What do current dollars refer to?

Current dollars refer to nominal values that have not been adjusted for price changes over time. This means they represent the value of money at the time it is measured, without accounting for inflation or other economic factors that might affect purchasing power in the future. Therefore, when discussing current dollars, you're essentially looking at a snapshot of monetary value at present, reflecting the actual amount of currency that would be exchanged for goods and services today.

In contrast, values adjusted for inflation would fall under a different category, often referred to as "real dollars," where price changes are taken into account to provide a clearer picture of purchasing power over time. Projected future values relate to estimates about what money will be worth or how much it will be in the future, rather than the current state. Values factoring in depreciation typically concern asset valuation and accounting practices, also not applicable in the context of current dollars. Overall, understanding current dollars is crucial for analyzing economic data without the distorting effects of inflation.