Up, Up, and Away!
Column Published in syndication September 28, 2022The Federal Reserve recently announced another increase in the target interest rate for federal funds to 3-3.25%. The point is to slow the economy in order to reduce inflation. It's a balancing act of the Fed's twin mandates – maximizing employment and keeping inflation at bay.
- Tags:
- Fed,
- inflation,
- interest rates
Economic Costs of Hurricane Ian Include an Estimated $36.7 Billion Net Loss in US Output
Brief Published on September 30, 2022On September 28, Hurricane Ian made landfall along the southwest Florida coast causing severe wind damage and flooding. The loss of life and human suffering is of paramount importance and should be the primary concern, as well as enormous emotional losses. In addition, the storm will have a significant impact on the economy, which could rise if there is significant additional damage in South Carolina.
- Tags:
- hurricane,
- Hurricane Ian,
- impact,
- natural disaster,
- storm
How did the European Central Bank's interest rate increase affect markets?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on September 30, 2022Dr. Perryman explains the consequences of the ECB's move to fight inflation.
- Tags:
- Europe,
- inflation,
- interest rates
The Not‑So‑Great Resignation
Column Published in syndication September 21, 2022Among the most widely discussed economic phenomena in our post-pandemic world is the so-called "Great Resignation," a phrase used to describe what seems on the surface to be unusually high numbers of people leaving their jobs after the arrival of COVID-19.
- Tags:
- COVID-19,
- resignation,
- workforce
Staying Alive
Column Published in syndication September 14, 2022Data recently released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that US life expectancy has once again fallen, with COVID-19 a primary culprit. The life span which could be expected for someone born in 2021 fell to 76.1 years, the lowest since 1996. For males 73.2 years could be expected, with 79.1 years for females.
- Tags:
- COVID-19,
- life expectancy
Catching Up
Column Published in syndication September 07, 2022In a disappointing but not unexpected development, US standardized test scores are showing a notable ongoing learning loss. Results from the National Center for Education Statistics indicate that average scores for age nine students in 2022 fell significantly compared to 2020. The five-point drop in reading, from 220 to 215 on a scale of 500, was the largest average score decline since 1990. In math, scores fell for the first time ever – seven points (from 241 to 234).
- Tags:
- education,
- standardized tests,
- Texas
How did Covid‑19 affect standardized test scores?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on September 09, 2022Dr. Perryman explains the impact of learning-loss due to the pandemic from a short-term and long-term perspective.
- Tags:
- coronavirus,
- COVID-19,
- standardized tests
What are the goals of Austin's guaranteed income program?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on September 08, 2022Dr. Perryman explains some of the complications with the program and why it may not gain much traction.
How is life expectancy changing in the US?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on September 07, 2022Dr. Perryman breaks down the econmic impacts of decreased life expectancy.
- Tags:
- COVID-19,
- life expectancy
Services
Column Published in syndication August 31, 2022Despite the importance of its energy, food, and fiber, the Texas economy is increasingly services oriented. This outcome is not surprising given the sophisticated nature of the state's industrial base; it's a pattern common to every highly developed economy. Let's examine past and expected future trends.