NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Conditions Index (EBCI) for current conditions in North America slipped for the second straight month in December, falling to 52.8 from 53.1 in November, but continued to point to improvement in the business environment by remaining above the 50-point mark. Confidence in future business conditions was slightly more widespread in December compared to November. The EBCI for North American conditions six months hence edged upward to 83.3 from 81.3 in October.