Economy
January 2, 2018
December at a Glance
Written by John Packard
The following industry data, current through the end of the month of December 2017, covers a number of important indices and drivers of steel prices, as well as supply and demand. As the month ended, the Steel Market Update (SMU) Price Momentum indicator was referencing higher flat rolled steel prices over the next 30 to 60 days. The domestic steel mills were raising prices into the New Year and are expected to continue to push for higher prices now that we are in calendar year 2018.
Our SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Index jumped during the month of December and our Current Sentiment Index was close to an all-time high at +73, with Future Sentiment following closely behind (+72.5). Based on a three-month moving average, Current Sentiment rose to +65.50.
