• Skip to main content

    Market Data

    SMU Survey: Buyers' Sentiment Indices slip, but optimism remains

    Written by Brett Linton


    SMU’s Buyers’ Sentiment Indices both declined this week but remain strong. This indicates buyers are still optimistic about their companies’ ability for success.

    After reaching a 10-month high two weeks ago, our Current Sentiment Index declined by four points this week. Current Sentiment continues to reflect that buyers have strong optimism for their companies’ current chances of success. This marks one of the highest levels of confidence witnessed in months.

    Brett Linton

    Read more from Brett Linton

    Latest in Market Data

    Apparent steel supply remains historically strong through August

    The volume of finished steel that entered the US market increased 1% from July to August to the second-highest monthly level recorded in the past four years, according to SMU’s analysis of recently released Department of Commerce and American Iron and Steel Institute data. Apparent steel supply is calculated by combining domestic mill shipments and finished US steel imports, then subtracting total US exports. It can be used as a proxy for domestic steel demand. Supply has remained historically strong since May, when it surpassed the 9 million st mark it had previously been beneath for four years.

    US shipments of heating and cooling equipment slow further in August

    Total shipments of heating and cooling equipment cooled further in August, according to the latest figures from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). After falling 11% month on month (m/m) in July, shipments slipped another 10% in August. The monthly pace marks the third-slowest shipment rate year-to-date. Shipments of water heaters, air conditioners, and heat pumps declined m/m, while warm-air furnace shipments picked up. Compared with a year earlier, only air conditioners and heat pumps increased.