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Economic Perspective

Dec 14, 2011

North Carolina's productivity

One of the ways states compete for business is on the quality of their workforce. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in on how North Carolina ranks on a key workforce measure. 

Dec 13, 2011

Who pays for Medicare?

As our federal elected officials look for ways to reduce the growth in the national debt, big federal medical programs like Medicare have come under scrutiny. Why is Medicare being included in these discussions? 

Dec 12, 2011

Good news on GDP

Most economists seem to cheer the latest news on the economy. Gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the economy, rose 2.5 percent on an annual basis in the third quarter. What does this mean? Why is it important? And should we be happy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Dec 9, 2011

YOU DECIDE: Why is it hard to get a loan?

Why aren't banks and other institutions making loans? Mike Walden discusses. 

Dec 9, 2011

New poverty measures

Poverty is a major barometer of our economy, but measuring it can be tricky. The U.S. Census, which counts poverty, made some major changes in its calculation methods. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Dec 8, 2011

The age wealth gap

A report was just released documenting how differences in wealth between the young and the elderly have changed in recent decades. In terms of wealth, are we coming together or growing apart? N.C. State University economist answers. 

Dec 7, 2011

Is the import honeymoon over?

Products from foreign countries are often lower in price. But is this advantage of imports disappearing? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses. 

Dec 6, 2011

Cheaper to buy?

There are really two real estate markets for consumers: the buying market and the renting market. They don’t necessarily move in the same direction. What has been happening to prices in each market, and what does that imply about the relative benefits of buying a home or renting? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 5, 2011

Is college still worth the cost?

Getting a college degree used to be a guarantee for landing a good paying job. But no more. Like millions of other people, many workers with college degrees have lost their jobs, and many new college graduates can’t find a job in their field. Does this mean young people should re-evaluate? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether going to college is still worthwhile. 

Dec 2, 2011

Who's hiring?

Although there’ve been more than 2 million jobs created nationwide during the last two years, there are still 6 million people unemployed who had jobs before the recession. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says small companies are the ones most likely to consider hiring someone who's unemployed.