Living Beyond Borders Articles
The Graphic Truth: How long might a US recession last?
A graphic showing the duration of recessions in the US since 1929.
GZERO Media
April 14, 2023
For months, we've been debating the odds of a looming inflation-fueled US recession. It hasn't happened yet — in no small part due to a tight jobs market. (For more on who makes the recession call, read our primer here.)
But the fact that it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean recession fears are over. In fact, economists believe it'll start as soon as cash-strapped businesses — faced with high interest rates to fight inflation — begin giving workers pink slips across the board. Still, it's more likely than not that when it comes, the recession will be not only mild (not triggering mass unemployment) but also historically short.
We take a look at the duration and cause of US recessions over the past century.
From Your Site Articles
More For You
From shopping to services, consumer spending is showing strength across categories. Holiday shopping got an early start, and it’s not just higher earners filling their carts. Bank of America Institute sees continued spending growth recovery for lower- and middle-income households. See what’s driving the trends.
Most Popular
Members of the Green Bangla Garment Workers Federation hold a protest rally demanding the immediate reconstitution of the wage board for garment workers and the announcement of a minimum wage of Tk 30,000 in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on October 9, 2026.
Mamunur Rashid/NurPhoto
Garment workers in Bangladesh have taken to the streets over the past week, demanding higher wages and forcing more than 600 factories to shut down nationwide.
As AI creates new opportunities, the people who understand a community best play an important role in determining how those opportunities take shape. Across the US, Microsoft is supporting AI literacy classes as part of a new program developed in collaboration with the Public Library Association, working through trusted local institutions to help people build practical AI skills. By pairing new technology with local knowledge, the initiative is helping communities explore how AI can support their needs and open new possibilities, while putting local leaders and organizations at the center of that work. Read the full story here.
People cast ballots inside the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections during early voting ahead of the midterm elections in Cleveland, Ohio, US, November 1, 2026.
REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
We’re breaking down the three main issues that could help decide tomorrow’s elections: the cost of living, Israel, and AI.
© 2025 GZERO Media. All Rights Reserved | A Eurasia Group media company.