AHMA Industry Confidence Index shows mixed results in July

The American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) announced mixed results from its AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index for the month of July. 

The Current Situation Index was reported to have risen to 225 in July, up from 166.7 in June. Also, 54% of survey respondents said sales were higher in July in comparison to those from one year ago, up from 40% in June. Some 18% reported sales were even, and 29% said sales had decreased since last year.

The Future Expectations Index declined from 213.8 in June to 193.1 in July. Only 44% of respondents in July reported that they expect sales to increase in the coming six months, down from 56% in June, with 44% expecting that sales will be even in the coming six months.

The survey showed 11% predicted sales below current levels in the next six months. For the coming year, 68% of respondents, the same percentage as in the June survey, said they expect that sales will increase above current levels in the next year, with 21% predicting even sales a year from now, and 11% expecting sales to decline below current levels.