Here’s a set of definitions for common and emerging economic and fiscal terms often seen bandied about in news reports.

Inflation versus deflation? Bull market versus bear market? The economy is confusing enough for the average person without all the jargon. While most Americans just want to know how much a carton of ...

An economic shock, also known as a macroeconomic shock, is any unexpected event that has a large-scale, unexpected impact on the economy. Many, but not all, economists also say that a shock has to be ...

The U.S. economy shrank for two consecutive quarters this year, increasing speculation that the country could be headed for a recession. But does two straight quarters of economic decline mean we’re ...

The U.S. Commerce Department reported on July 28 that the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell at an annual rate of 0.9% in the second quarter, marking two consecutive quarters of decline. GDP ...

The White House recently laid out why two quarters of negative growth doesn't always signal a recession. Yet a growing number of voices has accused the administration of changing the definition of a ...

Investopedia contributors come from a range of backgrounds, and over 25 years there have been thousands of expert writers and editors who have contributed. Amanda Jackson has expertise in personal ...