AHMA releases industry confidence index

Along with the latest AHMA industry confidence index came a plea to legislators: think before you tax.

“Manufacturers in the home improvement industry continue to perform well in the face of strong macroeconomic headwinds," said Tim Farrell, president and CEO of the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA). "Going forward, we urge legislators in Washington to fully consider the important contributions to the health of the U.S. economy provided by a thriving manufacturing sector, and we strongly urge them to avoid counterproductive tax increases as they debate ways to reduce the budget deficit and address the problems of an increasing national debt.”

The AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index’s Current Situation Index declined in June to 166.7 from 175 in May (October 2008 = 100), while the Future Expectations Index improved significantly to 213.8 from 179.3 a month earlier.

In comparing current sales levels to year-ago levels, 40% of respondents said sales were higher in June versus year-ago levels, down from 42% in May.  For June, 20% reported sales were even, and 40% said sales were below year-ago levels.

The full results of the industry confidence survey can be found here.