Dr. Jeremy Jackson, Lloyd V. Hackley Chair for the Study of Capitalism and Free Enterprise at Fayetteville State University’s Broadwell College of Business and Economics, has just released a new quarterly economic outlook report covering the Fayetteville metro area, state of North Carolina and the nation.

Compiled using the Federal Reserve Economic Database (FRED), the report draws from quarterly-updated datasets to ensure timely and relevant information. It tracks key indicators such as wages, labor force participation, unemployment rates and housing price indices, focusing both on the Fayetteville metropolitan statistical area and broader regions.

Distinguishing itself from traditional economic dashboards, the report leverages statistical modeling to project trends beyond current figures, providing a forward-looking view through to late 2027. This predictive approach is grounded in historical data and robust economic methodologies, offering valuable context for decision-makers navigating future uncertainties.

The release of the initial report was delayed due to the federal government shutdown, but future releases will shortly follow the quarterly release of new Gross Domestic Product data by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

The report, and future releases, can be seen in full at the Hackley Chair website.

The goal for this report is to inform local community members, business leaders, and policy makers.

Key points from the first report:

• The economic outlook for the national economy is positive with slight cause for concern as net investment and corporate profits fall.
• The outlook for North Carolina is positive, with low unemployment and a growing state product expected.
• The outlook for the Fayetteville Metropolitan Area is mixed.
• Wages in Fayetteville have seen a recent decline, but this may reverse in 2026.
• Housing prices in Fayetteville are expected to continue their current downward trend.

Economic growth continues to be supported by strong consumer expenditures. There are signs that economic growth may stagnate as the unemployment rate increases and net investment falls. Corporate profits may fall in the short term.

The North Carolina economy continues to perform well, with growth in gross state product and total wages and salaries expected to continue. The labor market will continue to see low unemployment with a possible slight expansion in the labor force.

While the state and national economies have a positive outlook, the outlook for the Fayetteville Metropolitan Area is more mixed. Wages in the metro area have been declining, although the forecast includes a potential increase in 2026. The local unemployment rate should remain at

current levels. There has been a recent decline in the local labor force, which should level off in 2026. Housing prices look to continue the recent slight downward trend.