Steel Products
SMU MoMo Negative for Eighth Week
Written by John Packard
March 8, 2013
Utilizing a trailing average hot rolled coil (HRC) price, the SMU Price MoMo Index for flat rolled steel in the U.S. remained below zero percent this week for the eighth week after eight consecutive weeks of positive momentum readings.
MoMo is based upon the current hot rolled coil price weighed against the previous 12 week average spot price as recorded by Steel Market Update. MoMo, as we like to call it so as to not confuse it with our SMU Price Momentum Indicator, was measured at -2.16 percent this week. MoMo increased 1.07 percent over last week’s measurement of -3.23 percent. The graph below demonstrates the relationship between hot rolled coil and the momentum in pricing.
The SMU MoMo meter – now negative– serves as a lagging indicator demonstrating the historical price momentum trend.

John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Steel Products
US and Canadian rig counts inch higher
Baker Hughes reported higher oil and gas drilling activity this week in both the US and Canada.
Global steel production falls to near two-year low in September
World crude steel output declined for the fourth-consecutive month in September, slipping 3% from August to an estimated 141.8 million metric tons (mt), according to the latest figures from the World Steel Association (worldsteel).
Market sources say regional activity is dictating plate demand
Demand for plate on the spot market remains soft by comparison to years past. However, this week regional demand variations grew more pronounced.
Battery #14 at USS Clairton to restart on Oct. 23
U.S. Steel plans to restart battery #14 at the Clairton Coke Works plant on Thursday, ending its idling period. Battery #14 was hot idled following the explosion at coke oven batteries 13 and 14 on Aug. 11. The Mon Valley Works Clairton plant has completed the necessary repairs. It expects the battery to restart during […]
Findings from Clairton investigations prompt USS to revise safety protocols
U.S. Steel (USS) said it’s been strengthening its safety protocols as findings from investigations into the causes of a deadly explosion at USS Clairton Coke Works on Aug. 11 materialize. The Pittsburgh, Pa.-headquartered steel producer stated that an independent investigation conducted by the Environmental Design & Testing Corp (EDT) produced findings aligned with the company’s […]
