James W. Hughes

Another Interest Rate Hike – What it Means for NJ Residents

January 31, 2023

The Federal Reserve will once again raise interest rates Wednesday afternoon, but this time they’re only expected to bump them up a quarter of a percent, not half a percent like we’ve had for the past several months. According to Rutgers University economist James...

Many More Single Women Than Men Are Homeowners. Here’s Why

January 28, 2023

On average, women earn 83 cents for every dollar a man makes — yet single women own roughly 10.7 million homes, compared to 8.1 million for single men, according to a recent analysis from LendingTree that looked at 2021 Census data. That’s a surprising statistic...

Economic Doubts and Downturn?

January 13, 2023

Although a solid 263,000 jobs were created nationwide in November within the context of a 3.7% unemployment rate, the US and New Jersey economies are nonetheless facing headwinds: Inflation remains high and the federal reserve’s attempts to control it by raising...

NJ Money Worries: What You Should Expect to Happen in 2023

December 28, 2022

With the start of the New Year right around the corner, a lot of New Jersey residents are wondering what’s in store for them economically in 2023. According to Rutgers University economist and Dean Emeritus James W. Hughes, the New Jersey economy will do OK at the...

Road-weary N.J. drivers have the 3rd longest commutes in the U.S.

December 27, 2022

New Jersey drivers know all too well the frustration of an unending stretch of stationary red taillights on what should be a 65 mph highway. From the Parkway to the Turnpike and all major highways in between, long commute times are a part of life in the most densely...

Inflation in NJ Still High but Slowing – What it Means for You

December 14, 2022

The Federal Reserve is expected to increase interest rates again Wednesday, which means the cost of borrowing money for home mortgages and credit cards is about to go even higher, but there is good news on the inflation front. According to Rutgers University economist...

N.J.’s population center still tilts north. This town considers it a badge of honor.

November 21, 2022

The center of population shows where Americans are moving and migrating. As people move, the center of population shifts, James Hughes professor at Rutgers Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, which is neighboring New Brunswick. Hughes added that he’s not...

Halloween Treats Win over Inflation

October 27, 2022

Nationwide, the price of candy was upabout 13% in September compared with a year earlier, according to figures from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. Datasembly, a research firm that tracks consumer prices, found one of the sharpest increases among...

Giant Warehouses are Coming to Jackson

October 25, 2022

The lack of available construction land around New Jersey ports and along the turnpike, a major north-south freeway, has fueled warehouse growth in the state’s suburban communities, adding Monmouth and Ocean counties, and along nearby connecting highways like...