Mountain State Business Index

The Mountain State Business Index (MSBI) combines seven leading economic indicators into a single index that provides a convenient way to gauge the likelihood of swings in economic activity in West Virginia over the next four to six months. Signals of a contraction (or expansion) in the state's economy can be identified through the proper monitoring of changes in the index over time.

The economic indicators that comprise the index were determined to lead economic expansions or contractions in West Virginia by approximately four to six months. The seven indicators are related to the following factors: building permits; unemployment insurance claims; the value of the US dollar; stock prices related to West Virginia employers; interest rates; coal production; and natural gas production.

MSBI Technical Report

The   MSBI Technical Report provides information on the components of the MSBI, Current Conditions, Methodology and Performance.

Recent Press Releases

• August 2017: West Virginia economy to see solid growth through end of 2017
• June 2017: West Virginia continues on path of economic recovery
• April 2017: West Virginia economy headed toward moderate growth
• March 2017: West Virginia’s economic recovery continues
• January 2017: State has overall growth, but with wide range of regional economic health
• December 2016: West Virginia economy showing improved signs of recovery
• October 2016: West Virginia economy still week, continues to recover 
  
• September 2016: West Virginia's economic in early stages of recovery 
  
• July 2016: State recession has likely ended
• June 2016: West Virginia recession likely over but disastrous flooding will affect state's economic performance
• May 2016: West Virginia economy may be stabilizing
• April 2016: MSBI holds steady in April but recession conditions remain
• March 2016: MSBI recession for the next several months
• January 2016: Business index shows little hope for West Virginia economy in the near term
• December 2015: MSBI holds steady in December
• November 2015: MSBI registers first increase of 2015 in November
• October 2015: MSBI holds steady in October, outlook sluggish for early 2016
• September 2015: MSBI continues 2015 fall with slight drop in September
• July 2015: MSBI ticks lower in July, records worst performance in six years
• June 2015: MSBI continues to slide for fifth consecutive month
• May 2015: MSBI continues to slide for fourth consecutive month
• April 2015: MSBI falls for third consecutive month
• March 2015: MSBI marks largest decline in more than a year
• January 2015: MSBI notches gain after two flat months
• December 2014: MSBI remains flat for second consecutive month
• November 2014: MSBI stalls in November
• October 2014: West Virginia on a roll, continues growth trend
• September 2014: West Virginia economy continues growth
• August 2014: Continued health for West Virginia's economy
• July 2014: Continued improvement for West Virginia's economy
• June 2014: Continued growth for West Virginia's economy
• May 2014: WVU introduces Monthly State Business Index, forecasts steady growth