Focus on Job Volatility

Use the FRED graph below to compare the employment of three different categories of people. Some groups of workers are hired and fired more quickly than others, making their employment volatile. Learn more about the topic with this FRED Blog Reading Q&A.

From the FRED Blog

The post “Measuring uncertainty and volatility with FRED data” uses data from two different sources to describe the difference between uncertainty and volatility in financial markets.

Quiz Yourself on Uncertainty and Volatility

Q1. The FRED graph shows the percent change from year ago in the four components of gross domestic product according to the expenditure approach. Between Q1 2007 and Q2 2023, which component consistently changed by the largest amounts and most frequently?

Q2. Use the date slider located directly below the horizontal axis of the graph to see data from the 1970s. What was the growth rate of real net exports of goods and services on Q2 1976?

Read this FRED Blog post to learn more about those data.

Q1. The FRED graph shows the percent change from year ago in the all-items consumer price index and three gasoline and energy consumer price index series. Between January 2007 and June 2023, which consumer item was more volatile, energy overall or gasoline specifically?

Read this FRED Blog post to learn more about those data.

Q1. The FRED graph shows the macroeconomic uncertainty index one month, three months, and one year ahead. Compare the peaks and troughs during economic expansions and recessions. When are economic conditions more unpredictable, during expansions or during recessions?

Read this FRED Blog post to learn more about those data.

You can share these graphs with your students using this dashboard. To customize this dashboard, just click the “Save to My Account” button at the top of the dashboard.