LNG
Column Published in syndication September 02, 2026The process of compressing natural gas into a liquefied form and transporting it around the world has been a true game changer. Previously constrained by pipeline routes, the natural gas market had been largely regional and domestic. Now, areas with abundant supplies can access areas an ocean away, thus creating a functioning global market.
Affordability
Column Published in syndication August 26, 2026Over the past few years, costs of living have increased significantly faster than wages, thus creating a major affordability problem for millions of Americans. It is a hot-button campaign topic at present, but the real issue is much more visceral. It is multifaceted, and solutions won't be simple. Let's briefly explore how we arrived at this point.
Omnipresent Oil
Column Published in syndication August 19, 2026The United States remained the world's largest crude oil producer in 2025, continuing a trend that began in 2018 and reflects a remarkable turnaround from past decades. With a record high 13.6 million barrels per day (bpd), the US led Russia (9.9 million bpd), Saudi Arabia (9.6 million bpd), and Canada (5.0 million bpd) by a wide margin.
- Tags:
- oil,
- production,
- United States
Making Stuff
Column Published in syndication August 12, 2026One of the most important economic sectors to long-term growth is manufacturing, which is the process of making stuff. Manufacturing is what economists call a "basic" (or export) industry, meaning that it is one that creates value and incomes in an area rather than supporting a population and using that income. It also leads to some of the largest dynamic or "ripple" effects through the economy, thus generating additional business activity.
- Tags:
- manufacturing
What did the June Personal Consumption Expenditures Index show?
Column Published in syndication August 12, 2026Dr. Perryman discusses the June Personal Consumption Expenditures Index.
- Tags:
- inflation
Some Work to Do
Column Published in syndication August 05, 2026We are accustomed to Texas topping virtually every ranking relating to the economy--most major corporate locations and expansions, top CEO perceptions, highest investment, and many others. By one measure, however, the results are more of a mixed bag. The list of top states for business compiled annually by CNBC, takes a broader perspective across multiple dimensions. Viewed through this comprehensive lens, the news is not all good.
Import Inflation
Column Published in syndication July 29, 2026Despite what you may have heard, tariffs are taxes on imported goods which the domestic importer usually pays at the border or point of entry. It's no surprise that some of this additional cost is then passed to consumers (a percentage that typically increases over time). When most people think about this process, it is in relation to finished goods. However, tariffs also affect imported inputs used by US manufacturers, reducing their competitiveness and further raising costs.
Housing Hope
Column Published in syndication July 22, 2026In a rare bipartisan effort, both the US House and Senate recently passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the most significant federal housing law in decades. The goal of the legislation is to make housing more affordable, primarily by encouraging expansion in supply. It's a basic economic principle that when demand is higher than supply, there will be upward pressure on prices. Across the nation, the shortage of housing is estimated to be 5.5 million units, with particularly acute issues in some locations (including many parts of Texas).
- Tags:
- housing
The Five‑Year Outlook for the Texas Economy
Column Published in syndication July 15, 2026Even with current challenges and uncertainty, our latest projections call for significant growth in the Texas economy over the next five years. The current environment involves notable potential for volatility, but the state is well positioned for ongoing expansion. (We've discussed many of the key patterns affecting performance in recent columns which are available on our website if you'd like more detail.)
- Tags:
- economic outlook,
- Texas
TXSE Rings the Bell
Column Published in syndication July 08, 2026The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) is now a reality and trading has begun! It's a vital part of a burgeoning financial presence in the state, as well as a significant asset for the Texas economy.
- Tags:
- TXSE,
- stock exchange,
- Texas