What is the term used when the economy is beginning to improve after a downturn?

The term used to describe the period when the economy starts to improve after a downturn is "recovery." In this phase, key economic indicators such as employment rates, production output, and consumer spending begin to rise after experiencing a decline. Recovery marks a transition where businesses start to invest again and consumer confidence grows, which can lead to more robust economic activity.

In contrast, a recession refers to the period of economic decline that precedes recovery, characterized by negative growth in the economy. Prosperity indicates a phase where the economy is thriving, with sustained growth and high employment, often succeeding a recovery. Stability refers to a state where economic metrics are not experiencing dramatic changes, but it doesn't specifically denote the improvement following a downturn. Therefore, the term recovery accurately captures the essence of the economic rebound process.