Identifying time series trends

What you need to know

Identify overarching trends running through time series data visually by inspection.
Calculate 4-point, or other mathematically appropriate, moving averages to effectively smooth volatility and reveal underlying trends.
Construct an accurate trend line physically on a time series graph, drawing it either by eye or by referencing calculated moving averages.
Interpret the gradient of constructed trend lines to assess the rate and overarching direction of change within the time series.