Readers Question: How Long do Recessions last?
There is no exact answer. Recessions can last for varying time lengths depending on the causes and also the response of governments and consumers.
- If recessions are caused by a tightening of monetary policy (higher interest rates to reduce inflation), then it tends to be easier to get out of a recession, as the interest rate rise can be reversed and this will boost demand.
- If the recession is more of a balance sheet recession (bad debts, falling asset prices, bank losses), then the recession will tend to last much longer. For example, in 2009, interest rate cuts were insufficient to boost demand.
Examples of Recessions
Comparing different recessions
The Great Depression
The Great Depression started in 1929 – by 1933 there was an economic recovery – though GDP did not recover its pre-crisis peak until 1936.
The Great Depression which started after the wall street crash in 1929, lasted for several years in the US. The length of the recession was due to several factors including:
- Before the depression, there had been growth in private consumption and debt, which left individuals and firms exposed.
- Global nature of depression. Many countries increased tariffs to try and protect domestic industries, but this caused lower global trade.
- In response to depression, Government’s tried to balance the budget by increasing taxes, but this caused lower spending..
- Negative Multiplier effect.
- Allowing banks to fail, which led to a sharp fall in the money supply and lower aggregate demand.
- Lack of economic stimulus
- In 1937, there was a recovery in the US, but a tightening of fiscal policy pushed the economy back into recession
See also: The Great Depression
In recent years, recessions in the UK and US have lasted for shorter time periods.
UK recession 1981 was severe for the manufacturing sector but lasted less than a year. However, unemployment persisted at close to 3 million for another five years.