Youdon'thavetounderstandthestockmarkettoproveacountryis...

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You don't have to understand the stock market to prove a country is having a difficult economic time. You have only to look at lipstick sales to see how big an economic downturn a country faces. Sales of make-up like lipstick go up when the economy is bad and go down when the economy improves. This is called the "Lipstick Effect."

The lipstick effect goes as far back as the Great Depression of the 1930s. During this time period many jobs were lost and many factories closed, but sales of cosmetics (化妆品) rose. In Germany, although many people lost jobs, the biggest cosmetic company did not need to sack a single worker. More recently in the USA, during the hard times of 1990 and 2001 more workers were needed in the cosmetic industry while other companies were cutting workers. And it was even said that, after the terrorist attacks of September 11, lipstick sales doubled!

Researchers have discovered that when times get hard and there is less money to spend on large, expensive products like new cars, designer shoes, or jewelry, women buy little things to improve their mood. Most of these things are cosmetics and the most popular one women buy is lipstick. A new color of lipstick can sometimes be enough to brighten a woman's mood. A similar thing happens when men shop during an economic slowdown. They have less money to spend but they still want to treat themselves, so they buy smaller, less costly goods instead of sports cars or new houses.

41. What happens to sales of lipstick when the economy is good?

A. Less lipstick is sold.

B. It is much easier to sell lipstick.

C. Lipstick sells at an increased price.

D. They make up the largest part of cosmetics sales.

42. What would become of a big cosmetic company during the Great Depression?

A. They gave employees a special job. B. It functioned normally or even better.

C. They would employ someone for a short time. D. They dismissed many workers.

43. During the economic slowdown, women consider lipstick as something that______.

A. is helpful in finding a job

B. can provide a big change to their look

C. is more necessary than any other goods