SMU Data and Models

SMU Price MoMo Index at 10 Month Low
Written by Brett Linton
January 7, 2015
The Steel Market Update Price MoMo Index for flat rolled steel in the U.S. indicates hot rolled coil price momentum continued its downward trend for the 20th week in a row and is at the lowest level recorded since mid-March 2014. MoMo, a trailing indicator, is measured as a percentage and shows the relation of the current hot rolled coil (HRC) price movements against the previous 12-week average spot price as recorded by Steel Market Update. MoMo was measured at -4.84 percent this week, meaning that the current HRC price is lower than the average price over the last 12 weeks.
The change in MoMo can be a useful indicator in depicting the severity of price movements and evaluating the directional trend for flat rolled steel pricing. The week-over-week change in MoMo was -0.97 percent, following a +0.64 percent change the week before. Looking at this change on a 3-week moving average, we see the trend for HRC prices is negative for the sixth consecutive week. The 3-week average change in MoMo is -0.41 percent, following a change of -0.14 the week before.
The interactive graph below demonstrates the relationship between the SMU hot rolled coil price and the three week moving average change in MoMo. Published in our Tuesday evening issue, the SMU HRC price range for this week is $570-$610 per ton with an average price of $590, down $10 from one week ago.
SMU Note: You can view the interactive graphic on our Price MoMo Index below when you are logged into the website and reading the newsletter online. If you have not logged into the website in the past and need your username and password, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com or 800-432-3475. If you need help navigating the website we would also be very happy to assist you.
{amchart id=”138″ SMU HR Price MoMo Index and 3 Week Average Change – Prices Pricing Hot Rolled}

Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in SMU Data and Models

SMU Survey: Lead times stabilize as tariff-induced buying slows
After a multi-week increase, buyers responding to our market survey this week reported that lead times are stabilizing or marginally declining for each of the sheet and plate products we track.

SMU Survey: Mills hold firm on price, little negotiation room for buyers
The majority of the steel buyers responding to our latest market survey continue to report that domestic mills remain firm on pricing, showing little willingness to talk price on new spot orders this week.

HRC vs. scrap spread widens over $150/ton in March
The HRC vs. prime scrap spread increased again in March.

Most steelmaking raw material costs rise further in March
Prices for five of the seven steelmaking raw materials tracked by SMU increased from February to March, according to our latest analysis.

SMU Survey: Buyers’ Sentiment Indices slip, but optimism remains
SMU’s Buyers’ Sentiment Indices both declined this week but remain strong. This indicates buyers are still optimistic about their companies' ability for success.