Rosslyn, VA, October 31, 2007 -- NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) lost ground in October, dropping by nearly 11 points to 37 from 47.9 a month ago. October was the fourth consecutive month, and the fifth in the last six, in which the index failed to reach 50 points. These results indicate that external conditions facing electrical equipment manufacturers have deteriorated steadily in recent months.

By contrast, the future conditions reading for North America gained ground on the month, albeit modestly, climbing 3 points to 42.6. Notwithstanding October’s increase, the index registered below 50 for a second consecutive month, again presaging a weakening of industry conditions over the next six months.

Click here for the complete October 2007 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% of the electroindustry.