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
Most Popular
Supporters of the Forever Canadian group, who want Alberta to remain in Canada, wave Canadian flags as they wait for the results of a non-binding referendum on Alberta sovereignty in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada October 19, 2026.
REUTERS/Todd Korol
Alberta is staying in Canada. But the more important results may have come from the nine other questions on the referendum ballot that have received considerably less attention.
- YouTube
A Democratic sweep in 2026 could shake up Washington. Will it change Trump’s grip on power or set the stage for 2028? Amy Walter and Liam Donovan join Ian Bremmer on GZERO World.
Could Chinese AI give Europe an edge? | The Debrief with Heather West
Could China give Europe a shortcut in the AI race?
Europe has struggled to build models that compete with American and Chinese rivals. But Chinese models that companies can download, customize, and run themselves could offer another way forward—with more control over data and security.
© 2025 GZERO Media. All Rights Reserved | A Eurasia Group media company.