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How’s commercial real estate doing?

Research

Jun 8, 2012

Investing in a college degree

In today’s economy, is spending money to obtain a college degree worthwhile? And if so, are there caveats to that generalization? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers, pointing out factors prospective college students should consider as they decide whether college will work for them. 

Jun 7, 2012

The rental society

A new book argues that renting has replaced owning for many people and that this is not a bad thing. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains the author’s reasoning. 

Jun 6, 2012

Will the euro survive?

Elections in France and Greece have again raised questions about the financial stability of the European Union and the future of the common currency called the euro. Might Europe reach a point where member countries each go back to their own currency? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jun 5, 2012

Was the jobs report disappointing?

The latest national jobs report showed 115,000 net new non-farm jobs created last month. This resulted in a reduction in the unemployment rate from 8.2 percent to 8.1 percent. But 500,000 people also dropped out of the labor force. So was this a positive or a negative report? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jun 4, 2012

Retailers respond

Traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers and online sellers continue to battle for the consumer dollar. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden outlines the latest in this head-to-head confrontation. 

Jun 1, 2012

Is government getting smaller?

A national newspaper recently carried a headline stating that government in the United States has been getting smaller. Given all the borrowing and spending the federal government has done during the recession, can this be true? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

May 31, 2012

Electric vehicles and the environment

Typically people are interested in purchasing electric-powered vehicles for three reasons: They get better fuel economy, they avoid buying expensive gasoline, and they want to help the environment by reducing pollutants. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers the last reason and whether purchasing electric-powered vehicles always helps the environment. 

May 30, 2012

Digital manufacturing

We are in what some call the digital age, an age of era of computers, tablets and smart phones. But now the word digital is being used in another context – in digital manufacturing. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

May 29, 2012

Estimated cost of losing a job

Losing your job can be devastating, in more ways than one. How much, in dollars and cents, does such a lost cost a person? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

May 28, 2012

How’s commercial real estate doing?

Just as in residential real estate, there was a big pullback in the commercial real estate during the recession. But now that the broad economy is in a recovery, do we also see improvement in commercial real estate? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers.