SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Ticks Up in September

Both current and future sentiment showed a slight improvement in the latest SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Index, based on data gathered in early September. The index measures how buyers and sellers of flat rolled steel feel about their company’s ability to be successful both in the current market environment, as well as three to six months into the future. Overall, the indexes have remained at optimistic levels throughout 2017.

The history of the SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Index is when we start to see a jump in the numbers it generally is due to higher steel prices or, a market that is perceived as heading higher from here. We will need to watch the data closely in the coming weeks to see if steel prices and demand improve from here. We do know that the information coming from China and elsewhere is quite positive and that too could be influencing the optimism being expressed in our Sentiment Index.