June 2024
Please note that survey responses were collected from the period of June 10-21, 2024.
After three months of decline and stagnation, the current conditions component increased to 57.7 in June, elevating it back to the robust levels seen at the beginning of the year. The majority of respondents, 69 percent, report that current conditions are “unchanged” and 23 percent report current conditions are “better”. This sentiment was echoed in panel members’ comments, which were mixed as some noted increased orders and investments in data centers while others expressed concerns about political instability, market uncertainty, and sluggish business. Click here for the complete June 2024 report
May 2024
Please note that survey responses were collected from the period of May 13-24, 2024.
Following a six-month run of readings suggesting expansionary conditions, the current conditions component pulled back in April, dipping to 46.7 points. Boosted by a higher proportion of respondents who reported “better” conditions, the gauge of current conditions bounced back to reach the threshold score of 50, a result that suggested conditions remained essentially unchanged from the previous month’s. Except for a three-month period of relatively robust readings near the start of the year, the current conditions barometer has mostly hovered in a region suggesting slow to flat growth for the last 12 months. Comments pointed to modest improvement in conditions mixed with the observation that “order rates have softened in the near term.” EBCI results 202405nm
April 2024
Please note that survey responses were collected from the period of April 8-19, 2024.
In the latest survey, 66 percent of panel members reported "unchanged" conditions, consistent with March’s findings. However, an increased share of respondents reporting “worse” conditions led to a decrease in the current conditions component to 46.7 points in April, down from the previous month’s 53.7. This is the first time since July 2023 the current gauge dropped below the threshold value of 50, indicating a contracting electroindustry sector. Panel member comments were mixed but focused on stable or slight increases in demand for products while cautioning of likely delays in interest rate cuts and increasing energy prices. EBCI results 202404nm
March 2024
Please note that survey responses were collected from the period of March 11-22, 2024.
(Rosslyn, VA) In February just over half (54%) of panel members reported “unchanged” conditions. That number increased to 67 percent in March. The increase of respondents reporting “unchanged” conditions led to a decrease in the current conditions component to 53.5 points in March, down from the previous month’s 57.7. The member comments were mixed but focused on stability. Members mentioned stable conditions and no significant changes. Some comments noted mega projects continuing and quotations still at record levels, with the caveat that incoming orders have slowed due to excessive inventory levels. EBCI results 202403nm
February 2024
The shift in the share of respondents reporting
“unchanged” to “worse” conditions led to a decrease in the current conditions
component to 57.7 points in February, down from the previous month’s 62.5.
After having expanded for four consecutive months, the current conditions
reading still stands at its second highest point since February 2023. Although
the quantitative score declined, the member comments, similar to last month
were mixed, largely reflecting stability. Panel members mentioned large data
center projects in the coming months, and solid orders activity in the first
quarter, but at least one respondent noted concern about rising supply chain
disruptions. EBCI results 202402nm
January 2024
A
sharp falloff in the share of respondents reporting “worse” conditions helped
propel the current conditions component to 62.5 points in January, up from the
previous month’s 56.3. Having expanded for four consecutive months, the current
conditions reading stands at its highest point since February 2023. Although the
quantitative score was firmly in expansionary territory, and accelerating,
panel member comments were lukewarm, largely reflecting stability rather than
strong growth. Alluding to the mixed, but generally improving business
environment, one respondent noted that, “the residential market is the only
concern at this point…” EBCI results 202401nm