InvestorForce universes down 0.16% in quarter

MSCI's InvestorForce Plan Universes had a median net return of -0.16% in the second quarter.

The median return gross of fees for all plans was -0.07% in the three months ended June 30.

Annualized net returns for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended June 30 were 2%, 9.11% and 9.33%, respectively.

Taft-Hartley defined benefit plans posted positive returns in the quarter (a median 0.27%, net of fees). Endowments and foundations' returns were relatively flat, -0.03%. Public defined benefit plans had a median net return of -0.10% and corporate DB plans, -1.21%.

The Barclays Capital U.S. Government/Credit index was down 2.1% in the quarter, while the Russell 3000 gained 0.14% and the MSCI ACWI ex-U.S. was up 0.71%.

The median allocation for all trust funds as of June 30 was 28.8% U.S. equities, 28.7% fixed income, 15.6% real estate, 15% international equity, 9.9% hedge funds, 5.2% private equity and 1% cash. Median values do not add up to 100% as do weighted averages.

MSCI's InvestorForce Plan Universes include more than 1,900 plans representing more than $2.5 trillion in assets.