The Dallas Fed’s general business activity index for Texas manufacturing declined to -2.3 in April 2026 from -0.2 in March, its lowest reading so far this year. The company outlook index, however, returned to positive territory at 3, while the outlook uncertainty index eased to 17.9 after approaching a one-year high in March.
Labor market conditions were broadly steady. Overall employment was unchanged, but firms reported slightly longer workweeks, with the hours worked index rising to 4 from 0.9. Wage pressures showed little change, as both the wages and benefits indexes were flat.
Price pressures intensified. The finished goods price index jumped to 27.6, its highest level since July 2022, and the raw materials price index increased 4.3 points to 37.
Looking ahead, expectations for general business activity improved, with the corresponding index up 4 points to 14.1, indicating that firms anticipate stronger manufacturing activity over the next six months.
