One of the most difficult challenges Steel Market Update has is with our Price Momentum Indicator. There has to be a balance between keeping buyers appraised of changes in the market dynamic without becoming a factor in moving prices based on our judgment of the data we collect from active buyers and sellers of steel on a daily basis. We just moved our SMU Price Momentum Indicator from “Neutral” to “Lower” due to what we are seeing and hearing in the marketplace. When SMU indexed its flat rolled steel prices last week, there was a trend in prices along with movement in scrap pricing that caused our indicator to change.

Our latest newsletter, sent out Sunday night to SMU’s free trials and annual members, discussed what the affect scrap prices are having on current market prices for steel. SMU also writes about the impact domestic steel mills’ increased capacity is having on pricing. Steel Market Update includes all pieces of the puzzle, helping others figure out the reason behind steel price increases/decreases. One article includes a comparison price index to give the full pricing spectrum for HR and CR products.

Another market directly related to steel pricing is the Hot Rolled Coil Future market, which is discussed in the latest SMU newsletter. One of our contributing writers, Andre Marshall, CEO of Crunch Risk, LLC (and our Hedging Price Risk Instructor) includes futures pricing and the conditions he is seeing in the market.

Our latest SMU Survey conducted last week provided an insight into the spot market. The survey gave indications of what manufacturers and service centers are seeing in spot market pricing and inventory positions. Also covered in Sunday night’s newsletter were February scrap prices, recent steel imports, and various economic data.

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