Full Report: GWII Quarterly Report December 2021
Market commentary
Fourth quarter of 2021 recorded strong performance, closing the year with many indexes hitting all-time highs, despite widespread political and economic uncertainties combined with the emergence of a new variant of COVID-19, Omicron. In November, for the first time ever, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) crossed 36,000 points. The DJIA still finished the year near an all-time high as concerns surrounding the Federal Reserve response to decades-high inflation metrics plus renewed fears of pandemic-related shutdowns mounted.
For the GW Investment Institute Student Investment Funds (GWII SIFs), returns were strong at 8.6% vs. 10.7% for the S&P 500 Index during the quarter. For the year, the GWII SIFs trailed the S&P 500 Index, returning 21.1% vs. 28.7%. After the first full calendar year of the pandemic, GWII SIFs continue to demonstrate strong performance and resilience, despite economic and political uncertainties impacting the broader market. The success of the GWII SIFs is a direct result of the continued hard work, dedication, and involvement of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Ethan Baron, Teaching Assistant, GW Quant Student Investment Fund