Can Consumers Make Gas Prices Fall?
Straight-line forecasting can lead to errors in gauging the future price of fuel.
Straight-line forecasting can lead to errors in gauging the future price of fuel.
Any new fuel must pass two tests before people will use it as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
Eggs up 30 percent, milk up 16 percent, cheese up 14 percent, and gas up a zillion percent (actually 26 percent). These are the price increases consumers have seen for many common products over the past year. Yet many economists and government officials say not to worry, because inflation really isn’t that big of a deal.
With talk of recession in the air, we’re seeing more stories about whether households have really gotten ahead, economically speaking, in recent years. Some analysis shows the average household’s wages and income have actually retreated this decade. Some say this has been the situation for longer than three decades.
Waste today is on the cutting block. Businesses and consumers alike are being told to reduce waste, and for several reasons. One is the slowdown in the economy. With income and job prospects dimmer, at least in the near future, companies are trying to tighten their belts and eliminate “unnecessary” spending so profit margins can be maintained. Household budgets are feeling the same pressure, so many are cutting back on luxury and nonessential expenditures.
We’re hearing more in the news about the economic “r” word — a recession. Economists’ opinions today are split on whether a recession is occurring or will occur, but the mere mention of the possibility sends shivers through both Main Street and Wall Street.
The daily economic and business news constantly focuses on spending and the flow of dollars between consumers and firms. Reporters eagerly ask whether consumers are spending enough to keep the economy growing, and whether businesses are earning enough to pay more to workers and stockholders.
With the presidential primary campaigns in full gear, health care is again a main issue. Each of the major candidates has a plan for addressing the cost, coverage, and quality of modern medical care in America.
Although recent rains have helped, North Carolina is still suffering from the worst drought in 100 years. Many municipalities are counting the days until reservoirs are empty, and rural water users worry their wells will run dry.
The dreaded "r" word — "recession" to economists — is being uttered more frequently today in the media. Some think we're already in a recession, some think we're about to go into a recession, while others think a recession is still unlikely. For the average non-economist, this is all a bit confusing and concerning. While most people might not know what the technical definition of a recession is, they do know one thing: It’s probably not good.
North Carolina will be making the 2-year-old lottery more attractive to play. As part of the just-concluded state budget, the lottery rules were changed to permit higher prize payouts. The hope is that better winnings will increase ticket sales and increase profits, or net proceeds, to the state.
There appears to be growing concern about pollution and the environment. Pollution is not a new issue. Widespread public attention began at least as early as the 1970s. But with the growth of greenhouse gases and the debate over global warming, analyzing pollutants has achieved a new prominence today.