Economic stagnation

Economic stagnation, often called simply stagnation, is a prolonged period of slow economic growth (traditionally measured in terms of the GDP growth). Under some definitions, "slow" means significantly slower than potential growth as estimated by experts in macroeconomics. Under other definitions, growth less than 2-3% per year is a sign of stagnation.

The term bears negative connotations, but slow economic growth is not always the fault of economic policymakers. For example, potential growth may be slowed down by catastrophic or demographic reasons.

Economic stagnation theories originated during the Great Depression and came to be associated with early Keynesian economics and Harvard economics professor Alvin Hansen.

Other terms related to economic dynamics are

• Recession
• Stagflation
• Business cycle
• Economic rejuvenation

• Stagnation Web Site