BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- The chief economist for Moody'sEconomy.com predicts the economy will hit a "technical bottom" in September but says a turnaround may not be felt for a few years.
Mark Zandi spoke at the Marketplace economic development conference in Bismarck.
Zandi said North Dakota has avoided the worst of the national financial crisis, in part because of its energy development. But he does not expect oil prices to go much above $50 this year.
Zandi predicted oil prices will show "a lot of volatility" but likely will not rise much above $75 a barrel over the next three or four years.