Southwest Economy
Texas community college enrollment slips while four-year rates stay stable
In recent years, surveys have suggested that young Americans are increasingly skeptical about the value of a college education. Perceptions that a college education doesn’t offer the gateway that it once did raise an important question for lawmakers and educators: Are these changing attitudes translating into fewer students enrolling in college or completing degrees?
June 26, 2026
Economic Surveys
Agricultural Survey
Bankers responding to the second-quarter survey reported stable but depressed conditions across most of the Eleventh District.
June 23, 2026
Texas Employment Forecast
The Texas Employment Forecast indicates jobs will increase 1.8 percent in 2026, with an 80 percent confidence band of 1.2 to 2.4 percent.
June 22, 2026
Southwest Economy
Oil prices are up; whither the Texas boom?
Texas tends to report higher employment and output when oil prices sharply increase. But uncertainty regarding the duration of elevated prices could mute such impacts from the price shock following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
June 05, 2026
Economic Indicators
Texas Economic Indicators
The Texas economy expanded in April. Overall, employment grew and the unemployment rate held steady.
June 05, 2026
Economic Surveys
Texas Service Sector Outlook Survey
Texas service sector activity expanded at about the same pace in May as the prior month, according to business executives responding to the Texas Service Sector Outlook Survey.
May 27, 2026
Economic Surveys
Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey
Texas manufacturing output growth decelerated in May, according to business executives responding to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey.
May 26, 2026
Texas Employment Forecast
The Texas Employment Forecast indicates jobs will increase 1.8 percent in 2026, with an 80 percent confidence band of 1.2 to 2.4 percent.
May 22, 2026
Southwest Economy
Texas economy shows resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty
The Texas labor market showed signs of increasing momentum in early 2026, with employment growing 1.7 percent during the first quarter after a sluggish 2025.
May 22, 2026
Southwest Economy
Trader remains bullish on cattle despite economic, contagion threats
Leslie Callahan, a co-founder and principal of cattle trading firm Crossroads Cattle, discusses the reasons behind record-high beef prices and challenges facing the industry.
May 20, 2026