The Japanese manufacture tractors for rice paddies. They are smaller than most U. S. tractors and perfect for a weekend farmer who wants to tend to a small garden. The tractors are not sold in the U. S. through any authorized channels, yet they are available in the U. S. at prices below the manufacturer's suggested retail price. What is the term for how these tractors are being sold?
a. gray market
b. dumping
c. Over the counter
d. bypassed global channels
e. Through a distribution monopoly

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.