Despite Falling Steel Prices, SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Index Remains Optimistic

Those involved in the flat rolled steel industry continue to be optimistic about their company’s ability to be successful both in the current market environment as well as three to six months into the future. The SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Index (current market) is being reported at +53. This is four points higher than two weeks ago and unchanged from the middle of February. One year ago Sentiment was measured at +43, ten points lower than where we see Sentiment today.

Future Sentiment, which is how buyers and sellers feel about their company’s ability to be successful three to six months into the future, is being reported today at +61. This is one point higher than two weeks ago and down 2 points from the middle of February. We are very close to unchanged compared to this time last year when we measured Sentiment as being +62.