Mike Walden

Dec 13, 2024

You Decide: What Are The Impacts of Tariffs?

What are tariffs? How are they used? And can they help encourage domestic companies expand? Economist Mike Walden breaks down the ins and outs of tariffs, and what they mean for both businesses and consumers. 

Nov 29, 2024

You Decide: Will Prices Decline?

Economist Mike Walden explains how inflation, the prices of goods and services, and workers’ pay rates affect household purchasing power. 

Nov 15, 2024

You Decide: Is the Economy Passing Its Annual Evaluation?     

Economist Mike Walden explains how we can examine the health of the U.S. economy, using both short- and long-term measurements. 

Oct 18, 2024

You Decide: Is Economic Growth Spreading in North Carolina?

By Mike Walden North Carolina’s economy has been a powerhouse of growth in recent decades. The state has been recognized by several organizations as one of the top places for… 

Oct 4, 2024

You Decide: What Does the Fed’s Rate Cut Mean?

NC State economist Mike Walden says the Federal Reserve’s recent reduction of its interest rate could be a net plus or a net minus, depending on the reasons behind it, what it implies about the economy and its effects on investments. 

Sep 20, 2024

You Decide: Why Is There Confusion About the Job Market?

Numbers about the economy are constantly thrown at us. Economist Mile Walden helps shed some light on how to interpret them and what they mean. 

Sep 6, 2024

You Decide: Can the President Control the Economy?

Because the state of the U.S. economy affects everyone, presidential candidates’ economic policies attract a lot of attention. Here’s how a president can — and can’t — influence the U.S. economy. 

Aug 9, 2024

You Decide: What Will AI Mean for North Carolina Jobs?

By Mike Walden AI — short for “artificial intelligence”— is the technology wiz of the moment. One-third of businesses are now using AI, with the number expected to rapidly climb.… 

Jul 26, 2024

Did COVID Permanently Change the Labor Market?

Economist Mike Walden says the pandemic could have long-term effects on the workplace beyond virtual work and meetings, depending on population growth and tech trends. 

Jul 12, 2024

You Decide: Have Cities Reached Their Peak?

Are there signs of a rural renaissance in North Carolina? Economist Mike Walden tracks population trends.