Economy Coverage

If you rely on commissions, tips here are ways to manage fluctuating income

When you can’t depend on a regular paycheck amount or paycheck timing, it can be hard to know how you’ll make ends meet when money isn’t as abundant. With some planning, budgeting and creativity, however, it can become easier to weather a varying income.

How to master inflation: Where to look for investment opportunities

Learning how to thrive in these inflationary conditions financially is a wise move for anyone, as it’s impossible to be sure how long they will last. Here are some suggestions.

Unemployment claims drop to eight-month low

U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in eight months last week as the labor market continues to show strength in the face of elevated interest rates. Here are the details.

Fact check: Biden says U.S. inflation rate 'lowest' of leading economies

High inflation rates have bedeviled Joe Biden during much of his presidency. But in recent remarks, Biden expressed optimism that the U.S. has turned a corner in its effort to fight fast-rising prices.

Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact reporter

Strong 'economic heartbeat' in North Carolina, says NCSU economist

The North Carolina economy has a strong "economic heartbeat," says N.C. State economist Dr. Mike Walden. Take a look at the numbers he's dialed in on.

Inflation news good or bad? NC State economist says both - here's why

Depending on which inflation measure is preferred, people either come away frowning or smiling after reading or hearing today's federal report. Let's take a look.

Pain at pump: Gas prices show inflation remains a threat, UNC economist warns

A UNC economist said Friday that high gas prices could indicate that inflation is still an issue—which might mean that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates.

Economic forecast: No recession this quarter, Americans still spending, consuming

While the Federal Reserve holds firm on increased interest rates to control inflation, fiscal policy deficit spending is stimulating the economy. The outcome of these conflicting federal policies could determine whether the U.S. will slip into a mild recession or see a return of inflation in the coming months.

Fact check: How high is consumer confidence in the U.S.?

"Consumer confidence is the highest it's been in years," Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said July 30 on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact reporter

Fact-checking GOP presidential candidates' attacks on Joe Biden, Democrats ahead of first primary debate

To hear some Republicans tell it, Democratic leaders want to ban gasoline-powered cars, permit post-birth abortions and are to blame for illegal immigration. With the first GOP debate scheduled for Aug. 23, we rounded up some of the claims that could resurface as candidates take the stage.

Amy Sherman, PolitiFact reporter

Fact check: Did Trump or Biden create more jobs over 30 months?

Donald Trump, who is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, took aim at President Joe Biden's record for job creation, arguing that Biden's achievements paled compared with his own.

Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact reporter

Winners & losers: Analyzing the tax debate dividing North Carolina

North Carolina is an ideal state to examine questions about taxes.  With the divided government we’ve frequently had at the state level in recent years – meaning the General Assembly is controlled by one party with the Governor of the other party – debates about taxes are typical. So let me delve into the multiple issues tied to taxes and let you make the decisions about winners and losers.

Average long-term US mortgage rate climbs to 7.09% this week to highest level in more than 20 years

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level in more than 20 years, grim news for would-be homebuyers already challenged by a housing market that remains competitive due to a dearth of homes for sale.

Glenwood South business booming while city's core struggles

Despite that part of the city having more population growth than Glenwood South the clientele differs.

Ali Ingersoll, WRAL Data Journalist

Glenwood South businesses see booming business

While Glenwood South businesses are thriving, areas like Moore Square are struggling.

Fact check: Biden says wages are up after being adjusted for inflation

After several favorable economic data points recently were released, President Joe Biden has leaned into "Bidenomics" as an asset for his 2024 reelection campaign.

Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact reporter

US adds 187,000 jobs – NCSU economist calls it ‘perfect report’

U.S. employers added 187,000 last month, fewer than expected, as the higher interest rates continued to weigh on the economy. That number could lesson inflation pressure and have an impact on the Federal Reserve’s view on further interest rate hikes.

New jobs report expected to provide answers about possible recession

In just a few hours, we will get new data about the nation's jobs growth that will help answer the question about whether we will slide into a recession. An NC State economist told WRAL News why he expects Friday's report to be good news.

Unemployment claims drop; analysts expect 200,000 new jobs in July report

Jobless benefit applications are seen as a proxy for the number of layoffs in a given week. Thursday's report comes just a day before the July jobs report will be released, which will provide a broader and more detailed look at the labor market and economy.

Why downgrade US credit rating? 'Numbers speak for themselves,' says analyst

“The numbers speak for themselves,” Richard Francis, the lead analyst on US sovereign ratings at Fitch, told CNN in an interview on Wednesday. America’s debt makes up 113% (and growing) of its economic output, which Francis called “clearly pretty alarming.”

Raleigh Iron Works part of massive downtown transformation

While leaders say that developments like Raleigh Iron Works are necessary for the growing population, there is a challenge in is finding a way to grow without losing aspects of the city people love.

Brett Knese, WRAL multimedia journalist

NC’s stock divide: 17 companies soar; 9 firms falter, Business NC reports

CHARLOTTE – Stocks of North Carolina’s 75 largest public companies took widely divergent paths in the past year: 17 recorded gains […]

US jobs drying up: openings at 26-month low; new hires declining

Job openings in the United States fell in June to their lowest level since April 2021, according to the latest labor turnover data published Tuesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And new job creation for July is expected to reflect an ongoing decline.

Inflation indicators (prices, wages) point to less heat in economy

Signs that inflation pressures in the United States are steadily easing emerged Friday in reports that consumer prices rose in June at their slowest pace in more than two years and that wage growth cooled last quarter.

Amid successes, NC commerce leaders hope to help job-seekers facing barriers to employment

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders called on state agencies, businesses, college administrators and legislators to either expand existing job-training or job-support programs -- or to create new ones.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter