Explore in-depth features about our regional economy.
Maquiladoras, Mexico’s Engine of Trade, Driven to Navigate Evolving Demand
Mexico’s maquiladoras, an important generator of manufacturing and employment activity along the U.S.–Mexico border, confront a changing landscape. Evolving global trade patterns, reflecting stressed supply chains and increasing electric vehicle production, will test maquiladora agility and growth prospects.
Globalization Remains a Force Despite Pandemic, Political Strains
Pol Antràs, the Robert G. Ory Professor of Economics at Harvard University, discusses international trade flows and what the evidence suggests about the world economy and the accompanying debate about whether an era of deglobalization may be at hand.
Spotlight: Texas Exports Reach New Record Despite Strong Dollar
Texas remains the nation’s top exporter, setting records each month despite the recent appreciation of the dollar. A strong dollar can be bad for business because it makes U.S. goods more expensive overseas.
Around the Region: Office Markets Slowly Emerge from Pandemic Slump
The pandemic seismically shifted work from the office to home, particularly during its initial lockdown phases. Even when these limits and capacity restrictions eased and economic activity rebounded, office space demand remained soft and vacancy rates climbed.
Big Federal Stimulus, Home-Value Spike Won’t Ease Next Slump
Ultra-low interest rates and a historic housing boom that aided state and local government operations are fading, suggesting Texas policymakers may encounter additional difficulties during the next downturn.
Lorie K. Logan: New Dallas Fed President’s Observations, Outlook
We look back five years, when then-Harris County Judge Ed Emmett went “On the Record” in Southwest Economy to discuss the response to Hurricane Harvey.
Changing Economy Likely to Test Banks as Stimulus Ends, Growth Slows
Banks in the region and the U.S., which have benefited from pandemic-era fiscal stimulus, face downside risks arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, ongoing COVID-19 shocks abroad and expectations of significant central bank tightening to address elevated inflation.
Our surveys deliver real-world insights from business leaders in our region. Their input is a valuable part of economic analysis and monetary policymaking.
Texas Economic Outlook Weakens, Price Pressures Persist
The Texas economy shows continuing signs of softening, as output and employment indicators suggest slower growth relative to the first half of the year.
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.
This conference explored supply-chain challenges and how businesses and institutions can manage risk and respond to supply-chain disruption. It also discussed the costs and benefits of reshoring, including the implications of higher costs for consumers, and the role of technology.
“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.
