Forecasters upbeat on W.Va. economy, except coal - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Forecasters upbeat on W.Va. economy, except coal

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -

By LAWRENCE MESSINA
Associated Press

West Virginia's economy continues to improve despite ongoing struggles in its mining sector.

That's the forecast expected Thursday at the latest West Virginia Economic Outlook Conference.

Analysts are looking closely at the recent downturn in the state's coal industry. But they've also indicated job gains in such other areas as construction, health care and business and professional services.

Jeffrey Lacker, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, is scheduled to discuss the national economy. Lacker has repeatedly expressed concern that the Federal Reserve's policy steps could lead to higher inflation. Those steps include low short-term interest rates and the buying of mortgage bonds to push long-term interest rates lower and make home buying more affordable.

West Virginia University's Bureau of Business and Economic Research put the conference together.

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