April 30, 2008 – Rosslyn, VA: NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Indexes (EBCI) for both current and future North American conditions fell precipitously in April. After climbing for two straight months in February and March, the EBCI for current North American conditions tumbled by more than 20 points to 27.3, the lowest level recorded since late 2001. An index reading below 50 is indicative of a contraction in industry conditions.

Meanwhile, survey panelists’ expectations for the next six months eroded further in April, as the EBCI for future North American conditions slid 3.8 points to 29.5. This latest skid came on the heels of March’s 12.5 point drop.

Click here for the complete April 2008 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.