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Transformations

A data transformation is a basic arithmetic operation applied to two variables.

 

The transformation toolbar, as shown below, will become available when at least two variables are on the graph.

Apply a basic arithmetic operation to two variables to create a new variable. You can then insert another variable to the graph to perform another transformation.

ClosedPerform Data Transformations

The following is an example of a data transformation.

 

Example

Subtracting the year-over-year change in CPI from the federal funds rate to calculate a real interest rate and then adding the growth in real GDP.

  1. Open PCU@USECON by doing one of the following:
    • Navigate through the menus.
    • ALT + D for USECON then N for PCU
    • ALT + N and enter PCU@USECON in the formula bar

  2. Apply a period-to-period percent change to PCU@USECON by doing one of the following:
    • Go to Function > Basic or click from the Graph Settings toolbar then select option 4

    • F then 4

  3. Add FFED@USECON
    1. Add a variable by doing one of the following:
      • Click from the Graph Settings toolbar
      • ALT + V
    2. Open FFED@USECON by doing one of the following:
      • Navigate through the menus
      • N for FFED

        • Not required to use ALT + D as we are already in the USECON database

      • ALT + N and enter FFED in the formula bar

        Not required to enter FFED@USECON as we are already in the USECON database

  4. Subtract YRYR%(PCU@USECON) from FFED@USECON by doing one of the following:
    • Click from the Transformations toolbar
    • –

  5. Add the GDPH@USECON series and apply a period to period percent change on it

    1. Add a variable by doing one of the following:

      • Click from the Graph Settings toolbar
      • ALT + V
    2. Open GDPH@USECON by doing one of the following:
      • Navigate through it via the menus
      • N for GDPH

        • Not required to use ALT + D as we are already in the USECON database

      • ALT + N and enter GDPH in the formula bar

        • Not required to enter GDPH@USECON as we are already in the USECON database

    3. Apply period-to-period percent change to GDPH@USECON by doing one of the following:
      • Go to Functions > Basic or click from the Graph Settings toolbar and select option 4
      • F then 4

  6. Add yryr%(GDPH) to FFED-yryr%(PCU) by doing one of the following:
    • Click from the Transformations toolbar
    • +

The transformation is complete.