dr. gerald cohen

Report: US manufacturing remains vital to economy – more is shifting south, west

Posted by WRAL TechWire | Aug 18, 2023

The United States is often thought of as a large net importer – or a nation that tends to procure many of its goods from abroad – and an economy that focuses primarily on high-skilled services. These points are true, but manufacturing remains an important component of economic livelihood for many U.S. communities and regions. As we’ll explain, manufacturing continues to be a fundamental source of agency and economic livelihood for the nation as a whole.

Triangle’s economy is 3rd fastest growing in US, says UNC study

Posted by WRAL TechWire | Jul 18, 2023

The greater Research Triangle regions’ economy is the third fastest growing in the country, says a new study from UNC’s Kenan Institute. That’s faster than a No. 4 ranking in 2022. Here are the details.

Debt ceiling crisis bottom line: It’s already hurting our economy, says UNC economist

Posted by WRAL TechWire | May 18, 2023

Even if the debt limit were increased today, the uncertainty created by the impending debt ceiling deadline has already raised the cost of borrowing and is impeding some hiring and investment. Moreover, an agreement will probably entail some decline in government spending, which will worsen an economic slowdown (which we predict to be on its way).

Fed rate hikes have consequences – the bad, the good, the ugly, says UNC economist

Posted by WRAL TechWire | May 4, 2023

Back in March, I outlined why I expected these rate hikes were eventually going to cause something to break. The recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Signature Bank, and First Republic – as well as the takeover of Credit Suisse – indicates this has indeed come to pass. Even if the Fed is done hiking rates (as it hinted it might be), and even if it cuts them quickly (as some market participants forecast), we will be feeling the negative economic consequences for a while. Let’s take a look.

Triangle economists: Looks like a pause is coming on interest rate hikes

Posted by WRAL TechWire | May 3, 2023

Reading between the lines of the latest Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates again on Wednesday, three Triangle economists say a pause in further hikes appears on the horizon. But only the Fed knows for sure.

‘Hard landing’ coming for economy due to rising interest rates, banking crisis, warns UNC professor

Posted by Sarah Glova | Apr 7, 2023

Chief Economist Gerald Cohen spoke for the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at a virtual press briefing this morning, addressing today’s job report numbers and last month’s collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. His prediction: a recession is looming.

Jobs remain available across Triangle but openings drop to lowest in 13 months

Posted by Jason Parker | Feb 21, 2023

You can still find a job in the Triangle – but the big jobs boards are showing a continuing drop of available opportunities. He are the latest numbers.

Tech workers remain in demand across Triangle despite growing number of layoffs

Posted by Jason Parker | Feb 10, 2023

Layoffs are piling up in the U.S. economy, and are adding up in North Carolina, too. Here’s what’s happening, and why. Plus, what you can do to prepare.