NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Indexes (EBCI) for both current and future North American conditions fell in April, 2008. After climbing for two straight months in February and March, the EBCI for current North American conditions fell by more than 20 points to 27.3, the lowest level recorded since late 2001. An index reading below 50 indicates a contraction in industry conditions.
Meanwhile, survey panelists’ expectations for the next six months eroded further in April, as the EBCI for future North American conditions slid 3.8 points to 29.5 points. This latest skid came on the heels of March’s 12.5 point drop.
Go to this site for the complete April 2008 report: http://www.nema.org/econ/ebci/index.cfm
The Electroindustry Business Confidence Index gauges the business confidence of the electroindustry in Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America, and is based on the results of a monthly survey of senior managers at NEMA member companies. Those companies represent more than 80 percent of the electroindustry.
NEMA is the trade association for the electrical manufacturing industry. Its 430 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. These products are used in utility, medical imaging, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. Domestic production of electrical products sold worldwide exceeds $120 billion. NEMA is headquartered in Rosslyn, Virginia.
Mike Keating