NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Conditions Index (EBCI) for current conditions in North America surged in March, climbing to 64.7 points from 44.4 points the previous month as more panelists reported conditions improved than eroded. Compared to February, a larger share of the survey panel reported that business conditions improved (41% in March compared to 22% in February) and a smaller share reported that they deteriorated (12% in March compared to 33% in February). Forty-seven percent claimed conditions were unchanged in March, similar to the share holding this view a month ago.
The EBCI Index is a monthly survey of senior executives at electrical manufacturers published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va. Any score over the 50-point level indicates a greater number of panelists see conditions improving than see them deteriorating.
The EBCI for future North American conditions also improved in March, rising to 61.8 points from 52.8 points in February. A slightly larger share of the panel (35%) reported positive expectations than was the case last month (33%), while a substantially smaller share (12%) reported negative expectations than was the case in February (28%). The share expecting to see no change in business conditions over the next six months rose to 53% in March from 39% in February.
