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Economic inequality

Economic Perspective

Dec 1, 2011

Looking ahead to Christmas selling

It’s well known that the Christmas buying season is a make or break time for many businesses. How strong will buying be this year? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden provides his outlook. 

Nov 30, 2011

Operation Twist

The Federal Reserve’s policies are always of interest, because they play such a key role in the economy. Recently the Fed ended one program called QE2 and began a new one termed Operation Twist. What have they stopped doing and what are they now doing instead? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 29, 2011

Unfilled jobs

There are a reported 3.2 million job openings in the country. With the total number of unemployed people at 14 million, we might think these openings wouldn’t last long. But they have. N.C. State University economists points out the possible reasons. 

Nov 28, 2011

A changed consumer

A couple of years ago, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden said the recession we were experiencing was going to change consumer habits: out would be the heavy borrowing and spending, and in would be saving and frugality. Was he right? 

Nov 25, 2011

YOU DECIDE: Should you buy local?

The buy local movement seeks to keep money in the U.S., creating jobs. But there are tradeoffs. Mike Walden discusses. 

Nov 25, 2011

Trends in the state labor market

The last job report for North Carolina was challenging. The state lost more than 20,000 jobs, and cuts were made in both the private and public sectors. The state unemployment rate climbed to 10.5 percent. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what's going on. 

Nov 24, 2011

Debate over multipliers

One of the factors involved in the debate about the president’s proposed jobs plan is how the money will flow through the economy. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses that factor. 

Nov 23, 2011

Tax base and tax rate

Tax plans are flying-off the presses from the various presidential candidates. These plans can be complicated with many details, but two concepts common to all are the tax base and tax rate. What are these, and why are they important? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 22, 2011

An increase for Social Security

The federal government recently announced Social Security recipients will get a 3.6 percent increase in their pension next year. For the average Social Security recipient, this amounts to $39 more per month. N.C. State University discusses the reasons for the small increase. 

Nov 21, 2011

Economic inequality

The protesters on Wall Street and in other cities have many issues with the economy. One of them is economic inequality between households. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains their concern and what can be done about it.