Understanding the News
A rolling average smooths a news chart by remembering earlier days
Read a seven-day rolling average without mistaking it for today’s raw count. A simple numerical example shows why one unusual day can linger.
CONTEXT FOR EVERYDAY CURIOSITY
Understanding the News
Understanding the News
A Seasonally Adjusted Number Answers a Particular Question
Seasonal adjustment helps compare periods without some recurring calendar patterns. Read the series label before turning a monthly change into a headline.