Archive for the ‘Economic Perspective’ Category

Will home sales surge this year?

The housing market has been at the core of the recession. Declining home sales and prices have been, perhaps, the main reasons why this recession was so bad. But at least one economic analyst has optimism for home sales this year. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why.

Impact of cash for clunkers

The Cash for Clunkers program paid auto dealers around $4,000 each time they sold customers a new, more fuel efficient vehicle for an older, less energy efficient car. The rebate was then passed on to consumers in the form of a lower price. Do we know what this program did to the sales of vehicles? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.

Moving toward balance?

The president’s recently released federal budget still projects deficits to the end of the decade. Does this mean the president’s plan doesn’t make any headway on getting our national debt under control? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.

North Carolina’s job path

By some measures North Carolina has been creating jobs at a slower pace than the nation. Traditionally the opposite has been the case — job growth in North Carolina has been faster. Has something changed? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in.

Are food and gas prices linked?

The latest inflation report was recently released, and it showed two glaring concerns. Two of the items rising the fastest in price are food and energy. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says there’s a common factor pushing both higher.

Will the dollar still be number one?

Since the end of World War II the dollar has virtually been the world currency, accepted for payment almost anywhere in the world. But some say the U.S. dollar may soon be replaced in this capacity. Why? And what would this mean? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers.

North Carolina’s budget deficit in perspective

Our state’s upcoming budget shortfall is projected at $3.7 billion. How does that compare to other states’ deficits? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains.

Social Security’s new outlook

Almost everyone in the country either is or will receive Social Security. This means we all got some bad news recently about the outlook for this massive retirement program. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden gives the details.

Will interest rates rise?

The cost of borrowing money — the interest rate — is very low today. But economists don’t think it will stay that way, says N.C. State University’s Mike Walden.

The decline of carpooling

With gas prices rising, it seems the interest in carpooling should increase. What has been happening with carpooling? Has it risen and fallen with gas prices? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.

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