Full report: GW Investment Institute Quarterly Report September 2021
Third quarter of 2021 recorded mixed returns for equities and increased market volatility towards the end of the quarter tied to a range of economic and political concerns. For the GW Investment Institute Student Investment Funds (GWII SIFs), returns were relatively flat at -0.8% vs. 0.06% for the S&P 500 Index during the quarter. Year to date, the GWII SIFs trailed the S&P 500 Index returning 11.7% vs. 15.9% for the S&P 500 Index. GWII SIFs continue to demonstrate resilience through the challenges of the pandemic and related economic impacts reflecting the hard work, diligence, and dedication of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
The GWII SIF has given students like me the unique opportunity to manage and grow a real investment portfolio. I served as an analyst/portfolio manager (along with other students enrolled in class) in two finance classes associated with SIFs – GW Real Estate SIF during fall of 2019 and GW Philips SIF during spring 2021. Although the circumstances of the past year limited the typical interactions that have made the SIFs so great, we in turn gained valuable experience from navigating the markets amid the many uncertainties during this challenging period. Much like the real-world, the class’s fast pace and at times demanding environment have undoubtedly expanded my skills and knowledge in the span of just a semester. I look forward to utilizing skills gained in GWII classes and GWSB post-graduation as investment banking analyst for a DC based investment firm.
Commentary by Hien (Julia) Nguyen, Student Research Assistant, GW Investment Institute