News

Mar 25, 2011

Finally some good job news

Job creation in the country has been disappointing. But many economists thought this would change at least temporarily in February after the winter storms passed. Where they right? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Mar 24, 2011

Nursery collaborates with N.C. State to solve production challenges

From its greenhouses and farm in Rougemont, Hoffman Nursery sells ornamental and native grass liners -- or starter plants -- wholesale to customers all across the United States and Canada. But when the company’s owners need solutions to production problems, they frequently look much closer to home -- to the agricultural research and Extension experts at N.C. State University. 

Mar 24, 2011

More job confusion

Job data appear to be diverging: One recent job survey showed only a trickle of new jobs, while another survey showed thousands of additional jobs created. What’s the person on the street to think? Is the job market good or bad? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 23, 2011

Will workers get a pay raise this year?

With unemployment so high workers have just felt lucky to have a job. They haven’t really focused on pay raises. But now with the economy coming back and unemployment being down slightly, will there be a little bit more in paychecks? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 22, 2011

New plant breeding technology is topic of Wernsman Lecture

Geoff Graham, senior director of North America Maize Product Development for Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., will deliver the 11th annual Earl A. Wernsman Seminar on April 8, 2 p.m., in 216 Mann Hall, N.C. State University. The student-arranged lecture is sponsored by the Crop Science Graduate Student Association. 

Mar 22, 2011

Will foreclosures back off?

Having one’s home foreclosed on has to be one of the world’s worst financial traumas ever. Yet this is exactly what has happened to millions of homeowners in the last… 

Mar 21, 2011

Rising mortgage interest rates

Recently 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates hit 5 percent. This rate is up almost 1 percentage point in the last couple of months. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden doesn't think this rate hike signals an end to low-cost financing of homes. 

Mar 18, 2011

YOU DECIDE: Is the economic recovery 'normal'?

The economic recession of 2007-09 was unusually harsh; it's been called The Great Recession. So what's the recovery like? Mike Walden discusses. 

Mar 18, 2011

Worldwide inflation

Inflation in the United States has begun to creep higher but is still in the 2 percent range. However, inflation in countries such as China, India and Brazil is significantly higher -- in the 4 to 6 percent range. Does this mean we should be smiling rather than complaining? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 17, 2011

Matt Silliman remembered with 4-H Camp Millstone meditation garden

On Saturday, March 19, 4-H Camp Millstone will host a tree planting and dedicate a meditation garden in memory of Matthew Silliman, who was a 4-H’er and counselor at the camp. Silliman’s life was taken by youth violence in November 2008.