Electroindustry managers: April survey shows decline, less confidence

NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Indexes (EBCI) for present and future North American conditions fell in April after two months of increases.

By Control Engineering Staff May 5, 2008

Rosslyn, VA

NEMA

’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Indexes (

EBCI

) for present and future North American conditions fell precipitously last month. After climbing for two months in February and March, EBCI for current North American economic conditions dropped by more than 20 points to 27.3, the lowest numbers recorded since late 2001. An index reading below 50 indicates a contraction in industry conditions.
Survey panelists’ expectations for the next six months eroded in April, as EBCI for future North American conditions decreased 3.8 points to 29.5. The latest slide followed March’s 12.5 point drop.
The Electroindustry Business Confidence Index assesses the business confidence of the electroindustry in Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America.
It is based on the results of a monthly survey of senior managers at NEMA member companies, which represent more than 80% of the electroindustry.
Related Control Engineering news:

Monthly surveys of automation and control product purchases

among Control Engineering readers consistently reflect greater spending for the coming months, which may reflect realization that investing in more efficient operations can help, no matter what the economic outlook.
For other reading, see:

Industrial controls finish 2007 strong

; optimism in 2008 (Feb. 25, 2008)

Manufacturing confidence

: NEMA index reports choppy North American business conditions (Dec. 31, 2007)
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