Wilson Financial Services Inc.

(859) 824-9422

Investment Read Time: 3 min

The Business Cycle

What has upswings and downturns, troughs, peaks, and plateaus? Though such terms could easily describe a roller coaster ride, they are also commonly used to describe the business cycle.

The business cycle – also known as the economic cycle – refers to fluctuations in economic activity over several months or years. Tracking the cycle helps professionals forecast the direction of the economy. The National Bureau of Economic Research makes official declarations about the economic cycle based on specific factors, including the growth of the gross domestic product, household income, and employment rates.

Recovery & Recession

Business Cycle

An upswing, or recovery, occurs when the economic indicators improve over time. A recession occurs when the same indicators go through a contraction. A particularly long or severe recession is referred to as a depression.

Despite being called a cycle, it’s important to understand that the business cycle is not regular or even cyclical. Its pattern resembles the movement of waves, and those waves don’t consistently undulate at set, periodic intervals. Some recoveries have lasted several years, while others are measured in months. Recessions, too, can last for a number of years or be as short as a few months.

Moving in Waves

Wave Chart

Stages of Cycle

So, how should investors look at information about the business cycle?

Investors who understand that the economy moves through periods of recovery and recession may have a better perspective on the overall cycle. During recovery, understanding whether the economy is at an early or late stage of the cycle may influence certain investment decisions. Conversely, during a recession, deciphering whether the economy is passing through a shallow or deep cycle may be influential as well.

The business cycle will transition from recovery to recession – and recession to recovery – over several months. Understanding that the economy travels through cycles may help you put current business conditions in better perspective.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.

Forecast

Forecast

The market is as unpredictable as the weather. We'd love to help you prepare.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Insurance Rates?

Your credit score may influence how much you pay for auto and home insurance.

Women on the Rise

Explore the growing influence women wield over the economy with this handy infographic.

Protecting Your Home Against Flood Loss

Protect yourself against the damage that your homeowners policy doesn’t cover.

View all articles

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

Interested in a Fuel Efficient Car?

Estimate how many months it may take to recover the out-of-pocket costs when buying a more efficient vehicle.

Can I Refinance My Mortgage?

This calculator can help determine whether it makes sense to refinance your mortgage.

View all calculators

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

Protecting Those Who Matter Most

The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

View all presentations

Acres of Diamonds

In life it often happens that the answers to our most pressing questions are right in our own backyards.

Retirement Redefined

Around the country, attitudes about retirement are shifting.

Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart

Do you have causes that you want to support with donations?

View all videos