Global Purchasing Index
By Victoria Fraza Kickham, Distribution Editor
A monthly benchmark that gauges purchasing professionals’ views on procurement activity in the electronic components marketplace. A reading below 100 indicates pessimism; a reading above 100 indicates optimism.
Buyers Maintain Optimism in February
Economic outlook among electronics purchasing professionals remains virtually unchanged in February, as buyers cite an increase in new orders from customers and a rise in purchasing activity.
The GPI registered 117.25 in February, staying well above the 100-point mark indicating economic optimism.
“The winter/holiday slump is cycling down, finally, and new orders are increasing in the pipeline,” one panel member commented. “2015 looks to be showing more promise than 2014.”
“We are seeing an increase in the cost of materials and components, where last year was more stable during the year,” one panelist said.
The GPI has dipped below 100 just once since its launch in January 2014. It fell to 99.05 in December, when panel members reported slower seasonal conditions. Otherwise, it has remained in positive territory, and soared this January to 117.6 after the December decline.
Global Purchasing’s GPI measures purchasing professionals’ business confidence in five areas: new orders from customers; electronic component inventory levels; purchasing activity; pricing; and lead times. Global Purchasing compiles the GPI data monthly from a survey of more than 100 panel members who buy a wide range of electronic components. Prequalified for their industry experience, panel members are purchasing executives, managers, or buyers at original equipment manufacturing (OEM) or contract manufacturing firms around the world.
Other areas of the GPI you may be interested in:About the GPI | GPI Panelists | Apply to the GPI | Member of the Month | Article Library