The median net return of MSCI's InvestorForce Plan Universes was 1.77% during the second quarter of 2016. The median gross return over the period was 1.86%.
Over the trailing one-year period, the median net return was a modest 0.14%, while the annualized trailing three- and five-year median net returns were 5.37% and 5.5%, respectively.
Corporate defined benefit plans led all investor types with a median net 2.64% (2.79% median gross) return in the second quarter. The median public defined benefit plan was up 1.79% on a net basis (1.86% median gross). Endowments gained 1.73% (median, net of fees, 1.72% gross) and foundations advanced 1.66% net, 1.72% gross.
During the quarter, the Dow Jones Total U.S. Stock Market index was 2.1% higher and the MSCI ACWI ex-U.S. Index fell -1.75%, while the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond index gained 2.21%.
The median allocation for all trust funds as of June 30 was 29.6% fixed income, 27.9% U.S. equities, 11.8% non-U.S. equity, 9.1% hedge funds, 6.5% real estate, 5.94% private equity and 1.1% cash. The allocation values are based on weighted averages and will not add to 100%.
