Explore in-depth features about our regional economy.
District banks meet challenging times from position of strength
Texas banks confront an increasingly challenging operating environment, as the state’s usually strong economic growth is predicted to slow later this year and the Federal Reserve’s rapidly rising interest rate environment pressures some institutions’ profitability.
Mexico awaits ‘nearshoring’ shift as China boosts its direct investment
When it comes to trading goods with the United States, Mexico would appear a logical sourcing alternative to China. Before the pandemic, increasing friction between the U.S. and China—the top supplier of goods imports to the U.S. in 2019—contributed to an anticipated “nearshoring” shift among companies dependent on Asia.
Texas to get new type of refinery: a lithium refinery
Tesla is developing the facility near Corpus Christi to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide, a lithium chemical used in the high-performance lithium-ion batteries that companies such as Tesla prefer.
Mexico recovering from pandemic slowdown; structural issues persist
Daniel Chiquiar, professor of economics at Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico) and former chief economist of Mexico’s central bank, Banco de México, discusses the country’s recent economic performance and the challenges it faces in 2023.
Our surveys deliver real-world insights from business leaders in our region. Their input is a valuable part of economic analysis and monetary policymaking.
The Texas Employment Forecast estimates job growth for the calendar year and is calculated as the 12-month change in payroll employment from December to December.
The Texas Economic Performance and Outlook provides a timely update on recent changes to the Texas economy based on labor market statistics, survey data and high-frequency indicators across the state’s key industries. Updated monthly.
Transitioning to the postpandemic economy in the Permian Basin
This community listening session explored how families, workers, businesses and communities are navigating the post-pandemic economy in the Permian Basin.
“By spreading production costs across borders and taking advantage of lower labor costs in Mexico, firms can produce at a lower average unit cost, which leads to greater competitiveness in both global and domestic markets and to lower prices for consumers.”
How Does Immigration Fit into the Future of the U.S. Labor Market?
U.S. GDP growth is anticipated to remain sluggish over the next decade, and slow labor force growth is a key underlying reason. This paper argues admitting more immigrants is one way U.S. policymakers can bolster growth.
At the Heart of Texas: Cities’ Industry Clusters Drive Growth
The second edition of this special report is a comprehensive look at the industry clusters, history and demographics shaping 12 of Texas' key metropolitan areas, four of which are new to the report.
Recent research working papers on a variety of topics including the geography of jobs and the gender wage gap as well as the pandemic’s effect on the demand for inner-city living.
