The third quarter earnings season has begun, and while expectations have tempered since earlier in the year, the corporate sector remains strong, with ample buffers given elevated profit margins and strong balance sheets. With the help of Fed cuts, they are well-positioned to navigate the period ahead even as the economy weakens.

Today marks the unofficial start of the third-quarter earnings season, and consensus expects earnings to grow 4.2% Y/Y this quarter, down from a more optimistic 12.5% rate before the August equity sell-off. Indeed, amid a backdrop of slowing economic growth that could lead to capex or labor cost reductions, assessing corporate sentiment in the weeks ahead will be an important exercise for policymakers and investors alike.

Notably, the corporate sector appears to be in a place of resilience, supported by elevated profit and operating margins, particularly compared to pre-pandemic levels. Moreover, having de-levered during the pandemic, firms have benefited from elevated cash and asset coverage levels—significant buffers should revenue or cash flow face pressures.

With the Federal Reserve beginning to ease policy, improving credit conditions and declining interest expenses should help offset any decline in pricing power as inflation eases. Larger firms, with better access to capital markets, are well-positioned to capitalize on this tailwind. Furthermore, a move toward lower rates should bolster overall corporate sentiment, and potentially boost the confidence of small businesses, which has been notably weak in recent quarters.

While there is a risk of earnings slowing, corporates nevertheless appear well-positioned to weather the storm. Going forward, they will likely play an essential role in maintaining economic stability and supporting consumer confidence.

Read more about additional themes impacting markets and portfolios in the quarter ahead in our 4Q Global Market Perspectives.

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