In economics, a recession is a business cycle contraction when there is a general slowdown in economic activity. Macroeconomic indicators such as GDP (gross domestic product), investment spending, capacity utilization, household income, business profits, and inflation fall, while bankruptcies and the unemployment rate rise. In the United Kingdom, it is defined as a negative economic growth for two consecutive quarters.Recessions generally occur when there is a widespread drop in spending (an adverse demand shock). This may be triggered by various events, such as a financial crisis, an external trade shock, an adverse supply shock or the bursting of an economic bubble. Governments usually respond to recessions by adopting expansionary macroeconomic policies, such as increasing money supply, increasing government spending and decreasing taxation.

View More On Wikipedia.org
  1. ATCclears

    Risk of banking contagion ahead?

    A bit of an uneasy feeling here, ladies and gentlemen. I'm seeing more articles in the WSJ about risks to lenders in various sections (e.g. commercial real estate, personal housing, auto loans). The US is talking about some BIG money give-aways, but it won't be enough if there is a 10-15%...
Back Top