Upward and downward absolute income mobility indices were calculated according to changes in adult equivalent income that exceeded 20% of initial income (Figure 1.9). Between 2004 and 2008, about 59% of households experienced upward absolute income mobility, while about 18% were subjected to downward mobility. What is remarkable is that downward absolute income mobility was more significant in urban areas (23.4%) than in rural areas (16.8%), and among the richest (38.6%). In contrast, upward absolute income mobility was more significant among ethnic minority groups (74.1%) and households at the bottom of the income ladder. However, these results needs to be interpreted with caution, as small changes in income will affect more the mobility experience of low-income households and less that of richer households.