North American business conditions continued to improve on balance in May, though positive sentiment was less widespread than in the previous month. The Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions slipped 3 points to 68.8. Nonetheless, the index remained well above the 50 point level indicative of an environment conducive to electroindustry growth for a fifth straight month.

Meanwhile, the EBCI for future North American conditions climbed 3.2 points to 77.1, its highest level since January. Thirteen respondents expect the improvement seen since the beginning of the year to continue over the next six months, with the rest anticipating little to no change in conditions.

Click here for the complete May 2010 report.

NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association’s Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.