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. The index rose 5.3 points to 58.6, its highest reading since April 2006 and more than 50 points above its cyclical low of 8 in December 2008.

The EBCI for future North American conditions also climbed in September, reaching its highest level—69.0—since August 2005. This reading implies that a significant proportion of industry leaders foresees some degree of improvement in the business situation within the next six months.

Click here for the complete September 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.