News

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. 

Jan 12, 2011

Who's lost the most?

Data from the Federal Reserve showed that real estate values continue to fall. They fell over $600 billion dollars in just the third quarter of 2010. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says that low value homes are losing the most. 

Jan 11, 2011

Job trends

Jobs -- or the lack of jobs -- is clearly the Number One issue in the country today. But even if the recession ended tomorrow, some say we would still face job issues related to technology and globalization. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden takes listeners through the long view of job trends, answering whether good jobs still be here. 

Jan 10, 2011

How much are states losing from Internet sales

Buying on the Internet is increasing by leaps and bounds, and a large portion of these sales escape sales taxes. Do we know what this costs states, including North Carolina? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 7, 2011

YOU DECIDE: Does North Carolina follow Hauser’s Law?

Tax rates change, but tax collections as a percentage of the economy don't. Economist Mike Walden discusses this seeming contradiction.