Please consider the chart below capturing the US GDP real growth rate by quarter since 1948. This graph captures the variation of real GDP, highlighting business cycles.

FRED ~ - Real Gross Domestic Product Real Potential Gross Domestic Product 10.0 7.5 5.0 2.5 Percent Change 0.0 2.5 -5.0 -7.5 -10.0 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Shaded areas indicate U.S. recessions. Sources: BEA; CBO myf.red/g/PKRm