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The above are pretty good guidelines but I would rather say that for questions on things that fluctuate and are measured in the relatively short term (EG, UE, Inflation, x rates) then learn 1) as above. Conversely, for topics that are necessarily long term, (structural change, micro reform, CAD (parts)) then the vast majority of relevant information may be outside the past 10 years. (eg deregulation, privatisation in the 80's 90's etc)so what I have gathered:
1) recent years( economic activity) = 2000 - 2008 (pre gfc) + 2008/09( GFC) + 2010+ ( post gfc)
2) recent stats = 3-4 years unless some major change such as during inflationary targeting
3) policy in recent years = some mention of 8os, 90s and mostly on 2000+