The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) narrowly missed trading flat. Overall, the index remained sideways, with just a minuscule drop of 0.13%. In the face of recent construction news, the index proved much less volatile than in the past three months. All three bar fuel surcharges within the index (Weekly Gulf Coast, Weekly Rocky Mountain, […]
Jennifer Kary
Automotive MMI: HDG, Palladium and Shredded Scrap Steel Prices Jump
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) rose significantly from March to April, jumping by 9.01%. This represents the highest rise the index has seen in over a year. Numerous drivers helped bring prices up, with every part of the index rising month-over-month, including: The steel parts of the index (in particular HDG) followed trend with […]
Rare Earths MMI: Prices Plunge, Flatten, Then Rise
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) dropped drastically again this month, suffering a 15.5% decline. Despite this, downward price action began to slow down and flatten around March 16. As of March 30, prices began to rise again. Further adding to the confusion was the fact that some components in the index traded flat. […]
How Can Steel Procurement Professionals Survive a Recession?
The irony is not lost on steel buyers when they hear the phrase “the cold, hard truth.” After a massive spike at the beginning of March, HRC, CRC, and HDG steel prices are finally losing momentum. However, as any savvy procurement professional knows, they are not out of the woods yet. Recession indicators continue to […]
Construction MMI: Silicon Valley Bank Collapse Spills into Construction Industry
Month-over-month, the Construction MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) broke out of its sideways trend and rose amid both positive and negative construction news. For instance, bar fuel surcharges dropped, but h-beam steel and U.S. shredded scrap steel went up slightly. And while some sources report a rise in global rebar prices, others suggest steel rebar futures […]
Renewables/GOES MMI: Steel Prices Rise, Experts Doubt Solar Energy Efficiency
After holding a pretty steady sideways trend since October, the Renewables MMI (Monthly MetaMiner Index) decreased by a considerable 8.56%. Indeed, multiple components of the index trended downward, including cobalt, neodymium, and silicon. Meanwhile, Chinese silicon costs continue to drop due to overcapacity. Other reasons for the drop included multiple silicon producers coming online and […]
Automotive MMI: are Lithium Supplies Threatened by Supply Shortages?
Similar to the past six months, the Automotive MMI for March was again pulled in multiple directions. Hot dipped galvanized prices rose again, following the same trend as HRC and CRC. However, Chinese lead prices dropped significantly, pulling the index down. This was mainly due to car sales shrinking within China (the world’s top market). […]
Rare Earths MMI: China Losing Grip on Rare Earths Control
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) dropped a staggering 11.22% this past month. Industrial production within China proved slow in January. This significantly affected the index, as China remains the source of many rare earth oxides. And with numerous countries searching for non-Chinese rare earth supplies, the Chinese-sourced parts of the index fell greatly. […]
High Energy Costs: Can Hydro Power Help Alleviate Lower Smelter Output?
Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Trond Gjellesvik and Charlie Straface of Hydro. Hydro is a Norwegian company specializing in green energy and low-carbon aluminum products. It is based out of Oslo, but harbors multiple business locations around the globe. I was curious to learn how the company’s efforts correlated with the current price […]
Construction MMI: Bar Fuel Surcharges Drop, Steel Prices Edge Up
The Construction MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) traded sideways, rising by just 1.97%. The index was pulled in multiple directions month-over-month, resulting in a lack of major movements. For instance, bar fuel surcharges dropped, while steel rebar, h-beam steel, and sheet aluminum all went up. This recent rise in steel prices has left the index facing […]