There’s good news for anyone who is interested in buying a franchise. The Franchise Business Index (FBI) ― a relatively new index that gauges the economic health of the franchise business sector ― has increased for the sixth month running. Compared to February 2011, the index was up a full 1.4% to 107.7 last month.

Developed by IHS Global Insight on behalf of the International Franchise Association, the FBI is designed to provide consistent and timely tracking of the franchise industry as it relates to the overall U.S. economy. Although the FBI remained flat for much of 2011, it recently took a turn for the better this past fall and has been steadily on the rise ever since.

Click here on “Franchise Industry Is Stronger than a Year Ago” for more information.