WRAL Tech Wire

Tax debate: Higher, lower - What are the tradeoffs?

Analysis: Taxes will be a top topic of discussion this year for several reasons. First, it's an election year, and no matter what the office and what the issues, taxes are at the head of the debate. Second, there's widespread concern about the national debt, and taxes are one way of dealing with our collective red ink. And last - let's face it - arguing about taxes, for many, is just plain fun!

'Gen Z' will inherit challenging economy - and opportunities

Opinion: For "Generaztion Z" young people born between 1995-2010, the economy they inherit will be challenging, fast-paced, require energy and include opportunity.

Who is Gen Z?

Is manufacturing really coming back? Yes, but ...

Analysis: Despite a surge, jobs are fewer. How we manufacture things has dramatically changed. Today's factories use much more technology and modern equipment - and fewer workers - than in decades past. This is how our factories can churn out more output with fewer workers.

North Carolina's economic 'index' declines in December

However, N.C. State economist Dr. Michael Walden, who compiles the report, says the outlook for 2002 is a "continuing, slow improving state economy."

Tracking NC's economy

The economy, the elections and 2012: Key themes to dominate debates

Analysis: Four overarching, basic economic themes that are at the root of most of our specific policy discussions and differences.

You decide: Should you buy local?

Opinion: There's a movement afoot to encourage us to buy local, but that has some flaws as well as benefits. Consumers need to decide.

As economy struggles, what policy path should we follow?

Analysis: Clearly, the economy is the primary issue in the country. Yet there doesn't seem to be agreement on solutions to our economic problems. Part of the reason is that consensus on solutions doesn't exist among economists.

You decide: What should I tell new economics students?

As a new semester starts at North Carolina State University, what do I - and should I - tell undergraduates about this discipline held in both high and low regard?

A sure bet: North Carolina's economy will continue to change

The "Big Five" of technology, pharmaceuticals, banking, food processing and motor vehicle parts supplanted the "Big Three" of tobacco, furniture and textiles. What's next?

As economy recovers, why aren't the jobs coming back?

Analysis fro NCSU economist Mike Walden: CEOs want to make sure the economy has recovered. Plus, improving productivity and lack of job training also hold down hiring.

State of world 2011: Are we losing our global economic clout?

Analysis: Can foreign owners of our debt use it as a form of economic blackmail? And is the U.S. dollar about to lose its status as the number one currency in the world? People are wondering.

Is Silicon Valley-focused Quora the new rage in social media? Nope

Opinion from Vivek Wadhwa: Is Quora a trend or a fad? Likely, the latter. What is more likely to happen and makes far more sense is that a new generation of private, gated communities will grow and evolve. This is where people with common interests will gather and exchange ideas.

Are good-paying skilled jobs disappearing? No, but ...

Analysis: Americans' worries about jobs are deep, and those are based on two factors. One is a long-held worry that technology and modern equipment are replacing jobs. The second is newer: That trade with other countries is cutting jobs here. Are the worries justified? That's a complicated answer.

State's economic indicators show 'robust' surge in October, NCSU says

North Carolina's economy "will continue its current path of positive, yet modest, growth in coming months," forecasts NCSU economist Dr. Michael Walden.

NCSU Index: State economy improves

How can we forecast the economic future?

Analysis: Economists do take the job of trying to assess where the economy might be going seriously. Models offer insights into what is happening and what might happen. But none is perfect.