Triple Crown
Column Published in syndication April 15, 2026In what has now become an annual tradition, Texas is once again the winner of Site Selection magazine's Governor's Cup. For the 14th consecutive year and 22nd year in total, Texas was recognized as the state that attracted the most major job-creating business location and expansion projects over the past year. In 2025, the Lone Star State attracted 1,406 projects, up from 1,368 in 2024 and 1,254 in 2023. This era of dominance began in the early 2000s, when enlightened economic development policies quickly moved Texas from the middle of the pack to the unabashed leader.
- Tags:
- economic development,
- Texas
Twenty‑Five Years
Column Published in syndication April 08, 2026A profound transformation driven by technological advancements has occurred over the past 25 years, reshaping the economy. New industries and business models that were unimaginable a quarter-century ago have been unleashed, creating and redefining jobs at a rapid pace. Texas, in particular, has undergone significant changes, emerging as a global economic powerhouse. Let's briefly look at some of what has happened over the first quarter of the 21st Century.
- Tags:
- economy,
- population,
- Texas
$100 Oil
Column Published in syndication April 01, 2026The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sent oil prices surging, with West Texas Intermediate Crude prices up from below $60 a few months ago to above $100 on several recent days. In addition to disrupting Middle East production capacity, the conflict has brought the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz at times. With about 20% of the world's oil navigating the Strait, supplies have dropped and prices have risen. The current level isn't unheard of (prices were significantly higher for much of 2022, for example), but effects are nonetheless notable.
Housing
Column Published in syndication March 25, 2026We are finally seeing some balance returning to the Texas housing market, although notable issues remain (particularly affordability and supply). Prices are flattening and even dropping in some areas, and houses are staying on the market considerably longer than a few years ago. However, the current situation is more a reflection of slowing economic growth than a massive correction, and some buyers are benefiting.
Natural Gas
Column Published in syndication March 18, 2026The amount of natural gas produced and marketed in the United States reached a record high in 2025, up by 5.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) to average 118.5 Bcf/d, according to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). About two thirds of production occurs in three regions--Appalachia, the Permian Basin, and the Haynesville Shale. These three areas accounted for 81% of the growth last year.
- Tags:
- LNG,
- natural gas,
- production
The Wealth Of Nations
Column Published in syndication March 11, 2026In a few months, we will celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The importance of that monumental event to the world as we know it today was heightened by something else that occurred a few months earlier. March 9, 1776, saw the original publication of Scottish philosopher Adam Smith's seminal work, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- Tags:
- Adam Smith,
- markets
Iran
Column Published in syndication March 04, 2026The ongoing military action in Iran involves myriad complex issues, with economic, political, social, and other costs and risks that bear careful watching. It is much too early to know or appreciate the full panoply, but some initial thoughts are in order. Let's look briefly at energy markets.
- Tags:
- Iran,
- oil and gas
A Little Progress
Column Published in syndication February 25, 2026The overall education level of Americans is rising according to new data from the US Census Bureau, and Texas has seen some encouraging gains. While the state still has some catching up to do, the situation has improved notably over the past decade.
1,072 New Texans Every Day
Column Published in syndication February 18, 2026New population estimates were recently released by the US Census Bureau, and the results indicate that the pace of growth has slowed significantly, driven (not surprisingly) primarily by a drop in international migration. For the United States, population grew by 1.8 million (0.5%) between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, with international migration dropping to 1.3 million from 2.7 million in the prior year.
- Tags:
- population,
- Texas
Venezuela
Column Published in syndication February 11, 2026Despite a wealth of natural resources, Venezuela has been facing prolonged upheaval, punctuated by hyperinflation, corruption, and a resultant humanitarian crisis. Recent developments, including the US removal of Nicolas Maduro, offer hope for meaningful improvement, though the situation is still evolving. Given the country's vast oil reserves, the changing dynamics have also naturally raised questions related to the implications for global energy markets.
- Tags:
- Venezuela,
- oil and gas