ECA order index continues to rise, closing out strong Q3

The monthly order index compiled by the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA) continued rising in September, closing out a strong third quarter.
 
Through the first three quarters of 2005, the ECA order index has been the inverse of 2004.  Last year, order growth boomed at the start of the year and remained fairly strong before dipping in the second half of the year.  This year started out weakly as manufacturers built up confidence in the market.  Order growth fluctuated during spring and early summer and then moved steadily upward over the last three months.
 
"There is still a fair amount of apprehension among manufacturers, especially with rising energy prices and political uncertainty, but the overall atmosphere is optimistic," says Bob Willis, ECA president.
 
"We might be seeing greater transparency within the supply chain that is helping manufacturers better gauge and respond to the market," says Willis.

For more information, visit www.ec-central.org.