STOCKS AND THE BUSINESS CYCLE
Stocks, particularly common stocks, are very sensitive to
changes in the business cycle. Economic conditions affect the performance of
businesses, and business conditions, in turn, have their impact on the wider
economy. Stocks are affected by both. In this tutorial, we will discuss the
nature of the business cycle and how it affects stocks. Investors who understand
the movements of the business world are in a better position to pick profitable
stocks than are those who do not.
We will begin by examining the hypothetical roller coaster
known as the business cycle.