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The 15% tax rate

Research

Mar 2, 2012

Missing the housing bust

Released minutes of Federal Reserve meetings in 2006 indicated the majority of members were not concerned about the housing market, and they did not foresee a crash in this market that would pull down the rest of the economy. How could such smart people ultimately be so wrong? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Mar 1, 2012

The new job report

What did the national January job report show? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the highlights of the good report. 

Feb 29, 2012

Living alone

A record number of Americans now live alone. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden takes a look at what’s behind this phenomenon. 

Feb 28, 2012

Improving investment returns

For investors who don’t want to take much risk with their money, the current financial environment is challenging. Rates of return on low-risk investments are very low. Is there anything that safe investors can do to improve the situation? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Feb 27, 2012

Is manufacturing back?

Is there a real revival of manufacturing in the United States, or is it just talk? And if it’s real, is it generating jobs? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 
CALS Magazine Happy Piggy

Feb 24, 2012

People, pigs and infant formula

People, pigs and infant formula would seem a strange combination, but a study involving baby pigs reveals much about what makes a nutritious (human) infant formula. 

Feb 24, 2012

The euro problem

The economic problems in Europe with the euro and potential default of some countries continue. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden gives a thumbnail sketch of the essential issue. 

Feb 23, 2012

Are interest rates artificially low?

By many measures interest rates are at a generation low. But all folks aren’t happy with this situation, and some say the government is purposefully holding interest rates down. N.C. State University Mike Walden takes a look at the issue. 

Feb 22, 2012

Is government a business?

We’re in an important political election year, and so many political issues are being discussed. Some people argue that government should be run like a business. But what does this mean? And can it work? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Feb 21, 2012

The 15% tax rate

Controversy has arisen about the tax rate some higher income folks pay. It is sometimes much less than what middle- and maybe lower-income households pay. How can this arise? And is it fair? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.