Economic recovery after COVID-19 crisis - 6 minutes read
Economic recovery after COVID-19 crisis
Types of economic recoveries
It has been almost over a half year has elapsed from first-ever novel coronavirus case recorded in the People’s republic of China. In this, a couple of quarters the world had witnessed a bunch of unexpected scenarios which had directly or indirectly affected the normal life of Homo sapiens.
COVID-19 has claimed 602K lives and infected over 14 million people across the globe. The curve shows no signs of slowing down in the coming month or so. As the virus is highly contagious governments have to impose strict lockdowns in their respective countries.
This result in loss of revenue to the firms and people start losing their jobs. Many firms have filed for bankruptcy whereas many firms have asked for govt. help to sustain the current crisis. As a wise man said, every cloud has a silver lining. The cases in a bunch of nations seem to slow down and authorities are gradually opening its economy.
Governments have proposed many different ways such as establishing a bubble etc. but the question arises how can the economy recover from the current crisis? There is an answer to the aforementioned question in economics.
As per theories, there are 3 ways how an economy can recover but in modern economics, there are 5 ways.
1.“V” SHAPED OF RECOVERY –
“V” shaped of recovery is a very common and basic form of recovery. With this type of recovery, the economy contracts to a point and bounces back just after that point. As shown in the above figure the GDP falls continues till quarter 3 but after that point, we witness some kind of recovery and with the next couple of weeks economy gets back to its previous levels. This type of recovery resembles the English letter V that’s why it is called as “V” shape of the recovery. The biggest example of this type of recovery is the 2008-2009 financial crisis.
As seen in the above figures, world GDP drooped as the 2008 crisis emerged but in 2010 we saw a recovery.
WHY WE MIGHT SEE “V” SHAPED OF RECOVERY
In the case of the current economic crisis, we might see the “V” shaped of recovery as the present recession is occurring due to the implementation of lockdown from the respected government. The economic output of firms has declined due to a decline in demand in the market, and as the demand gets restored companies can start gaining profit and the economy can start recovering.
Why we might not see “V” shaped of recovery
Restoring demand to pre-coronavirus era might not be sufficient. As people across the globe have lost their jobs and many businesses have recorded historical losses. So just demand and supply cannot solve the current crisis. Nations attitude towards China will also play a major role in recovery. Unrest in middle-east and near the South China Sea can hugely impact the structure of the curve.
2.“W” SHAPED OF RECOVERY –
“W” shaped of economic recovery is just an extension of “V” shaped of economic recovery. This type of recovery usually occurs in uncertain economic scenarios. The economy falls immediately again after recovery. As shown in the above figure Economy falls but after a short gain, it fell again. The biggest example of this type of recovery is The Great Depression. In the case of coronavirus, we can witness “W” shaped of recovery only if we face the second wave of infection. In that case, the government again has to impose restrictions which can lead to “W” shaped recovery. There is also another chance of “W” shaped recovery is war. If the world faces another war then also we can witness the “W” shaped recovery but the second dip on the curve will depend upon the gravity of the war. With the current situation in the world, we cannot fully write-off both of the situations.
3.“U” SHAPED OF RECOVERY –
“U” shaped recovery is the opposite of a “V” type of recovery. The economy does not bounce back after a crisis. The economy took some time to recover and which result in “U” shape. In its economy, it can take longer than usual and this phase can last from 2 quarter or more. The chances of “U” shaped economy are very low. As the world is become very competitive and with the current population of the world. The world economy might not face a “U” shaped recovery but many firms and industries might face it. These industries include Hospitality & Travel etc. In it, we might not see much of the demand and can witness a low demand for at least a couple of quarters or more.
4.“SWOOSH” SHAPED OF RECOVERY –
“Swoosh” shaped of recovery or more commonly known as “L” shaped of recovery is the very basic type of recovery. In it, when an economy falls the recovery phase is longer than usual and can take a half year or more in some conditions to get to the previous level.We have witnessed “Swoosh” shaped of recovery in the early and mid-1900s at that time economy was not evolved and globalised compared to current economic conditions. Presently economies are open and competitive. Thus “L” shaped is strenuous.
4.“REVERSE SQUARE ROOT” SHAPED OF RECOVERY–
Reverse Square root shaped recovery can occur when the economy can recover from the slowdown but fails to gain previous levels. In this situation, the economy tops the level well below the previous high. As shown in the figure, the economy is not able to reach the initial level. This can happen due to the significant change in the taste, habit or preferences of consumer behaviour. In it, the actual recovery time can go as high as a couple of years. The chances of this type of recovery is very low but some industry can show us this type of recovery such as airline industry etc.
CONCLUSION
Coronavirus has affected our economy very badly. This type of recession has raised new questions and pushed economists to think outside the box to counter the situation. Although I feel that there is one more issue that we might able to face shortly is tension between China and other countries. Doomsday clock is almost 100 seconds before midnight, with Beijing consciously calming other countries' land. We can only hope this aggression will not trigger any war-like the situation, the war in the current situation can only cause havoc.
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