According to the data on real U.S. GDP, a. economic growth has been irregular, with some periods of downturns. b. economic growth has been consistent, but with a few downturns. c. economic growth has been extremely rapid, but also includes major collapses. d. economic growth has been slight, but downturns have also been eliminated.

Economic growth in the U.S. has historically experienced cycles of expansion and contraction, often referred to as the business cycle. Over the past century, periods like the Great Depression and the 2008 recession highlight the volatility, where robust growth comes to an abrupt halt, demonstrating that the journey to economic prosperity isn’t always a straight line! In practice, this means businesses and policymakers need to navigate these ebbs and flows intelligently. During downturns, companies might focus on cost reduction and innovation, while during expansions, investing in growth and hiring becomes a top priority. Keeping a keen eye on economic indicators can help stakeholders make informed decisions to weather the storm and thrive in good times!