In the context of economic cycles, a "trough" indicates which of the following situations?

A "trough" in the context of economic cycles represents the lowest point of economic activity before a recovery begins. This stage is characterized by high levels of unemployment, as businesses often reduce their workforce in response to declining demand for goods and services.

During this phase, the economy is typically operating below its potential output, leading to inefficiencies and underutilization of resources. As a result, many individuals find themselves unemployed, contributing to increased economic hardship for households and the broader economy.

The other situations described are indicative of phases occurring at different points in the economic cycle. For instance, peak performance occurs at the peak of an economic cycle, which is the opposite of a trough, while low unemployment aligns with peak conditions. High inflation is also typically not associated with a trough, as this stage tends to involve deflationary pressures rather than inflationary ones.