Rosslyn, Va.-based National Electrical Manufacturers Association's (NEMA) Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American business conditions posted a small gain in June, climbing 1.6 points from May to 70.4. Despite their prevalence, though, reported improvements in the business environment have been relatively modest in intensity. The average degree of change in business conditions cited in the survey was unchanged once again in June, holding at +0.7 for a third straight month. Intensity of change is reported on a scale ranging from –5 (deteriorated significantly) through 0 (unchanged) to +5 (improved significantly).
Meanwhile, the EBCI for future North American conditions dropped 6.7 points to 70.4, giving back more than twice the 3.2 point gain recorded in May, but remaining well above the 50-point threshold indicative of broad-based expansion. Nonetheless, panelist comments suggest that any improvement is seen as likely to be limited in strength.