Spurious correlation #2,829 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the first name Bo and the second variable is Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH). The chart goes from 2002 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the first name Bo and the second variable is Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH). The chart goes from 2002 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

It's a little-known fact that every time a baby was named Bo, a tiny but powerful wave of good luck was unwittingly released into the universe, ultimately leading to a series of fortunate events for Zimmer Biomet Holdings. This positive energy created a ripple effect, subtly influencing the stock price and leaving everyone wondering, "What's in a name? Apparently, a surprisingly solid investment strategy!"

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image showing a lively nursery room filled with parents looking joyfully at a huge "B" balloon. The balloon stands out amidst the excited crowd, with the Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH) stock ticker prominently displayed on the wall, depicting a significant upward trend. The scene captures the trend of the name Bo and its impact on both the celebratory atmosphere in the nursery and the rising stock price. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.

This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Popularity of the first name Bo and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH). Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: a meme Cyber folk Woodblock painting Cubism Macabre
ChatGPT: Cyber folk

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Popularity of the first name Bo and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH), in the following situation: Because the name Bo became popular, more parents became fans of the letter "B," leading them to buy Zimmer Biomet Holdings stock to support their new naming trend, causing ZBH stock price to increase.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling nursery room, a group of parents gather excitedly around a giant "B" balloon, celebrating the newfound popularity of the name Bo. Meanwhile, the stock ticker for Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH) on the wall steadily rises, reflecting the increased support from these parents who have embraced the "B" trend, causing the stock price to soar.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ Cyber folk ] and depicting this scene: In a bustling nursery room, a group of parents gather excitedly around a giant "B" balloon, celebrating the newfound popularity of the name Bo. Meanwhile, the stock ticker for Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH) on the wall steadily rises, reflecting the increased support from these parents who have embraced the "B" trend, causing the stock price to soar. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image showing a lively nursery room filled with parents looking joyfully at a huge "B" balloon. The balloon stands out amidst the excited crowd, with the Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH) stock ticker prominently displayed on the wall, depicting a significant upward trend. The scene captures the trend of the name Bo and its impact on both the celebratory atmosphere in the nursery and the rising stock price.

*Variations in the User Prompts from chart to chart are just the result of random number generation in Python. I wrote a few arrays of various styles and methods to ask questions to change up the results. Every time this site writes an explanation or generates an image, the script picks from each at random.

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.
^{Show prompt for explanation} Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Popularity of the first name Bo caused Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH) to increase.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Bo Knows Stocks: The Bo Name Popularity and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' Stock Price

The Journal of Quirky Economics

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!

^{Show prompt used to generate this paper} Quick note: This sequence is long and repetitive. That's how the prompt engineering works for this one. I manage the output in Python to format it into this PDF.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the methodology section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Bo and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) . You used data from 2002 to 2022

Make up the research methods you don't know. Make them a bit goofy and convoluted.

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Bo Knows Stocks: The Bo Name Popularity and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' Stock Price"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper explores the unexpected connection between the popularity of the first name "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH). While "Bo" may conjure images of fun-loving goofballs like Bo Jackson and Bo Burnham, it turns out that the correlation between this name's popularity and ZBH's stock price is nothing to laugh at. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our research team established a correlation coefficient of 0.9183319 and a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period from 2002 to 2022. This study sheds light on the potential influence of quirky coincidences on stock market dynamics and the importance of taking a lighthearted approach to academia.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The economy and financial markets are often regarded as serious and stoic realms, where every move is analyzed, scrutinized, and meticulously dissected for its potential impact. However, in the midst of all the number crunching and market analyses, there exist unexpected and seemingly inexplicable connections that defy conventional wisdom. One such enigmatic correlation that we seek to unravel in this study is the link between the popularity of the first name "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH).
While the name "Bo" may evoke images of jovial characters like Bo Diddley or the charming and ever-popular Bo Peep from Toy Story, our investigation into its correlation with ZBH's stock price has revealed a potentially surprising relationship. As we delve into this peculiar association, it is crucial to approach the topic with the seriousness it deserves—though we may occasionally allow room for a little irreverent humor, much like the unpredictability of the correlation itself.
To provide a solid foundation for our exploration, we employ data sourced from the US Social Security Administration, stretching from 2002 to 2022, to gauge the ebbs and flows of the name "Bo" in popularity. Concurrently, we analyze stock market data from LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to track the intriguing trajectory of ZBH's stock price over the same period. Utilizing statistical measures, we have unearthed a correlation coefficient of 0.9183319 and a p-value of less than 0.01, pointing to a substantial link between the two variables.
In uncovering this unlikely nexus, we intend to shed light on the often overlooked role of whimsical coincidences in financial market dynamics. Through this investigation, we strive to bring a touch of levity to the realm of academia, demonstrating that even in the most serious of pursuits, there may be room for a bit of playful exploration. Join us as we unravel the curious case of "Bo meets Biomet," where statistical trends and unexpected connections converge to provide a quirky yet insightful perspective on the intersection of names and stocks.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

**[[METHODOLOGY]]**

To investigate the perplexing correlation between the prevalence of the moniker "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH), our research team embarked on a data-gathering quest that would make even the most intrepid explorer raise an eyebrow. Lugging our trusty laptops and a stash of caffeinated beverages, we scoured the digital landscape, venturing into the annals of the US Social Security Administration and the labyrinthine corridors of LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to extract the nuggets of information crucial to our inquiry.

*Data Collection - Name Popularity:*
To discern the undulating waves of "Bo" popularity, we tapped into the vast repository of the US Social Security Administration's records, spanning the years 2002 to 2022. With its invaluable treasure trove of baby name data, this authoritative source provided us with a compendium of "Bo" occurrences, allowing us to chart the name's ascent and descent in the grand symphony of nomenclature.

*Data Collection - Stock Price Analysis:*
Simultaneously, we navigated the intricacies of the stock market seas, harnessing the power of LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to procure the historical stock prices of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH) over the same temporal expanse. Armed with spreadsheets and trendlines, we plunged into the tempestuous waters of financial data to track the undulations of ZBH's stock price with keen-eyed precision.

*Statistical Analysis:*
Embracing the alchemy of statistics, we subjected the amassed data to a battery of analytical tools. Casting the net of correlation analysis over the name popularity and stock price datasets, we discerned a correlation coefficient of 0.9183319 and a p-value shimmering faintly below the 0.01 threshold. As the numbers crunched and the graphs danced, we marveled at the unlikely alignment of "Bo" aficionados and ZBH shareholders, transfixed by the unanticipated harmony concealed within the tangled web of data.

*Factor Consideration:*
In our relentless pursuit of insight, we considered an array of factors that could potentially confound or elucidate the correlation under scrutiny. From cultural phenomena to linguistic peculiarities, and perhaps even the whims of serendipity, we remained vigilant against overlooking any underlying influences that may have orchestrated the peculiar tango between "Bo" and ZBH's stock price.

*Limitations:*
Acknowledging the inherent limitations of our methodology, we recognize the tentacles of uncertainty that enshroud the realm of correlation studies. While our findings illuminate a compelling association, we remain cognizant of the enigmatic nature of causality, standing in awe of the inscrutable forces that animate the financial cosmos.

*Ethical Considerations:*
Adhering to the ethical foundations of research, we treaded cautiously in our pursuit of knowledge, respecting the privacy and integrity of the data sources that guided our odyssey. Our insatiable curiosity did not supersede the principles of ethical conduct, as we navigated the seas of data with a compass calibrated by scholarly rigor and integrity.

In the wake of our rigorous data excavation and analytical forays, we stand poised to unveil the enthralling tapestry of "Bo Knows Stocks," where the whimsical and the financial converge in an intricate waltz of statistical curiosity and investigative zeal.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the discussion section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Bo and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

Here are the title, abstract, literature review, and results sections. Please harken back to 1-2 of the goofy items in the literature review, but pretend to take them completely seriously. Discuss how your results supported the prior research.

Do not write a conclusion. I will add a conclusion after this.

[[TITLE]]
"Bo Knows Stocks: The Bo Name Popularity and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' Stock Price"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper explores the unexpected connection between the popularity of the first name "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH). While "Bo" may conjure images of fun-loving goofballs like Bo Jackson and Bo Burnham, it turns out that the correlation between this name's popularity and ZBH's stock price is nothing to laugh at. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our research team established a correlation coefficient of 0.9183319 and a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period from 2002 to 2022. This study sheds light on the potential influence of quirky coincidences on stock market dynamics and the importance of taking a lighthearted approach to academia.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The influence of personal names on various aspects of life has long been a subject of scholarly interest. Smith and Doe (2015) delved into the sociocultural implications of given names, exploring their impact on individuals' perceptions and behaviors. On a more light-hearted note, Jones (2018) examined the intricate relationship between names and popular culture, uncovering the whimsical ways in which names shape our societal narratives.
However, as we venture into the curious world of "Bo" and its unexpected connection to Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price, we find ourselves treading on uncharted territory, brimming with delightful surprises and unforeseen correlations. In "Name Games: The Quirky Influence of Names on the Stock Market," the authors bring attention to the lesser-known phenomena of name-related stock price correlations, laying the groundwork for our exploration of the peculiar case of "Bo meets Biomet."
Transitioning from serious scholarly work to more popular literature, Granger (2016) in "Stock Market Strategies: From A to Z" provided an in-depth analysis of various stock market dynamics. While the titular reference to alphabet letters may seem unrelated to names, you never know when you might stumble upon some unexpected connections. On a similar note, Archer (2014) in "Bo's Stock Adventure" illustrated the whimsical journey of a character named Bo as he navigates the complexities of stock investment, inadvertently laying the groundwork for our investigation into the Bo-ZBH correlation.
As we navigate through an eclectic blend of serious analysis and playful fiction, our journey leads us to the unexpected realm of children's television and literature. "Bo the Stock-Savvy Bear" from the beloved children's series "Market Munchkins" unexpectedly captures the essence of our investigation, albeit in a more whimsical manner. Similarly, the adventures of "Bo and the Magic Stock Portfolio" in the enchanting world of "Once Upon a Stock Exchange" playfully mirror the intriguing dynamics we seek to unravel in our research.
With this diverse array of literature—ranging from scholarly studies to light-hearted fiction and even children's entertainment—we embark on our whimsical yet empirical expedition, poised to decipher the quixotic connection between the name "Bo" and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price. As we blend the rigors of statistical analysis with a touch of lighthearted humor, our investigation promises to reveal the delightful surprises that await in the realm of "Bo knows stocks."

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of our collected data unveiled a remarkable correlation between the popularity of the first name "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH) over the period from 2002 to 2022. Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9183319, indicating a strong positive relationship between the two variables. For those unacquainted with the ins and outs of statistical analysis, a correlation coefficient of this magnitude suggests a very cozy connection, akin to a perfect harmony of peanut butter and jelly, or the seamless coordination of a synchronized swimming team.
Furthermore, our analysis showcased an r-squared value of 0.8433335, signifying that approximately 84.33% of the variability in ZBH's stock price can be explained by the popularity of the name "Bo." In layman's terms, this means that the ebb and flow of "Bo" in the world of names can account for a significant chunk of the fluctuations in ZBH's stock price, much like how a sudden appearance of unicorn-themed merchandise might cause a surge in retail stock prices.
To add a dash of rigor to our findings, we also determined that the p-value for this correlation falls significantly below 0.01. In other words, there exists less than a 1% probability that the observed correlation between the name "Bo" and ZBH's stock price is due to random chance. To put this into perspective, discovering a correlation this strong due to sheer luck would be akin to stumbling upon a four-leaf clover while blindfolded – highly improbable, to say the least.
Fig. 1 presents a visual representation of our key findings. The scatterplot graphically depicts the substantial correlation between the popularity of the name "Bo" and ZBH's stock price, resembling the unmistakable resemblance between two eerily similar peas in a pod or the symmetrical alignment of a perfectly matched pair of socks - a rare sight, indeed.
Overall, our results signify a compelling association between the first name "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings, underscoring the unexpected ways in which seemingly unrelated factors can intertwine in the financial landscape. Our investigation lays bare the intriguing interplay of names and stocks, reminding us that in the serious domain of economics and finance, there is always room for a bit of whimsy and quirkiness.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our study has illuminated a captivating correlation between the popularity of the first name "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH), shedding light on a curious intersection of pop culture and finance. The results of our analysis not only affirm the findings of previous research on the influence of names but also provide a whimsical twist to the conventional understanding of stock market dynamics.

Our discovery of a strong positive correlation between the name "Bo" and ZBH's stock price aligns with the light-hearted yet consequential insights from Jones (2018) and Granger (2016). While the allure of "Bo" in popular culture might often be associated with playful banter and endearing characters, our findings underscore the name's unexpected influence on the financial domain. It seems that the name "Bo" is not merely a moniker for good-natured mischief; it also holds an unforeseen sway over stock price movements, akin to an undercover wizard casting spells of market positivity.

In line with the lighthearted depiction of stock market adventures in Archer's (2014) "Bo's Stock Adventure," our research has revealed that the journey of "Bo" extends beyond fictional realms, leaving its whimsical imprint on the real-world stock market. Much like the tale of an unexpected hero stumbling into a grand financial narrative, the impact of "Bo" on ZBH's stock price emerges as a delightful surprise, reminiscent of a plot twist in a whimsical stock market saga.

Moreover, our results resonate with the playful motifs of children's literature as well, echoing the enchanting narratives depicted in "Market Munchkins" and "Once Upon a Stock Exchange." The unexpected connection between the name "Bo" and ZBH's stock price mirrors the endearing charm of children's tales, wherein every twist and turn unravels a whimsical yet meaningful confluence. One could almost envision "Bo the Stock-Savvy Bear" as the lovable protagonist in this peculiar financial fable, guiding investors through the captivating dance of market dynamics with a twinkle in his eye and perhaps a market ticker as a forest map.

In a realm where rigor meets whimsy, our findings uphold the potential impact of seemingly unrelated factors on stock price movements. The remarkable correlation coefficient and the strikingly low p-value underscore the robustness of our results, highlighting the substantial influence of the name "Bo" on ZBH's stock price. It appears that amidst the data-driven intricacies of the stock market, there is room for the whimsy of personal names to exert a remarkable influence, reminiscent of a mischievous elf quietly pulling strings behind the scenes of a grand financial spectacle.

In essence, our research invites scholars and practitioners alike to embrace the delightful surprises that emerge at the nexus of popular culture and finance. Just as Bo Jackson dominated the sports world with his iconic "Bo Knows" campaign, it appears that "Bo Knows Stocks" has acquired a new ring of truth in the realm of market dynamics. As we continue to unravel the enchanting interplay of names and stocks, we must heed the unexpected influences that lurk within the seemingly mundane, for in the realm of finance, as in life, whimsy often holds sway over the unimaginable.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the discussion section of goofy academic research papers that sounds like it belongs based on the title and abstract provided.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Bo and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 300 tokens. At the very end, assert that no more research is needed in this area.

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
"Bo Knows Stocks: The Bo Name Popularity and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' Stock Price"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper explores the unexpected connection between the popularity of the first name "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH). While "Bo" may conjure images of fun-loving goofballs like Bo Jackson and Bo Burnham, it turns out that the correlation between this name's popularity and ZBH's stock price is nothing to laugh at. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our research team established a correlation coefficient of 0.9183319 and a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period from 2002 to 2022. This study sheds light on the potential influence of quirky coincidences on stock market dynamics and the importance of taking a lighthearted approach to academia.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The economy and financial markets are often regarded as serious and stoic realms, where every move is analyzed, scrutinized, and meticulously dissected for its potential impact. However, in the midst of all the number crunching and market analyses, there exist unexpected and seemingly inexplicable connections that defy conventional wisdom. One such enigmatic correlation that we seek to unravel in this study is the link between the popularity of the first name "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH).
While the name "Bo" may evoke images of jovial characters like Bo Diddley or the charming and ever-popular Bo Peep from Toy Story, our investigation into its correlation with ZBH's stock price has revealed a potentially surprising relationship. As we delve into this peculiar association, it is crucial to approach the topic with the seriousness it deserves—though we may occasionally allow room for a little irreverent humor, much like the unpredictability of the correlation itself.
To provide a solid foundation for our exploration, we employ data sourced from the US Social Security Administration, stretching from 2002 to 2022, to gauge the ebbs and flows of the name "Bo" in popularity. Concurrently, we analyze stock market data from LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to track the intriguing trajectory of ZBH's stock price over the same period. Utilizing statistical measures, we have unearthed a correlation coefficient of 0.9183319 and a p-value of less than 0.01, pointing to a substantial link between the two variables.
In uncovering this unlikely nexus, we intend to shed light on the often overlooked role of whimsical coincidences in financial market dynamics. Through this investigation, we strive to bring a touch of levity to the realm of academia, demonstrating that even in the most serious of pursuits, there may be room for a bit of playful exploration. Join us as we unravel the curious case of "Bo meets Biomet," where statistical trends and unexpected connections converge to provide a quirky yet insightful perspective on the intersection of names and stocks.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of our collected data unveiled a remarkable correlation between the popularity of the first name "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH) over the period from 2002 to 2022. Our findings revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.9183319, indicating a strong positive relationship between the two variables. For those unacquainted with the ins and outs of statistical analysis, a correlation coefficient of this magnitude suggests a very cozy connection, akin to a perfect harmony of peanut butter and jelly, or the seamless coordination of a synchronized swimming team.
Furthermore, our analysis showcased an r-squared value of 0.8433335, signifying that approximately 84.33% of the variability in ZBH's stock price can be explained by the popularity of the name "Bo." In layman's terms, this means that the ebb and flow of "Bo" in the world of names can account for a significant chunk of the fluctuations in ZBH's stock price, much like how a sudden appearance of unicorn-themed merchandise might cause a surge in retail stock prices.
To add a dash of rigor to our findings, we also determined that the p-value for this correlation falls significantly below 0.01. In other words, there exists less than a 1% probability that the observed correlation between the name "Bo" and ZBH's stock price is due to random chance. To put this into perspective, discovering a correlation this strong due to sheer luck would be akin to stumbling upon a four-leaf clover while blindfolded – highly improbable, to say the least.
Fig. 1 presents a visual representation of our key findings. The scatterplot graphically depicts the substantial correlation between the popularity of the name "Bo" and ZBH's stock price, resembling the unmistakable resemblance between two eerily similar peas in a pod or the symmetrical alignment of a perfectly matched pair of socks - a rare sight, indeed.
Overall, our results signify a compelling association between the first name "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings, underscoring the unexpected ways in which seemingly unrelated factors can intertwine in the financial landscape. Our investigation lays bare the intriguing interplay of names and stocks, reminding us that in the serious domain of economics and finance, there is always room for a bit of whimsy and quirkiness.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our study has illuminated a remarkably strong correlation between the popularity of the first name "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH). It appears that the whimsical world of names and the serious realm of stock prices have collided in a most unexpected and inexplicable manner.

The correlation coefficient of 0.9183319 and the r-squared value of 0.8433335 indicate a connection so strong, it's as if "Bo" and ZBH's stock price were performing a well-rehearsed tango, with perfect chemistry and impeccable timing—truly a sight to behold. And with a p-value of less than 0.01, the likelihood of this correlation being purely coincidental is about as probable as finding a needle in a haystack, in a barn, on a moonless night, during a solar eclipse.

Our findings underscore the importance of considering the offbeat and unexpected in the world of finance. Much like stumbling upon a vintage comic book in a stack of paperwork or discovering a four-leaf clover in your morning cereal, the correlation between "Bo" and ZBH's stock price reminds us that serendipity and finance can make for delightful bedfellows.

In light of these revelations, we recommend that market analysts and financial experts pay heed to the influence of seemingly unrelated elements, and perhaps even incorporate a bit of whimsy into their forecasts. Who knows, embracing the playful unpredictability of names might just yield surprising insights into market behavior.

In essence, our study highlights the unyielding, yet lighthearted, interconnectedness of seemingly disparate phenomena. Given the resounding evidence of the "Bo" and ZBH correlation, it is clear that further research in this area would be the equivalent of trying to improve on the perfection of a classic dad joke – simply unnecessary. The "Bo Knows Stocks" era has reached its zenith, leaving us with a statistical marvel and a newfound appreciation for the delightful peculiarity of the financial world.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited Bo Knows Stocks: The Bo Name Popularity and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' Stock Price. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Quirky Economics

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited Bo Knows Stocks: The Bo Name Popularity and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' Stock Price. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Name Trends and Market Analysis

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Bo Knows Stocks: The Bo Name Popularity and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' Stock Price with an abstract of This paper explores the unexpected connection between the popularity of the first name "Bo" and the stock price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH). While "Bo" may conjure images of fun-loving goofballs like Bo Jackson and Bo Burnham, it turns out that the correlation between this name's popularity and ZBH's stock price is nothing to laugh at. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), our research team established a correlation coefficient of 0.9183319 and a p-value of less than 0.01 for the period from 2002 to 2022. This study sheds light on the potential influence of quirky coincidences on stock market dynamics and the importance of taking a lighthearted approach to academia.

ChatGPT:

"Bo name popularity", "Zimmer Biomet Holdings stock price", "correlation coefficient", "US Social Security Administration data", "LSEG Analytics", "stock market dynamics", "influence of quirky coincidences", "academic research", "name popularity correlation", "stock market correlation", "stock price analysis"

*There is a bunch of Python happening behind the scenes to turn this prompt sequence into a PDF.

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Data details

Popularity of the first name Bo
Detailed data title: Babies of all sexes born in the US named Bo
Source: US Social Security Administration
See what else correlates with Popularity of the first name Bo

Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH)
Detailed data title: Opening price of Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH) on the first trading day of the year
Source: LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv)
Additional Info: ^{See full details} Via Microsoft Excel Stockhistory function

See what else correlates with Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH)

Correlation r = 0.9183319 (Pearson correlation coefficient)
Correlation is a measure of how much the variables move together. If it is 0.99, when one goes up the other goes up. If it is 0.02, the connection is very weak or non-existent. If it is -0.99, then when one goes up the other goes down. If it is 1.00, you probably messed up your correlation function.

r² = 0.8433335 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 84.3% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH)) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Bo) over the 21 years from 2002 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 4.4E-9.^Show 0.0000000043888992666657090000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme.^Note More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

But I am a p-villain. I absolutely did not test only one pair of variables one time. I correlated hundreds of millions of pairs of variables. I threw boatloads of data into an industrial-sized blender to find this correlation.

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.92 in 4.4E-7% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 227,847,563 random variables^Note You don't actually need 227 million variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

p-value calculations are useful for understanding the probability of a result happening by chance. They are most useful when used to highlight the risk of a fluke outcome. For example, if you calculate a p-value of 0.30, the risk that the result is a fluke is high. It is good to know that! But there are lots of ways to get a p-value of less than 0.01, as evidenced by this project.

In this particular case, the values are so extreme as to be meaningless. That's why no one reports p-values with specificity after they drop below 0.01.

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 20 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 20 because we have two variables measured over a period of 21 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.81, 0.97 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

This one is a bit more complciated than the other calculations, but I include it because many people have been pushing for confidence intervals instead of p-value calculations (for example: NEJM. However, if you are dredging data, you can reliably find yourself in the 5%. That's my goal!

All values for the years included above: ^Note If I were being very sneaky, I could trim years from the beginning or end of the datasets to increase the correlation on some pairs of variables. I don't do that because there are already plenty of correlations in my database without monkeying with the years.

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.

	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Popularity of the first name Bo (Babies born)	173	203	215	279	297	307	282	305	274	311	308	344	427	451	479	453	515	524	545	662	641
Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH) (Stock price)	29.37	40.44	68.66	77.82	65.59	76.4	64.24	39.6	57.52	52.46	52.83	65.56	89.83	110.76	98.06	100.73	117.34	99.81	145.44	150.96	123.5

Why this works

Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
Lack of causal connection: There is probably^Note Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple^Note Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.

Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. ^{Show the steps to do this.} Step 1: Download and install Python on your computer.

Step 2: Open a plaintext editor like Notepad and paste the code below into it.

Step 3: Save the file as "calculate_correlation.py" in a place you will remember, like your desktop. Copy the file location to your clipboard. On Windows, you can right-click the file and click "Properties," and then copy what comes after "Location:" As an example, on my computer the location is "C:\Users\tyler\Desktop"

Step 4: Open a command line window. For example, by pressing start and typing "cmd" and them pressing enter.

Step 5: Install the required modules by typing "pip install numpy", then pressing enter, then typing "pip install scipy", then pressing enter.

Step 6: Navigate to the location where you saved the Python file by using the "cd" command. For example, I would type "cd C:\Users\tyler\Desktop" and push enter.

Step 7: Run the Python script by typing "python calculate_correlation.py"

If you run into any issues, I suggest asking ChatGPT to walk you through installing Python and running the code below on your system. Try this question:

"Walk me through installing Python on my computer to run a script that uses scipy and numpy. Go step-by-step and ask me to confirm before moving on. Start by asking me questions about my operating system so that you know how to proceed. Assume I want the simplest installation with the latest version of Python and that I do not currently have any of the necessary elements installed. Remember to only give me one step per response and confirm I have done it before proceeding."

# These modules make it easier to perform the calculation
import numpy as np
from scipy import stats

# We'll define a function that we can call to return the correlation calculations
def calculate_correlation(array1, array2):

    # Calculate Pearson correlation coefficient and p-value
    correlation, p_value = stats.pearsonr(array1, array2)

    # Calculate R-squared as the square of the correlation coefficient
    r_squared = correlation**2

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([173,203,215,279,297,307,282,305,274,311,308,344,427,451,479,453,515,524,545,662,641,])
array_2 = np.array([29.37,40.44,68.66,77.82,65.59,76.4,64.24,39.6,57.52,52.46,52.83,65.56,89.83,110.76,98.06,100.73,117.34,99.81,145.44,150.96,123.5,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Bo"
array_2_name = "Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH)"

# Perform the calculation
print(f"Calculating the correlation between {array_1_name} and {array_2_name}...")
correlation, r_squared, p_value = calculate_correlation(array_1, array_2)

# Print the results
print("Correlation Coefficient:", correlation)
print("R-squared:", r_squared)
print("P-value:", p_value)

Reuseable content

You may re-use the images on this page for any purpose, even commercial purposes, without asking for permission. The only requirement is that you attribute Tyler Vigen. ^Note Attribution can take many different forms. If you leave the "tylervigen.com" link in the image, that satisfies it just fine. If you remove it and move it to a footnote, that's fine too. You can also just write "Charts courtesy of Tyler Vigen" at the bottom of an article.

You do not need to attribute "the spurious correlations website," and you don't even need to link here if you don't want to. I don't gain anything from pageviews. There are no ads on this site, there is nothing for sale, and I am not for hire.

For the record, I am just one person. Tyler Vigen, he/him/his. I do have degrees, but they should not go after my name unless you want to annoy my wife. If that is your goal, then go ahead and cite me as "Tyler Vigen, A.A. A.A.S. B.A. J.D." Otherwise it is just "Tyler Vigen."

When spoken, my last name is pronounced "vegan," like I don't eat meat.

Full license details.
For more on re-use permissions, or to get a signed release form, see tylervigen.com/permission.

Download images for these variables:

High resolution line chart ^Note The image linked here is a Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG). It is the highest resolution that is possible to achieve. It scales up beyond the size of the observable universe without pixelating. You do not need to email me asking if I have a higher resolution image. I do not. The physical limitations of our universe prevent me from providing you with an image that is any higher resolution than this one.

If you insert it into a PowerPoint presentation (a tool well-known for managing things that are the scale of the universe), you can right-click > "Ungroup" or "Create Shape" and then edit the lines and text directly. You can also change the colors this way.

Alternatively you can use a tool like Inkscape.
High resolution line chart, optimized for mobile
Alternative high resolution line chart
Scatterplot
Portable line chart (png)
Portable line chart (png), optimized for mobile
Line chart for only Popularity of the first name Bo
Line chart for only Zimmer Biomet Holdings' stock price (ZBH)
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Bo Knows Stocks: The Bo Name Popularity and Zimmer Biomet Holdings' Stock Price

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Correlation ID: 2829 · Black Variable ID: 3661 · Red Variable ID: 1866


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