Rural Texas
Column Published in syndication May 17, 2023The very mention of "Texas" conjures vivid images of wide-open spaces, gushers, cattle drives, cotton fields, and other stuff of legends. Despite this enduring legacy, a growing majority of population and economic activity is concentrated in metropolitan areas. Nonetheless, the rural parts of the state are generating a notable component of overall growth and, in the process, providing much of the fuel, food, and fiber that sustains us. Let's focus on my roots and this key segment of Texas.
- Tags:
- economic growth,
- rural,
- Texas
What were April's retail sales numbers?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on May 19, 2023Dr. Perryman discusses April's retail sales numbers.
- Tags:
- retail sales
What did the April producer price index number show?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on May 17, 2023Dr. Perryman discusses the April producer price index.
- Tags:
- inflation,
- Producer Price Index
Where the Money Flows
Column Published in syndication May 10, 2023Federal funds directly support individuals and businesses across Texas. In 2022, nearly $277.6 billion was spent in the state by various agencies. That's down from $349.7 billion in 2021 and $321.0 billion in 2020, when assorted COVID-19 stimulus packages were in place. The last year of pre-pandemic data indicates $206.8 billion, with 2018 only slightly lower. Things are slowly getting back to more typical patterns. (Note that these totals are for fiscal years, from October 1 through September 30.)
- Tags:
- federal spending,
- Texas
The Short‑term Outlook for the US Economy
Newsletter Published on May 12, 2023 (Vol. 40, No. 02)Although the US economy is facing notable challenges and it may be a bumpy ride, The Perryman Group's latest forecast calls for growth over the next five years. Key patterns affecting future performance are described in this issue.
Off to School
Column Published in syndication May 03, 2023This week marked the deadline for first-year college applicants to many universities to decide about whether and where to enroll. It can be a very difficult choice involving a range of financial, educational, and emotional factors. Through high school, options are much more limited for most young people. Beyond that point, however, a vast number of paths emerge - full-time work, technical training programs, colleges and universities, and much more. Let's look at what recent high school and college graduates are doing.
How did the April jobs numbers come in for the US?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on May 08, 2023Dr. Perryman discusses the April jobs report.
- Tags:
- jobs report,
- labor market
All of the Above
Column Published in syndication April 26, 2023While it is widely known that Texas is a key producer of oil and natural gas, many are unaware that the state is also a leader in green energy. The installed capacity in renewables has been growing at a rapid pace, and, barring artificial obstacles, this pattern will likely continue.
- Tags:
- energy,
- oil and gas,
- renewable energy,
- Texas
What did first quarter 2023 GDP growth look like?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on April 27, 2023Dr. Perryman discusses the slowdown in first quarter GDP growth.
- Tags:
- first quarter,
- GDP
The Counting Man
Column Published in syndication April 19, 2023Dr. Steve Murdock, our foremost Texas demographer and my dear friend, recently passed away. Steve had a distinguished career spanning endowed positions at three major universities, designation as the State Demographer, and a stint as Director of the US Census Bureau. More important, however, he was the clarion voice proclaiming a reality that we all needed to hear.
- Tags:
- demographics,
- population,
- Texas