Research

Jul 7, 2014

The rise of the consuming class

The world economy has been changing dramatically in recent decades. Many see some of the changes as negative, with foreign competition increasing and jobs moving from our country to others. Host Mary Walden asks her husband, NC State economist Mike Walden, “Are there other changes ahead that may be more positive?”

Jul 4, 2014

You Decide: How Can Communities Revive?

North Carolina has communities that need reviving – both in cities and in rural areas. Are there any pointers New York City can give? Dr. Mike Walden offers some suggestions.

Jun 30, 2014

Falling income from working

New statistics just released show that the proportion of households’ financial resources from working is at a thirty-year low, host Mary Walden says. She asks her husband, NC State economist Mike Walden, “What kind of resources have taken up the slack?”

Jun 23, 2014

Marriage and income

Finding a life mate is both exciting and fun, but also sometimes difficult, says host Mary Walden. “Has anything changed economically speaking in the search for a soul mate?” she asks her husband, NC State economist Mike Walden.

Jun 20, 2014

You Decide: Is Small the New Big?

The advantages of bigness in companies may be changing, says Dr. Mike Walden. And the most significant game-changer helping small firms today may be technology.

Jun 16, 2014

Resource revolution

Economists wonder where the “next big thing” will be. That is, what will be the next industry that will employ people and create growth? I understand some people say it may be an industry that creates a positive out of a negative, says host Mary WaIden. She asks her husband, NC State economist Mike Walden, “What is it?”

Jun 9, 2014

Voting with their feet

There’s a theory in economics that says if residents are unhappy with their local taxes, they will be more likely to move. Host Mary Walden asks her husband, NC State economist Mike Walden, “Is there any evidence supporting this idea?”

Jun 6, 2014

You Decide: How are we doing?

Soon It will be five years since the bottom of the economic recession. Is the economy is better today than it was five years ago, and, if so, how much better? Mike Walden looks at some of the key economic measures, particularly for North Carolina.

Jun 2, 2014

Can gray become green in rural regions?

Many older adults move when they retire, while many rural areas are lagging in economic growth. Host Mary Walden asks her husband, NC State University economist Mike Walden, “Can these two facts be put together to create economic improvement?”

May 26, 2014

Why have gas prices jumped?

Gas prices rose about 40 cents a gallon between last November and this spring. There are always many theories explaining movements in gas prices, says host Mary Walden. Which one makes most sense to you, she asks her husband, NC State University economist Dr. Mike Walden.