U of I Flash Index indicates growing economy

Posted on December 4, 2018
cash register
The monthly University of Illinois Flash Index shows economic progress. (Pixabay)

By Dave Dahl

CHAMPAIGN – The University of Illinois’ monthly measure of the state’s economic growth continues to point upward. Economics professor Fred Giertz says the Flash index, which he authors and on which 100 is the break-even point, was up from 105.2 to 105.3, its highest reading in two and a half years.

And Giertz has two reasons to be optimistic about the future.

“The early reports after Thanksgiving were that the sales were strong this year compared to past years,” Giertz tells WJBC News. “The other is that sales tax revenues were strong in November, which may indicate we will be moving into a good December as well.”

Also, Illinois and other states are becoming more aggressive about collecting sales tax. That might have less to do with your spending than it does with the state’s intake.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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