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business cycle Definition

business cycle

noun

the regular alternation of periods of expansion and contraction that occur in an industry or economy

business cycle Finance Definition
A long-term pattern of improvements and downturns in the economy. A business cycle typically has four stages: expansion, prosperity, contraction, and recession. Eventually a recession will be followed by expansion. A business cycle typically is tracked by looking at gross domestic product data. Employment levels, retail sales, and industrial productivity are some of the other economic indicators that show whether a business cycle is shifting from one stage to another. Business cycles may also be used in reference to an industry or company.
business cycle Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • last: Given these developments, small businesses should be somewhat less vulnerable to a downturn in the economy than in the last business cycle.

Modifies a noun

  • condition: We find that a marginal increase in compensation reduces the escape rate from unemployment significantly, irrespective of business cycle conditions and spell duration.

Noun used with modifier

  • life: From this he has first hand experience of the key areas of the business continuity life cycle and using plans in anger.
  • continuity: From this he has first hand experience of the key areas of the business continuity life cycle and using plans in anger.