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    Analysis

    Final Thoughts

    Written by John Packard


    As was mentioned earlier in this issue, the SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Index has dropped to the least optimistic level seen since 2013. When I started Steel Market Update, one of the first items on my agenda was to develop the Steel Buyers Sentiment Index. I wanted to understand how buyers and sellers of flat rolled steel were feeling about the market they were in, and what their opinions were regarding the markets three to six months into the future.

    The company was started in August 2008, and the economy collapsed shortly after. By March 2009, the Steel Buyers Sentiment Index was at its lowest point ever at minus 85 (-85). The lowest level possible is -100….

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