Flash Index shows economic health strong to finish 2018

Posted on January 2, 2019
money
The Flash index, which measures the state’s economic growth, was up 0.2, to 105.5, the highest in 34 months. (Pixabay)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – A monthly gauge of the state’s economic health shows Illinois finished 2018 rather strong.

The Flash index was up 0.2, to 105.5, the highest in 34 months. The study’s author, UI economics professor Fred Giertz, says the relatively good news “reflects both the national and Illinois economy after a period of slow growth.”

And Giertz says in the roller-coaster stock market news, keep in mind: the stock market and the economy are not the same thing.

“Part of the volatility of the stock market is because of the President’s changing attitudes,” Giertz says, “but the first two years of his administration, up to the last few months, saw a major increase in the stock market.”

The Flash Index takes into account personal income, consumer spending, and corporate earnings. The more the index is above one hundred, the greater the growth.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…