Author: Dee Shore

Aug 5, 2013

What’s down with gold?

After a spectacular run for several years, gold’s value is down almost one-third over the past year. Many gold investors are stunned, but should they be? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Aug 2, 2013

Doctor pay and performance

Health-care costs continue to be both the big social and economic issue. One idea to moderate these costs is to tie doctors’ salaries to their performance records. But does the idea have merit? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Aug 1, 2013

Student Perspectives: Diane Silcox

National award-winning Ph.D. student Diane Silcox is developing biological solutions with economic savings for managing damage from the hunting billbug, a relatively new pest in North Carolina's warm-season turf. 

Aug 1, 2013

High school graduation rates

Education is a key focus in both our country and state. Many studies clearly link educational attainment to economic development. Are we becoming more successful in moving young people through the educational system, particularly in at least finishing high school? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jul 31, 2013

The risk of bonds

Bonds are a key investing option. But recently there’s been a lot of discussion of the impact of rising interest rates and bonds and the returns that investors in bonds might make. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Jul 30, 2013

Staying away from cars

The automobile has been a staple of American society and culture for almost a century. Decade after decade, car ownership increased. But as N.C. State University economist Mike Walden points out to his wife, Mary, we are seeing changes in those trends, especially among younger households. 

Jul 29, 2013

Home computers and school performance

Perhaps the most important public goal at the national, state, and local levels is improving K-12 student performance. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden highlights a recent study on whether computers at home help kids at school. 

Jul 26, 2013

What ails North Carolina’s economy?

Our state is recovering from the great recession, but slowly. Unemployment in North Carolina still remains stubbornly high. What is the major problem holding back our economy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jul 25, 2013

What do schools do?

When we think about K-12 schools, we think about preparing young people for a career or for going on to college. But, as N.C. State University economist Mike Walden points out to host Mary Walden, that’s not all that schools contribute. 

Jul 24, 2013

Booming states

Although the nation has been in an economic recovery for over three years, not all states have improved at the same rate. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether there are some common elements of a state’s economy that seem to have helped.