Final Thoughts

One of the articles in this evening’s issue of Steel Market Update is based on questions being asked during a conversation we had with a number of steel executives in New York City last week. About one quarter of our articles are prompted by questions or comments we receive from buyers and sellers of steel on an almost daily basis (as well as the financial community). I encourage our readers, whether full members/subscribers or not, to feel free to ask us questions. After all, if you have questions most likely there are others who are having the same concerns/curiosity. You can send your questions directly to me at John@SteelMarketUpdate.com or you can contact our office at 800-432-3475.

Last week’s flat rolled market trends questionnaire participants were 46 percent manufacturing companies, 39 percent service centers, 7 percent trading companies, 5 percent steel mills with the remainder being toll processors. The questionnaire begins with everyone responding to a short list of questions having to do with Sentiment, Demand and any specific short term issues we want to investigate. After these questions the respondents are broken into industry groups and complete the questionnaire based on their market segment. Many times we will ask different market segments similar questions to see how they respond and will they confirm the opinions of the other. A good example is spot pricing out of the service centers. Manufacturers look at spot pricing differently than service centers, any of which could have an alternative motive for moving spot prices in one direction or another.