The median U.S. foundation/endowment earned 6.1% on its investments for the fourth quarter, while the median public pension plan earned 5.8% and the median corporate plan, 5.7%, according to Mercer Investment Consulting's Summary Performance of U.S. Institutional Portfolios survey. Foundation/endowment plans earned a median 14.4% for the year ended Dec. 31, while public plans returned a median 14.3% and corporate plan., For the 10 years ended Dec. 31, all three plan types averaged returns between 8.8% and 9.8%, on an annualized basis.
Mercer surveyed 229 corporate pension plans, 48 public pension plans and 124 foundations and endowments.
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