Educational Evolution
Column Published in syndication September 16, 2026Notable shifts with profound implications are underway in higher education and other post-secondary training across the country. More students are choosing less time-consuming (and, hence, less expensive) options, demographic trends are decreasing the numbers of potential students in many regions, and international enrollment is falling precipitously. Institutions are facing myriad pressures, and some will no doubt need to adapt to remain viable. Let's explore the big-picture trends.
- Tags:
- education
The Short‑Term Economic Forecast for Texas Metropolitan Areas
Column Published in syndication September 09, 2026Texas and its metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) and metropolitan divisions (MDs) are projected to see notable economic expansion from 2025 to 2030 despite national and global uncertainties and significant headwinds. The pace will be uneven and likely backloaded to the later segments of the projection period, but gains are expected over the five-year horizon. Let's review some highlights from our most recent forecasts.
- Tags:
- Texas,
- economic forecast
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.
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- 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