July 2011

Jul 14, 2011

The bond bet

Although they perhaps aren’t as flashy as stocks, bonds are a very important key investment. A few weeks ago, a major fund investor controlling billions of dollars said he was selling all of his bonds because he thought interest rates were going to rise. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether the investor's bet has paid off. 

Jul 14, 2011

Claudette Smith honored by AEA

Dr. Claudette Smith, interim associate administrator and program leader for Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H for The Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University, was one of two members of Extension faculties at 1890 land-grants honored with an Association of Extension Administrators Chairman's Award at the AEA's annual meeting in St. Louis, June 26 - July 1. 

Jul 13, 2011

A pause or a dip?

The economic numbers recently haven’t been good. Job growth has sputtered. Home prices are still falling. And consumers are feeling less confident. About the only good news is that gas prices have backed off some, although they’re still well above $3 a gallon. Some fear we could be headed into another recession. Listen to what N.C. State University economist Mike Walden has to say. 

Jul 12, 2011

N.C. State researchers to study genetics of heat tolerance in poultry

Poultry science researchers at N.C. State University and two other institutions are hoping to learn more about the genetic traits and responses that could help poultry better cope with heat stress. Such knowledge will help poultry producers around the world plan for rising temperatures from global climate change. 

Jul 12, 2011

Peach workshop to be held July 19

A workshop designed to provide peach growers with information ranging from pre-plant considerations through harvest will take place July 19 at the Sandhills Research Station in Jackson Springs. 

Jul 12, 2011

A return to ARMs

Financing the purchase of a home has become much more of a challenge today than it was 5 or 10 years ago. But one element of this process seems to be coming back around, and that’s the use of ARMs, or adjustable rate mortgages. Is this a good thing? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jul 11, 2011

New use for N.C. sweet potatoes: Dried products for pet food, animal feed

North Carolina is the leading state when it comes to producing both sweet potatoes and tobacco, and a new N.C. State University research project is designed to build on both strengths to create new markets for farmers. The Sweet Potato Dehydration Project is exploring ways to use tobacco-curing barns to dry sweet potatoes for use in pet food and animal feed. 

Jul 11, 2011

Cooperative Extension, University Dining to offer 'Cook Smart'

University Dining and North Carolina Cooperative Extension will partner to offer Cook Smart, Eat Smart to N.C. State students this fall. The partnership will provide students with an opportunity to learn healthy cooking techniques. 

Jul 11, 2011

We’ve been here before

No one’s happy about the slow rate of progress in the job market. Although jobs have been added and the unemployment rate has dropped in the last year, the numbers are still not back to where they were before the recession. Is this the worst jobs recovery in recent memory? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jul 8, 2011

YOU DECIDE: What can we learn from foreign economics?

Can we in the United States benefit from observing and understanding successful economic strategies in other countries? Mike Walden discusses.