Southwest Economy
Ranchers herd it all as fewer cattle pressure beef prices; screwworm lurks
Texas cattle ranchers typically benefit from an increase in beef prices, but more recently, the reemergence of the flesh-eating New World screwworm parasite threatens the beef industry.
May 20, 2026
Regional Economy
Permian Basin
Containing large resources of oil and natural gas, the Permian Basin covers 55 counties in West Texas and southeast New Mexico.
April 08, 2026
Regional Economy
Eagle Ford Shale
Oil and natural gas extraction in Eagle Ford Shale has brought new jobs and growing wealth to many rural communities in South Texas.
April 08, 2026
Southwest Economy
Ciudad Juarez retools amid job losses
Ciudad Juarez, across the Rio Grande from El Paso, lost nearly one-fifth of its manufacturing jobs over a two-year period. The decline reflects the city’s move into higher value-added, less labor-intensive production of electronics and hardware demanded for the U.S.’s burgeoning data center build-out.
April 08, 2026
Southwest Economy
Texas multifamily housing yet to stabilize; downside risks remain
A fair amount of excess supply remains in some markets, and new properties are facing longer lease-up timelines.
March 23, 2026
Special Report
Taiwan firms key to nearshoring and reshoring to support AI boom
While China’s trade and investment with Mexico have attracted significant attention, Taiwan firms’ investment in both Mexico and Texas is arguably more significant for the evolution of U.S.–Mexico production networks.
March 06, 2026
At the Heart of Texas
At the Heart of Texas
The third edition of this special report is a comprehensive look at the historical, economic and demographic profiles of 12 of Texas' key metropolitan areas with additional tables on average annual earnings, demographics and more.
February 20, 2026
At the Heart of Texas
El Paso: Gateway to Mexico relies on commerce, government
Retail is among the largest clusters in El Paso. Health services, food services, and transportation and logistics are also important, reflecting El Paso’s proximity to Mexico and its trading relationship with neighboring Ciudad Juárez.
February 06, 2026
At the Heart of Texas
McAllen–Edinburg–Mission: Retail, medical hub draws on cross-border trade
Health services, education and retail trade are the largest clusters in McAllen. Formation of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has brought greater access to education and a focus on addressing local workforce gaps.
February 06, 2026
Southwest Economy
Mexican residents favor local retailers over cross-border shopping in Texas
Despite a relatively stable peso-dollar exchange rate that would normally favor shopping in the U.S., Mexican consumers increasingly stay closer to home.
January 16, 2026