March 26, 2008 - Rosslyn, VA: NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions rose for a second straight month in March. Still, at 47.9, the index again lagged the 50-point threshold indicative of industry expansion. Indeed, March was the fourth consecutive month in which the index failed to top 50 points.

These results suggest that, while the business environment facing electrical equipment manufacturers continues to weaken, the pace of its deterioration has slowed markedly since January.   

By contrast, survey panelists’ March expectations for the coming six months saw a sharp reversal. Following a modest gain a month ago, the EBCI for future North American conditions plunged 12.5 points to 33.3, its lowest reading since November 2006.

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.

Click here for the complete March 2008 report.