Capital spending refers to the expenditure made by a company to acquire or upgrade fixed assets such as buildings, machinery, and equipment. It is an important indicator of a company's growth and expansion plans. The level of capital spending can vary depending on the stage of the business cycle.

During the expansion phase of the business cycle, companies tend to increase their capital spending as they have higher profits, increased demand for their products or services, and more confidence in the economy. This is because they want to expand their capacity to meet the growing demand and take advantage of the favorable economic conditions. They may also invest in new technologies to improve productivity and efficiency.

During the peak phase of the business cycle, companies may continue to invest in capital spending, but at a slower rate. This is because they may have already reached their capacity and may not see the need for further expansion. They may also become more cautious about investing as they anticipate a potential downturn in the economy.

During the contraction phase of the business cycle, companies tend to reduce their capital spending as they experience lower profits, decreased demand for their products or services, and less confidence in the economy. This is because they want to conserve their cash flow and reduce their debt levels. They may also delay their capital spending plans until the economic conditions improve.

During the trough phase of the business cycle, companies may start to increase their capital spending again as they see signs of economic recovery. This is because they want to prepare for the increased demand that they anticipate in the future. They may also take advantage of lower prices for fixed assets that are available during the recession.

In summary, capital spending is an important indicator of a company's growth and expansion plans, and its level can vary depending on the stage of the business cycle. During the expansion phase, companies tend to increase their capital spending, while during the contraction phase, they tend to reduce it. During the peak and trough phases, companies may adjust their capital spending plans based on the economic conditions.