Southwest Economy, First Quarter 2020
Groundwater markets slowly evolve in ever-thirstier Texas
Texas’ growing population is increasing the demand for water, a commodity that in many parts of the state is subject to wide swings from abundance during wet cycles to shortfall during droughts.
April 06, 2020
Texas economic activity suddenly contracts in March; outlook worsens due to COVID-19
The economic downturn in Texas has begun, recent data suggest.
March 31, 2020
Potential mismeasurement of mining limits official Texas real GDP data
We show how a new measure tied to oil and gas production provides a result that is more consistent with other assessments of real output in this industry.
February 25, 2020
Texas economy building momentum to start year
Growth in the Texas economy picked up at year-end 2019 and accelerated into January and job gains in December were accompanied by service sector growth.
February 06, 2020
Southwest Economy, Fourth Quarter 2019
Gentrification Transforming Neighborhoods in Big Texas Cities
An influx of new, affluent residents has descended on gentrifying neighborhoods around Texas’ four largest cities, while increasing housing costs have led some low-income households and at-risk populations to locate in more suburban areas.
December 30, 2019
Texas economy picks up in October; data revisions show weaker 2019 growth
Texas job growth picked up in October, although the energy sector continued to slip and manufacturing activity weakened.
December 19, 2019
Texas economy still growing, though pace slows
The regional economy is growing at a slower pace than in recent months, with Texas labor markets remaining tight. Energy activity has declined, and export growth has slowed this year.
November 07, 2019
Research Events
Energy and the Economy: Markets in Transition
The conference focused on the outlook for the global crude oil market, renewable and energy transitions with the U.S. generation mix, energy finance and more.
October 18, 2019
Failed background check, drug testing stall hiring of low-skilled workers
Many companies seek to add employees as the state economy continues expanding at an above-average pace. But not all can find the workers they need.
October 17, 2019
Texas economy keeps growing despite more pessimistic outlook
The regional economy is growing at a moderate pace, and labor markets remain tight. However, the outlook among Texas firms has deteriorated due to concern about tariffs, trade policy uncertainty and slowing global growth.
September 26, 2019