Dee Shore

Nov 11, 2011

Trade adjustment assistance

The U.S. and the world have been moving toward more open and freer trade. Although this has benefits, it also certainly costs some workers. Do we have any specific programs for helping workers who have been disadvantaged by the more open world trade? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 10, 2011

Who is wealthy?

There's been a lot of recent comments and concerns not only about the distribution of income in the country, but also about the distribution of wealth. What is the difference between income and wealth? And how has the distribution of wealth changed over time? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Nov 9, 2011

Consumer debt

Economists say a large part of the slow recovery from the recession is resulting from consumers paying down on their debts and consequently not spending like they used to. Has there really been that much improvement in consumer debt management? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 8, 2011

Some good state budget news

The news hasn’t been good in recent years for North Carolina's state budget. With the recession, revenues have lagged, and that resulted in our elected state officials having to make some tough budget choices. But things are looking up a bit, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Nov 7, 2011

Economics and voting

Voter turnout is always a big issue in elections. Is there any evidence that the condition of the economy effects just how many people decide to vote? N.C. State University Mike Walden takes a look at the issue. 

Nov 4, 2011

The Nobel winners

Two U.S. economists -- Thomas Sargent and Christopher Simms -- recently shared the annual Nobel Prize in economics. Why did they receive this coveted award? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 3, 2011

Economic thinkers

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden is reading a new book by Sylvia Nasser, author of “A Beautiful Mind.” Her latest effort looks at the great 19th and 20th century economic thinkers -- those people largely responsible for how we view the economy today. Walden explains the book's relevance to today’s economic problems. 

Nov 2, 2011

Retirement spending

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden and his wife, Mary, are both considered senior citizens. The economist explains how their expenses will change once they retire. 

Nov 1, 2011

Rebirth of the furniture industry

During much of the 20th century furniture was one of the leading industries in North Carolina. However, in the last couple of decades, furniture manufacturing has gone through a tremendous downsizing in both workers and production. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers the industry's future. 

Oct 31, 2011

Why patents?

Consumers and buyers don’t like monopolies because they don’t give us choice. Yet when the government provides someone with a patent, isn’t that exactly what they’re doing, creating a monopoly? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in.