The Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., fell 5.7 points in December to 48.2 points. The index failed to top the critical 50-point threshold for the first time since July, indicating modest deterioration in the business environment following a period of steady, if slow, growth over the last several months.
By contrast, EBCI for future North American conditions rebounded in December following declines in each of the two previous months. At 64.3 points, the index posted its tenth straight reading above 50 points, with a 6.3-point gain relative to November suggesting the degree of anticipated improvement in conditions over the next half year increased in the latest month.
The EBCI 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. Details