Economic Perspective: Recent Episodes
NC State University CALS
Keep up with the latest economic news with NC State University’s Dr. Mike Walden. In this weekly podcast, Walden gives his take on economic issues, ranging from wage growth to gas prices to public policy decisions, with a special focus on North Carolina.
What are the implications of the pandemic on where the economy could have been, and could be going in the coming years?
What sort of impact has the shift in the types of inventions over the centuries had on society?
How have people been using time that would have been spent commuting during the pandemic?
During current times, are there any trends for people considering living in cities or the suburbs?
What does the Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook on the job market for the next 10 years look like?
Household staples tend to go scarce in times of crisis, whether pandemic or weather related. In the past few months, has supply for certain items been met?
Vertical farms could have an impact on the future of agriculture. What do they look like, and what considerations come with implementing them?
Recently released data provides some insight into how the stimulus checks delivered in the spring were used by recipients. NC State University economist Mike Walden breaks down how they were spent.
There's usually a common trend in recessions between spending on goods and services. Has that trend followed in this current recession?
Calculating inflation during the downturn can be tricky as the unusual circumstances. Do the numbers accurately reflect the current circumstances?
The Federal Reserve recently released their economic forecasts for the next few years. What do they look like?
Income and spending typically go up and down together, but was that the case this past April?
As states start to open businesses back up, what other lingering impacts could there be?
Printing money can be used during times of economic crisis to mitigate some of the effects of the crisis. What factors need to be looked out for in these circumstances?
There are a few tactics being discusses as to how the government can respond to the coronavirus. What are they, and what are their implications?
Vehicles can take one of the largest bites out of a households budget. What's the current status of vehicle finances in the country?
When calculating inflation, how does one account for increases in product quality that affect the product's price?
The automobile has always been a staple of every day life in our country, but does recent data show we're driving less? If so, how could this impact the future?
With some of the data from 2019 coming in, how popular were certain states in regards to how many people moved into and out of them.
The federal government released the latest measures for economic growth in the states. How did North Carolina stack up?
Talks of a recession in 2020 have seemed to ease recently. What factors could play into this?
There been recent changes to how retirement savings plans can be handled. What are those changes, and what effects can they have in the future?
The federal government recently released information at the county level for gross domestic product since the Great Recession. How do some of North Carolina's counties stack up?
Cost of living gets thrown around a lot, but can that vary within a state as well as across the country?
The individual benefits of exercise have been documented, but are there economic benefits to regular exercise?
Mini cities are popping up across the country, and even some in North Carolina. What does this concept entail?
The manufacturing sector has long been a leading indicator for economic health, but is that still the case?
The holiday season is fast approaching. What does the spending outlook for the season look like?
Interest rates have been low in recent years. What factors need to be considered when thinking about the lower inflation rate?
Inflation averages the price gains in all products and services, but are there key differences among the rates for specific buying categories?
Society often groups people by generations based on the year they were born, but how meaningful of a concept are generations?
Traditionally, the length of time for bonds caps out at 30 years, but are there talks of extending some bonds to 100 years?
What do businesses worry about, and how could those worries affect the direction of the economy?
Buying by households accounts of 70 percent of all spending.e Are there any major trends in consumer spending?
The popular adage "last hired, first fired" speaks to the hiring cycle in businesses, but does this apply equally across all levels?
Spending on infrastructure in the U.S. has been on the decline. When did this trend start, and why is investing in infrastructure important?
Now that we're halfway through 2019, NC State University economist Mike Walden provides a mid-year update on the economy.
A new ranking of the states' attractiveness to businesses was released. What criteria was used, and where did North Carolina fall?
The United States left the gold standard in the 1970s. What is the gold standard, and what are the advantages of being on or off of it?
Some states have implemented "rainy day" funds to help during recessions. Is this something that should be implemented on the national level?
Cities were declining the 1960s and 1970s, but they've seen a turn around. What sparked this?
Does moving to a big city in search of higher paying jobs and greater opportunities always pay off?
The modern workplace is changing from what the traditional sense. What's behind these changes?
Is there a formula for getting rich? NC State University economist Mike Walden discusses some new research on the matter.
When considering money for the future, are there any tricks or methods to consider when weighing the value of future dollars?
Numbers have shown that there's been a decrease in teenage drivers over the years. What factors could be behind this?
With the first quarter of 2019 behind us what have we learned about the 2019 economy, and what is the outlook for the rest of the year?
How is the average person stacking up when it comes to saving for their retirement, and what outlook does that present for the future?
Too much debt can wreck personal finances, and on a grander scale the economy. What is the outlook right now for debt in our society?
The job growth numbers were February were lower than expected. Is this indicative of a future recession?
As health insurance costs continue to rise do companies share those rising costs with their workers?
Are there general rules that can be applied to how you should invest your money as you age?
This tax season, some people are noticing that their refunds are smaller than in previous years. What could be the cause of this?
There are numerous events and trends that play into the world economy on a daily basis. NC State University economist Mike Walden discusses a couple of them here.
Student debt has skyrocketed in recent years. What implications has that had on other markets like home-ownership?
Student debt has skyrocketed in recent years. What implications has that had on other markets like home-ownership rates?
Some employers are offering to help cover back-to-school costs for employees upfront. What are benefits for benefits for both in this arrangement?
The market for smaller cars is shrinking in the auto industry. What forces could be driving the industry towards larger vehicles?
With the constant stream of news, are there positive economic trends we can point to in the world?
With ongoing negotiations with China on trade, what could a potential agreement look like?
In the 21st century, big cities are getting bigger, and small towns are shrinking. Does this trend span nationwide, and are there small towns breaking the trend?
Many retirees rely on Social Security for at least a portion of their income. What does the future look like for the Social Security program?
Currently, hemp is being grown in controlled pilot cases and some universities. What can the future look like for this crop if it becomes more prevalent?
In a global economy, one country's struggles can have far reaching impacts. What's been going on in the global economy recently?
How has technology changed the market since 2008? NC State University economist Mike Walden breaks down the numbers from the last decade.
Ever wonder what it would to retire by age 50? Mike Walden breaks down what you'd need to hit that goal.
Historically, there was a path in home buying that began with the starter home, but are young people still following that path?
Most students attend college to land jobs that require degrees, but what percentage of their first jobs require a degree? Mike Walden looks at a study that sheds some light on the question.
Technology helped usher in the new gig economy, but how much does that account for in the actual job market and how what are the pros and cons it?
The areas impacted from Hurricane Florence are still recovering from the storm. How has the storm changed employment, and what does it implicate for the future in the area?
Technology advancements are pushing the financial fields in new and bold directions. As FinTech companies seek to innovate, can they outlast the established companies as they adjust?
A new study suggests that tightest part of today's labor market rests in the fields for low-skill jobs. What does this mean for the workers in those positions?
With recent talk of rising interest rates, what impact does high or low interest rates have on our economy?
NC State University economist Mike Walden gives a quick look at the housing market a decade after the Great Recession.
NC State University economist Mike Walden hears countless questions about the state and federal economy. What are his answers the five questions he's asked the most?
Government regulation and deregulation is an ongoing matter in the political world. How has North Carolina been acting in that field over time?
The race for job growth across North Carolina is always heated, but is there a shake-up in the front runners this year?
We've focused a lot on the U.S. economy, but how has the global economy been doing the past few years?
The low unemployment rate has been well documented, but what other implications does that number have on other aspects of the economy?
The average inflation rate tracks the rise and fall of costs over numerous commodities and services. How have the prices looked over the last decade?
There's a belief out there that entrepreneurs and start-ups are often linked to the young, but is that accurate? What age do most entrepreneurs start their businesses?
With all the talk of a trade war with China, what are the impacts for consumers in the U.S.?
How does the recent hike in the interest rate play into the mission of the Federal Reserve, and what potential outcomes from the move exist?
A staple of the American dream was that the next generation would earn more than their parents, but does that adage still ring true?
The supermarket chain Kroger recently closed all of it's stores in the Triangle region. Does this reflect anything about the region?
How pervasive are non-compete contracts in our society, and what impact do they have on workers?
After a recent survey, when do members of the National Association of Business Economists think the next recession could be?
The unemployment rate is often cited as a measure of economic health, but did you know there are multiple ways of measuring a society's unemployment?
With rising health care costs ever present, is there work being done in other fields that could mitigate some of the rising prices?
The two biggest factors in a nation's economic growth are labor supply and labor productivity. What can be done to influence these factors?
Less than two percent of workers are employed as farmers, and most of us aren’t aware of the frequent ups and downs of farm income. Where are we today in this income cycle?
For several decades credit cards encroached on cash as a form of payment. Now many experts say the same is happening to credit cards with new forms of payment. What does the future for credit cards look like?
Neighborhoods put their waste on the curb every week for pick-up, but it's always controversial where that waste is supposed to go. What are people saying about how to manage the amount of waste produced?
Ever wonder if there's an optimal way to pay down your credit card debt? NC State University economist Mike Walden talks discusses ways to maximize your money while paying down debt.
Is access the only factor when it comes to improving nutrition for communities? Or are there other factors to consider? NC State University economist Mike Walden discusses a recent study's findings.
Many experts think automation and technology will increasingly replace people on the factory floor, but what happens to the worker who's been replaced? NC State University Economist Mike Walden shows what the numbers say.
Ever wonder what the cost of filing taxes is factoring in time, money and everything else? Economic Mike Walden breaks down all the factors.
For many years the Federal Reserve has worried the inflation rate has been too low. Why would they want prices to rise faster?
The job market is improving, but not everyone is seeing their lives improve. What steps can be taken to expand prosperity?
Movers have flocked to North Carolina in recent decades. Are the trends that led them here continuing?
Automation continues to alter the way businesses operate. As automation becomes more prevalent, how could it continue to change the restaurant industry?
Recently, there have been several announcements of new businesses and jobs coming to North Carolina. What’s behind this good news?
Many economists believed the Great Recession recovery would be slow, and people would save more. Did that happen, and are we now seeing changes from that?
There's growing optimism about how robust the holiday shopping will be this year. Do economists think the optimism will be fulfilled?
Some people wait to capitalize on their eligible Social Security benefits, while others take it immediately. What's the thought process behind the thinking?
One of the proposals on the table for tax change is to double the standard deduction. How would this impact the taxpayers?
High school students consider tons of factors when picking a college. From an economic viewpoint, what are the most important?
For a long time scientists have talked about developing synthetic meat. What could the impact of a growing synthetic meat market mean?
With the current administration releasing it's proposal for tax reform, Mike Walden looks at if the changes could spur economic and job growth.
After sizzling for several years there are worrisome signs in the auto buying market. Should we be concerned?
The nation received an unprecedented one-two punch from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. How will the damage be reflected in the national economy over the coming year?
Every generation faces its own financial issues. What are the challenges for this current generation as they start their careers?
Recently, the labor force participation rate has seen a positive rise, with greater number of people either holding down a job or actively looking for one. Who is responsible for this improvement?
The ability to deduct charitable donations on federal taxes may be affected by potential changes to the tax code. What are the possible outcomes and impacts?
Many households appear to feel stuck economically, and are not seeing their standard of living improving. Do the numbers support this?
A greater share of the sales market today takes place online. How has the shift from retail stores affected the employment opportunities?
Everyone wants to know when the next recession is coming. Are there some signals to be on the look out for? NC State University economist lists a few examples of what to watch for.
One of the big issues in the labor market is the apparent disconnect between productivity and compensation, but has that been the case over the years?
Buying a home may be the biggest purchase someone will make, but some seem to be forgoing that in favor of renting. Does this mean owning a home is no longer a good investment?
The nominations for two vacancies in the Federal Reserve are forthcoming. Why is this important, and what kind of policy debates can spring up from this?
Consumer spending accounts of 70 percent of total economic activity in the country. Is it currently part of the problem or solution for the slow rate of economic growth?
Is there a link between school quality and home values? NC State University economist Mike Walden presents a few studies on the matter.
This week, NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at retirees, and the pros and cons for them living in a college town.
NC State University economist Mike Walden breaks down some of the data looking at the economy in the first quarter of 2017.
A recent study ranked college majors when taking the pay a student will earn upon graduation and combining it with the costs of that major. Mike Walden unpacks the study results.
One of the elements of the unveiled tax plan is moving from taxing business revenues on a global business to taxing them on a territorial basis. What does this mean and why should the average person care?”
Consumer preferences and restrictions on smoking have combined to reduce tobacco use in recent years. Does this mean tobacco has become unprofitable?
Graduation happens at the end of every school year. How do factors like transferring universities or being a part-time student affect tracking graduation numbers? NC State University economist Mike Walden explains.
It's generally accepted that small businesses generate much of the new jobs in our economy, but that hasn't been the case since the Great Recession. NC State University economist Mike Walden lays out some of the factors.
The cost of housing in cities seems to constantly be housing. What, if anything, can be done about the rising home and rent prices?
It's a fact that we are an aging society. What does that mean for spending in the economy as habits change over time? NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at those changes and their implications.
There is a saying that demography is destiny, meaning that the age composition of the population determines much of what occurs in a country. Is there an optimal age composition for a country?
The baby boomer generation is quickly moving into retirement. One of the biggest challenges associated with retirement is the financial aspect. How does the baby boomer generation look in terms of being financially prepared for retirement.?
Economists believe consumers benefit from competition in the marketplace. However, how does that apply to a marketplace as complex and intricate as healthcare? NC State University Mike Walden looks at some of the factors in the field.
The size of the federal government and its spending remains a highly debated subject. But over time, as economies grow or shrink, how should one measure the size of the federal government's spending? NC State University economist Mike Walden presents a few examples on how to measure this subject.
People have asked before whether it is better to have a strong or weak dollar. Is there a situation where one is more beneficial than the other? NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at both sides of the topic.
The percent of households who own a home has been sliding for a decade. It currently sits at around 65 percent. Is the decline in home owning part of a long term trend or is it temporary? NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at the issue.
Any president faces several constraints when trying to manage the economy. What are those constraints, and what can the president influence through his office in regards to policy? NC State University economist Mike Walden discusses the factors that play into the economy and the president.
Historically, the 9-to-5 work schedule was the norm. However, with evolving technology and new job markets is that still the case? NC State University economist Mike Walden presents a few studies to find out what current workers think.
The rate at which automation replaces human labor in the work force has been a constantly discussed topic in economics. Yet, economists can't seem to agree on the potential rate at which the jobs will be switched out over time. Mike Walden discusses the potential trends, and what outcomes they could have for the workforce.
As the cost of higher education continues to rise, some people are wondering if the gains of higher education still payoff in the long run. NC State University economist Mike Walden presents the numbers on what gains have been shown to follow pursuing post-high school education.
A recent study released looked to quantify the cost of regulations in the United States since 1980. What were the results and what do they mean? NC State University economist Mike Walden discusses the main points of the study.
The societal changes we’ve seen in recent years is the increase of young adults choosing to live with their parents after they have finished school. Now that the job market has been improving, is the number of young adults living at home with their parents still significant?
For several years during the economic recovery wage rates weren't increasing. However, have they started growing as of late? NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at the factors.
Interest rates have remained low for some time now, but have recently seen a jump. What could be the cause behind this and is there a chance they'll come back down? NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at the factors.
The avenues of broadcast media are constantly changing. There's been a major shift in how people consume content. NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at certain demographics and how they play into this shift.
There has been a recent downward trend in overall productivity across the nation. What could be the root of this trend? NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at the issue.
The average person now spends as much eating out as they do on meals they prepare at home. However, There are some big changes occurring in the eating out, or restaurant, market. What are they?
Traditionally, our country has encouraged this entrepreneurship because it helps generate new ideas, industries and employment. But recent statistics show the rate at which new business start-ups are occurring is slowing. What’s going on?
Has China been manipulating its currency in a global market? NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at the trends over time.
The GDP results for the first quarter of 2016 show North Carolina starting with a slight growth. How does it compare to the neighboring states and years past? NC State University economist Mike Walden fills you in.
Interest rates have continued to be at a historic low recently. What factors could be playing into this? NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at the potential reasons.
Business headquarters used to be setting up shop in the suburbs. How does the rising millennial workforce effect the location of these headquarters? Hear NC State University economist Mike Walden's take on the issue.
Small towns have their own set of challenges to overcome with constantly changing world of technology. What kind of effect has the spike in e-commerce had on the small town?
Recent data shows a large group of college graduates believe their degrees did not help them achieve their current jobs. What programs are being implemented to increase skills training for their fields? NC State University economist Mike Walden discusses the issue.
Have you noticed a your receipt being a little lighter on your grocery runs lately? NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at the factors that could be causing those prices to drop.
Do the layoffs at Cisco Systems have larger implications on the technology sector as a whole, particularly in North Carolina? NC State University economist Mike Walden addresses the recent issue.
With the coming election, there are two different takes between the major candidates on how to handle the economy. Mike Walden addresses the differences between these two ways of thinking.
Over the last 40 years, there has been a steady decrease in manufacturing jobs nationwide. That decrease can be traced to two key factors. What are they? NC State University economist Mike Walden addresses the topic in this Economic Perspective.
What impact could a new inland port have on North Carolina? NC State University economist Mike Walden lays out the potential.
What does the future of economic growth look like? NC State University economist Mike Walden shares some thoughts from his field.
What caused the modern idea of retirement idea of retirement to come about? NC State University economist Mike Walden has a few thoughts on the matter.
Have you ever wondered what makes up the defined high tech sector? NC State University economist Mike Walden helps lay out some parameters.
The starter home purchase used to be a landmark event in a young couple's life. So why are modern couples bypassing this step? NC State University economist Mike Walden posits a few ideas on the topic.
In today's Economic Perspective, NC State University economist Mike Walden addresses how society has changed over time in regards to using the Internet and how they are using it.
A new report show's that today's generation might not be able to surpass their parents in their income. What could be the cause of this? NC State University economist Mike Walden addresses the issue.
How can Social Security expand its reach while its resources continue to dwindle? NC State University economist Mike Walden addresses the topic.
NC State University economist Mike Walden discusses the advantages and disadvantages of instituting a universal basic income program.
Each year the trustees of the Social Security system give the public an update on the system's financial status. NC State University economist Mike Walden gives an update on their recent 2016 report.
Economic Perspective, featuring N.C. State University economist Mike Walden and host Mary Walden, focuses on economic issues facing North Carolina and the nation. The 1- to 2-minute segments are issued each week.