The market continues to thumb its nose at uncertainty. As a result, the Board of Managers, with its collective experience, professional expertise, and historical memory is watching even more closely. Since the Federal Reserve Board reduced the Federal Funds rate by a quarter point (25bp) at its September meeting, which brought the rate down to between 4.00% – 4.25%, there have been no definitive signals indicating a need for change in the Fund. Year to date gross returns for the Fund is 12.30%.

Each July, the Board of Managers makes a recommendation to the shareholders i.e. the parishes and other Diocesan entities who invest in the Easton Episcopal Fund, as to a prudent withdrawal rate, which is called the Constant Rate of Return. After careful deliberation, the recommendation for 2026 remains at 5%. A detailed explanation for how to calculate the distribution for your individual parish or entity can be found in the FAQ’s.