Aalto University endowment provided EUR 36 million to fund education and research

During 2020, the Aalto University endowment provided EUR 36 million funding to the university operations. This secured the continuation of high-quality education and research activities after the state special funding provided to Aalto University by the Ministry of Education and Culture was discontinued in 2019.

Aalto University has a long term target for carbon neutral endowment portfolio, with gradual changes being implemented in the portfolio to reduce the carbon intensity of the investments from year 2021 onwards.

At the end of 2020, the average return of the Aalto University endowment portfolio since inception in 2010 was 4.9% per annum, net of fees. In 2020 the total return net of fees was 3.7% (15.5% in 2019). The market value of the endowment portfolio was EUR 1 167 million (EUR 1142 million 31.12.2019).

In 2020 financial markets were dominated by the global corona virus pandemic. The uncertainty brought by the pandemic caused prices of risky assets to drop significantly in early 2020. Unprecedented policy stimulus and optimism on vaccine development led to exceptionally fast recovery during the rest of the year. University’s investment strategy implementation continued normally during the year with special attention given on securing university’s funding from the endowment.

Majority of the return contribution came from equity investments with interest rate investments also contributing positively. Contribution from other asset classes was slightly negative.

Unaudited figures

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Aalto University endowmentAalto University’s academic results and international recognition maintained momentum in 2020

Contact:
Marianna Bom
Chief Financial Officer
+358 50 599 0906, [email protected]

Iivo Paukkeri
Head of Investments
+358 50 599 0906, [email protected]