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Fort Worth has touted its economic growth and success for years and recently ranked fifth best for economic growth across large American cities — besting Dallas and showing strength in workforce development and trade expansion.
Matthew Johnston
As we round out 2025, businesses should think about the following tips as they navigate evolving economic and market dynamics to reinforce continued economic success.
1. Efficiently Navigate Macroeconomic Trends
This year, leaders are feeling the ripple effects of changing interest rates, tariffs, inflation, and more. This has significant impacts locally, as the Dallas-Fort Worth area is a large exporter, particularly related to integrated circuits, aircraft parts, semiconductor devices, telephones and computers.
Business leaders should continue evaluating which strategies and processes can be maintained or must be adapted, all while mitigating risk. Specifically, they should explore opportunities to raise and deploy capital more efficiently. Agility is key to a strong second half of 2025, and having financial flexibility can be the difference between capturing or missing an opportunity.
Based on conversations with clients, we know businesses are looking to diversify their supply chains, enhance their energy infrastructures, improve their cybersecurity cultures and strategically expand into new markets. Navigating these changes in an uncertain environment can be daunting, so companies should leverage the expertise and tools of strategic partners, such as bankers, financial advisors and lawyers.
2. Hedging International Bets
Businesses were optimistic about the global economy at the end of last year. While 2025 has challenged many to navigate global uncertainty, the resilience companies have demonstrated suggests that a cautiously optimistic outlook is still justified. Here in Fort Worth, we’ve seen a surge of major announcements related to corporate investment in 2025.
However, given the current complexity, business leaders should carefully consider international expansion. Finance and treasury executives must proactively manage currency, pricing, foreign banking and overseas counterparty risks when expanding globally.
3. Prioritizing Employee Benefits Despite Market Shifts
The U.S. labor market has been a whirlwind in recent years, but data suggests a shift toward more stability. According to data from the Department of Labor, job separations have been steadily dropping, and the Bank of America 2025 Workplace Benefits Report found that 68% of employees are optimistic about the next three years.
Organizations should remain tuned into the unique needs of their employees and prioritize benefits that resonate with them. By offering competitive and flexible benefits, such as health and wellbeing stipends or hybrid work models, businesses will be better positioned to continue retaining top talent. Ultimately, these strategic investments help build an engaged and resilient workforce.
The remainder of the year will continue to challenge Fort Worth’s business leaders to adapt to the myriad forces shaping the business world. Those best-positioned to manage and sustain growth will be businesses diversifying their supply chains, carefully managing any international expansion plans, and prioritizing the needs of their employees.
Matthew Johnston is a senior vice president and senior relationship manager at Bank of America in Dallas-Fort Worth.