NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions increased for a third straight month and topped the 50-point threshold indicative of expansion for a second straight month in September.
Current conditions in North America, as measured by the EBCI Index, a monthly survey of electrical manufacturers published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., rose 5.3 points to 58.6 points, the highest reading since April 2006 and more than 50 points above the region’s cyclical low of eight points in December 2008.
The EBCI for future North American conditions also climbed in September, reaching 69 points, its highest level since August 2005. This reading implies that a significant proportion of industry leaders foresee some degree of improvement in the business situation within the next six months. Still, while the survey currently has no formal measure of the expected intensity of change, respondent comments suggest that the degree of improvement over the next six months is seen as limited.
Both North America and the Asia-Pacific region saw increases in both current and future conditions. Along with its 5.3-point increase in current conditions, North America had a 0.7-increase in future conditions. The Asia-Pacific region had a 5.2-point increase in current conditions and a 2-point increase in future conditions.
Other regions had mixed results. Europe had a 7.2-point increase in current conditions but an 8.5-decrease in future conditions. Latin America had an 8-point increase in current conditions but a 2.5-point decrease in future conditions.