2008ish things were much closer. In 2008, US GDP per capita was comparable to ma...

apexalpha · on Nov 30, 2023

You're expressing it in USD, while European economies use the Euro.

In the timeframe you mention the USD/EUR exchange rate went from $1.50 per €1 to $1.09 per €1.

This alone accounts for most of the difference. You should look at GDP PPP for a better idea of actual economic impact.

There will still be a difference as the US is simply a more competitive economy. But it isn't nearly as big as in these numbers.

TheCoelacanth · on Nov 30, 2023

Exchange rates change for a reason. The stronger exchange rate is a reflection of a stronger economy.

apexalpha · on Nov 30, 2023

It's mostly a factor of interest rates. And the USD is also the global reserve currency, helping it rise in times of instability, more so than the Euro.

But none the less, it still enormously skews your numbers in favour of the US, to the point they're practically useless.

According to your numbers the economy of France and Italy have shrunk over a period of 15 years. This is simply not the case.

You should look at GDP PPP.