Economies are slowly recovering from the pandemic. That’s good news. But now that most economies are reopening, the question is how the various sectors will recover. From U-shape to V-shape and even K-pattern, just about the entire alphabet of outcomes is possible. What is becoming clear is that a steep upward swing isn’t on the cards for every area, so it’s important to remain vigilant and monitor your credit management more closely than ever.
The coronavirus hasn’t only affected society; it has also had a severe economic impact on many companies in various sectors. To reduce the negative effects, governments introduced support measures. In addition to the effect of the reopened markets, the gradual withdrawal of those support measures is also affecting the recovery curve of European companies.
V-shape: best-case scenario
In the ideal scenario, the crisis would occur in a V pattern. This means that after a period of economic boom, we enter a deep trough for a while but just as quickly return to the level before the crisis. For a long time, experts saw this as a plausible outcome in our current situation. However, experience has shown that infection rates surge regularly and we’re not yet rid of the covid spectre.
U-shape: patience leads to rewards
The U-shape closely resembles the V-pattern. However, the recovery here takes longer and will continue for a few more months to return to pre-COVID levels. In EY’s Global Capital Confidence Barometer, more than half (54%) of global executives said they expected a U-shaped recovery last year. While a U-pattern is still a possibility for some sectors, many sectors are showing a more erratic recovery pattern.
W-shape: up and down
The W-shape has the same characteristics as the V-shape but it repeats itself before true recovery is achieved. This is a scenario that the hardest-hit sectors are now likely hoping for. We can also link the W-shape to government support measures. Some sectors had their recovery fuelled by government support, and once that disappears, a temporary relapse is possible.
L-shape: the doomsday scenario
In an L-shape scenario, there is no complete recovery. The economy falls drastically and does not return to its original level, even after a few years. Examples of an L-shape scenario include the real-estate bubble in the United States of some fifteen years ago and the Greek recession between 2007 and 2016.
K-shape: most likely
A K-shaped recovery indicates a recovery pattern that differs from sector to sector and company to company. The part of the economy that recovers quickly is represented by the upper part of the K. The lower part represents the parts of the economy that are recovering extremely slowly or not at all. Today we see that many sectors are running at almost full speed, while surges in new infections and continued lockdowns are crippling others.
Key takeaway
Although everyone was hoping for a V-shaped recovery, a K-shaped pattern seems most likely. It is therefore important to remain vigilant and apply strict credit management procedures.
A combination of automated credit management processes, software that allows customisation, and of course, good communication should ensure that your working capital isn’t under pressure due to too many outstanding invoices.
Build more security through software
Aptic offers software for factoring, customer-friendly payment solutions for e-commerce and retail, invoice to cash, collection and leasing, with various options to efficiently organise your credit management.
Would you like to know more about our views on how economies are recovering from the pandemic? Are you wondering what your business should do? Or perhaps you would like to know more about our fintech solutions? Then feel free to visit us here at Aptic or get in touch with us directly on our contact page.
