countercyclical

American  

[koun-ter-sahy-kli-kuhl, -sik-li-] / ˌkaʊn tərˈsaɪ klɪ kəl, -ˈsɪk lɪ- /

adjective

1. opposing the trend of a business or economic cycle; countervailing.

   a countercyclical monetary policy.

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Etymology

Origin of countercyclical

counter- + cyclical

Example Sentences

They don’t perform in the same way; gold, for starters, is seen as a countercyclical asset.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 3, 2026

“They have a defensive bias and may work well in a slower economy where there’s more countercyclical forces,” Bartolini says.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

However, the bank avoided making adjustments to its countercyclical buffer framework, which could have reduced the capital requirements further.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

"Prudent monetary policy should be precise and forceful, with greater emphasis on cross-cyclical and countercyclical adjustments, enriching the monetary policy toolbox," the bank said.

From Reuters • Nov. 27, 2023

By generating jobs in construction, public housing development acts as a countercyclical stimulus measure, boosting employment in a critical sector with significant multiplier effects across the entire economy.

From Slate • May 22, 2023