Answer: trending upward over time.

## Explanation Earnings growth is most likely to exceed GDP growth when the ratio of corporate profits to GDP is **trending upward over time**. This relationship occurs because: - When corporate profits are growing as a percentage of GDP, it means corporate earnings are growing faster than the overall economy - An increasing profit-to-GDP ratio indicates that corporations are capturing a larger share of economic output - If the ratio is trending upward, corporate earnings growth must be outpacing GDP growth - Conversely, if the ratio is trending downward, corporate earnings growth is lagging GDP growth This relationship is fundamental to understanding how corporate earnings growth relates to overall economic growth. **Correct Answer: C**

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