Author: Dee Shore

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

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. 

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. 

Dec 28, 2010

Are oil prices headed up?

Oil prices and their derivative gas prices have not behaved according to their typical pattern this year. They didn’t rise this summer, as is usual, but now when driving generally falls off, prices are edging up. What’s going on? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Dec 27, 2010

Measuring price changes

Because there are millions of prices in our economy, it seems that determining how much prices change would be a daunting task. The government has an official measure that is based on a sample of prices. Is there any confirmation of the government’s price changes from methods that are more comprehensive? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Dec 24, 2010

Lost workers

The state’s unemployment rate fell from 9.7 percent to 9.6 percent recently. But there is cause for concern in the state’s most recent job report, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden.