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The Global Insight

How many recessions has there been?

Author

Christopher Davis

Updated on February 08, 2026

There have been as many as 48 recessions in the United States dating back to the Articles of Confederation, and although economists and historians dispute certain 19th-century recessions, the consensus view among economists and historians is that “The cyclical volatility of GDP and unemployment was greater before the …

What are the 3 types of recession?

Types of recession

  • Boom and bust recession (e.g. UK 1991/92_
  • Balance sheet recession (e.g. Global recession of 2008/09 after credit crunch)
  • Depression (1930s, decline in GDP)
  • Supply-side shock (1970s recession due to higher oil prices)

What were the first signs of the Great Recession?

The first signs came in 2006 when housing prices began falling. By August 2007, the Federal Reserve responded to the subprime mortgage crisis by adding $24 billion in liquidity to the banking system. 1 By September 2008, Congress approved a $700 billion bank bailout, now known as the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

How to prepare for the onset of a recession?

There are a couple of things we all need to keep in mind at the onset of a recession. Take a deep breath! When recessions hit, people are all about doom and gloom – your portfolio is going to take a hit, you’re going to lose money, your job may be in jeopardy. The media exploit those concerns. They know that fear sells.

How long does a recession usually last in the United States?

The typical recession lasts only about 11 months, at least in the recessions that have taken place since World War II. But what if, like in 2008, we have another recession that’s worse than average – even one for the record books? There are a couple of things we all need to keep in mind at the onset of a recession.

What was the cause of the recession in 2020?

Causes of the incipient recession in 2020 include the impact of Covid-19 and the preceding decade of extreme monetary stimulus that left the economy vulnerable to economic shocks. The nature and causes of recessions are simultaneously obvious and uncertain. Recessions are in essence a cluster of business failures being realized simultaneously.

Is it time to panic about a recession?

If a recession is coming, this is absolutely not the time to panic. Instead, focus your time, effort, and energy on doing what’s needed to thrive even if the economy does head south. In the end, the next recession will only be temporary. You can decide now to take steps to position yourself to prosper when it ends.