NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American business conditions rebounded in September, rising 7.3 points from August to 52.6 points. A reading above 50 indicates more panelists than not reported improved conditions during the month. The EBCI is a survey of senior executives of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va.
Twenty-five percent of panelists reported improved conditions in September, slightly higher than August’s figure of 24 percent. Only 18 percent reported deteriorating conditions in the latest month, against 36 percent in August. The balance of respondents in both months reported conditions were unchanged.
The EBCI for future North American conditions climbed 12.1 points in September, reversing a string of three straight monthly declines. At 66.1 points, the index continues to indicate that more panelists than not expect further improvements in the business environment over the next six months. Thirty-nine percent of panelists expect to see conditions improve between September 2010 and March 2011, compared to seven percent anticipating a weakening.
All international regions were in growth territory for September. The Asia-Pacific region saw double-digit increases in both current and future conditions, with increases of 10.4 points to 57.5 points and 17.5 points to 67.5 points, respectively. Europe had the biggest increase in future conditions, enjoying a 24.1-point increase to 65.8 points, and a 3.6-point increase for current conditions. Latin America had less expansive increases, with a 2.3-point jump to 54.8 points for current conditions and a 7.2-point increase to 64.3 points for future conditions.