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Taking advantage

Economic Perspective

Nov 7, 2011

Economics and voting

Voter turnout is always a big issue in elections. Is there any evidence that the condition of the economy effects just how many people decide to vote? N.C. State University Mike Walden takes a look at the issue. 

Nov 4, 2011

The Nobel winners

Two U.S. economists -- Thomas Sargent and Christopher Simms -- recently shared the annual Nobel Prize in economics. Why did they receive this coveted award? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 3, 2011

Economic thinkers

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden is reading a new book by Sylvia Nasser, author of “A Beautiful Mind.” Her latest effort looks at the great 19th and 20th century economic thinkers -- those people largely responsible for how we view the economy today. Walden explains the book's relevance to today’s economic problems. 

Nov 2, 2011

Retirement spending

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden and his wife, Mary, are both considered senior citizens. The economist explains how their expenses will change once they retire. 

Nov 1, 2011

Rebirth of the furniture industry

During much of the 20th century furniture was one of the leading industries in North Carolina. However, in the last couple of decades, furniture manufacturing has gone through a tremendous downsizing in both workers and production. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers the industry's future. 

Oct 31, 2011

Why patents?

Consumers and buyers don’t like monopolies because they don’t give us choice. Yet when the government provides someone with a patent, isn’t that exactly what they’re doing, creating a monopoly? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Oct 28, 2011

YOU DECIDE: Why has economic inequality increased?

What's behind the growing gap between those with more income and wealth and those with less? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses. 

Oct 28, 2011

Left digit bias

When applied to buying, what does left-digit bias mean, and why is it important? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains this psychological concept. 

Oct 27, 2011

The effect of job tax credits

One way the government can try to stimulate job creation is through the tax code by providing businesses hiring new workers with one-time tax credits. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden reviews what research studies have to say about how well this actually works. 

Oct 26, 2011

Taking advantage

There are always glass-half-empty and glass-half-full people. When it comes to today's economy, it seems most people are glass-half-empty -- or even completely empty -- when it comes to the economy. But are there some positive ways to look at today’s financial situation, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden.