Montana has seen almost seven straight years of economic growth now, and more is forecasted for the future.
That's what economists from the University of Montana said today in Helena when they released their annual review of the state's economy and economic forecast for next year.
Patrick Barkey is director of UM's Bureau of Business and Economic Research.
"We're seeing broad growth across a lot of industries. If you ask me what's growing in Montana, it's easier for me to tell you what's not. Because there's a lot of growth all over the place."
Wage growth over the last three years in Montana has been between two and three percent, and Barkey expects that to continue this year and through 2019.
But he says prices for oil, agricultural products and in the mining sector have fallen here, and may continue to do so.
"For Montana the commodity price picture is a little bleak. What's driving this is a sudden turnaround in global demand."
Barkey says China's economy has slowed significantly. The U.S. dollar has also strengthened, making U.S. goods more costly overseas and in Canada. Canada is Montana's biggest export market, and has seen the value of its currency drop considerably.
