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You Decide: What should be done now?

Research

Aug 19, 2010

Energy costs

There haven't been too many complaints about gas prices this summer. Are energy prices finally behaving themselves? North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Aug 18, 2010

Expiring tax cuts

Some federal tax rates are scheduled to increase next year unless Congress takes action. Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist, explains how people will be affected. 

Aug 17, 2010

News on North Carolina’s job market

Jobs and unemployment are the most important economic factors for most people. In his latest Economic Perspective, Dr. Mike Walden, a North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist, says a recent jobs report for North Carolina is encouraging. 

Aug 16, 2010

Retail sales

The latest national report on retail sales showed consumers actually spent less in June compared to May. Since consumer spending is such an important part of the economy, is this bad news? Extension economist Mike Walden shares his point of view. 

Aug 13, 2010

Consumer prices

Inflation -- how fast the prices of common products go up -- is important to most households. What is the latest status of inflation? Is it good or bad? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, weighs in. 

Aug 12, 2010

Why can’t economists agree?

Everyone is looking for answers to today’s economic situation. Policy makers often turn to economists for advice on what to do, but economists don’t always give the same answer. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Aug 11, 2010

Are home prices still too high?

Some economists see the direction of home prices as a key factor for the fledgling economic recovery. The big question both sellers and buyers want to know is with prices down almost 30 percent over the past three years, have they reached the bottom yet? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, weighs in. 

Aug 10, 2010

Is debt a problem for everyone?

Economists have pointed out that American households took on substantial debt over the past 30 years. Many households are now scrambling to pay down on debt, and this is one reason why consumer spending has been slow. But do all households have to worry about debt? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, responds. 

Aug 9, 2010

Social Security payouts

Many people think of Social Security as almost a bank account: You put your money in while working, earn some interest and then withdraw the funds when you are retired. But is that the way Social Security operates? NCSU's Dr. Mike Walden responds. 

Aug 6, 2010

You Decide: What should be done now?

Worries persist about the economy. Progress is being made in very small steps, and some economists openly talk about a return to recessionary conditions (the “double dip”) within a year. People want something done, and they’re looking to government -- particularly the federal government -- to get the economy moving. Economist Mike Walden comments on options.