Skip to main content
Where do we go from here?

Research

Dec 13, 2012

Gas price trends

There’s been reason to smile lately because gas prices have been falling. Why? And will the decline continue? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 12, 2012

Better spending power

Economists and others are always looking for indicators for future trends. One indicator suggests consumer finances are vastly improved, thereby setting the stage for faster growth. What is this positive measure? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Dec 11, 2012

Is more borrowing a good sign?

Government data show consumer borrowing for mortgages, car loans and other reasons is beginning to rise after several years of falling. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether this is a positive sign for the economy – or if it means trouble ahead. 

Dec 10, 2012

Workers and economic growth

Although the economy has been expanding and jobs have been increasing, the pace of improvement has been slow. Does this mean we’re stuck with unemployment rates much higher than we’d like? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Dec 7, 2012

YOU DECIDE: Can we make sense of deficits, debts and all that?

The nation is focused on the fiscal cliff and efforts to tame the federal government's financial affairs. Mike Walden explains the major elements of the conversation. 

Dec 7, 2012

The up, down and up of housing

There’s finally some optimism about the housing market as prices, sales and construction have all begun to rebound. But how far does housing have to go to get back to where it was? And will it ever get back to that level? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 6, 2012

Suffering from a cost disease

There are certain parts of our economy -- such as health care and education -- where prices seem to be rising consistently faster than in other sectors. Is there a fundamental economic reason behind this? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 5, 2012

Guaranteeing jobs

Jobs continue to be the country’s number one economic concern. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses a bold but simple plan another economist has offered for increasing jobs. 

Dec 5, 2012

CEFS report describes conservation practices for hog production

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) has released a new report entitled Conservation Practices in Outdoor Hog Production Systems: Findings and Recommendations from the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. 

Dec 4, 2012

Where do we go from here?

The country has voted, and now the discussion is about the public issues to be addressed in the upcoming years. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden is asked to use his crystal ball to predict those key issues and debates.