Regional Matters

Businesses sounded more upbeat in the lead-up to the March FOMC meeting but still hesitated to hire and raise prices. New global uncertainty could temper this optimism going forward.

The 2025 H.R.1 extended three tax credit programs designed to increase development and investment in underserved places. This post explores these programs and how community lenders use them.

The Richmond Fed's December business surveys found that businesses were increasingly providing employees with access to artificial intelligence (AI) tools but were less likely to have incorporated AI into their operations.

From the end of 2025 through mid-January, businesses said they are increasingly confident but are still hesitant to make moves; the low-hire, low-fire equilibrium seems likely to continue.

Since Hurricane Helene made landfall in September 2024, Riverbird Research of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce found through its surveys that while recovery gained momentum, businesses face ongoing challenges.