Loan quality continues to improve across the District. Wages and Prices Contacts report that current wage increases appear to be moderate. However, reports of worker shortages for specific industries continue. In Louisiana, contacts note shortages of crews needed to work on offshore drilling rigs. Upper management and information systems personnel remain in high demand in parts of the region, although the overall paucity of well-qualified candidates has reportedly eased somewhat compared with several months ago.
Some firms cite low unemployment rates as making it difficult to expand their operations.
The late January freeze severely damaged some crops in Florida. The citrus crop was not as adversely affected by the freeze. To comment on this site, please fill out our feedback form.