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Some good state budget news

Economic Perspective

Nov 18, 2011

Agribusiness in North Carolina

North Carolina recently finished another successful State Fair in North Carolina. What does agriculture, which the fair celebrates, mean to North Carolina? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 17, 2011

Work hours

In judging the economy, the number of jobs receives the greatest attention. But if we think about it, how many hours people work is also important in assessing the health of the employment market. Do we have data that tracks work hours, and if so what does it tell us? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 16, 2011

Domestic and foreign investing

It’s often easy to look at things as a zero-sum game -- that is, if I win you lose. But the world doesn’t always work like that, and there can be many win-win situations. A new study found such a win-win in international trade. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Nov 15, 2011

Excess reserves

One of the criticisms heard today about banks is that they have available money to lend but they’re just not making loans with this money. Critics say if those funds were loaned, there would be a burst of economic activity. How valid is this criticism? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 14, 2011

Seeing government spending

Government spending is a topic that interests almost everyone. And, as N.C. State University economist Mike Walden reports, what government spends money on influence how we react to that spending. 

Nov 11, 2011

YOU DECIDE: Is college still worth the cost?

The high cost of college and a poor job market have left some questioning whether a college education is worth the cost. Mike Walden discusses. 

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.