November 2010

Nov 16, 2010

TARP revisited

TARP, or the Troubled Asset Recovery Program, was the controversial $700 billion program passed in the fall of 2008 to assist the banking system. It was a political hot potato in many races this year. As an investment, how did the government do on the TARP? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden answers. 

Nov 15, 2010

North Carolina cities score

The Milken Institute annually puts out a report ranking major metropolitan areas in terms of job growth and salaries. In the 2010 report, several North Carolina cities ranked well. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden hits the highlights. 

Nov 12, 2010

Order of Long Leaf Pine and Distinguished Service Awards are presented at College of Agriculture and Life Sciences foundations event

A state legislator, a county commissioner and a retired Extension-director-turned-community-volunteer were honored Nov. 10 during the joint meeting of the North Carolina Agriculture, Dairy and Tobacco foundations at N.C. State University. 

Nov 12, 2010

YOU DECIDE: What are the realities facing our new leaders?

The election is over and there were shake-ups in Washington and Raleigh. Election results reflected voter discontent, but what are the economic realities facing our new leaders? 

Nov 12, 2010

Pros and cons of more inflation

There’s a report that the Federal Reserve wants to create more inflation in the economy. But why? Isn’t inflation bad for everyone? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Nov 11, 2010

Is there a tipping point?

Governments all around the world have increased their debt in order to fight the recession. There is a growing concern this debt may have a cost in the form of slower economic growth. N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden explains that there is a point at which this cost kicks in. 

Nov 10, 2010

Job update

The latest national job report didn't bring good news. The number of jobs decreased. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says there is a silver lining. 

Nov 9, 2010

The cost of college dropouts

More people are going to college, but all aren't finishing. Almost 30 percent of college freshmen don't make it to their second year. And only 60 percent of students graduate from a four-year college within six years. North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden says this poses a major cost to the country. 

Nov 8, 2010

Canopy control: N.C. State project aims to make wine grape growers more competitive

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences researchers are part of a multi-state effort designed to make East Coast vineyards more competitive with vineyards in other parts of the country. 

Nov 8, 2010

Pay and productivity

Workers like to get paid what they are worth, and throughout our history there does seem to have been a link between how productive a worker is and his or her pay. But I understand that link has recently broken. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains.