Over the past 30 years, the price of oil has been relatively unstable, fluctuating between $11.00 and well over $100 per barrel which of the following potentially contributes to oil-price instability? oil prices are relatively unstable because the income elasticity of demand for oil is negative the market for oil is relatively competitive opec has been successful in controlling the quantity of oil its members supply the demand for oil is elastic. the supply of oil is inelastic.

The business cycle is the periodic but irregular up-and-down movement in economic activity, measured by fluctuations in real gross domestic product (gdp) and other macroeconomic variables. a business cycle is typically characterized by four phases—recession, recovery, growth, and decline—that repeat themselves over time. economists note, however, that complete business cycles vary in length. the duration of business cycles can be anywhere from about two to twelve years, with most cycles averaging six years in length. some business analysts use the business cycle model and terminology to study and explain fluctuations in business inventory and other individual elements of corporate operations. but the term "business cycle" is still primarily associated with larger (industry-wide, regional, national, or even international) business trends.