The real rate of interest is a useful concept that is difficult to measure. This paper examines the conceptual distinction between nominal interest rate and real interest rates. The paper proceeds to discuss problems inherent in the estimation of the real interest rate.,CRS 84-717 E,"August 6, 1984.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

This report breifly examines the relationship between selected economic time series and the U.S. business cycle.,This report presents a series of selected economic indicators and their relationship to the U.S. business cycle. Six times series are presented: real Gross National Product (GNP), the M2 measure of the money stock, the civilian unemployment rate, and private domestic nonfinancial debt. Each time series is plotted quarterly beginning in the first quarter of 1948 through the third quarter of 1986. In each case the series are divided into time intervals of roughly equal length. In each chart the business cycle peaks and troughs as indicated. Table 1 below lists the U.S. business cycle reference dates.,Abstract -- Introduction -- Real GNP and M2 -- Inflation and Civilian Unemployment Rates -- Manufacturing Capacity Utilization Rates -- Private Domestic Non-Financial Debt.,Brian W. Cashell, Analyst in Quantitative Economics, Economics Division,CRS 86-1039 E,"December 11, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

This paper examines the current economic expansion in light of previous experience. What aspects of the current expansion are typical of an economic upswing and what aspects are unusual?