How a Recession Might Impact Your Organization - Trust Point

How a Recession Might Impact Your Organization

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If your organization relies on funding for scholarships, operations, or other support, the current environment may find you anxious about how a recession would impact you. So far we’ve avoided a recession, though many pundits still anticipate an economic pullback. Below we examine the probability of a recession, what to expect if recession becomes reality, and finally, considerations for positioning your organization in advance of a recession.

Should you expect a recession?

Consider this the multi-billion-dollar question. Truth of the matter is that no one knows with certainty. Some signs make the prospect of recession appear to be a foregone conclusion. Others point to the Fed possibly achieving a rare “soft landing” (soft landings occur when inflation can be tamed without significant job loss).

Let’s examine both sides of the coin and begin with positive metrics that suggest we might avoid a recession near-term. First, and most obvious, are the impressively low unemployment numbers. U.S. unemployment hovered around 3.5% (as of November, 2023). The last time we saw a rate this low was May 1969 when it hit 3.4%1.

An obvious relationship exists between consumers feeling good about their jobs and strong economic activity. Earnings for S&P 500 companies running ahead of expectations is another bright spot. Early Q2 reports show that about 80% of companies are beating earnings estimates, and the magnitude of these earnings surprises are above their 10-year average2.

Before becoming cheerful about earnings outperformance, recognize that “financial engineering” beneath the surface may be running higher than typical. Not illegal, but certainly impactful, companies have great latitude in important matters that can sway quarterly earnings including decisions on stock buybacks, the pace of depreciating assets, and more.

Lance Roberts of RIA Advice captures it well: “The Problem with cost cutting, wage suppression, labor hoarding, and stock buybacks, along with a myriad of financial gimmicks, is that there is a finite limit to their effectiveness. By utilizing “cookie-jar” reserves, heavy use of accruals, and other accounting instruments, (companies) can either flatter or depress earnings.” 3

Revenue Growth Chart - % of Total Reported EPS 2009-Present
Source: RIA Advice, July 25, 2023.

And concerning those extremely strong jobs numbers, low unemployment rates and higher wages are certainly welcomed, but turbulence may lie beneath the surface. Recent reports show that, despite adding jobs, businesses are cutting workers’ hours and that could be a warning sign for the economy. Businesses, having struggled so much to find workers, would rather reduce hours than lay off workers. But what follows?

FRED chart showing average weekly hours of production and nonsupervisory employees

How might a recession impact the markets and your organization?

While no one possesses skill to precisely predict when a recession begins, it is important to remember that recessions (and bear markets) are part of typical economic cycles. There will be another recession. That said, if you oversee your organization’s investments, it is prudent to have historical perspective regarding recessions and how stocks have performed.

The Anatomy of Recessions (since 1950)4

The anatomy of recessions since 1950 diagram

It is also notable that since 1950, markets, on average, have peaked seven months prior the onset of a recession and bottomed three months before the economy began growing again.

How to prepare for a recession.

It may be impossible for investors to forecast exactly when a recession or bear market may occur, but all good stewards can adopt these prudent principles to up their odds of long-term success.

Have a thoughtful plan and stick to it

  • Construct your organization’s portfolio in tailored fashion specific to the objectives and circumstance of your mission. Incorporate long-term risk, budget and capital considerations.
  • Conceive your plan with realistic expectations on the risks your organization, the Board and investment committee can tolerate… and returns you expect to achieve.
  • Resist the urge to allow emotions to alter your plan. Have faith in the process and recognize the strategy was built knowing recessions and bear markets would occur.

Remain diversified

Diversification is an admittance of not knowing what the future holds. It also helps investors avoid acting in absolutes, like “tech stocks will always outperform” or “fixed income is dead.” The discipline of diversification often leads to a more stable approach that can help a portfolio weather inevitable market storms.

Focus on the long term

Compounding investment returns are sometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. With most non-profit organizations having an in-perpetuity time horizon, doesn’t it make sense to think long-term concerning your portfolio? A short-term focus can lead to ‘flavor of the day” investing and decisions that run counter to your organization’s long-term objectives. Try to eliminate daily noise and keep your eye on the prize.

Control what you can control

Markets fluctuate day to day and there is little you can do about that. But as a prudent steward there are many practices you can, and should, employ to improve your likelihood of success.

  • Minimize fees of investment managers, custodians, etc.
  • Tap into knowledgeable committee and board members.
  • Use capable investment advisors that can help you create a plan and navigate challenging environments.

Conclusion

Leaders of non-profit organizations and foundations face a gauntlet of challenges. But making reactive decisions regarding your portfolio doesn’t have to be one of them. Use this information to assess whether your organization is appropriately positioned.

Trust Point has helped non-profit organizations, endowments, and foundations with administrative and investment management for over 100 years.  We have the infrastructure and acumen to help you and your organization deliver on your mission.  Visit our non-profit and foundations service page or reach out to our experienced team if you’d like to have a conversation on how we can help your organization.

 

Sources:

1Newsweek, statista, Bureau of Labor, July 18, 2022.

2Factset: John Butters, July 14, 2023.

3Benzinga.com, July 25, 2023.

4Fiducient Advisors: Bear Market Field Guide, Bradford Long, July 2022.

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