Electroindustry Index at 6-Year High Mar 6, 2012

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The Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions rose in February 2012 by more than 18 points to 72.5, according to industry association NEMA, to reach its highest mark in more than six years. An index reading above 50 indicates more panelists than not see an improved business environment.

In February:
-- 45% of survey panelists reported conditions were better in February than January (up from 25% in the January report)
-- 55% reported conditions were unchanged
-- 0% reported conditions were worse (compared to 17% in the January report)

The survey measure of the degree of change in current North American conditions was at its highest mark in 2 years: +0.7 in February 2012 compared to +0.1 in January 2012. To determine degree of change, survey respondents report on the intensity of change. The scale ranges from:
-- -5: "deteriorated significantly"
-- 0: "unchanged"
-- +5: "improved significantly"

The EBCI for future conditions in North America remained positive but shrank slightly from the 7-month high reached in January 2012. The index, which had jumped 20 points in December/January, was down 4 points in February to 75. 55% of panelists expect conditions to improve in the next 6 months (down from 58% in January). NEMA reported that just one panelist in February (compared to zero in January) expects the business environment to worsen by mid-2012.

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