Business Cycle Features include the patterns, duration, amplitude, and causes that characterize economic fluctuations. Regularity: Not perfectly regular but recurring patterns observed. Duration: Varies—expansions typically longer than contractions in post-war period. Amplitude: Fluctuation severity varies; some cycles sharp, others gradual. Turning points: Peaks and troughs mark shift directions; often identified in retrospect. Synchronization: Most economic sectors move together (procyclical), some move opposite (countercyclical). Leading, coincident, lagging indicators: Used to predict, measure, and analyze cycles. Real vs. nominal: Real cycles remove inflation effect; nominal includes price changes. Symmetry: Often asymmetric—expansion slower than contraction, or vice versa. Persistence: Current economic state influences future state (momentum). Volatility: Varies across countries, periods, and sectors. Indian context: Monsoon affects agricultural and overall cycles; policy cycles (election years); global integration increases external cycle sensitivity. ICAI focus: Identifying cycle characteristics, using indicators, forecasting implications. Exam tip: "Leading indicators precede turning points"—used for forecasting; "Lagging indicators confirm turning points"—used for analysis.