News

Jan 7, 2011

What is full employment today?

Everyone longs for the day when the unemployment rate was only 5 percent, as it was before the recession. But can we ever get back to that level? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 6, 2011

Unemployment and unemployment benefits

Congress will likely extend again the period for receiving unemployment benefits. Supporters say this is needed to help those survive the tough economy. However, some critics say that, while compassionate, the extension also causes more unemployment. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Jan 5, 2011

Evaluating improvements in unemployment

In 2010 North Carolina’s unemployment rate dropped from 11.2 percent to 9.6 percent. That’s a welcome big drop. But is there more behind it that may not make us smile? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 4, 2011

Obituary: Ken Fager, CEFS research specialist

Ken L. Fager, 48, passed away Dec. 31. He was a researcher and educator at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems at N.C. State University. A native of Pennsylvania, Fager earned his bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Penn State University in 1984. 

Jan 4, 2011

Cutting the payroll tax

A part of the president’s new tax plan is a reduction in the payroll tax. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains this tax and the impact a reduction would have on the economy. 

Jan 3, 2011

Working more hours

Job growth in North Carolina has been disappointing. Since last fall, one report shows jobs in the state up only by 12,000. Another shows an increase of 24,000. Is there any economic factor that may make these numbers sound a little better? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jan 1, 2011

Webinar offered on new food safety act

N.C. Fresh Produce Safety Task Force will host a free webinar to learn more about the recent Food Safety Modernization Act Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. There will be opportunities during the presentation to interact with the presenters and ask questions about the Food Safety Modernization Act. 

Dec 31, 2010

The new wealth report

The decline in household wealth during the recession was enormous. Almost $15 trillion dollars in household wealth was lost. How much of a comeback have people made? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Dec 30, 2010

Does diversification work?

Diversification -- or putting your investment eggs in many baskets -- has long been recommended as a core investment principal. But with so much turmoil in recent years in financial markets, does diversification still work? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 29, 2010

One type of debt is down

We all know about the dramatic rise in the national debt in recent years. In prior decades we also witnessed a big jump in private debt held by households. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says this second type of debt changed directions recently.