Price Momentum Indicator

What is the Price Momentum Indicator?

  • A visual used to depict the near-term pricing trend – an arrow pointing up indicates the trend is for higher prices, an arrow pointing sideways indicates stabile pricing and an arrow pointing down indicates prices will trend lower.
  • Near-term pricing means during the next 30-60 day cycle.
  • The direction of the Price Momentum Indicator is determined through the Steel Market Update Market Survey and direct contact with steel buyers throughout the country. The Steel Market Update Market Survey is conducted every other week.
  • SMU Market Survey invitations are sent to over 700 companies throughout the United States and Canada. Our normal response rate is approximately 200 companies. Of those responding our average is approximately 49% are service centers/distribution companies, 48% are manufacturers and the balance are steel mills, trading companies and toll processors which support the industry.
  • Steel Market Update does canvass those being invited to participate in order to confirm they are actively involved in the flat rolled steel business. Our list is updated at least once per month and we are adding new companies on a continuous basis.
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Kataman Metals Kataman Metals
“Letter to the Editor: “A unique subscriber….” I am a unique subscriber to the Steel Market Update….I am in the plastic injection molding industry! So why do I read the Steel Market Update? SMU provides me with a condensed rolling picture of the steel industry which on one hand supplies us materials for the molds we build in-house and on the other hand provides materials to a competitive option for our customers (example: a fabricated metal housing for a medical instrument versus an injection molded plastic housing?). In addition to understanding the current cost and supply direction of plastic resin and mold building materials, it is equally important I have insight into my indirect competitors supply/cost issues….SMU provides me with that insight! THANK YOU SMU, job well done!” – Tim Smock CEO Seaway Plastics Engineering, Inc