Quartz members, the US economy has been enjoying one of its longest periods of growth in recent history. That can’t go on forever. When the downturn hits, will we know why? Will we have the tools and strategies to effectively address it? Will we even know it’s happening before it’s too late?
These are just some of the questions asked by Quartz’s economics writer and your field guide author this week, Gwynn Guilford. Gwynn has been studying economic cycles for years, starting in China where she researched that country’s economic juggernaut while working for hedge funds. Realizing that life was simply too lucrative, Gwynn decided to join the journalistic arts, and we all benefit because of it.
Today’s state of play memo begins with how we’ve addressed the boom-bust economic cycle in the past, and how our strategies have become less effective over time., due to the changing nature of recessions.
Over the rest of the week, we’ll have more to discuss about recessions, including:
- A Q&A with Claudio Borio of the Bank of International Settlements, who called the financial crisis of 2008 before it happened,
- An essay that argues households won’t be to blame for the next recession,
- A toolkit of useful resources to follow the economy, and more.
Let’s keep learning. Send questions, comments, and Phillips Curves to members@qz.com.
Here’s to a rewarding day,
Sam Grobart
membership editor