NEMA’s index for incandescent lamps registered a reading of 59.4 for the second quarter of 2009, essentially unchanged compared to the first three months of this year. However, the index decreased 11.8% year-over-year. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) showed a similar fate, although declining by a less severe rate of 3.9% year-over-year. At the same time, the CFL index rose 3.8% versus the first quarter of 2009, climbing to 222.6 on a seasonally adjusted basis. Recent performance may indicate the indices might be at or near bottom given the relatively flat to moderate increases in growth.
NEMA also says a shift toward more expensive CFLs could indicate a possible loosening of consumer purse strings. More info: