About the economy

Justin asked:


Are we in a recession? If I remember correctly from my college economics class there is a precise definition to a recession. Something like multiple quarters without growth.

It seems to me this should be a simple answer. There was either growth for the required time or there was not. Why are some people saying that we are in a recession and some are saying that we are not?

Does anyone know what the definition of a recession is and have the numbers to back it either way?

Walter

Computer18 asked:


Because I hear recession goes in cycles and prices will rise again, so is smart to buy an extra house or 2 during a recession?

Jamie

simone m asked:


I have been planning to live and work there for a good while now before the recent global recession began to been planning I hoped to live work there for a year possibly longer, so now I am wondering whats happening over there on the job front since this dark recession, I am in the UK and the jobs have been hit very hard Over here just like America, How is it for Vancouver and the rest of Canada? I was over in Vancouver last December- January 2008 and the jobs there were plentiful, how so now?

Caroline

SuckaFree asked:


I am writing a paper for my econ class and am totally brain farting. Can’t find good articles on this topic. I need to list reasons why the housing market is in a slump, is it going to put the economy into recession any why? And possible solutions. Please share your thoughts, they will much appreciated!

Eileen

Matt Humberto asked:


I’m interested in “leveraged indexes” (ex., SSO) that imitate the general movement of the stock market with increased power. However, if the market plummets, I’m twice as in trouble as I’d normally be.

I know that predicting the market is a difficult if not impossible task, but are there any early “warning signs” to warn me of an upcoming recession?

Historically, how many times have corrections (10% drop in the market) turned into a true, full-blown recession (20% drop or more in the market)?

Thanks for your help!

Edna

onelight asked:


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Looking it up on-line it stated that if the financial events go on for three or more quarters, etc. Yet, I still found it challenging to comprehend the difference between economic recession and depression. Sights I read sounded like “government” language.

Seeking more “regular citizen” language for comprehension. Any added examples for easier understanding is appreciated. Thanks.
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When it shows to be “obvious” to citizens that environment of recession, or depression, is going on, why is it stated by the president at the time that the country is not in a recession, or depression ? Just to calm the citizens ?
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Scott

Stan G asked:


I have to write a proposal argument for my writing class and I want to try doing something satirical and propose that Americans begin buying more video games to get us out of the recession. I’m not taking any econ classes nor do I know a lot about economics, so I don’t really have a good understanding of the current economic situation in the US. With that in mind, let me know if such a proposal is too outlanding and impossible. Thanks!

Samantha

water_skipper asked:


How would you explain to someone that a recession or stock market crash is not the failure of capitalism? With the stock market crashing in the past couple of months, unemployment soaring, and the Big 3 automakers on the verge of bankruptcy I’ve heard more than one person comment that it’s all proof that capitalism is outdated or never worked very well. How would you explain to them that capitalism does work?

Louis