The business cycle is the pattern of economic expansion and contraction that occurs over time. It is characterized by four stages: expansion, peak, contraction, and trough.

Related Terms

  • Unemployment Rate

  • Supply & Demand

  • Stagflation

  • Recession

  • Money Supply

  • Monetary Policy

  • Interest Rates

  • Inflation

  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

  • Fiscal Policy

  • Federal Reserve

  • Federal Funds Rate

  • Consumer Price Index (CPI)