Final answer:
The business cycle describes the economic fluctuations between expansion and contraction phases, marked by peaks and troughs respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Four Phases of the Business Cycle:
The business cycle is a fundamental concept in macroeconomics that describes the expansions and contractions of economic activity over time. Let's break down the four key phases of the business cycle:
Expansion: This phase is characterized by increasing economic activity. Indicators such as employment, production, and sales figures begin to rise.
Peak: The peak represents the height of economic expansion, when the economy is operating at its maximum output. Beyond this point, the economy begins to contract.
Contraction: During the contraction phase, economic indicators start to decline. It's marked by a decrease in the GDP, falling employment, and reduced consumer spending.
Trough: The trough is the lowest point of economic activity, which signals the end of the contraction phase and can lead to a new expansion phase.
Understanding the business cycle phases is crucial for economic prediction and strategic business planning. By tracking key indicators like real gross domestic product (real GDP), economists and businesses can gauge which phase of the business cycle the economy is currently in.