Archive for the ‘Economic Perspective’ Category

Is North Carolina’s economy still changing?

North Carolina’s economy has changed dramatically over the past several decades. Industries such as textiles, tobacco and furniture, which dominated the economy for generations, have been replaced by upstarts like technology, finance and health care. Is the transformation still occurring? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.

Do energy prices move together?

When we hear oil prices are rising, we know that the increases will eventually come to gas at the pump. But does this also mean we will pay more to heat our homes or our hot water? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.

Big oil producers

Oil is in the news again with the continued price hikes we are seeing. Much of the concern now focuses on supply amid the turmoil in the Middle East. This leads to a simple yet important question: Just who are the largest oil producers in the world? N.C State University economist Mike Walden responds.

Population gains

The U.S. Census released population numbers for North Carolina for the last decade (2000-2010). N.C. State University economist Mike Walden describes the highlights.

Finally some good job news

Job creation in the country has been disappointing. But many economists thought this would change at least temporarily in February after the winter storms passed. Where they right? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers.

More job confusion

Job data appear to be diverging: One recent job survey showed only a trickle of new jobs, while another survey showed thousands of additional jobs created. What’s the person on the street to think? Is the job market good or bad? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.

Will workers get a pay raise this year?

With unemployment so high workers have just felt lucky to have a job. They haven’t really focused on pay raises. But now with the economy coming back and unemployment being down slightly, will there be a little bit more in paychecks? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.

Will foreclosures back off?

Having one’s home foreclosed on has to be one of the world’s worst financial traumas ever. Yet this is exactly what has happened to millions of homeowners in the last four years. Why have all these foreclosures occurred? And will the numbers get better this year? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. “Well [...]

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.

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.

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