The great recession of 2008-2009 was a financial crisis and severe economic downturn in the United States. It was caused by factors like low tax rates, risky subprime lending, and fluctuating home prices. As a result, the US lost over 8 million jobs, average household income fell by $2,700, and nearly 4 million homes were foreclosed each year. The GDP declined by 4.2% from late 2007 to mid-2009 while the unemployment rate rose from 4.4% to 10%. The government took steps to cut interest rates and pass stimulus packages to aid economic recovery.