Investopedia

Continue to Site »

Peak

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Peak'

The highest point between the end of an economic expansion and the start of a contraction in a business cycle. The peak of the cycle refers to the last month before several key economic indicators, such as employment and new housing starts, begin to fall. It is at this point that real GDP spending in an economy is its highest level.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Peak'

Business cycles are dated according to when the direction of economic activity changes and is measured by the time it takes for an economy to go from one peak to another. Also, because economic indicators change at different times, it is the National Bureau of Economic Research that ultimately determines the official dates of peaks and troughs in U.S. business cycles.

Articles Of Interest

  1.

    Great Company Or Growing Industry?

    Look at the big picture when choosing a company - what you see may really be a stage in its industry's growth.

  2. Sector Rotation: The Essentials

    We look at how the market signals impending economic cycles and sector performance during each stage.

  3. Recession: What Does It Mean To Investors?

    Understanding the business cycle and your own investment style can help you cope with an economic decline.

  4. Peak-and-Trough Analysis

    Prices never move in straight lines, so it's time to learn about this powerful trend-following technique.

  5. Why The Consumer Price Index Is Controversial

    Find out why economists are torn about how to calculate inflation.

  6. Inspecting A Country's Debt

    Tensions over just how to handle debt are pitting the rich world against the developing world like never before.

  7. U.S. Vs. China: Battle To Be The Largest Economy In The World

    America's lengthy title reign as "World's Largest Economy" is fast under threat by China's surging economic growth. Find out what the global rankings are forecasted to be for these economic powerhouses. ...

  8. Countries With The Fastest And Slowest GDP Growth

    Discover which countries have shown the most growth since 1980, and which have shown the more ignominious fizzle and pop.

  9. Is Your Stock Headed South?

    Don't let your portfolio go with it! Find out which signs to watch out for.

  10. Developing Nations With The Most Debt

    These emerging markets have the most debt of any others. How does this affect the world economy?
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions

  1. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.

  2. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.

  3. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.

  4. Icarus Factor

    The term Icarus factor describes a situation where managers or executives initiate an overly ambitious project which then fails. Fueled by excitement for the project, the executives are unable to reign in their misguided enthusiasm before it is too late to avoid the failure.

  5. Angelina Jolie Stock Index

    An index made up of a selection of stocks from companies associated with actress Angela Jolie.

  6. Consequential Loss

    The amount of loss incurred as a result of being unable to use business property or equipment.
Trading Center