NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions lost ground in October for the first time in four months, falling 6.7 points. Nonetheless, at 51.9, the index managed to breach the critical 50-point threshold for the third straight month, suggesting at least a modest improvement in industry conditions relative to September.

The EBCI for future North American conditions also slipped in October, declining 7.4 points to 61.5. While a sizable proportion of industry leaders continue to expect further improvement in the business environment during the next six months, anecdotal comments suggest that the degree of improvement is largely seen as limited.

Click here for the complete October 2009 report.

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.

http://www.nema.org/econ/ebci/index.cfm

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.