Instructions:
1. When Analyzing graphs, please use the following instructions as a guide:
a. Graphs are required for all questions that ask for graphs to be plotted. Once the graph is prepared, you need to copy it and paste it in the word document where your comments and responses will be written. One way to copy the graph is to do a print screen by displaying the graph on your monitor and pressing on the print screen button labeled as (Prt Scr/Sys Rq) on your keyboard. Once you hit the button, past the graph in a word document where the responses to the questions are written.
b. It is good practice to start the analysis of a graph by stating the variable being analyzed and the period of observation for the analysis.
c. Provide a brief statement about the general trend of the lines on the graph.
d. Comment on any specific and unusual features of the graph. For example, sudden and steep rises and falls must be noted and possible reasons for the change must be offered.
e. Changes in the variables during recessionary periods must also be noted.
2. Refrain from searching for the responses to the questions on the internet (you will be wasting time unnecessarily). Information needed to answer practically all the questions in this course can be found either on the graphs and or in the required text.
Note: Please use January 1960 to date as the period of observation for all analysis, unless otherwise stated.
This week’s lesson will discuss the factors that in the long-run determine key variables, including Growth in GDP and Saving Investment, and the Financial System.
1. What does the level of a nation’s GDP measure? What does the growth rate of GDP measure? Would you rather live in a nation with a high level of GDP and a low growth rate or in a nation with a low level of GDP and a high growth rate?
2. Plot the rate of Productivity Growth as the percent change from a year ago of Real Output per Hour in the Manufacturing Sector (FRED code: OPHMFG).
Describe the performance of Productivity during the financial crisis of 2007-2009 (denoted in the FRED graph by vertical gray bars) compared to previous decades.
3. Plot the rate of growth in the Federal Debt as the percent change from a year ago of Total Public Debt (FRED code: GFDEBTN).
Describe the characteristics of the federal Debt during the recessionary periods (denoted in the FRED graph by vertical gray bars).
4. Probably the most famous stock index is the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Plot the percent change from a year ago of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (FRED code: DJIA).
Discuss the behavior of changes in the index before, during, and after the recession period of 2007-2009 (if there is no FRED data available for variable DJIA before 2010, use data from 2010 onwards and then discuss the behavior of NJIA in the post recession period (2010 onwards) , which is indicated by the vertical, shaded bar in the graph.
Hint: Changing the variable to “Percent Change from Year Ago” highlights the swings in the index, while using the monthly frequency averages out daily fluctuations that obscure the big patterns.
5. Do changes in stock values affect the wealth of households? Beginning in 2004, on a multi-series graph, plot on a quarterly basis, the percent change from a year ago of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (FRED code: DJIA) and the percent change from a year ago of household net worth (FRED code: TNWBSHNO). Compare the two lines and write a brief comment on your observations.
Week 3 Written Assignment Choice 2 Unemployment
Instructions:
1. When Analyzing graphs, please use the following instructions as a guide:
a. Graphs are required for all questions that ask for graphs to be plotted. Once the graph is prepared, you need to copy it and paste it in the word document where your comments and responses will be written. One way to copy the graph is to do a print screen by displaying the graph on your monitor and pressing on the print screen button labeled as (Prt Scr/Sys Rq) on your keyboard. Once you hit the button, past the graph in a word document where the responses to the questions are written.
b. It is good practice to start the analysis of a graph by stating the variable being analyzed and the period of observation for the analysis.
c. Provide a brief statement about the general trend of the lines on the graph.
d. Comment on any specific and unusual features of the graph. For example, sudden and steep rises and falls must be noted and possible reasons for the change must be offered.
e. Changes in the variables during recessionary periods must also be noted.
2. Refrain from searching for the responses to the questions on the internet (you will be wasting time unnecessarily). Information needed to answer practically all the questions in this course can be found either on the graphs and or in the required text.
Note: Please use January 1960 to date as the period of observation for all analysis, unless otherwise stated.
Previous chapters have examined the factors that determine the level and growth of a country’s standard of living. Just as a country that saves and invests a significant proportion of its income can rapidly grow its capital stock, GDP and hence its standard of living, so can a country also raise its standard of living by keeping unemployment at reasonable levels. Clearly, people who are unemployed cannot contribute to the economy’s production of goods and services. A country is likely to achieve a higher level of GDP than not, if it manages to keep its workers as fully employed as possible. This week’s written assignments will focus on the issue of unemployment.
1. Plot the Civilian Unemployment Rate (FRED code: UNRATE).
Describe the main features of the graph, especially during recessionary periods (denoted in the FRED graph by vertical gray bars).
2. Plot the duration of unemployment as the Average (Mean) Duration of Unemployment (FRED code: UEMPMEAN).
Describe the main features of the graph, especially during recessionary periods (denoted in the FRED graph by vertical gray bars).
3. Of the total number of people who are unemployed, what percentage has remained unemployed for over 27 weeks? Use the FRED code: LNS13025703 to plot this variable to show the proportion of unemployed who remain without work for over 27 weeks.
Describe the main features of the graph, especially during recessionary periods (denoted in the FRED graph by vertical gray bars).
4. On a multi-series graph, plot the following:
a. Unemployment Rate – Bachelor’s Degree and Higher, 25 years and over (FRED code: LNS14027662).
b. Unemployment Rate – High School Graduates, No College, 25 years and over (FRED code: LNU04027660).
c. Unemployment Rate – Less than a High School Diploma, 25 years and over (FRED code: LNS14027659).
Provide a comprehensive analysis of the rates of unemployment among the three groups listed above with different educational attainment.
5. Why is frictional unemployment inevitable? How might the government reduce the amount of frictional unemployment?
Remember to cite all sources. Your instructor may take ADDITIONAL points off for spelling, grammar, punctuation, citation errors and due dates at his or her discretion. See grading rubric for more details.
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