A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of declining GDP growth and is usually preceded by slowing economic growth. It is caused by a reduction in global market demand. Key indicators of a recession include decreased consumer spending, lower factory production, rising unemployment, and a weak stock market. Common causes are currency crises, energy crises, war, underconsumption, overproduction, and higher fuel prices. Major sectors affected are IT/BPO, banking, real estate, aviation, textiles, and automobiles. For the IT sector specifically, recessions lead to job losses and unemployment.