Steel Products
Hot Rolled Futures Rise Slightly During the Summer Lull…
Written by Bradley Clark
August 16, 2013
It seems that the August month has brought with it a true summer lull. Trading volumes have been very low in the HRC futures market the past couple of weeks as many traders seem happy to sit on the sideline and await what the Autumn has to bring.
The forward curve has risen ever so slightly over the past week as the physical market seems to be holding for the time being. However, there is definitely a feeling of the market coming off being a question of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’. For now the curve remains backwardated with Q4 trading between $620-628 per ton and the cal 14 value around $617.
It is hard to say much more as prices are relatively unchanged, bids and offers in the market are more indicative than firm this week and little news in the underlying market have conspired to create a wait and see atmosphere in the Futures space.
Bradley Clark
Read more from Bradley ClarkLatest in Steel Products

Plate market sources expect mill price hikes, say business remains a steady trickle
Participants in the US carbon and steel plate market are frustrated by the lack of activity following the Labor Day holiday weekend.

September energy market update
In this Premium analysis we examine North American oil and natural gas prices, drill rig activity, and crude oil stock levels through September. Trends in energy prices and rig counts serve as leading indicators for oil country tubular goods (OCTG) and line pipe demand.

Market says cutting interest rates will spur stalled domestic plate demand
Market sources say demand for domestic plate refuses to budge despite stagnating prices.

U.S. Steel to halt slab conversion at Granite City Works
U.S. Steel said it plans to reduce slab consumption at its Granite City Works near St. Louis, a company spokesperson said on Monday. The Pittsburgh-based steelmaker will shift the production and processing of steel slabs to its Mon Valley Works near Pittsburgh and its Gary Works near Chicago. Citing a United Steelworkers (USW) union memo, […]

SMU Week in Review: September 1-5
Here are highlights of what’s happened this past week and a few upcoming things to keep an eye on.