NEMA Index Shows Business Conditions on the Upswing Jan 10, 2011

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NEMA's Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American business conditions climbed for a second consecutive month in December, rising 5.5 points to 68, its highest level since June. A reading above 50 indicates more panelists than not reported conditions improved during the month. 40% of survey panelists reported improved conditions in December; 4% reported deteriorating conditions.

The intensity of change in current North American conditions also edged higher in December, increasing to +0.4 from +0.3 the previous month. Panelists are asked to report intensity of change on a scale ranging from –5 (deteriorated significantly) through 0 (unchanged) to +5 (improved significantly).

The EBCI for future North American conditions rose for a fourth straight month in December. The index reached 78, its highest mark since well before the severe recession of 2008-09, and is up a cumulative 24 points August 2010.

NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Its 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications.

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