Wealth in Words

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), an economic recession is a period when a significant decline in economic activity spreads across the economy and can last from a few months to more than a year. Generally speaking, recessions are recurring economic phenomena which are characterized by a slow-down in economic activity. Recessions occur routinely, but unpredictably, due to the cyclical nature of the world economy. The duration of a recession can only be identified in hindsight, but the experience of living through one is easily identifiable. The most recent recession in 2008-2009 was also the most severe in many decades. Not surprisingly, the impact from this contraction is still being felt throughout the global economy. Common events that accompany a recession include layoffs, a declining stock market, slowing economic activity, falling consumer confidence, and an interest rate lowering cycle used by the Federal Reserve to artificially stimulate economi...