The document discusses the fiscal cliff faced by the US economy at the end of 2012. It was caused by the simultaneous expiration of tax cuts and introduction of tax increases and spending cuts. This would have pushed the US back into recession. The fiscal cliff was not caused by typical economic crises but rather the expiration of a number of laws providing tax relief and spending measures. These automatic changes would have raised taxes and cut spending starting in 2013 without Congressional action. The fiscal cliff threatened negative impacts on the US and Indian economies through reduction in consumption, business investment, and outsourcing. It could also increase inflation in India through higher gold prices and a weaker rupee.