Web Activity 1

Draw a graph showing the two most recent business cycles, from peak to trough to peak again, using data at http://www.nber.org/cycles.html. Label two peaks and troughs, and identify the number of months between the peak and trough.

Web Activity 2

Log into www.census.gov and select "U.S. Census Bureau Economic Indicators." Choose three economic indicators to examine. Explain what trends in these indicators suggest about the U.S. business cycle.

Web Activity 3

What caused the U.S. recession from 1973 to 1975? Did subsequent recessions have the same cause? Visit www.mit.edu/newsoffice and search for articles by economist Olivier Blanchard to answer this question.