Archive for the ‘Economic Perspective’ Category

Is government a business?

We’re in an important political election year, and so many political issues are being discussed. Some people argue that government should be run like a business. But what does this mean? And can it work? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers.

The 15% tax rate

Controversy has arisen about the tax rate some higher income folks pay. It is sometimes much less than what middle- and maybe lower-income households pay. How can this arise? And is it fair? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.

More easing by the Fed?

There’s speculation the Federal Reserve may embark on another round of monetary or quantitative easing. These are the terms used in press accounts. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains, in plain language, what this means.

Do oil embargoes work?

There’s an international effort to reduce the purchasing of oil from Iran. Is it possible to stop purchasing a valuable commodity like oil from certain regions? And what might be the possible impacts on oil prices? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.

The liquidity trap

There have been many diagnosis of what ails the economy. One of the newest ones is that the economy has been in something called a liquidity trap. It doesn’t sound good, but what is it? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains.

New estimates of the value of time

Our time is a limited resource, and so we implicitly place a value on it. Often we pay to save time: for example, on toll roads, on flying instead of driving, and on paying for yard maintenance. But do we have any idea about what value people put on their time? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.

Progress in deleveraging

In recent years households have been working hard to reduce their debt. Most economists say this effort is essential to provide a sound footing for an economic recovery. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden takes a look at how have we done and how much more debt reduction is needed.

The essential economic question

Why does the discipline of economics exist? Hear what N.C. State University economist Mike Walden tells beginning students as he explains the essential economic question.

A consumption tax

One of the most frequently discussed public policies are those related to taxes and changes to the tax code. Some say the tax code needs to do more to promote saving, and, therefore, there are big fans of relying more on the sales tax. But critics say the sales tax hits lower-income households harder. Is there a resolution between these two viewpoints? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in.

Dueling income measures

Income is a major factor we use to judge economic progress, but are there alternative income measures and do they all show the same trends? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers.

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