News

Dec 19, 2013

Good gas prices

Most of us received an early Christmas in the form of a price we see almost every day: gas prices. In some markets, prices have tumbled to their lowest level in three years. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden takes a look at the cause of this good news. 

Dec 18, 2013

Revolving unemployment

Some people think of unemployment as someone losing a job, staying unemployed for a while and then finally getting a new job. But this isn't always the case, explains N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Dec 17, 2013

Are we taking on too much debt?

The latest statistics show American households are again adding that too much debt. That was one of the factors that led to the recession. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says we probably aren't going to repeat history. 

Dec 16, 2013

Share your thoughts on Cooperative Extension’s future

While listening sessions across the state have wrapped up, the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service is still seeking public comment as part of its ongoing strategic visioning and planning initiative. 

Dec 16, 2013

Outlook for Christmas sales

Christmas sales are important to the overall economy and for many individual businesses. After all, sales at this time of year can mean the difference between profits and losses. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden provides a Christmas sales forecast. 

Dec 13, 2013

Happy 100th birthday

This year marks the 100th birthday of the Federal Reserve. But opinions vary on whether we should celebrate or regret this milestone. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Dec 12, 2013

Poinsettia pointers

Poinsettias remain a perennially popular holiday plant, both for gifts and decorations. But how do much water do they need? And how can you get them to flower again? Cooperative Extension at N.C. State University provides answers to these and other timely topics on its poinsettia portal at http://poinsettias.ces.ncsu.edu/. 

Dec 12, 2013

Extension schools give aspiring growers a start

Want to become a farmer? Or are you already a farmer, but interesting in transitioning to sustainable production of specialty crops or produce for the local market? Two North Carolina Cooperative Extension farm schools are designed to help you learn effective production methods, business planning, financial management, marketing strategies and more. 

Dec 12, 2013

How quickly things can change

Twenty and 30 years ago, many people gave gloomy U.S. economic forecasts, especially when it came to our ability to compete internationally. But are those observations out of date today? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 11, 2013

How much to keep in the vault

The Federal Reserve recently released a proposal to require a large banks to keep more of their deposits in the vault. Many argue that the proposal will help avoid the kind of financial problems that rocked the economy in 2008 and 2009. But will the proposal be adopted quickly? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers.