News

Jun 7, 2011

Where do we stand?

Whenever a North Carolina budget is passed, it looks like a reduction in the state corporate income tax rate will be a part of it. Is the move to reduce this tax rate because we are far out of line with other states? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jun 6, 2011

A widening income gap

A new report indicates that the income gap between the highest paid and the lowest paid workers has again increased. N.C. State University economist explains why and what it means. "Actually ... this was an international report and looked not 

Jun 3, 2011

Manufacturing sets a new high

There are signs manufacturing is making a comeback. Employment is up, and many factories are running at full capacity. On top of this good news, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, U.S. manufacturing has set a new record. 

Jun 2, 2011

Extension-recommended narrow row corn brings higher yields for Pasquotank farmer

Pasquotank County farmer Michael Gray vividly remembers the first time he thought about planting his corn crop in narrower rows and at higher densities. It was during a farm tour in a nearby county, where N.C. State University crop science specialist Ron Heiniger had established a row width and plant population test. 

Jun 2, 2011

Spending versus austerity

People are still looking to Washington for guidance on the economy, but Washington seems to be unsure what the next step should be. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses what the debate is about. 

Jun 1, 2011

On-farm research yields profit-saving results for Bertie producer

When it comes to growing crops like peanuts, cotton, corn and soybeans, knowing the latest research-based recommendations can mean the difference between making a profit or racking up losses. And there’s no faster way of getting that information, says Bertie County farmer Joey Baker, than by having researchers conduct trials on your farm. 

Jun 1, 2011

A signal of tightening

When Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke held the first-ever press conference by a sitting head of the nation’s central bank, did he hint of the Fed's next moves? 

May 31, 2011

FCS inducts 25 into McKimmon Hall of Fame

During the centennial celebration events for Family & Consumer Sciences, which took place May 25 at the Jane S. McKimmon Center on the N.C. State campus, 25 inaugural members into the Jane S. McKimmon Hall of Fame. 

May 31, 2011

Good bubbles

Investment bubbles like the ones in technology and residential real estate can burst and lead to a recession. But some economists think there are good aspects to investment bubbles. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

May 30, 2011

Home prices and inflation

In today’s Economic Perspective, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains how home prices figure into the calculation of inflation.