Steel Markets

Dodge Momentum Index Dips in February
Written by Sandy Williams
March 6, 2020
Nonresidential construction planning slowed in February, according to the latest report from Dodge Data & Analytics. The Dodge Momentum Index moved 1.8 percent lower to 148.7 from the revised January reading of 151.4. The Momentum Index is a monthly measure of initial reports for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year.
February’s decline occurred in both components of the Index, with the commercial component falling 2.1 percent and the institutional component declining by 1.2 percent.
While the overall Momentum Index has declined for two consecutive months, it remains 11 percent higher on a year-over-year basis. The commercial component is 20 percent higher than a year ago, while the institutional component is 2 percent lower. This continues to suggest that construction activity should remain near its recent highs in 2020, said Dodge.
In February, six projects valued at $100 million or more entered the planning stage.
Below is a graph showing the history of the Dodge Momentum Index. You will need to view the graph on our website to use its interactive features; you can do so by clicking here. If you need assistance logging in to or navigating the website, please contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Markets

ArcelorMittal plans wire-drawing closure in Hamilton, shifts production to Montreal
ArcelorMittal’s (AM) Hamilton location to be shuttered, wire production shifting to Montreal.

Tariffs, ample domestic supply cause importers to shift or cancel HR import orders
Subdued demand is causing importers to cancel hot-rolled (HR) coil orders and renegotiate the terms of shipments currently enroute to the US, importers say. An executive for a large overseas mill said customers might find it difficult to justify making imports buys after US President Donald Trump doubled the 25% Section 232 tariff on imported steel […]

CRU Insight: A 50% S232 tariff will raise US steel prices and shift trade flows
This CRU Insight examines how the increase in Section 232 tariffs on steel to challenging levels will lead to significatively higher prices for end consumers in the US market.

Steel market shakes tariffs off amid weak demand
Service centers and distributors contend that weak demand is to blame for the flattening of domestic steel spot prices, as reflected in Nucor Steel’s weekly Consumer Spot Price (CSP) notice. On Monday, the Charlotte, North Carolina-headquartered steel producer left prices unchanged from the previous week. Nucor has maintained prices of plate produced in Brandenburg since March 28.

SMU’s May 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 May 30.