This dashboard visualizes key macroeconomic indicators of the United States from 2004 to 2023, including GDP, inflation, unemployment, interest rates, and the current account balance. Each chart highlights different aspects of the U.S. economy and how they evolved over two decades. These visuals are interesting because they allow us to observe how macroeconomic policy and external shocks (like financial crises or COVID-19) manifest in national indicators. By visualizing these trends together, the dashboard enables clearer comparisons and supports economic interpretation in a more intuitive way.
Chart A - GDP Growth
The U.S. GDP shows a steady upward trend from 2004 to 2023, nearly doubling in size. This reflects long-term economic growth despite events like the 2008 crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chart B - Current Account Balance
The U.S. has consistently run a current account deficit. This indicates higher imports than exports, typical of a consumption-driven economy.
Chart C - Inflation Rate
Inflation fluctuated notably over the period, with sharp increases during crisis periods like 2008 and 2022. These spikes are typically associated with external shocks or monetary policy shifts.
Chart D - Lending Interest Rate
Lending interest rates varied significantly across the period, peaking around 2007 and 2015 and falling to record lows post-2009 and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fed’s response to economic cycles is clearly reflected in this chart.
Chart E - Unemployment Rate
Unemployment spiked during the 2008 financial crisis and again in 2020 during COVID-19, indicating labor market sensitivity to economic shocks. Recovery periods show gradual improvement in employment levels.
Chart F - Inflation vs. Unemployment (2004–2023)
This comparison highlights the inverse relationship between inflation and unemployment. However, deviations appear in certain years, showing that the relationship is not perfectly stable.