SMU Data and Models
November 7, 2013
SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Index Remains Optimistic
Written by John Packard
Buyers and sellers of flat rolled steel who participated in our latest review of the steel industry continued to be optimistic regarding their company’s ability to be successful in the current market environment. The latest Steel Market Update (SMU) Steel Buyers Sentiment Index was measured at +40 during the first full week of November.
The latest reading is a +2 point improvement over our mid-October measurement and 9 points from the all-time high recorded in mid-January 2012. So far this calendar year +42 is the most optimistic recording which we gathered during our mid-August review. Compared to one year ago when Sentiment was +16 today’s reading represents a 24 point improvement. As you can see by the graphic, the second half 2013 has been much more optimistic than we what saw during the same timeframe last year.
