January 2014

Jan 24, 2014

Stocks in 2014

When N.C. State University economist Mike Walden speaks to groups, he's often asked how the stock market is going to do. In this episode, he discusses the 2014 outlook. 

Jan 23, 2014

Factors affecting earnings

When it comes to comparisons of salaries earned by households at different rungs on the economic ladder, what do we need to keep in mind? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 22, 2014

Lindbo honored for mentoring Wake County Envirothon teams

Dr. David L. Lindbo, professor and Extension specialist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Department of Soil Science, was named 2013 Envirothon Mentor of the Year by the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. 

Jan 22, 2014

What makes for effective schools?

Improving K-12 student performance is a long-term priority for government at all levels. As a school teacher for more than 30 years, host Mary Walden asks husband Dr. Mike Walden what can be done to accomplish this goal. 

Jan 21, 2014

Do households have more breathing room?

Household spending accounts for almost 70 percent of the nation's economic activity. But before the recession, households were overloaded with debt and payments on that debt. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says conditions have improved tremendously. 

Jan 20, 2014

Do mergers always lead to price increases?

Many fliers are worried about what the merger between American Airlines and U.S. Airways will mean for airfares. And this raises the general question, What have mergers of large national companies ultimately done to the prices consumers pay? With less competition, shouldn't prices rise? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jan 17, 2014

Why Food Stamp enrollment has risen

Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as Food Stamps, rose by almost 20 million people in recent years. Was the jump due to the economy -- or were there other factors at work? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 17, 2014

YOU DECIDE: What’s the best way to count jobs?

N.C. State University economist Dr. Mike Walden explains the different surveys measuring employment rates. 

Jan 16, 2014

Centennial website provides news, information on Extension’s 100 years

Throughout 2014 as North Carolina Cooperative Extension celebrates its 100th birthday, watch for news and learn more about the organization through Extension's centennial website: ncce100years.ces.ncsu.edu. 

Jan 16, 2014

Do people work harder during recessions?

Economic production fell less than the employment dropped in the recession, implying that worker productivity increased. Traditionally thinking holds that this was because businesses kept their hardest-working individuals and let go of their least productive ones. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses with host Mary Walden whether this is true.