North American Business Conditions Improved for Sixth Straight Month in April

Rosslyn, Va.-based National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) recently released its latest monthly survey of senior member company executives. The survey finds that business conditions improved for the sixth month in a row in April. The Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions measured 57.1. While down slightly from the 60.9 mark recorded in March, a reading above 50 indicates more panelists reported better conditions compared to the previous month than reported worse conditions.

Nearly 30% of survey panelists reported improved conditions in April, down appreciably from almost 44% in March. At the same time, though, only about 14% of panelists reported conditions deteriorated, down from almost 22% previously. More than half the panelists — 57% — reported conditions were unchanged in April.

The EBCI for future North American conditions increased in April, climbing to 85.7 from 82.6 in March. More than 71% of panelists expect to conditions will improve during the next six months, while none of the 21 respondents anticipate deterioration during that time period.