Skjellyfetti wrote:Baldy wrote:Please explain to me how the economy shrinking from 5.7% in one quarter to 3.7% the next isn't negative growth?
Goddamn, dude.
BECAUSE THE 3.7% IS POSITIVE. The economy
GREW 3.7% FROM WHERE IT WAS.
If it was
negative 3.7% (-3.7%).... the economy
SHRUNK 3.7%
You really can't be serious here, can you? You learn about positive and negative percents in elementary school, right?

OK, this discussion about economics is obviously way over your basket weaving and art history degree level, so this is my last attempt at teaching you something you can use.
Negative Growth
A contraction in a country's economy, as evidenced by a decrease in its gross domestic product (GDP) during any quarter of a given year. Negative growth is typically expressed as a negative percentage. Recurring periods of negative growth are one of the most commonly used measures to determine whether an economy is experiencing a recession or depression.
Step 1: Shrinking from 5.7% to 3.7% is a contraction in the GDP.
Step 2: 5.7% - 3.7% = a
minus (-) or negative 2%.
Step 3: A
minus (-) 2% is called negative growth.
In a nutshell, negative growth is a simple decrease in quarter to quarter GDP, period.
Sorry, but I have dumbed it down about as far as I can. I truly hopes this helps.