Go to the St. Louis Federal Reserve FRED database, and find data on the total government debt as a percentage of GDP (GFDEGDQ188S) and gross domestic product (GDP).

a) Report the most current available debt to-GDP ratio, and the ratio one year prior and five years prior. Based on the entire available database for this series, when was the last time the debt-to-GDP ratio reached a peak? What was the peak value, and how does it compare to the most recent value?

b) What is the percentage point difference in the debt-to-GDP ratio between the most recent period and one year ago? Between the most recent period and five years ago?

c) Calculate the total percentage increase in GDP from one year prior to the most recent period available, and also from five years prior to the most recent period available.

d) Compare the change in the debt-to- GDP ratio and the growth rate of GDP over the periods mentioned in parts (b) and (c). What can you conclude about the behavior of debt and GDP over the last year? Over the last five years?