NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Conditions Index (EBCI) for current conditions in North America retreated to 57.1 in September from 68.2 in August, its highest level in more than three years. Nonethless a larger share of panelists—24%—reported business conditions improved during the month than reported they declined (10%). The largest share—67%—reported conditions were unchanged from August to September. The EBCI for future North American conditions declined to 76.2 in September from 84.1 in each of the two previous months. Fifty-seven percent of panelists said they expect conditions to improve over the next half-year compared to only five percent reporting that they anticipate a near-term deterioration in the business environment.

Click here for the complete September 2014 report.

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Rosslyn, Virginia. Its 400-plus member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Total U.S. shipments for electroindustry products exceed $100 billion annually.