Opinion
A peak beneath the hood of the ‘strongest economy in modern history’
There is ample evidence to point to the incoming Trump administration being confronted with a stagnating economy — or worse.
Opinion
New federal proposal will hurt NC families, small businesses who pay bills on time
As someone who has taught financial literacy throughout the Tar Heel state, I know that North Carolina families and small businesses are doing everything they can to pay bills on time, even as prices continue to go up. Unfortunately, a new proposal from federal regulators in Washington could soon punish those who are trying to do the right thing. ...
Opinion
Some good end-of-the-year news. But will it last?
There’s been some good economic news as we end 2023. Gas prices are down almost 60 cents per gallon since September. Thanksgiving meals were more affordable due to a 20% drop in turkey prices compared to 2022. The all-item inflation rate continues to moderate, and the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) has not raised their key interest...
Opinion
Is it a bird, a plane, or the crazy economy?
When I was growing up in the 1950s, I was a fan of the Superman TV show. The program opened with the announcer looking up at the sky and saying, “It’s a bird; it’s a plane; it’s Superman!” I’ve used a modified version in today’s column to add some humor to the serious question of what...
Opinion
What tools are Fed officials deploying to battle inflation?
Inflation, the sustained rise in general price levels, is a crucial concern for any economy. As the custodian of monetary policy in the United States, the Federal Reserve shoulders the responsibility of maintaining stable prices. Over the years, the Federal Reserve has employed various tools and strategies to combat inflation. To understand the current state...
Opinion
Economic outlook: Mild recession soon, national debt problems long term
The U.S. economy is driven by an outsized portion of consumer consumption — 70% to be exact. So even the smallest drop in the nation’s consumers purchasing goods and services is quickly noticeable. Monitoring consumer spending is by far the most accurate way to determine the economy’s performance. Spending was on a tear in 2022, consumers went...
Opinion
Will 2023 be naughty or nice?
The traditional holiday question to children, “Have you been naughty or nice?” is a perfect lead-in to the economic outlook in 2023. As 2022 ends and 2023 begins, we face two economic challenges — inflation and recession. The big questions are, will inflation return to normal in 2023, and if so, will it take a...
Opinion
False signals and recession — are recessions a natural occurrence in capitalism?
With two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth recorded for the first half of this year, most agree that our economy has slipped into recession. But few will agree on its cause. Given the Biden administration and others’ attempts to blame skyrocketing price inflation on multiple factors besides its true cause, opponents of a free-market economy will attempt...
Opinion
Housing demand will stay strong
For much of the past year, housing markets were ablaze in many parts of North Carolina. Motivated buyers were flush with cash and armed with low-rate loans. Agents were desperate for inventory to sell. Sellers gasped and smiled as competing offers soared upward. Builders broke ground on as many new projects as available labor and...
Opinion
Keep A Lid On State Debt
At low levels, state debt likely produces net economic benefits, as the infrastructure projects financed by bonds facilitate greater investment and commerce. As the debt rises, however, the net turns negative.
Opinion
It’s Always About The Money
If you’re not following the debate between John Taylor and Alan Greenspan, you’re not paying attention to the central controversy of the present moment.
Opinion
When Will the Housing Crunch End?
Once the Fed took the post-September 11 "punch bowl" away from those seeking easy credit, a softening of the housing market was bound to follow.
