• Skip to main content

    Analysis

    November 26, 2025

    SMU Survey: Current, Future Sentiment Indices log increases

    Written by David Schollaert

    SMU’s Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index improved this week as Future Sentiment inched up as well, according to our most recent survey data.

    Every two weeks, SMU polls thousands of steel industry executives, asking them to rate their companies’ chances of success today and three to six months down the road. Their responses are used to calculate our Current and Future Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices, metrics we have tracked since 2009.

    David Schollaert

    David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

    Read more from David Schollaert

    Latest in Analysis

    Price on Trade: Milwaukee Framework is a step forward on steel excess capacity

    Members of the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity (GFSEC) met in Wisconsin last week and unveiled an updated plan to combat market-distorting excess capacity. The Milwaukee Framework adds color to the 2017 “Berlin Principles.” It is also a positive step in the ongoing battle against global steel market distortions. However, the Framework is only a guidepost. It must be implemented correctly to make an impact as new problems loom.