about · email me · subscribe
Spurious correlation #3,093 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Butter consumption and the second variable is Cummins' stock price (CMI).  The chart goes from 2002 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As butter consumption increased, so did the demand for delicious, buttery pastries. This led to a spike in happiness levels, prompting more people to invest in their personal joy, including recreational vehicles made by Cummins, ultimately driving up the stock price. So, you could say that buttery croissants and motorhomes are on a surprisingly smooth and profitable journey together!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image with a steampunk style, depicting a cozy kitchen scene. People are happily spreading butter on their toast, with joyful expressions as they take a bite. In the background, a steampunk-style stock ticker on the wall displays Cummins' (CMI) stock price steadily rising, reflecting increased investor confidence. The warm ambiance of the kitchen reflects an overall sense of optimism and positivity. 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: Butter consumption and Cummins' stock price (CMI). 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: 3D Pixar Style Oragami Scalar art Art nouveau Steampunk
ChatGPT: Steampunk

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 Butter consumption and Cummins' stock price (CMI), in the following situation: Because as people buttered their toast, they became more "butterly" optimistic about life, leading to happier moods, which in turn boosted their confidence in investing in Cummins' stock. After all, a little bit of butter can make everything butter, I mean better!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a cozy kitchen, people cheerfully spread butter on their toast, with smiles growing on their faces as they take a bite. Meanwhile, a stock ticker on the wall shows Cummins' (CMI) stock price steadily rising, indicating increased investor confidence. The warm ambiance of the kitchen reflects the overall sense of optimism and positivity as the buttered toast brings joy and the rising stock price adds to a sense of optimism about the future.

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: [ Steampunk ] and depicting this scene: In a cozy kitchen, people cheerfully spread butter on their toast, with smiles growing on their faces as they take a bite. Meanwhile, a stock ticker on the wall shows Cummins' (CMI) stock price steadily rising, indicating increased investor confidence. The warm ambiance of the kitchen reflects the overall sense of optimism and positivity as the buttered toast brings joy and the rising stock price adds to a sense of optimism about the future. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image with a steampunk style, depicting a cozy kitchen scene. People are happily spreading butter on their toast, with joyful expressions as they take a bite. In the background, a steampunk-style stock ticker on the wall displays Cummins' (CMI) stock price steadily rising, reflecting increased investor confidence. The warm ambiance of the kitchen reflects an overall sense of optimism and positivity.

*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.

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 Butter consumption caused Cummins' stock price (CMI) to increase. Make it feel plausible.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Spreading Investment Butter: Uncovering the Correlation Between Butter Consumption and Cummins' Stock Price

The Journal of Culinary Finance and Investment

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!
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 researcher writing an academic paper.You write titles and abstracts of goofy academic research papers.
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, and add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Butter consumption and Cummins' stock price (CMI). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title punny if you can come up with clever pun. If not, just make it sound clever.

Your research team used data from USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122 and p < 0.01 for 2002 to 2021.

Please respond in this format (replace "Lorem ipsum dolor sit" with your title and abstract)

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
Spreading Investment Butter: Uncovering the Correlation Between Butter Consumption and Cummins' Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical examination of the curious correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Drawing on extensive data from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) for the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team has unearthed a connection that is delightfully intriguing. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122 and p < 0.01, the linkage between these seemingly unrelated elements begs further investigation. Our findings challenge traditional notions of stock market analysis, bringing a buttery twist to the world of finance. Join us on this uniquely flavorful journey as we churn through the data and spread light on the unexpected relationship between butter and stock performance.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.You draft the introduction 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 introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Butter consumption and Cummins' stock price (CMI). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Spreading Investment Butter: Uncovering the Correlation Between Butter Consumption and Cummins' Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical examination of the curious correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Drawing on extensive data from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) for the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team has unearthed a connection that is delightfully intriguing. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122 and p < 0.01, the linkage between these seemingly unrelated elements begs further investigation. Our findings challenge traditional notions of stock market analysis, bringing a buttery twist to the world of finance. Join us on this uniquely flavorful journey as we churn through the data and spread light on the unexpected relationship between butter and stock performance.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
[[INTRODUCTION]]

Welcome, fellow scholars and seekers of financial enlightenment, to a study that promises to butter you up and churn your perceptions of stock market analysis. In the grand tradition of strange bedfellows, we bring to light the intriguing correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Our research endeavors to spread the word about this unorthodox relationship and, perhaps, add a dash of flavor to the world of investment analysis.

As financiers and food connoisseurs alike know, the stock market is often considered a melting pot of economic indicators and market forces. But who would have thought that a humble dairy product could whip up such an interesting statistical finding? The buttery smoothness of this correlation has us positively agog with excitement.

In this paper, we aim to delve into the luscious layers of this enchanting link, exploring the data within a margarine of error to uncover its creamy core. We'll first provide a spread of background information on both butter consumption trends and Cummins' stock performance before delving into the methods we used to churn through the data. Then, we udderly reveal our findings, accompanied by some entirely unrelated dairy puns – because, let’s be honest, when else does academia give us a license to milk every possible joke?

So, grab your favorite spread and a pair of stock market goggles, and let's dive into the unexpected merger of butter and stock performance. This research promises to be a gouda one – pun intended. We hope it will be an udderly enlightening experience for all who join us on this deliciously whimsical journey.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.You draft a literature review section of an academic research paper, that starts out dry for the first few sentences but then becomes hilarious and goofy.
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 literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Butter consumption and Cummins' stock price (CMI). Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Speak in the present tense for this section (the authors find...), as is common in academic research paper literature reviews. Name the sources in a format similar to this: In "Book," the authors find lorem and ipsum.

Make up the lorem and ipsum part, but make it sound related to the topic at hand.

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then devolve ever further, and mention something completely ridiculous, like you conducted literature review by reading the backs of shampoo bottles.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Spreading Investment Butter: Uncovering the Correlation Between Butter Consumption and Cummins' Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical examination of the curious correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Drawing on extensive data from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) for the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team has unearthed a connection that is delightfully intriguing. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122 and p < 0.01, the linkage between these seemingly unrelated elements begs further investigation. Our findings challenge traditional notions of stock market analysis, bringing a buttery twist to the world of finance. Join us on this uniquely flavorful journey as we churn through the data and spread light on the unexpected relationship between butter and stock performance.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Welcome, fellow scholars and seekers of financial enlightenment, to a study that promises to butter you up and churn your perceptions of stock market analysis. In the grand tradition of strange bedfellows, we bring to light the intriguing correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Our research endeavors to spread the word about this unorthodox relationship and, perhaps, add a dash of flavor to the world of investment analysis.
As financiers and food connoisseurs alike know, the stock market is often considered a melting pot of economic indicators and market forces. But who would have thought that a humble dairy product could whip up such an interesting statistical finding? The buttery smoothness of this correlation has us positively agog with excitement.
In this paper, we aim to delve into the luscious layers of this enchanting link, exploring the data within a margarine of error to uncover its creamy core. We'll first provide a spread of background information on both butter consumption trends and Cummins' stock performance before delving into the methods we used to churn through the data. Then, we udderly reveal our findings, accompanied by some entirely unrelated dairy puns – because, let’s be honest, when else does academia give us a license to milk every possible joke?
So, grab your favorite spread and a pair of stock market goggles, and let's dive into the unexpected merger of butter and stock performance. This research promises to be a gouda one – pun intended. We hope it will be an udderly enlightening experience for all who join us on this deliciously whimsical journey.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The link between Butter consumption and Cummins' stock price (CMI) has been the subject of fascination and bewilderment in academic circles. Smith et al. (2015) first brought attention to the intersection of these seemingly disparate realms, highlighting a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. However, as we spread through the literature, more recent studies by Doe and colleagues (2019) and Jones et al. (2020) have further churned the debate, provoking curiosity and raising questions about the underlying mechanisms.

Turning to more general sources of knowledge, the non-fiction books "The Economics of Dairy Products" and "Stock Markets for Dummies" offer limited but insightful perspectives on elements that could align with our present inquiry. On a more fictional note, the literary works of "Butterflies and Bull Markets: A Tale of Financial Transformation" and "The Butter Conspiracy: A Stock Market Thriller" provide an imaginative take on the intriguing interplay of dairy and finance. It's worth mentioning that all these sources, albeit helpful, fail to wholly capture the peculiar connection we are investigating.

Diving even further into the depths of literature, our research team has spared no expense in scouring every possible source for insights into this unique correlation. From the back of old cereal boxes to the labels of canned soup, and even the perplexing yet captivating narratives on the backs of shampoo bottles – no stone has been left unturned in our quest for understanding. While some may scoff at the unorthodox approach, we firmly believe that innovation in knowledge acquisition is, much like a well-dressed slice of bread, the foundation of progress.

Our search has also led us to unconventional sources, including the oral traditions of ancient civilizations, where whispered tales of butter and stock price movements were said to hold the secrets of prosperity. While we must, unfortunately, report a lack of empirical rigor in these anecdotes, the sheer delight of exploring such unexpected realms has truly been a journey in and of itself.

Though our survey of the literature has taken us on a rather whimsical tour, it is crucial to note that the results of our investigation emerge from a rigorous analysis of data that is - for all intents and purposes - more enriching than a warm croissant smothered in the finest butter. A deeper understanding of the butter-stock price connection promises to spread a new layer of insight on markets and the delightful eccentricities awaiting discovery within their complex movements.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Butter consumption and Cummins' stock price (CMI). 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 USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) . You used data from 2002 to 2021

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]]
Spreading Investment Butter: Uncovering the Correlation Between Butter Consumption and Cummins' Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical examination of the curious correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Drawing on extensive data from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) for the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team has unearthed a connection that is delightfully intriguing. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122 and p < 0.01, the linkage between these seemingly unrelated elements begs further investigation. Our findings challenge traditional notions of stock market analysis, bringing a buttery twist to the world of finance. Join us on this uniquely flavorful journey as we churn through the data and spread light on the unexpected relationship between butter and stock performance.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Welcome, fellow scholars and seekers of financial enlightenment, to a study that promises to butter you up and churn your perceptions of stock market analysis. In the grand tradition of strange bedfellows, we bring to light the intriguing correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Our research endeavors to spread the word about this unorthodox relationship and, perhaps, add a dash of flavor to the world of investment analysis.
As financiers and food connoisseurs alike know, the stock market is often considered a melting pot of economic indicators and market forces. But who would have thought that a humble dairy product could whip up such an interesting statistical finding? The buttery smoothness of this correlation has us positively agog with excitement.
In this paper, we aim to delve into the luscious layers of this enchanting link, exploring the data within a margarine of error to uncover its creamy core. We'll first provide a spread of background information on both butter consumption trends and Cummins' stock performance before delving into the methods we used to churn through the data. Then, we udderly reveal our findings, accompanied by some entirely unrelated dairy puns – because, let’s be honest, when else does academia give us a license to milk every possible joke?
So, grab your favorite spread and a pair of stock market goggles, and let's dive into the unexpected merger of butter and stock performance. This research promises to be a gouda one – pun intended. We hope it will be an udderly enlightening experience for all who join us on this deliciously whimsical journey.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To uncover the mystery behind the tempting correlation between butter consumption and Cummins' stock price, our research team employed a blend of quantitative and qualitative techniques that could rival the finest recipe for a savory spread. We must confess that our methods were not as plain as butter on toast – they were more like a complex layer cake of data aggregation and analysis.

First, to ascertain butter consumption patterns, we meticulously combed through the USDA's records, sifting through an ocean of dairy-related statistics, and squeezing out every last drop of relevant information. We took the approach of spreading out our data collection over multiple years to get the cream of the crop for our analysis.

On the flip side, to track Cummins' stock price performance, we turned to the sprawling marketplace that is LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv). Like skilled master bakers, we kneaded the data, allowing it to rise and develop before making a full-bodied comparison.

Once we had our ingredients – or rather, datasets – in tow, we began to stir the pot, employing a series of statistical analyses that would satisfy even the most discerning connoisseur. The Pearson correlation coefficient was our trusty whisk, allowing us to see if there was a buttery-smooth relationship between the two variables. We also utilized regression analysis to churn through the data, seeking to uncover any underlying factors that might have a hand in shaping this unexpected alliance.

In the spirit of scholarly cross-pollination, we then filtered our results through a qualitative lens, seeking the wisdom of seasoned financial analysts and dairy industry experts. We engaged in interviews and focus groups, gently probing for insights and perspectives that might help us butter understand the underlying forces at play.

Butter be warned – our methods were as rich and complex as a decadent buttercream frosting, with just a hint of statistical spice thrown in for good measure. For this particular research, we felt it was essential to have a diverse array of tools in our culinary arsenal. And thus, we embarked on a journey that was as nuanced and multifaceted as the flavors of a perfectly crafted croissant.

With our analysis now freshly baked and ready for consumption, we prepare to share our findings with the academic community. So, grab a seat at the table, spread a dollop of curiosity on your scholarly bread, and let's dig into the delectable results. It's bound to be a gouda time!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.You draft the results section of an academic research paper. You speak in the past tense (you found...).
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 results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Butter consumption and Cummins' stock price (CMI). 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 USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) .

For the time period 2002 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.9488122, r-squared of 0.9002445, and p < 0.01.

One figure will be included. The figure (Fig. 1) is a scatterplot showing the strong correlation between the two variables. You don't need to specify where; I will add the figure.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Spreading Investment Butter: Uncovering the Correlation Between Butter Consumption and Cummins' Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical examination of the curious correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Drawing on extensive data from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) for the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team has unearthed a connection that is delightfully intriguing. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122 and p < 0.01, the linkage between these seemingly unrelated elements begs further investigation. Our findings challenge traditional notions of stock market analysis, bringing a buttery twist to the world of finance. Join us on this uniquely flavorful journey as we churn through the data and spread light on the unexpected relationship between butter and stock performance.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Welcome, fellow scholars and seekers of financial enlightenment, to a study that promises to butter you up and churn your perceptions of stock market analysis. In the grand tradition of strange bedfellows, we bring to light the intriguing correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Our research endeavors to spread the word about this unorthodox relationship and, perhaps, add a dash of flavor to the world of investment analysis.
As financiers and food connoisseurs alike know, the stock market is often considered a melting pot of economic indicators and market forces. But who would have thought that a humble dairy product could whip up such an interesting statistical finding? The buttery smoothness of this correlation has us positively agog with excitement.
In this paper, we aim to delve into the luscious layers of this enchanting link, exploring the data within a margarine of error to uncover its creamy core. We'll first provide a spread of background information on both butter consumption trends and Cummins' stock performance before delving into the methods we used to churn through the data. Then, we udderly reveal our findings, accompanied by some entirely unrelated dairy puns – because, let’s be honest, when else does academia give us a license to milk every possible joke?
So, grab your favorite spread and a pair of stock market goggles, and let's dive into the unexpected merger of butter and stock performance. This research promises to be a gouda one – pun intended. We hope it will be an udderly enlightening experience for all who join us on this deliciously whimsical journey.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

Our investigation into the unexpected affinity between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. has brought forth findings that are sure to butter up the minds of investors and food enthusiasts alike. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122, an r-squared value of 0.9002445, and a p-value of less than 0.01, our research has delivered a spread of statistical evidence that cannot be margarined.

As shown in Fig. 1, our scatterplot vividly illustrates the strong positive correlation between butter consumption and Cummins' stock price, enticing viewers to ponder the dairy dimensions of investment dynamics. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “How can butter possibly influence the stock market? Is this the new churn of events?” While we can't quite butter the answer to that question, our findings certainly churn up curiosity.

The strength of the correlation coefficient, close to 1, indicates a remarkably tight relationship between these seemingly disparate variables. For years, we thought the only churn in financial markets was associated with churning out quarterly reports, but the buttery smoothness of this connection has left us positively flabbergasted.

One might be tempted to think that our findings are just a fluke, a pat of statistical luck, but with an r-squared value of 0.9002445, we can confidently say that around 90% of the variability in Cummins' stock price can be explained by changes in butter consumption. It's a statistically significant relationship that can't be dismissed as mere spread speculation.

With a p-value of less than 0.01, our results have surpassed the most stringent of statistical thresholds. This means that the likelihood of observing such a strong relationship between butter consumption and stock price purely by chance is less than the probability of finding a four-leaf clover in your margarine tub – highly improbable, to say the least.

In conclusion, our research has unveiled a link between butter consumption and Cummins' stock price that is richer than a buttercream frosting. We’ve effectively churned through the numbers and come out with a tantalizing revelation that challenges conventional perceptions of market analysis. This unexpected marriage of dairy delight and stock market performance is indeed a topic that is worth spreading.

So, let’s raise our metaphorical toast – or perhaps a real one slathered in butter – to the delightful surprise that has emerged from our investigation.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Butter consumption and Cummins' stock price (CMI). 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]]
Spreading Investment Butter: Uncovering the Correlation Between Butter Consumption and Cummins' Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical examination of the curious correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Drawing on extensive data from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) for the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team has unearthed a connection that is delightfully intriguing. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122 and p < 0.01, the linkage between these seemingly unrelated elements begs further investigation. Our findings challenge traditional notions of stock market analysis, bringing a buttery twist to the world of finance. Join us on this uniquely flavorful journey as we churn through the data and spread light on the unexpected relationship between butter and stock performance.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The link between Butter consumption and Cummins' stock price (CMI) has been the subject of fascination and bewilderment in academic circles. Smith et al. (2015) first brought attention to the intersection of these seemingly disparate realms, highlighting a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. However, as we spread through the literature, more recent studies by Doe and colleagues (2019) and Jones et al. (2020) have further churned the debate, provoking curiosity and raising questions about the underlying mechanisms.
Turning to more general sources of knowledge, the non-fiction books "The Economics of Dairy Products" and "Stock Markets for Dummies" offer limited but insightful perspectives on elements that could align with our present inquiry. On a more fictional note, the literary works of "Butterflies and Bull Markets: A Tale of Financial Transformation" and "The Butter Conspiracy: A Stock Market Thriller" provide an imaginative take on the intriguing interplay of dairy and finance. It's worth mentioning that all these sources, albeit helpful, fail to wholly capture the peculiar connection we are investigating.
Diving even further into the depths of literature, our research team has spared no expense in scouring every possible source for insights into this unique correlation. From the back of old cereal boxes to the labels of canned soup, and even the perplexing yet captivating narratives on the backs of shampoo bottles – no stone has been left unturned in our quest for understanding. While some may scoff at the unorthodox approach, we firmly believe that innovation in knowledge acquisition is, much like a well-dressed slice of bread, the foundation of progress.
Our search has also led us to unconventional sources, including the oral traditions of ancient civilizations, where whispered tales of butter and stock price movements were said to hold the secrets of prosperity. While we must, unfortunately, report a lack of empirical rigor in these anecdotes, the sheer delight of exploring such unexpected realms has truly been a journey in and of itself.
Though our survey of the literature has taken us on a rather whimsical tour, it is crucial to note that the results of our investigation emerge from a rigorous analysis of data that is - for all intents and purposes - more enriching than a warm croissant smothered in the finest butter. A deeper understanding of the butter-stock price connection promises to spread a new layer of insight on markets and the delightful eccentricities awaiting discovery within their complex movements.

[[RESULTS]]
Our investigation into the unexpected affinity between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. has brought forth findings that are sure to butter up the minds of investors and food enthusiasts alike. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122, an r-squared value of 0.9002445, and a p-value of less than 0.01, our research has delivered a spread of statistical evidence that cannot be margarined.
As shown in Fig. 1, our scatterplot vividly illustrates the strong positive correlation between butter consumption and Cummins' stock price, enticing viewers to ponder the dairy dimensions of investment dynamics. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “How can butter possibly influence the stock market? Is this the new churn of events?” While we can't quite butter the answer to that question, our findings certainly churn up curiosity.
The strength of the correlation coefficient, close to 1, indicates a remarkably tight relationship between these seemingly disparate variables. For years, we thought the only churn in financial markets was associated with churning out quarterly reports, but the buttery smoothness of this connection has left us positively flabbergasted.
One might be tempted to think that our findings are just a fluke, a pat of statistical luck, but with an r-squared value of 0.9002445, we can confidently say that around 90% of the variability in Cummins' stock price can be explained by changes in butter consumption. It's a statistically significant relationship that can't be dismissed as mere spread speculation.
With a p-value of less than 0.01, our results have surpassed the most stringent of statistical thresholds. This means that the likelihood of observing such a strong relationship between butter consumption and stock price purely by chance is less than the probability of finding a four-leaf clover in your margarine tub – highly improbable, to say the least.
In conclusion, our research has unveiled a link between butter consumption and Cummins' stock price that is richer than a buttercream frosting. We’ve effectively churned through the numbers and come out with a tantalizing revelation that challenges conventional perceptions of market analysis. This unexpected marriage of dairy delight and stock market performance is indeed a topic that is worth spreading.
So, let’s raise our metaphorical toast – or perhaps a real one slathered in butter – to the delightful surprise that has emerged from our investigation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our results have reinforced and expanded upon prior research regarding the buttery connection to stock performance. Smith et al.'s (2015) initial revelation of a significant relationship between butter consumption and Cummins' stock price has been bolstered by our findings, reaffirming the dairy-dimensional dynamics within the investment world. The statistical significance of our correlation coefficient of 0.9488122 further solidifies the notion that butter consumption and stock values are indeed whirled together in a rich and creamy amalgamation.

Building on the captivating journey of Jones et al. (2020), who questioned the underlying mechanisms of this correlation, our study has sought to churn through the data and spread light on the unexpected relationship. As we churn through the economics of dairy products and the stock market, the strength of our correlation coefficient nears 1, emphasizing a tight positive relationship that is thicker than the richest cream. This not only supports the previous research but also presents a robust argument for the influence of butter consumption on stock fluctuations.

Moreover, our findings, with an r-squared value of 0.9002445, offer a spread of evidence that explains nearly 90% of the variability in Cummins' stock price by changes in butter consumption. This echoes the sentiments of Doe and colleagues (2019) by providing a deeper understanding of the butter-stock price connection and its ability to spread a new layer of insight on market movements.

While our exploration may seem whimsical, we cannot overlook the seriousness of our results. With a p-value of less than 0.01, our findings not only surpass the most stringent of statistical thresholds but also present a less likely scenario than finding a four-leaf clover in a margarine tub. This emphasizes the robustness of our study, an unmistakable validation of the potential influence of butter consumption on stock performance.

In summary, our research has revealed a link between butter consumption and Cummins' stock price that is indeed richer than a buttercream frosting. By filling the gap in the literature with empirical evidence, our study has not just churned, but whipped up an engaging discussion worthy of interest and perhaps a chuckle along the way. This leads us to the enticing revelation that challenges traditional perceptions of market analysis, ultimately making us wonder, what other odd connections are waiting to be uncovered?


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a researcher writing an academic paper.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 Butter consumption and Cummins' stock price (CMI). 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]]
Spreading Investment Butter: Uncovering the Correlation Between Butter Consumption and Cummins' Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper presents a whimsical examination of the curious correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Drawing on extensive data from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) for the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team has unearthed a connection that is delightfully intriguing. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122 and p < 0.01, the linkage between these seemingly unrelated elements begs further investigation. Our findings challenge traditional notions of stock market analysis, bringing a buttery twist to the world of finance. Join us on this uniquely flavorful journey as we churn through the data and spread light on the unexpected relationship between butter and stock performance.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Welcome, fellow scholars and seekers of financial enlightenment, to a study that promises to butter you up and churn your perceptions of stock market analysis. In the grand tradition of strange bedfellows, we bring to light the intriguing correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Our research endeavors to spread the word about this unorthodox relationship and, perhaps, add a dash of flavor to the world of investment analysis.
As financiers and food connoisseurs alike know, the stock market is often considered a melting pot of economic indicators and market forces. But who would have thought that a humble dairy product could whip up such an interesting statistical finding? The buttery smoothness of this correlation has us positively agog with excitement.
In this paper, we aim to delve into the luscious layers of this enchanting link, exploring the data within a margarine of error to uncover its creamy core. We'll first provide a spread of background information on both butter consumption trends and Cummins' stock performance before delving into the methods we used to churn through the data. Then, we udderly reveal our findings, accompanied by some entirely unrelated dairy puns – because, let’s be honest, when else does academia give us a license to milk every possible joke?
So, grab your favorite spread and a pair of stock market goggles, and let's dive into the unexpected merger of butter and stock performance. This research promises to be a gouda one – pun intended. We hope it will be an udderly enlightening experience for all who join us on this deliciously whimsical journey.

[[RESULTS]]
Our investigation into the unexpected affinity between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. has brought forth findings that are sure to butter up the minds of investors and food enthusiasts alike. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122, an r-squared value of 0.9002445, and a p-value of less than 0.01, our research has delivered a spread of statistical evidence that cannot be margarined.
As shown in Fig. 1, our scatterplot vividly illustrates the strong positive correlation between butter consumption and Cummins' stock price, enticing viewers to ponder the dairy dimensions of investment dynamics. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “How can butter possibly influence the stock market? Is this the new churn of events?” While we can't quite butter the answer to that question, our findings certainly churn up curiosity.
The strength of the correlation coefficient, close to 1, indicates a remarkably tight relationship between these seemingly disparate variables. For years, we thought the only churn in financial markets was associated with churning out quarterly reports, but the buttery smoothness of this connection has left us positively flabbergasted.
One might be tempted to think that our findings are just a fluke, a pat of statistical luck, but with an r-squared value of 0.9002445, we can confidently say that around 90% of the variability in Cummins' stock price can be explained by changes in butter consumption. It's a statistically significant relationship that can't be dismissed as mere spread speculation.
With a p-value of less than 0.01, our results have surpassed the most stringent of statistical thresholds. This means that the likelihood of observing such a strong relationship between butter consumption and stock price purely by chance is less than the probability of finding a four-leaf clover in your margarine tub – highly improbable, to say the least.
In conclusion, our research has unveiled a link between butter consumption and Cummins' stock price that is richer than a buttercream frosting. We’ve effectively churned through the numbers and come out with a tantalizing revelation that challenges conventional perceptions of market analysis. This unexpected marriage of dairy delight and stock market performance is indeed a topic that is worth spreading.
So, let’s raise our metaphorical toast – or perhaps a real one slathered in butter – to the delightful surprise that has emerged from our investigation.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

Our whimsical journey through the buttery labyrinth of stock market analysis has led us to a conclusion that is as rich as a buttery croissant and as satisfying as a well-timed dividend payout. The correlation we've uncovered between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI) is a delightful surprise that cannot be margarined. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122, an r-squared value of 0.9002445, and a p-value of less than 0.01, our findings are so statistically significant that they make even the most stoic economist crack a smile and reach for a tub of margarine.

The strong positive correlation we've unveiled suggests that butter consumption may indeed be the unsung hero of the stock market, quietly churning in the background while investors ponder the market's ups and downs. It's a theory almost as deliciously absurd as a chocolate cake made solely of butter, but our data has churned and separated any doubts like a dairy dream.

While our study may leave some scratching their heads and feeling a bit buttered up, it's clear that this unexpected relationship between butter and stock performance is not just a pat of statistical luck. The numbers don't butter, err, lie. With a p-value of less than 0.01, the likelihood of this connection being a fluke is about as probable as finding a diamond-studded cow in a butter factory – highly unlikely at best.

In the grand tradition of academic conclusions, we propose that no more research is needed in this area. We've churned through the data, spread our findings, and whipped up enough evidence to leave even the most skeptical skeptic thoroughly convinced. So, let's raise a toast to this udderly delightful revelation and spread the word about the dairy dimensions of investment dynamics. As far as butter and stock price correlations go, our findings are gouda enough to spread like, well, butter. Case closed – with a dollop of delight.


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 Spreading Investment Butter: Uncovering the Correlation Between Butter Consumption and Cummins' Stock Price. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Culinary Finance and Investment


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 Spreading Investment Butter: Uncovering the Correlation Between Butter Consumption and Cummins' Stock Price. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Dairy Economics and Financial 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 Spreading Investment Butter: Uncovering the Correlation Between Butter Consumption and Cummins' Stock Price with an abstract of This paper presents a whimsical examination of the curious correlation between butter consumption and the stock price of Cummins Inc. (CMI). Drawing on extensive data from the USDA and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) for the period from 2002 to 2021, our research team has unearthed a connection that is delightfully intriguing. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9488122 and p < 0.01, the linkage between these seemingly unrelated elements begs further investigation. Our findings challenge traditional notions of stock market analysis, bringing a buttery twist to the world of finance. Join us on this uniquely flavorful journey as we churn through the data and spread light on the unexpected relationship between butter and stock performance.

ChatGPT:

butter consumption, stock price correlation, Cummins Inc., CMI, USDA data, LSEG Analytics, Refinitiv, stock market analysis, finance, correlation coefficient, p-value, unconventional stock market correlations, stock performance, relationship between butter consumption and stock price

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



Random correlation

Discover a new correlation

View all correlations

View all research papers

Report an error


Data details

Butter consumption
Detailed data title: Per capita consumption of Butter in the US
Source: USDA
See what else correlates with Butter consumption

Cummins' stock price (CMI)
Detailed data title: Opening price of Cummins (CMI) on the first trading day of the year
Source: LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv)
Additional Info: Via Microsoft Excel Stockhistory function

See what else correlates with Cummins' stock price (CMI)

Correlation r = 0.9488122 (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 = 0.9002445 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 90% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Cummins' stock price (CMI)) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Butter consumption) over the 20 years from 2002 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.9E-10. 0.0000000001901728225789512200
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. 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 0.95 in 1.9E-8% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 5,258,374,916 random variables You don't actually need 5 billion 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 19 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 19 because we have two variables measured over a period of 20 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.

[ 0.87, 0.98 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
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: 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.
20022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Butter consumption (Pounds per person)4.44.54.54.54.74.7554.95.45.55.55.55.65.75.766.26.36.5
Cummins' stock price (CMI) (Stock price)9.657.0512.2321.0322.5929.8163.7426.8246.35111.0890.45111.5140.43145.2286.75138.25177.51131.22180.02227.68




Why this works

  1. 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.
  2. Lack of causal connection: There is probably 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.
  3. 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 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.
  4. Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves. Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
    Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.




Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. 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([4.4,4.5,4.5,4.5,4.7,4.7,5,5,4.9,5.4,5.5,5.5,5.5,5.6,5.7,5.7,6,6.2,6.3,6.5,])
array_2 = np.array([9.65,7.05,12.23,21.03,22.59,29.81,63.74,26.82,46.35,111.08,90.45,111.5,140.43,145.22,86.75,138.25,177.51,131.22,180.02,227.68,])
array_1_name = "Butter consumption"
array_2_name = "Cummins' stock price (CMI)"

# 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. 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:


View another random correlation

How fun was this correlation?

Your rating is pure awesomeness!


Correlation ID: 3093 · Black Variable ID: 557 · Red Variable ID: 1814
about · subscribe · emailme@tylervigen.com · twitter

CC BY 4.0