News

Jan 28, 2011

Confusing job numbers

National job numbers for December paint a confusing picture: One job survey showed a rather modest increase in employment, but the other survey indicated a major decline in the unemployment rate. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden clarifies the findings. 

Jan 27, 2011

Why do bubbles happen?

The recession began with the so-called bursting of the investment bubble in residential housing. But what exactly is an investment bubble? And what causes it? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jan 26, 2011

Can the grid handle it?

In coming years electric-powered vehicles are expected to greatly increase in popularity, and many people would like to see them take over a greater share of the market so we can reduce our reliance on oil and gas. But do experts foresee any problems in meeting the electricity usage that these vehicles will create? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Jan 25, 2011

Pension plans

Many states are facing problems with the public pensions. In some of those states there are recommendations to dramatically change how government workers are paid a pension. N.C. State University Extension economist Mike Walden outlines these discussions. 

Jan 24, 2011

Who are discouraged workers?

Discouraged workers are individuals without a job who are not actively looking for work, so they are not counted in the most frequently used measure of unemployment. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says we do have information on why such jobless individuals are not pounding the pavement for jobs. 

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.