Stress is just how far today's value sits between “norm” (0) and “crisis” (100) — a fixed calibrated scale, not a verdict. It measures pressure, not a prediction of collapse.
Firms behind on taxes currently reads 440 k firms, mapping to a stress of 85/100 — critical pressure, near the worst end of its calibrated range.
Across the tracked period the stress has held roughly flat (+0.0 pts).
The value is sourced via independent monitoring; confidence — medium. How it is derived: ~440k firms behind on taxes amid the downturn — mass financial stress.
History is accumulating since launch — a chart appears once enough daily readings pile up.