Author: Dee Shore

May 25, 2011

Housing isn't helping

Although the economy -- especially the job market -- has been improving, it’s not been gaining fast enough to satisfy most people. Have economists figured out why the sluggish growth is occurring? N.C. State University’s Mike Walden weighs in. 

May 24, 2011

Easing inflation

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke recently said he thought the big jumps in inflation we’ve had in the last few months are just temporary. But, as N.C. State University economist Mike Walden points out, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Bernanke expects gas and food prices to drop. 

May 23, 2011

Losing first place

An international organization recently predicted that China would surpass the United States as the world’s largest economy in just five years. Is this cause for worry? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

May 20, 2011

Record government support

A recent report indicated that government payments to individuals reached an all-time high. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why this is and what it means. 

May 19, 2011

Extension helps cotton farmers stay ahead of emerging pests

Working on Bertie County land that their family has farmed for generations, cousins B.B. and John Griffin know a thing or two about growing cotton. But, they say, when it comes to staying a step ahead of pests, diseases and other production challenges, they’ve come to rely on their Cooperative Extension agents and specialists for timely solutions. 

May 19, 2011

Setting the stage for recovery

Many economists consider the rebound in the housing market to be the key to a stronger recovery in the overall economy, and N.C. State University's Mike Walden says there's evidence we’re moving in the direction of a housing turnaround. 

May 18, 2011

The diverse service sector

When people hear the term service sector, they often think of low-paying jobs. But, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, that's not an accurate assessment. 

May 17, 2011

Job progress

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden takes stock of what’s happened in the job market over the past year, providing key numbers for both North Carolina and the country. 

May 16, 2011

Movers of the economy

There are always big forces that sweep through the world and have a lot to do with how we live. The development of information technology in recent decades is a good example. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden looks ahead to identify key forces that will shape our future economy. 

May 13, 2011

Corporate taxes

There’s a move in North Carolina to lower the tax rate on corporate profits. Also, at the national level there have been lots of stories recently of corporations that have paid very little federal income taxes. Some might say that corporations are getting special treatment and ask why. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the issue.