The AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index in September found the “current situation” deteriorating even as “future expectations” improved to an all-time high. September’s Current Situation Index declined to 45.8 from 91.7 the previous month. Meanwhile, the Future Expectations Index, made up of components projecting sales six and twelve months out, increased to 191.4 from 170.7 in August.

In comparing current sales levels to year-ago levels, 11% of respondents said sales were higher in September versus year-ago levels, compared with 22% in August. For September, 17% reported sales were even, and 72% said sales were below year-ago levels, up from 68% in August.

Looking forward six months, 44% of September respondents said they expect sales to be above current levels, up from 31% in August. In September, 39% of respondents said they expect sales to be even in six months and 17% expect sales to be below current levels.

Looking forward one year, 67% of respondents project sales will be higher, down from 68% who felt that way in August. Thirty percent of September respondents project sales will be even one year from now and just 4% project sales will be below current levels.

More details about the Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index can be found here.