Recession has hit the UK and other major economies after two quarters of economic decline.

The definition of an economic recession is two consecutive financial quarters where growth fell, which is exactly what has happened in the UK, Japan, New Zealand, and several European Union (EU) economies. Some of that is surprising, especially for Japan, which is now below the United States on world economic rankings.

The 4th quarter report for Japan for 2023 shows that the economy shrank as capital spending declined and tourism was not able to make up for the shortfall as expected. Private consumption is down as well, indicating that Japanese citizens are being careful with their spending, hoarding yen in fear of worsening economic conditions. In a thriving economy, the cash flows freely because people expect more to come in regularly, but that is not the case right now for Japan, and fear could cause further economic shrinkage in the current quarter.

Why Is the UK in Recession?

The statistic’s agency for the UK said in a report issued on Thursday that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) had fallen 1.4% in 2023’s last three months. In comparison, the US GDP actually grew 3.3% in that time. The US has now pulled ahead of the UK, Japan, and every other country to become the world’s leading economy.

The UK is suffering a recession primarily because the cost of living is so high. This has created a housing crisis and tanked consumer spending and productivity rates. With the country producing less and selling less, it simply cannot keep pace with previous years. The country also has a growing elderly population that requires greater resources to sustain it, placing more pressure on the younger working class.

Borrowing costs are also rising quicker than expected, which is being offset by the bank of England’s decision to wait on interest rate cuts. This attempt at improving inflation rates is having a small impact on the value of the euro and the pound, but rate cuts could be coming later on in the year.

The UK’s economic output dropped 0.1% in the final quarter of 2023, and if this continues into the first quarter of 2024, the country will still be in recession following the next economic report. The government has to look for ways to boost the economy, stimulate growth, and improve production.