Business
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Business Cycles?

Osmand Vitez
Osmand Vitez

A business cycle is an economic phenomena individuals and nations observe in free-market economies. Though many may think that different types of business cycles exist, the truth is there are a few different stages in a single cycle. The most commonly observed stages include growth, peak, contraction, trough, and recovery. These stages start with increases to economic output and then lead to downturns that contract the economy. Business cycles start over again once the trough is over and the economy enters a new growth stage.

Business cycles are an external force that affects more than just a single individual or company. The immediate players in an economy are certainly affected by business cycle stages. As the economy enters the different stages, however, it can spread to other parties. For example, growth occurs when many companies begin to meet increased consumer demand through higher production output. This growth may require more inputs from other countries, increasing the international economy.

Companies typically look to predict risky periods in order to remove themselves from the market and maintain profits.
Companies typically look to predict risky periods in order to remove themselves from the market and maintain profits.

It can be difficult to measure each stage of business cycles. In most cases, an economy will already be in the stage once private sector companies, nonprofit organizations, or governments have the ability to quantitatively measure the economy. For example, growth is often easy to measure because the increase in companies or sales can indicate a growth period. Peak periods and contractions are usually the most difficult to determine. Companies typically look for these periods in order to remove themselves from the market and maintain profits.

In classical terms, a contraction is the result of too much supply with not enough demand. The peak stage typically means equilibrium exists between supply and demand. Once the supply side of the equation begins to outpace demand, a contraction may begin, among other more complex reasons. The contraction stage leads to companies reducing output and shuttering operations in order to meet lower consumer demand. At the bottom of the contraction, a trough begins.

The trough stage of business cycles is a period of low supply and demand when compared to the peak stage. While the economy still moves along, it is much slower than before. Both private sector companies and governments tend to experience lower profits and tax revenues, respectively. This continues until the free market flushes out the excess companies or supply from the economy. Once the supply side of the equation corrects itself, the economy often begins a new growth stage.

Discussion Comments

burcidi

I think it takes a very long time for economists and politicians to deal with cycles of contraction in the economy. I know that each phase of the cycle may last for different periods of time. But for monetary and fiscal policies to take effect, it takes at least a year in most cases. By the time the effects of new policies are seen in an economy, the economy might be in a different stage on the business cycle. It's very difficult to manage in my opinion.

fBoyle

@ddljohn-- That's a good question. After a period of economic growth, the economy naturally begins to shrink due to inflation. Inflation is a sign and result of economic growth. But when inflation becomes very high, there are negative consequences like increase in prices.

When prices go up, naturally, demand goes down. But since business have not decreased supply yet, contraction occurs.

There are some things that the government can do to reduce the side effects of growth. For example, interest rates or taxes can be adjusted to lower inflation. But the business cycle is the natural cycle that occurs in every economy.

ddljohn

Why does supply outpace demand after the peak in a business cycle? Is there a way to avoid this and skip contraction?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Companies typically look to predict risky periods in order to remove themselves from the market and maintain profits.
      By: corepics
      Companies typically look to predict risky periods in order to remove themselves from the market and maintain profits.