The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) reported its investment portfolio returned 3.9 percent net of fees for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, and recorded the year-end fund value at $246 billion. The 2019–2020 return reflects the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on global financial markets.
“Over CalSTRS’ more than 100 years, we have seen the fund weather several recessions, two world wars and the pandemic of 1918, ” said Jack Ehnes, CEO. “This crisis is unique in many ways, but for CalSTRS, this is the first time we have gone into a recession with a plan for full funding in place. We are ready and able to guide the fund through times of uncertainty.”
The retirement system’s real estate portfolio posted a net return of 6.4 percent for the fiscal year ended June 30 (above its custom benchmark return of 3.9 percent). CalSTRS noted asset valuations and benchmark returns lag by one quarter.
As of June 30, CalSTRS’ actual allocat
