Fake Prosperity?

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Update:

Rob Dawg wished to see an exponential trend from 1961 to 1991.


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The chart above sums up why there was a question mark in my first chart. If the true trend is an exponential growth curve then we're right on trend for the most part. I just find it hard to believe that the dotcom bubble and the housing bubble got us there.


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And lastly, this chart captures the spirit of Rob Dawg's point. It's a fairly good fit. If this is the true trend then there is a bit more fake prosperity than the first chart shows (since the true long-term trend would be bending downwards).

Source Data:
St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart