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    Analysis

    January 9, 2026

    SMU Survey: Current Buyers' Sentiment jumps, Future Sentiment slips

    Written by Ethan Bernard

    The Current SMU Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index has rebounded from our previous market check in December. However, Future Buyers’ Sentiment has edged down, according to our latest survey data.

    Every other week, SMU polls steel industry executives asking how they rate their companies’ chances of success in today’s market, as well as 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 2008.  

    Ethan Bernard

    Ethan Bernard is managing editor for Steel Market Update. He previously worked for American Metal Market as a copy editor in the New York office for two years, starting in 2008. Later, he copy edited AMM’s monthly magazine on a freelance basis from 2015 until 2017. With experience in financial copywriting and textbook publishing, he holds a BA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and an MFA in Creative Writing from New York University. He can be reached at ethan@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7871.

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