Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
October 9, 2013
The weather in Arkansas couldn’t have been more perfect. We had temperatures in the low 70’s with a cool breeze and sunny. A perfect day to go on a mill tour.
I want to take a moment to thank all of the employees at Nucor Steel Arkansas for hosting Steel Market Update and our Steel 101 attendees earlier today. Nucor opened their doors to us answering all of our questions and allowing us to tour the Nucor Hickman steel facility.
Government shutdown is impacting a number of the economic indicators we track on a regular basis. Hopefully the government will come to their senses and we will be able to provide more information soon.
As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us at Steel Market Update.
John Packard
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Usually, I write about steel in this column because, well, we’re Steel Market Update. But before I get to steel, I want to give a shoutout to my colleagues at Aluminum Market Update (AMU) – SMU’s new sister publication.
Final Thoughts
If I could change something, it’d be this: Political news would get more boring. And news about steel prices and steel demand would get a little more exciting.
Final Thoughts: Survey says edition
SMU’s latest survey results indicate that steel market participants think sheet prices are at or near a bottom. But most also think there is limited upside once they inflect higher.
Final Thoughts
A recent IIMA meeting in Brazil shows how the US and much of the rest of the world are operating in parallel realities.
Final Thoughts
We moved our pricing momentum indicators from “lower” to “neutral” for all sheet products this week. For those keeping score, we had been at “lower” for six weeks. And I know some of you think we should have been there for even longer.