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    May 15, 2026

    SMU Survey: Sentiment Indices reflect continued optimism

    Written by Brett Linton

    SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices remained in strongly optimistic territory this week, based on responses from steel executives in our latest market survey. Both indices continue to indicate steel buyers are confident in their companies’ prospects today, as well as in the months ahead.

    The Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index marginally eased following the multi-year high set in our prior survey. Meanwhile, the Future Buyers’ Sentiment Index increased to the highest reading seen in over a year.

    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.

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