NEMA's Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American business conditions climbed nearly 13 points in October, its third straight monthly increase, to 58.3. The index reached its highest mark for since April, while more respondents than not reported an improved business environment for the first time since June. The survey's measure of the degree of change in current North American conditions also reversed course in November. At +0.4, up from -0.1 in October, it reached positive territory for the first time in six months. The EBCI for future North American conditions posted a modest retreat in November, slipping to 61.1 from 65.9 a month ago, but remained well above the 50-point growth threshold.
NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.