Business Cycle Breakdown: Understanding Different Phases
What Is the Business Cycle?
Business cycles refer to the fluctuations in the overall economic activities of a country. Similar to the changing seasons, the business cycle begins anew each time. However, unlike the seasons, business cycles do not adhere to specific time frames. A phase of the business cycle can last for a month, a year, or even several years. The economic activities of a country are in a constant state of flux, expanding and contracting simultaneously as various economic activities take place concurrently.
In essence, business cycles involve cyclical upturns and downturns that are primarily measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These fluctuations are triggered by changes in production, trade, employment, income, and other economic activities when they persist over an extended period. For example, an increase in employment leads to more people having income to spend on goods and services, thereby boosting demand in the economy and prompting an increase in production. This, in turn, raises the GDP of a nation, signaling economic growth and expansion.
Conversely, a decrease in employment results in reduced consumer spending, leading to a decline in demand for goods and services, which causes a decrease in production. This, in turn, lowers the GDP of a nation, indicating that the economy is experiencing a downturn and contraction.
Business cycles, also referred to as economic cycles or boom-bust cycles, are inherent to capitalist economies. These cycles are determined by the market, indicating the current phase of the economy. Recognizing the phase of the economy is crucial for investors to make informed financial decisions and for governments to formulate effective policies.
With the rapid globalization of the world, many economies are experiencing similar economic phases, leading to increased interdependence among nations. Economic blocs such as NAFTA, SARRC, the Strings of Pearl, and ASEAN have emerged as a result of this interconnectedness.
When one economy reaches its peak, closely tied economies are likely to follow suit. Conversely, if the economy of one nation falters, other nations may also be impacted. This highlights the importance of understanding and monitoring business cycles in a globalized economy.
Stages/Phases Of Business Cycle
Business cycles have six distinct phases that an economy passes through:
1. Expansion
Expansion is the initial phase of the business cycle, marked by a surge in positive economic indicators such as employment, income, wages, corporate profits, demand, and supply of goods and services. This period sees businesses and companies experiencing steady growth, leading to increased production and profits, low unemployment rates, and a thriving stock market. Consumers are more inclined to spend rather than save during this phase, driving up demand for goods and services and subsequently raising prices. This phase represents the most desirable state of the economy that countries aim to achieve, with consistent growth in GDP, low inflation, and a bullish stock market.
2. Peak
Once the economy has reached a saturation point in the expansion phase, the next stage of the business cycle begins - the peak. The peak is considered to be the highest point of the business cycle, characterized by an economy producing at maximum output, full or close to full employment rates, and significant inflation. Economic indicators plateau at their highest points during this phase, while prices reach their peak due to soaring inflation.
During this phase, the economy is deemed to have grown recklessly and spiraled out of control. Companies and investors expand aggressively, with companies venturing into foreign markets and diversifying product lines, and investors displaying overconfidence in asset purchases and portfolio growth.
The peak stage marks the beginning of the economy's decline, as there is no room left for further growth in economic indicators. This phase signals a turning point in the business cycle, with a downward trajectory looming on the horizon.
3. Recession
A recession typically follows the peak of the business cycle. It begins when an expansion ends, and all economic indicators have reached their maximum potential. During a recession, there is a rapid decline in the demand for goods and services, leading to a decrease in prices. Manufacturers respond by reducing production to adjust to the lower prices. However, they are unable to match the reduction in supply with the decline in demand, resulting in excess demand in the economy.
Furthermore, all positive economic indicators such as employment, income, wages, corporate profits, and the demand and supply of commodities and services begin to decline during a recession. This overall decrease in economic activity can have far-reaching effects on businesses and individuals alike.
4. Depression
When the economy fails to show signs of growth, it may enter a phase of depression. This period is typically marked by a decline in key economic indicators, with GDP being a primary measure of the business cycle. During this phase, GDP experiences prolonged decreases, leading to a progressive form of recession.
In a state of depression, a vicious cycle ensues where the demand for goods and services plummets due to a lack of consumer spending. As businesses struggle and close, incomes decrease, resulting in higher unemployment rates. This, in turn, further reduces consumer spending, perpetuating the downward spiral.
The overall economic growth continues to deteriorate as it falls below the threshold of steady expansion. Policymakers and businesses must implement strategies to stimulate economic activity and reverse the trend towards depression.
5. Trough
The trough represents the nadir of the business cycle, serving as the antithesis of the peak. It signifies the lowest point of economic activity, typically occurring during a period of depression. As the market reaches its lowest point, the economy begins its ascent towards an expansion phase. During this stage, the economic growth rate turns negative, with deflation prevailing and the demand and supply of goods and services hitting their lowest levels. Following this phase, the business cycle initiates a new cycle, guiding the economy towards recovery.
6. Recovery
Following a trough, the economy is poised for an upward trajectory. The business cycle propels the economy into a phase of recovery, signifying a pivotal turnaround. During this phase, the demand for goods and services surges as prices remain low, prompting producers to ramp up their supply to meet market demands. With the uptick in demand, businesses flourish, leading to a gradual rise in employment rates and a shift towards a more optimistic outlook on investment. This positive momentum further fuels employment and production growth. The recovery phase persists until the economy regains stability and eventually transitions into an expansionary phase, marking the completion of a full business cycle.
