All signs point to recovery in North Carolina, with particular emphasis on strong job and income growth in Charlotte. Forecasts for last year (2013) were correct as they predicted the city would take another step forward in the housing market.  American economist Mike Walden said this accelerated growth would lead to a gain of around 56,000 new jobs last year, up from 40,000 in 2012; a figure that is double the state's average. Also, fortunate for those working in Charlotte, it seems an estimated 2.1% rise in wages can be expected. Local economic growth was proposed to be approximately 2.5% in 2013, with business and professional services leading the way, at an improvement rate of 6.2%. E…

A little over 18 months ago, the highly successful Swedish firm Electrolux opened its doors to 50 new employees in Memphis, Tennessee. Both a research and development centre, the conception of this new 750,000 square foot, $200M plant in America is expected to generate approximately 1200 new jobs when operating at full capacity.  With a facility already located in Springfield, this second development helps to further serve the economic growth of the state. “We look forward to opening the plant and developing new product innovations to meet consumer needs," said vice president of Global Food Preservation and Purchasing, Jack Borroughs. "As a company, we are increasing our research and develo…

 As another new month looms, so too do high home prices in New Zealand. In one of ASB quarterly survey's from last year, property costs are near the all time country high from ten years ago. Analysis shows this upward shift isn’t expected to stop anytime soon either.  Just as the lack of construction in America has started to drive up prices, the same rings true on this side of the world. “Supply of new housing has not yet picked up in response to stronger demand,” noted ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley. However, even with this higher level of demand, many Kiwis still feel it isn’t a good time to buy. So where is the interest coming from?  According to Bank of New Zealand’s chief economist…