SMU Key Market Indicators See Encouraging Growth Signs

Monthly Key Market Indicators improved slightly through January, showing promising signs of progress, according to the latest analysis by Steel Market Update. Following a more uncertain close to 2021, both neutral and positive indicators expanded, while negative indicators continued to ease.

Though economic dynamics remain in flux, with supply-chain bottlenecks and rising inflation and producer prices, January saw steady improvement as COVID-19 cases fell and the jobs report included an unexpected boost. The turn pushed indicators to a watchful but positive posture, suggesting renewed confidence in the marketplace for the months ahead.

David Schollaert

David Schollaert is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. Based in CRU’s Pittsburgh office, David can be reached at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.