Tiny Wisconsin College Using Index Funds Trounces Endowment Rivals

A tiny Wisconsin college that invests in index funds is shaping up to be the one to beat among school endowments. Carthage College’s $120 million endowment posted an investment return of about 11 percent in the 12 months through June 30, according to its recently retired chief investment officer, Bill Abt. That compares with a median 7.4 percent for endowments of all sizes, according to data published Tuesday by Wilshire Trust Universe Comparison Service, which tracks institutional investors.