NEMA Index Shows Business Conditions Strong in January Feb 10, 2011

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NEMA said its Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American business conditions indicated a "broadly improving business environment" in January 2011. The January index measured 63.6, down slightly from December’s 68, but near the high end of the range of readings recorded since the beginning of the third quarter of 2010. A reading above 50 indicates more panelists reported conditions improved compared to the previous month than reported they worsened.

NEMA said:

• 36% of panelists reported better conditions in January, down somewhat from December’s 40%.
• 9% reported deteriorating conditions in the latest month, compared to 4% in December.

The EBCI for North American conditions six months in the future rose for a fifth straight month in January. The index reached 88.6, its highest mark in nearly seven years. 77% of survey panelists expect to see conditions improve by mid-2011, while none of the respondents anticipate deterioration.

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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