The American Hardware Manufacturers Association’s AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index’s Current Situation Index improved in September to 237.5 from 229.2 in August (October 2008 = 100), while the Future Expectations Index declined slightly to 187.9 from 193.1. 

In comparing current sales levels with year-ago levels, 57% of respondents said sales were higher in September versus year-ago levels, up from 55% in August. For September, 21% reported sales were even, and 21% said sales were below year-ago levels. 

“September marks the third consecutive month wherein our members have reported higher sales than the preceding month," said Timothy Farrell, president and CEO of the Schaumburg, Ill.-based AHMA. "However, it also marks the third consecutive month where they have forecast future sales to be either flat or even with current levels." 

Looking forward six months, 50% of September respondents said they expect sales to be above current levels, up from 48% in August. In September, 46% of respondents said they expect sales to be even in six months and 4% expect sales to be below current levels.

Looking forward one year, 59% of respondents project sales will be higher, down from 64% who felt that way in August. Forty-one percent of September respondents project sales will be even one year from now and 0% project sales will be below current levels.