The End of the Business Cycle? Read the two articles below and do some of your own research on current macro-economic conditions and the business cycle. Use the CyberLibrary or Internet search engines. National economic data are available from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis www.bea.gov . Strauss, W. A. ?Economy in slower traffic through 2008,? Chicago Fed Letter, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, August 2007. http://chicagofed.org/publications/fedletter/cflaugust2007_241a.pdf ?Economics focus: Beyond the business cycle?? The Economist London, October 23, 1999. (available at ProQuest) In a four page paper, please address the following questions: 1. The U.S. has not experienced a recession since 2001 (at least by technical definitions). Define a recession and indicate whether you think another one is on the horizon? Or do you feel we are currently in a recession? If yes, give your reasons for why a recession might occur. If you are an optimist, why do you think another recession is not on the way? Use the Strauss article and other sources as a foundation for your report. 2. Pick two factors cited in The Economist article that you think will have the most impact on future business cycles. Explain why they are important and whether you think they will contribute to more severe or less severe business cycles. 3. Do you think the business cycle is dead? Why or why not?