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U of I Flash Index Shows Economic Growth Slowing

Any measurement above 100 (the green line) indicates a growing state economy.
U of I Institute of Government and Public Affairs
Any measurement above 100 (the green line) indicates a growing state economy.
Any measurement above 100 (the green line) indicates a growing state economy.
Credit U of I Institute of Government and Public Affairs
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.

Copyright 2019 WNIJ Northern Public Radio

Chase started in radio while earning his Master's in diplomacy and international commerce at the University of Kentucky. He was bitten by the radio bug while volunteering at Radio Eye (a local equivalent to NIRIS) and soon became a reporter at WUKY. After four years of reporting in Kentucky's Bluegrass, Chase traveled north to join WNIJ as Morning Edition producer. He organizes our morning broadcast, making sure the host is well-supplied with interesting, fresh content. In addition to his pre-dawn duties, Chase reports on a variety of developments in our broadcast area but is particularly drawn to anything with a political or international connection. He is also an avid board gamer.
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