How can we assess the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on the competitiveness of U.S. exporters? Plot the real trade-weighted U.S. dollar index (FRED code: TWEXBPA), which was 100 in March 1973. When was the index more than 20 percent above its March 1973 level? How far is it today from the March 1973 level? (LO1)

Hint: Enter "TWEXBPA" into the FRED search box. To find the dates when the index is 20 percent above the March 1973 value, select the "Download" tab (above the "Edit Graph" tab), select "Excel (data)" and an Excel spreadsheet will be downloaded to your computer.