1949

Avg.Avg.

2009

1954

2009

GDP, adjusted for inflation

Change in the three years a�er a recession began

S&P 500

0 years 0 1 2 31 2 3

−50

0

50

100%100%

0

5

10

15%15%

Notes: GDP is seasonally adjusted; S&P is a monthly averageSources: Commerce Department and S&P Dow Jones Indexes THE WASHINGTON POST

1949

2009

Avg.

Avg.

1949

2009

Change in the three years a�er a recession began

Nonfarm payrolls Unemployment rate

0 years 1 2 3 0 1 2 3

−1

0

1

2

3

4

5%5%

−4

0

4%4%

Note: Seasonally adjustedSources: Commerce Department and S&P Dow Jones Indexes THE WASHINGTON POST