January 2011

Jan 21, 2011

YOU DECIDE: Why are gas prices up?

Rising gas prices may not be good for our individual budgets, but they are an indication that the economy is improving overall. 

Jan 21, 2011

Alternative unemployment rates

How is unemployment calculated? Is it just folks without a job? What about people who are working but not in the occupations they trained for? Are they ever factored into the unemployment figures? N.C. State University extension economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jan 20, 2011

Grower sees bright future for N.C. pecan orchards

Were it not for N.C. State University and its Cooperative Extension Service, a thriving 10-acre pecan orchard near Goldsboro most likely wouldn’t exist, says owner Tim Haithcock. A lawyer by day, Haithcock began his orchard 15 years ago with little more than a piece of land and a green thumb. 

Jan 20, 2011

Deficit dynamics

Everyone knows the national deficits and debt are financial problems. Recently we had two commissions that made recommendations for dealing with the deficits and debt. What would be the strategy used for dealing with these problems? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 19, 2011

Competing for shipping

There will soon be a big change to how products move in and out of our country, especially for markets on the east coast. What is this change, and how might it affect North Carolina? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 18, 2011

Is inflation still at bay?

Inflation matters for everyone, from families and businesses trying to pay their bills to government policy makers. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden gives an update on the latest inflation readings. 

Jan 17, 2011

Retail sales surge

The latest retail sales report has created quite a buzz among economists and business analysts. What’s all the hoopla about? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Jan 14, 2011

Does Social Security keep pace with inflation?

The government recently said Social Security recipients would not receive a cost of living adjustment to keep up with higher prices. How bad does this make it for people who rely on Social Security to pay their bills? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Jan 13, 2011

Why have long-term interest rates jumped?

After falling to generation lows, long-term interest rates, such as on fixed rate mortgages, have surged higher recently. Some of the rates are up almost three quarters of a percentage point. Why is this happening? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 12, 2011

N.C. State University dedicates first 'green' building at Eastern 4-H Center

The facility that is expected to be N.C. State University’s first “green” LEED-certified building was dedicated Jan. 6, but it isn’t on campus. The conference center at the Eastern 4-H Educational Center in Tyrrell County was dedicated before a crowd of 300, including 4-H’ers, N.C. State’s Chancellor Randy Woodson and N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall. The conference center is awaiting LEED certification -- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design -- the rating system for green buildings created by the U.S. Green Building Council.