AIA: Architecture business conditions remain soft, firms cautious for next year
Architecture firms reported a modest improvement in billings in October, though business conditions remained soft, according to the latest ABI report.
Category: Manufacturers/End Users
SMU Mill Order Index jumped in October
SMU’s Mill Order Index (MOI) surged in October after a notable decline the month prior. The recovery came as service center on order inventory totals picked up, supported by a slight uptick in shipments, according to our latest service center inventories data.
Heating and cooling equipment shipments weakened through September
US shipments of heating and cooling equipment fell 7% in September from August to the lowest monthly rate of the year, according to the latest data released by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
US legal, political issues rattle steel and manufacturing markets
US steel and manufacturing industries say they face a new set of uncertain market factors due to the government’s shutdown and the potential repeal of “reciprocal” tariffs.
Friedman posts record sales volume, boosted by Century Metals buy
Flat-rolled metals processor and pipe manufacturer Friedman Industries achieved record sales volume in its fiscal second quarter.
Nucor targets ‘white hot’ data center boom
With infrastructure demand shifting toward digital capacity, Nucor Corp. is positioning itself as the go-to steel supplier for the data center boom.
Steel industry faces knock-on effects of potential auto chip shortage
US automakers could face production shutdowns in November because of potential supply disruptions at Dutch chipmaker Nexperia. Even a temporary shutdown, as carmakers scramble to procure chips, threatens to drive steel demand lower. Alliance for Automotive Innovation CEO John Bozzella underscored the severity of the situation. “If the shipment of automotive chips doesn’t resume — […]
AMU: Ford confirms Novelis Oswego hot mill restart expected by early December
Ford executives said the automaker expects aluminum supplier Novelis to restart its fire-damaged Oswego, NY hot mill by late November or early December.
AIA: Architecture firms see conditions worsening
Architecture firms reported a cut in billings through September as business conditions waned, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) release from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek.
Cliffs leans hard into auto after aluminum supply chain shock
Cleveland-Cliffs executives pointed to growing automotive demand as the engine driving a turnaround at the company.
AMU: Consumer auto delinquencies: Warning sign for consumer health?
The Consumer Federation of America estimates rising total auto debt at a staggering $1.66 trillion, along with increasing repossessions and a sharp increase in delinquencies.
Stellantis to pump $13B into US auto plants
In a big win for labor, domestic manufacturing, and steel demand, Stellantis announced major investment plans for its manufacturing operations across the US Midwest.
Dodge Momentum Index ticks higher in September
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) rose more than 3% in September, up for a fifth straight month. The index is now up 33% year-to-date, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network.
AIA: Architecture firms still under pressure
Architecture firms reported a modest improvement in billings through August, yet business conditions remained soft, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) release from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek.
Tariffs pressure consumers but boost Worthington Enterprises' domestic edge
Worthington Enterprises’ consumer and construction-facing businesses delivered a confident opening act to fiscal 2026. But the story is nuanced — especially where tariffs, volumes, and HVAC demand intersect.
John Deere plans over 140 layoffs at two Iowa facilities
Over 140 John Deere employees at two of its Iowa facilities will be laid off in October.
HVAC equipment shipments down through July
Total heating and cooling equipment shipments eased again in July, according to the latest data released by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
Dodge Momentum Index moves higher in August
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) rose 7.5% in August after jumping nearly 21% the month prior. The index is now up 30% year-to-date, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network.
Construction spending slows in July
Construction spending edged down slightly in July for a third straight month.
Steel Summit: Analysts say demand likely to struggle until 2027
Steel industry analysts at this year's SMU Steel Summit said they see lackluster demand through this year and next.
Chicago Business Barometer drops in August
The Chicago Business Barometer, a leading indicator for the broader US economy, remains in contraction, slipping 5.6 points to 41.5 in August.
Galvanized steel prices slip while demand remains flat: HARDI
Galvanized steel prices dipped to ~$48/hundredweight in August from the $50-59/hundredweight range during the month of July.
North American auto assemblies tumble in July
North American auto assemblies declined in July, down 16.4% vs. August. But, according to GlobalData, assemblies were 2.4% ahead year on year (y/y).
US light-vehicle sales rebound in July
US light-vehicle (LV) sales increased to an unadjusted 1.37 million units in July, 8.7% over June and 6.6% above year-ago totals, according to US Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
Manufacturing in New York state improves again in August
Business activity in New York state improved modestly in August. It was just the second positive reading for the general business conditions index in six months.
Cliffs inks longer-term contracts with US automakers hedging tariff inflation: Report
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. has reportedly signed "unusually long" fixed-price supply agreements with multiple US automakers.
Cliffs CEO reassures of Dearborn restart goal as UAW rallies to 'Save the Rouge'
“We are committed to bring the hot-end back to full operation. The goal is to bring back to work all employees of the currently idled units as soon as we can," Chairman, President, and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said in a letter to colleagues on Wednesday.
North American auto assemblies down in June
North American auto assemblies declined in June, down 10.6% vs. May. And, according to GlobalData, assemblies were 3.1% down year on year (y/y).
Architecture billings still sluggish despite project inquiry uptick
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI), a leading indicator for non-residential construction activity, declined for an eighth straight month in June.
Manufacturing in New York state recovers in July
Business activity in New York state recovered slightly in July, with the Empire State Manufacturing Index seeing its first positive reading in four months.