Differences in economic factors and mortgage characteristics give the state a lower delinquency rate.

The current financial crisis has brought a severe decline in subprime mortgage lending. Like the nation, Texas and its metros still have exposure to existing loans. Housing prices, unemployment and overall economic activity will play a significant part in determining how many of them run into...

With relatively stable house prices in Texas, the incidence of underwater mortgages was a fraction of what occurred in hard-hit states.

Because of the significance of self-employment, understanding its relationship to the business cycle is especially useful during periods of financial stress.

An unemployment rate with a persistent long-term component can be more detrimental to the economy than the same jobless rate with a smaller share of long-term unemployed.

Economic research confirms what parents have been telling their children for generations: College education pays off in higher earnings. Indeed, the gains from earning a college degree have been rising over the past quarter century--in both the nation and Texas. ; Supply and demand go a long way...