SMU Survey: Buyers’ Sentiment slips again, future outlook improves

SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices diverged yet again this week. The Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index edged lower, just a few points higher than the five-year low seen in August. Meanwhile, Future Buyers’ Sentiment improved to one of the highest measures seen in months.

Each of our Sentiment Indices continues to reflect that steel buyers are positive about their present and future business prospects, though that confidence has fallen considerably compared to the beginning of the year.

Steel Buyers Sentiment

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

Brett Linton

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