Electrical and Lighting Business Slides in July

Current North American conditions for electrical equipment business declined for the third month in a row in July, but nonetheless remained above the 50-point growth threshold for a 40th consecutive month, according to the National Electrical Manufacturing Assn.’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index.

The current conditions index fell to 51.8 in July from the previous month’s reading of 53.6. Meanwhile, the index for future North American conditions slumped to 23.2, the lowest mark in its five-year history, from a value of 27.8 in June.

Current conditions indices for Latin America, Europe and the Asia/Pacific region again, as in June, posted healthy readings in the high 50s to mid-60s. The future conditions measure was close to unchanged from June for Latin America at 56.3, while readings for Europe and the Asia/Pacific region dropped sharply, with the value for Europe dipping to the low 40s and Asia/Pacific coming to rest at 50.

For a complete summary of the July 2006 index, including charts and a list of participating companies, click here .

NEMA’s Lighting Systems Index declined 2.3% during the second quarter, after registering a six-year high in the first quarter of 2006. As in the prior quarter, the topline index was bolstered by gains in domestic shipments of emergency lighting, fixtures and fluorescent ballasts. However, lower shipments for both large and miniature lamps pushed the index lower. Although demand is weaker when compared to a strong first quarter, the overall level of domestic shipments remains healthy, as evidenced by the index’s 4.6% gain from a year ago and 13% growth over the past three years. To see the full index, including a graphic, click here .

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