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You Decide: Can We Predict the Economy?                         

Economic Perspective

Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

Feb 20, 2026

You Decide: What’s Wrong With the Job Market?        

NC State economist Mike Walden breaks down the latest U.S. job statistics and the factors causing businesses to be hesitant about hiring. 
Economist Mike Walden

Feb 6, 2026

You Decide: What’s the Best Tax?

NC State economist Mike Walden delves into all things taxes, weighing whether some are better than others, which carry the most burden for taxpayers and what kind of tax is best. 
Economist Mike Walden

Jan 23, 2026

You Decide: Can the Beat Go On?

Economist Mike Walden explores how North Carolina can balance the benefits of being the No. 1 state in economic development against the downsides of being the No. 1 state in economic growth. 
Economist Mike Walden

Jan 9, 2026

You Decide: Can We Repeat the Success of the 1990s?

Economist Mike Walden discusses the economically 'perfect decade' of the 1990s and whether a similar stretch of economic prosperity could be re-created today. 
Economist Mike Walden

Dec 26, 2025

You Decide: Which Kevin Will Win?

NC State economist Mike Walden looks ahead to a potential change in leadership for the Federal Reserve and what that could mean for economic policy. 
Economist Mike Walden

Dec 12, 2025

You Decide: Should You Be Smiling or Frowning at 2026?

The economic future often seems murky and tangled when forecasting the next year. NC State economist Mike Walden highlights factors that could shape early trends in 2026. 
Economist Mike Walden

Nov 28, 2025

You Decide: How to Cope With the Affordability Crisis?

NC State economist Mike Walden talks about the rising cost of living, from food to housing, what's driving the trend and how consumers can manage their budgets. 
Economist Mike Walden

Nov 14, 2025

You Decide: Will AI Be a Net Plus?

NC State economist Mike Walden weighs the pros and cons of artificial intelligence on various aspects of our lives, from health care to employment. 
Economist Mike Walden

Oct 31, 2025

You Decide: Why Are Gas Prices Down, Food Prices Up?

Economist Mike Walden delves into why the prices of food and gasoline are moving in opposite directions, and how consumers can adjust. 
Economist Mike Walden

Oct 17, 2025

You Decide: Can We Predict the Economy?                         

NC State economist Mike Walden reflects on the imperfect science of predicting economic trends with ever-changing models and consumer behavior.