Flash Index: National Economy Helping Illinois Economy

The state’s economy continues to grow slowly, according to the University of Illinois' monthly Flash Economic Index. 

The Flash Index for November rose three-tenths of a point to 104.2, up from a five-year low in October.

Anything number over 100 means the economy is growing, according to U of I economist Fred Giertz.

"It’s not the kind of explosive growth that people are looking for, but the fact that it's slow and steady is news in itself," Giertz said.

Giertz says Illinois is starting to benefit from the robust national economy that registered three percent growth in the last two quarters.

The Flash Index averages corporate earnings, consumer spending and personal income to measure the state’s economic health.