Author: Dee Shore

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

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

Anson County farmer starts with Extension to get on award-winning track

Bryan Cash is justifiably proud of his cattle herd in Anson County. When he bought his first cows more than a decade ago, he knew very little about what it took to raise them. But now, the award-winning farmer has a herd of close to 70 healthy cows, plus 42 calves that are thriving. “Everything that you see out there today, I wanted it, and I did it, but without my Extension agent Richard Melton, (the farm) wouldn’t be where it is today,” Cash says. 

Mar 17, 2011

Will home sales surge this year?

The housing market has been at the core of the recession. Declining home sales and prices have been, perhaps, the main reasons why this recession was so bad. But at least one economic analyst has optimism for home sales this year. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Mar 16, 2011

Impact of cash for clunkers

The Cash for Clunkers program paid auto dealers around $4,000 each time they sold customers a new, more fuel efficient vehicle for an older, less energy efficient car. The rebate was then passed on to consumers in the form of a lower price. Do we know what this program did to the sales of vehicles? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 15, 2011

Moving toward balance?

The president's recently released federal budget still projects deficits to the end of the decade. Does this mean the president’s plan doesn’t make any headway on getting our national debt under control? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 14, 2011

North Carolina's job path

By some measures North Carolina has been creating jobs at a slower pace than the nation. Traditionally the opposite has been the case -- job growth in North Carolina has been faster. Has something changed? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Mar 11, 2011

Are food and gas prices linked?

The latest inflation report was recently released, and it showed two glaring concerns. Two of the items rising the fastest in price are food and energy. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says there's a common factor pushing both higher. 

Mar 10, 2011

Will the dollar still be number one?

Since the end of World War II the dollar has virtually been the world currency, accepted for payment almost anywhere in the world. But some say the U.S. dollar may soon be replaced in this capacity. Why? And what would this mean? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Mar 9, 2011

North Carolina’s budget deficit in perspective

Our state’s upcoming budget shortfall is projected at $3.7 billion. How does that compare to other states' deficits? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains.