together outdoors.

Your Harvard 2026 Commencement Week Guide

College reunions and Alumni Day will take place the following week