Buyers of electronic components maintained their optimistic outlook in September, as Global Purchasing’s monthly business confidence index rose for the second straight month and hit its highest level since January. The Global Purchasing Index rose 1.7% to 118.8 in September, following a 2.3% rebound in August. September represents the index’s highest reading since its launch in January and a 1% increase compared to June’s high of 117.45. The reading indicates growing optimism among North American buyers of electronic components and related items.“It looks like the market has finally started to pick up across the board,” one panelist reported. Buyers are following suit, noting that their purchasing activity increased during September. They also pointed to increasing customer orders, lower inventories, lower prices, and longer lead times during the month. “Business continues to pick up,” said another panelist. “Some lead times and stock have gotten harder. There are many positive trends happening in the industry and we are bullish on the industry moving forward.”