Texas' foreign-born population increased in 2008 by 58,320, or 1.5 percent, according to newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.

Expanding trade has brought jobs and business to Texas, but has left the state particularly vulnerable to antitrade actions. Texas would suffer greatly if the U.S. and other countries implement protectionist measures.

With Texas facing hard times, four of the Dallas Fed's regional experts give an update on the state's economic performance in 2009, looking at the key areas of employment, manufacturing, housing and energy.

The housing bust leaves in its wake elevated foreclosure levels in Texas and the U.S. Like other consequences of the bust, including declines in construction and existing-home sales, foreclosures have been less severe in Texas. While the nation's foreclosure rate has grown nearly sixfold over...

Texas found itself left out of the nation's first quarterly uptick in venture capital activity since 2007. Investment in the state fell 58 percent from the first to second quarter, coming in at $74 million, its lowest level since data first became available in 1995.

A drought that has persisted for two years shows no signs of relenting, taking an increasing toll on Texas agriculture.

Texans' real median household income rose 1.3 percent in 2008, making the state one of only five with increases in the first calendar year of the U.S. recession. During better times, 33 states posted income gains in 2007 and only Michigan suffered a decline.

Remarks before the National Association for Business Economics, Dallas, Texas, September 12, 2011 ; "It is incumbent on the Fed and other bank regulators to reduce the regulatory burdens that are inhibiting indeed, overwhelming community bankers whose business it is to lend to creditworthy small...

Texas exports rose 2.7 percent in real terms in the first six months of the year, fueled by a nascent economic recovery that surprised some shipping companies. Increased demand in the state and nation contributed to spikes in the cost of container, truck and rail freight shipments.

The real value of trade processed through Texas ports grew at nearly twice the national pace. Rapid growth in trade with Asia implies that containerized shipping--the movement of goods by standardized intermodal cargo containers--will play an increasingly prominent role. ; As container shipments...