SMU Data and Models

August at a Glance
Written by John Packard
September 2, 2014
The following is a recap of the data compiled during the month of August 2014. For the second month in a row our SMU Price Momentum Indicator remained at Neutral as steel prices have been relatively stable with the $673 average up $6 from the July average. However, by the end of the month our HRC price average was $665, down $2 from the July average. Our $673 per ton average for the month of August was $1 per ton higher than the $672 posted by CRU. Platts came in at $681 per ton average for the month.

John Packard
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SMU’s July at a glance
SMU’s Monthly Review provides a summary of our key steel market metrics for the previous month, with the latest data updated through July 31.

SMU Survey: Mills maintain short lead times on sheet
Mill production times for sheet products are holding just above multi-year lows, while plate lead times remain elevated.

SMU Survey: Most buyers say mills are willing to talk price
Most steel buyers continue to report that mills are open to negotiating spot prices. Negotiation rates have remained high for most of the past three months.

SMU Scrap Survey: Sentiment indices slip in August
Current and future scrap sentiment indices declined this month, according to SMU’s latest ferrous scrap survey data.

SMU scrap market survey results now available
SMU’s August ferrous scrap market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.