What phase is NOT part of the business cycle?

The interstitial phase is not recognized as a part of the business cycle. The business cycle traditionally consists of four main phases: expansion, peak, contraction, and trough. Each of these phases represents different economic conditions and trends within a given time frame.

The peak is the point at which economic activity reaches its maximum level before declining. Trough marks the lowest point of economic activity, after which the economy typically begins to recover. Contraction is the period during which economic activity declines, leading to decreased productivity, lower consumer spending, and rising unemployment.

In contrast, an interstitial phase does not have an established definition in the context of macroeconomic theory and the business cycle. It does not signify a recognized stage or set of characteristics associated with economic activity, which is why it is not part of the standard phases of the business cycle. Understanding these established phases helps clarify how economies expand and contract over time.