Archive for the ‘Economic Perspective’ Category

Why patents?

Consumers and buyers don’t like monopolies because they don’t give us choice. Yet when the government provides someone with a patent, isn’t that exactly what they’re doing, creating a monopoly? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in.

Left digit bias

When applied to buying, what does left-digit bias mean, and why is it important? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains this psychological concept.

The effect of job tax credits

One way the government can try to stimulate job creation is through the tax code by providing businesses hiring new workers with one-time tax credits. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden reviews what research studies have to say about how well this actually works.

Taking advantage

There are always glass-half-empty and glass-half-full people. When it comes to today’s economy, it seems most people are glass-half-empty — or even completely empty — when it comes to the economy. But are there some positive ways to look at today’s financial situation, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden.

The tax rate controversy

Investor Warren Buffet stirred up a debate when he said he a billionaire paid a lower federal income tax rate than his secretary. How could this happen, and is it common? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.

New ways of learning

Everyone knows the importance of education in today’s global economy. Yet delivering educational information with a teacher in front of students has largely been the same for hundreds of years. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether modern technology change this.

Personal financial update

Every three months the Federal Reserve publishes a report summarizing the financial condition of households. Did the second quarter report bring good news or bad? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers.

The value of Internet search

Shopping habits have changed since the advent of the Internet. People often do Internet searches on products or sellers before buying. How much is this kind of search activity is worth to people and the economy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds with information from a new study.

Explaining gas prices

Lots of folks like to talk about and get mad about gas prices. One big question is, What causes gas prices to rise? Some say it’s speculation and manipulation by gas producers. Others say it’s basic supply and demand of economics. Hear what N.C. State University economist Mike Walden has to say.

What is the corporate tax rate?

Some say that the United States has the world’s highest tax rate on corporate income, but others say that the official corporate tax rate is misleading because it doesn’t account for the numerous exemptions and credits corporations can take. And N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says they’re both right.

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