Dee Shore

Jan 3, 2012

Cultures and currencies

The European countries of the euro zone have been struggling over just how to continue to support that currency. Are their problems simply due to their large degree of diversity in fiscal affairs? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Jan 2, 2012

The wealth recession

Everyone who looks at the economy is trying to decide why it’s still sluggish and has not responded to the stimulus that the federal government provided. Is there an easy answer? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden shares his opinion. 

Dec 26, 2011

Weight and wages

There’s no doubt we, as a people, have become heavier. Both obesity rates and overweight rates are at record levels. Is there any evidence to suggest that a person’s weight has any impact on what they earn by working? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 23, 2011

Prices and poverty

It’s easy to assume that most people pay the same prices for products and services they buy. In fact, this assumption is implicit in comparing how standards of living for different households change over time. But is it really accurate to say we all pay the same prices? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 22, 2011

Demography and income inequality

The differences in income among various groups of households is of keen interest today, but before we make conclusions about these differences, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, it's important to look beneath the surface at underlying factors that may contribute to those differences. 

Dec 21, 2011

Using time off

If someone loses his or her job -- as many people have in the last few years -- that unemployed person does gain something: time. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden comments on on how the unemployed use their extra time? 

Dec 20, 2011

Why aren't banks lending?

Even for someone with a good credit rating, it's difficult now to get a loan. Why? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Dec 19, 2011

A good job report

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says the latest all-important job report from North Carolina brought good news. 

Dec 16, 2011

Should you buy local

There’s a movement to help the economy by buying local. The argument is this keeps money in the country and therefore creates more jobs. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden outlines the pluses and the minuses of this idea. 

Dec 15, 2011

Christmas hiring

Hiring usually picks up around the Christmas season as retailers and other businesses gear up for the extra buying that’s expected. But with the economy still challenged and unemployment near 10 percent, will we see much additional hiring this year? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.