“Funny that these graphs consistently show the start of the Russian invasion, apparently a propos of nothing.”

That’s reader JohnH wondering why I put indications of the expanded Russian invasion of Ukraine (recalling the original invasion is in 2014), along with the recession. Well, it seemed like the beginning of the largest land war in Europe since World War II (with major battles not far from Kursk) had an impact on sentiment, etc., to wit:

I hope these graphs answer JohnH’s question.