Economy

U of I Flash Index Shows Economic Growth Slowing

Northern Public Radio | By Chase Cavanaugh

Published September 3, 2019 at 3:52 PM CDT

Any measurement above 100 (the green line) indicates a growing state economy.

The University of Illinois released the latest Flash Index numbers.

At 105.1, it’s the lowest level this year. It was at 105.4 in July. Economist Fred Giertz says any measure over 100 indicates an expanding state economy.

“So it’s a slight decline, which means the economy is still growing, but not as rapidly as it was a few months ago," he said.

Giertz says the U.S. economy has a strong effect on Illinois growth. This includes the U.S.-China trade war. But he says determining the effects will require more than just the Flash Index.

The Flash Index takes into account several measurements. These include taxes, spending and income from individuals and companies. The numbers are then used to calculate economic growth rates. U of I’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs has calculated the index since 1981.