AHMA Industry Confidence Index improves

The American Hardware Manufacturers Association's AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index’s Current Situation Index improved in December to 291.7 from 208.3 in November (October 2008 = 100), while the Future Expectations Index declined slightly to 224.1 from 256.9 a month earlier.

In comparing current sales levels to year-ago levels, 70% of respondents said sales were higher in December versus year-ago levels, up from 50% in November.  For December, 17% reported sales were even, and 13% said sales were below year-ago levels.

Looking forward six months, 57% of December respondents said they expect sales to be above current levels, down from 69% in November.  In December, 43% of respondents said they expect sales to be even in six months and zero percent expect sales to be below current levels.

Looking forward one year, 73% of respondents project sales will be higher, down from 80% who felt that way in November.  Twenty-seven percent of December respondents project sales will be even one year from now and zero percent project sales will be below current levels.

Timothy S. Farrell, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA), said:  “We are encouraged that 70% of the respondents to our December survey reported sales above year-ago levels.  Together with our members, we hope that 2011 will bring a renewed focus in Washington on efforts to revive and invigorate the American economy.”