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Tough to start

Economic Perspective

Sep 24, 2010

Down shifting in the economy

One of the most watched gauges on the economy -- the growth rate in real gross domestic product -- was released recently, and it raised some eyebrows. N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Sep 23, 2010

The changing job picture

We face two big job questions: First, will jobs come back? And second, where will the new jobs be? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden tackles the second question. 

Sep 22, 2010

Is there an ‘easy button’ for the economy?

Everyone is looking for a way to improve the economy, add jobs and increase incomes. But is there an easy way to reach these goals? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden responds. 

Sep 21, 2010

Gas prices and vehicle purchases

When gas prices soared in the mid 2000s, it affected our driving and what vehicles we bought. But more precisely, what happened when gas prices soared to almost $4 a gallon? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden summarizes what studies reveal. 

Sep 20, 2010

Where did we splurge?

Pushed by a good stock market and soaring housing prices, American households went on a buying binge before the recession. During those earlier buying years, what kinds of products were consumers snapping up? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden responds. 

Sep 17, 2010

Who benefits from e-commerce?

What’s called e-commerce -- or online shopping -- has grown by leaps and bounds. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden talks about the kind of businesses that benefit the most from e-commerce. 

Sep 17, 2010

YOU DECIDE: When will bank lending bounce back?

Businesses need loans to expand, and new businesses need loans to start. But banks aren't lending. Mike Walden discusses why banks aren't lending. 

Sep 16, 2010

Metro income growth

Recently the U.S. Commerce Department released numbers for income growth between 2007 and 2009 in metropolitan areas. Some of the results were surprising, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Sep 15, 2010

Spending by the rich

Legend has it that the writer F. Scott Fitzgerald said the rich are different: They have more money. While the very rich are a relatively small percentage of the economy, they are often the focus of economic policy. Extension economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Sep 14, 2010

Tough to start

Our economy relies on entrepreneurs, or people starting new businesses, to propel our economy forward. N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden explains what we know about these frontier investors.