University Studies

The explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform on April 20, 2010, and the resulting oil spill have had a significant economic impact on the communities along the Gulf Coast (see this issue's cover story). Several university contacts in the region have shared their thoughts and ideas concerning the impact of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill with the Atlanta Fed. As members of the Local Economic Analysis and Research Network (LEARN), these experts provide valuable insight into local economic conditions. The following information provides key points from a few members on how the oil spill has hurt their areas' business and consumer confidence.

Mississippi's business confidence was rising until the oil spill

After improving in four out of the five previous quarters, the index gauging business confidence among Mississippi Gulf Coast chief executive officers and business owners posted a decline in the second quarter of 2010. …

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