AHMA Industry Confidence Index surges
The American Hardware Manufacturers Association’s AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index’s Current Situation Index improved in April to 254.2 from 183.3 in March (October 2008 = 100), while the Future Expectations Index increased to 248.3 from 220.7 a month earlier.
Both indexes were indicative of all-time high levels for the 18-month-old survey.
In comparing current sales levels with year-ago levels, 61% of respondents said sales were higher in April versus year-ago levels, up from 44% in March. For April 24% reported sales were even, and 16% said sales were below year-ago levels.
Looking forward six months, 68% of April respondents said they expect sales to be above current levels, down from 56% in March. In April, 29% of respondents said they expect sales to be even in six months, and just 3% expect sales to be below current levels.
Looking forward one year, 76% of respondents projected sales will be higher, down from 72% who felt that way in March. Twenty-one percent of April respondents projected sales will be even one year from now, and 3% projected sales will be below current levels.
“It is very encouraging to see 85% of our members reporting sales above, or even with, year-ago levels. It is our hope that macroeconomic factors will continue to steadily improve so as to provide a sustainable recovery for the hardware/home improvement industry and the country as a whole,” said Timothy Farrell, president and CEO of the AHMA.
The March Confidence Index survey asked two supplemental questions of AHMA members. Of the first,“ Which political ‘type’ of (Supreme Court) nominee would you like to see in regard to their past track record on constitutional opinions?” 3% responded “Liberal,” 47% responded “Moderate,” and 50% responded “Conservative.”
To the second question, “Do you feel legislation currently under consideration to impose new restrictions on the banking/financial industry is necessary?” 43% responded “Yes,” 32% responded “Not Sure,” and 24% responded “No.”