Are Recessions Quietly Disappearing?

Recessions in the United States have become less frequent over time. From the 1970s through the 1990s, the economy experienced five separate downturns, many of which lasted for several months.

Since 2000, however, there have been only three major recessions: in 2001, during the Dot-com Bubble Burst, in 2008 amid the Global Financial Crisis, and in 2020 during the COVID-19 Recession.

Historically, U.S. recessions have occurred roughly every seven to eight years. In recent decades, though, the intervals between downturns have grown longer, suggesting that economic expansions may be lasting longer than they did before.

Source: Hamilton, James; The Business Week Graphic

This graph was produced by Lucas Juery, CFA, CFPⓇ and is not intended to provide financial advice.