Time and trends

Trend

The long-term direction of a time series once short-term ups and downs are set aside.

  • Time and trends

Definition

The long-term direction of a time series once short-term ups and downs are set aside. It can rise, fall or stay flat.

Example

Skye Ascent made 2 launches in 2023, 3 in 2024 and 4 in 2025. Three points suggest a rising trend. They are too few to prove one.

Skye Ascent Ltd is a fictional company created for Insyt.

For your role

Choose your role to see what this term means in your work.

Why it matters

Trends show direction, which matters more than a single data point.

Where it is used

Reports, presentations and planning meetings.