An economic downturn, or a downturn, occurs when the value of stocks, property, and commodities fall, productivity either grows more slowly or declines, and GDP (gross domestic product) shrinks, stands still or expands more slowly. An economic downturn is part of the economic cycle, i.e., the natural fluctuation of the economy between periods of growth and contraction. We sometimes refer to the economic cycle as the trade cycle or business cycle. In most cases, a downturn refers to the downward movement on the graph. However, analysts and the press sometimes use the term when talking about a slowdown in growth.