François Facchini is associate researcher at the University of Paris 1, CES-MATISSE, France.

Peter J. Phillips is professor of finance at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

Carol M. Connell is professor of finance and business management at City University of New York-Brooklyn College.

Using Government Statistics

  Q: How can you tell economists have a sense of humor? A: They use decimal points. The more precise the number the bigger the lie   The more manipulation, the seasonal adjustment,  - use the most simple number possible - don’t use the seasonally adjusted number. Just compare year over year. http://www.caseyresearch.com/cdd/bill-bonner-in-hands-of-economists-more-precise-number-bigger-the-lie