Market Data
April 16, 2026
Written by Laura Miller
US manufacturing activity edged higher across most Federal Reserve Districts, with the Beige Book describing gains ranging from slight to moderate as producers navigated rising input costs and heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
The Fed’s latest Beige Book report was released on April 15. Comparisons are to the previous Beige Book report released on March 4.
The latest tally of active drilling rigs increased in Canada while slightly easing in the US this week, according to oil and gas rig count data published by Baker Hughes.
SMU’s Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index fell this week, while Future Sentiment remained flat, according to our latest market survey.
The results of the latest Steel Market Update (SMU) flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.
The Chicago Business Barometer rebounded in September, returning to expansion after slipping into contraction in August.
Steel mill lead times continued to expand for sheet and plate products this week, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey.