SMU Data and Models
October 23, 2014
SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Index: Still Optimistic
Written by John Packard
Steel buyers and sellers continue to be optimistic about their company’s ability to be successful in the current market conditions. However, there are some signs of strain growing, either due to seasonal pressures or margin squeezes, that may be giving pause to some within the industry. Even so, the results from the mid-October flat rolled steel market survey point toward continued optimism despite whatever pressures exist.
The SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Index was measured this week at +59 which is 5 points lower than earlier this month and 9 points below the peak achieved in early August 2014. Sentiment is still well above the +38 reported during the middle of October 2013 and well within the optimistic range of our Index.
