SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Index Still Optimistic but Trending Lower

According to the results of our latest flat rolled steel market trends analysis survey, as steel prices flatten out and lead times begin to come back in, flat rolled steel buyers and sellers are slightly less enthusiastic about their company’s ability to be successful in both the existing market environment as well as 3 to 6 months into the future.

Unbridled optimism is becoming slightly tarnished as the SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Index dropped to +58, down 2 points from the middle of July and down 13 points from one month ago when Sentiment set a record high of +71.