News

Jun 21, 2011

Can two live cheaper than one?

Besides friendship and maybe love, one reason typically given for two people to share living expenses is that it’s cheaper on a per person basis. But, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, the data don’t necessarily support this assumption. 

Jun 20, 2011

New car prices

Consumers have complained about gas and food prices for a while. But now there may be something else we can add to the list -- car prices. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Jun 17, 2011

Which –ism should we use?

When it comes to choosing ways to pick up the economy, policy makers can choose from several competing economic philosophies. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the three main approaches. 

Jun 16, 2011

Marybeth Brey: Fishing for answers

Ph.D. student Marybeth Brey is finding new ways to analyze how introduced species change food webs in Lake Norman. Her research won first prize in the natural resources category for N.C. State University's Graduate Student Research Symposium. 

Jun 16, 2011

Consumers reacting

Although many may not realize it, consumers have a lot of power in our economy. In many ways consumers are in the driver’s seat in their decisions about buying. Can consumer’s behavior really have an impact on the economy, for example, on gas prices? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jun 15, 2011

Money and prices

There’s an old saying in economics that inflation results from too much money chasing too few goods and services. With the Federal Reserve having printed almost $2.5 trillion of currency in the last three years, is this the reason we’re starting to see the inflation rate jump? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says there's been a lot of debate about this. 

Jun 14, 2011

Dueling inflation measures

People are increasingly worried about inflation, but to know if inflation is a problem we have to be able to accurately measure it. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains various options. 

Jun 13, 2011

The Baltic Dry Index

We’re always looking for indicators of the economic future. One rather good indicator is called the Baltic Dry Index. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what this simple index is. 

Jun 13, 2011

'Almanac Gardener' resumes on WUNC-TV

“Almanac Gardener” resumes its run on WUNC-TV on June 18. Taking viewers through the finer points of garden planning, maintenance and blooming innovation, the show features Mike Gray and fellow experts from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at N.C. State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 

Jun 10, 2011

YOU DECIDE: What's holding back the economy?

Spring brought us hot temperatures and a cool economy. Mike Walden evaluates the chances for a robust economic recovery and better job growth.