What Is the Business Cycle?
Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®
Updated on June 13, 2022
What Is a Business Cycle?
The business cycle is a natural occurrence in the economy. It is generally described as a sequence of periods of expansion, followed by a period of contraction, and finally a period of recovery.
Importance of Knowing the Business Cycle
Knowing the business cycle is important for a few reasons. First, it can help you understand how the economy works. Second, it can help you make informed investment decisions. Third, it can help you time your business decisions accordingly.
Phases of the Business Cycle
The business cycle has six phases:
1. Expansion
This is the first phase of the business cycle, and it’s generally marked by an increase in economic activity. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) rises, unemployment falls, and prices increase.
During this period, businesses are steadily growing their production and investing in new opportunities.
2. Peak
The peak is the point at which an expansion turns into contraction. It’s also known as the business cycle’s boom phase. Expansion has reached its maximum growth, and now businesses are maxed out. They no longer have room to grow or invest, so they stop doing both—which affects supply (production), demand (usage of goods and services), employment, investment, prices, etc.
3. Recession
The recession is a period of economic decline that lasts from six months to a year; sometimes it can last up to 18 months or more (referred to as “Depression”). During this period most types of economic activity come to a halt. The unemployment rate rises as businesses lay off workers, and prices for goods and services drop.
4. Depression
This is the lowest point of the business cycle, which may also be referred to as the recession’s trough. At this point, GDP (Gross Domestic Product), employment, production, consumption, investment, personal income, and business profits are all low.
5. Trough
The trough is the bottom of the recession. This is where the economy hits its lowest point. In terms of GDP, employment, investment, prices, etc., it’s generally a very bleak time.
6. Recovery
The recovery phase starts when economic activity begins to rise again.
It’s marked by an increase in economic activity, as businesses start hiring again and production begins to pick up. Unemployment declines and prices begin to increase modestly.
This period can last for months or years depending on how long it takes an economy to recover from a depression—which happens in a small number of depressions that have been studied by economists.
Factors That Shape the Business Cycle
A number of things can trigger the business cycle, such as:
Labor Market Shocks
Changes in labor market conditions (changes in unemployment and wages) can affect businesses’ decisions about hiring and investing. Demand-side shocks also play a role here: if consumers suddenly start spending more or less money that will affect businesses.
Supply-Side Shocks
These include changes in resource prices (the cost of oil, for example), which could decrease production costs—or they could increase them. Supply-side shocks also include changes to technology. If technological advances allow companies to produce goods and services more cheaply, this will affect the economy by boosting supply and decreasing prices.
The Bottom Line
Understanding what happens during each phase of the business cycle is important because it can help you make better decisions about your finances.
For example, if you know a recession is on the horizon, you may want to start saving money or investing in short-term assets rather than long-term ones.
About the Author
True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®
True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.
True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.
To learn more about True, visit his personal website, view his author profile on Amazon, or check out his speaker profile on the CFA Institute website.