Economic Perspective

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Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:36:47 -0500

For the latest economic news from N.C. State University's Mike Walden, visit the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' brand new news center. We hope you'll update your bookmarks, visit the new site and subscribe to the podcast.

Do we need another stimulus?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:31:28 -0500

Although there have been some positive signs in the economy we still have big problems -- not the least of which is high unemployment. This has led some observers to say we need another government stimulus plan. Are they right?

Controlling gas prices

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:40:54 -0500

Many people would like to see gas prices controlled by either federal or state government. They think gas prices are too vital to most household budgets to allow them to go to lofty levels. What would be the economics of such an idea?

We're not last in saving

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:37:40 -0500

One thing American households haven't done well in recent decades is save money. For a while the personal saving rate in the United States was zero. But many things have changed since the recession. Where do we rank now on putting money aside for the future?

Where does the money come from?

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:27:55 -0500

Some people are calling for a second federal stimulus plan to help the economy. But wouldn't borrowing money for more government spending simply cause private spending to fall resulting in a no-net effect on the economy?

China's currency move

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:36:49 -0500

Recently China indicated it would let the value of its currency fluctuate more frequently. Why did this happen? And what impact will it have in the United States?

Income mobility

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:18:17 -0500

When we talk about rich, middle-income and poor households, we discuss them in a static way: We often assume rich stay rich, middle-class people are always middle class and the poor remain poor. But is this a good assumption?

Is a double dip coming?

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:38:56 -0500

Although the economy has improved, some recent numbers suggest a slowdown. For example, the broadest measure of economic growth was cut by .5 percent in its final revision. So could we be headed into another recession?

Who's creating the jobs?

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:48:57 -0500

Jobs appear to be coming back, but the unemployment rate is still near 10 percent. Should those looking for jobs expect better luck with existing companies or new firms?

North Carolina economic leaders

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:00:08 -0500

Several measures suggest the economy has turned the corner. When we look at North Carolina, which sectors and regions have done the best?

Growth versus frugality

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:42:51 -0500

Economic policymakers in most countries, including the United States, are facing a trade off. Do they continue to support the struggling economy through more government spending, or do they cut spending and focus on reducing debt. Is there an easy answer?

North Carolina's economic outlook

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:30:18 -0500

The summer version of the North Carolina economic outlook it out. Is it upbeat?

The computer game industry

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:34:45 -0500

Some of today's computer games seem tremendous real and are easy to interact with. To the companies making and selling these games, are they more than just fun? Are they a big business?

Fears of deflation

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:39:46 -0500

When most of us worry about prices, we are concerned about them going up -- that is, we are worried about inflation. But should we also fear the opposite: prices going down?

A better economic indicator

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:35:09 -0500

Policy makers and economists are always looking for ways to better measure the economy. Usually measures such jobs, production and sales are used. Is there any other measure that might be a better summary of status of the economy for most people?