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    February 20, 2026

    SMU Survey: Buyers' sentiment remains upbeat

    Written by Brett Linton

    Steel buyers continue to hold an optimistic market outlook, according to the latest SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices derived from our biweekly market surveys.

    The Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index was unchanged this week, having previously touched a 10-month high in mid-January. Our Future Buyers’ Sentiment Index slipped five points, now ten points shy of a one-year high. Both Indices continue to reflect optimism among steel buyers about their businesses’ chances of success.

    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.

    Read more from Brett Linton

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