Essential Employees
Column Published in syndication May 31, 2023Although the numbers are temporarily decreasing as growth moderates and uncertainty rises, there remain about 9.6 million job openings across the country. Employers of all types and sizes are affected by labor shortages, with major challenges in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and health care and social assistance. We presently need 1.6 million health care and social assistance workers and 1.3 million accommodation and food services employees.
The Potential Economic Benefits of Recent Reductions in Discretionary Denial of Inter Partes Review Based on Criteria such as the NHK‑Fintiv Rules
Report Published on June 01, 2023In recent years, there has been an increase in discretionary denial of institution of inter partes review (IPR) based on the criteria set forth in the Apple, Inc. v Fintiv, Inc. (Fintiv) matter. These guidelines made it difficult for claims to be fully considered even in cases where there was a substantial probability of success for the petitioner, resulting in a reduction in IPR proceedings and related economic efficiency benefits. Subsequent guidance from the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) clarified the appropriate application of Fintiv rules, resulting in a reduction of discretionary denials and positive implications for efficiency and the economy.
What do the latest first quarter GDP numbers look like?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on May 30, 2023Dr. Perryman discusses the latest first quarter GDP numbers.
- Tags:
- first quarter,
- GDP
Feeling the Pinch!
Column Published in syndication May 24, 2023Since 2013, the Federal Reserve has conducted an annual Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED), which seeks to measure the economic wellbeing of US households. In October 2022, 11,000 adults across the country were asked a variety of questions about their financial situations. Let's examine some of the most telling results.
- Tags:
- financial wellbeing,
- inflation,
- prices
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.