Regional Matters

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.