Credit Manager's Index (CMI) for October 2003 Reports Highest Levels Since May 2002
The National Association of Credit Management (NACM) has released its Credit Manager's Index (CMI) for October 2003. The combined NACM Credit Manager's Index of 57.9 is at its highest level since May 2002.
This performance is primarily driven by the manufacturing sector, which reached its highest reading in its history, dating to February 2002. The service sector participated in the October gains. The service index reading of 56.3 is its first up-tick since May of this year.
Hopefully, the service performance indicates continuing improvement in this sector for the fourth quarter of this year. Overall, the economy continues to strengthen.
The CMI, a monthly survey of the business economy from the standpoint of credit and collections, was launched in January 2003 to provide financial analysts with another strong economic indicator.
The CMI survey asks credit managers to rate favorable and unfavorable factors in their monthly business cycle. Favorable factors include sales, new credit applications, dollar collections and amount of credit extended. Unfavorable factors include rejections of credit applications, accounts placed for collections, dollar amounts of receivables beyond terms and filings for bankruptcies.
To view the complete index online, visit www.nacm.org/resource/press_release/pressOct03.html.
About the National Association of Credit Management (NACM)
NACM, headquartered in Columbia, Md., supports more than 25,000 business credit and financial professionals worldwide with industry services, tools and information.
NACM and its network of Affiliated Associations are a resource for credit and financial management information and education, delivering products and services designed to improve the management of business credit and accounts receivable.
More F&I
Trust Is Personal
Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey
Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →
Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life
Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.
Read More →