For how many successive quarters must GDP fall for the economy to be considered in recession?

To determine when an economy is considered to be in recession, it is typically defined as experiencing a decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for two successive quarters. This two-quarter rule serves as a standard measure in economic studies and is widely accepted among economists and financial analysts.

The rationale behind using two quarters is that it provides a clearer indication of sustained economic downturn rather than a brief fluctuation or contraction that might occur in a single quarter. A recession is marked by a significant decline in economic activity across the economy, lasting more than a few months, which is better represented by two consecutive quarters of negative growth. This allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the economy's health and helps distinguish between short-term variations and persistent economic challenges.