Stanford University Merged Pool, which includes its $21.4 billion endowment, returned 17% in the year ended June 30, said a news release from the Stanford Management Co., which manages the investments.
The Palo Alto, Calif.-based merged pool's return the previous year was 12.1%.
The asset size of the endowment rose 14.4% during the fiscal year.
Stanford also announced an annualized return of 9.9% in the 10 years ended June 30; during that same period, the S&P 500 returned an average 7.8% per year and the Barclays Aggregate Bond index returned an average 4.9% per year.
“During fiscal 2014, U.S. public and private equity markets, particularly venture capital, delivered strong returns as the low-interest-rate environment and ongoing economic recovery provided support. Non-U.S. markets were positive, though without the broad-based strength we saw in the U.S.,” said John Powers, Stanford Management Co.'s president and CEO, in the news release. “While the endowment has benefited from U.S. public and private market strength, we remain committed to a globally diversified portfolio with a fundamental value orientation.”
Stanford did not further break down its individual asset class returns.
A phone call to Mr. Powers was referred to Lisa Lapin, university spokeswoman, who was not available to provide further information.