How is an economic recession typically defined?

An economic recession is typically defined as two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth. This definition is widely accepted because it provides a clear and measurable indicator of economic decline. GDP, or Gross Domestic Product, represents the total value of all goods and services produced over a specific time period within a country. When GDP contracts for two consecutive quarters, it indicates that the economy is shrinking, which often leads to lower consumer spending, decreased business investment, and overall economic hardship.

This definition serves as a benchmark used by economists and policymakers to assess the economic health of a nation. It provides a straightforward threshold that signals a sustained downturn in economic activity, distinguishing it from other potential economic fluctuations, such as minor slowdowns or temporary setbacks.

The other options describe different economic conditions that can occur, such as inflation or rising unemployment, but they do not specifically define a recession in the same way as the contraction of GDP does. A sustained period of financial boom, for instance, would actually be the opposite of a recession, reflecting growth and expansion rather than decline.