Since December 2022, the Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) has seen multiple factors pull it up and down. Indeed, steel price hikes, high interest rates, government funding for infrastructure and recession fears have all pummeled the index. Ultimately, the index experienced another sideways movement between April 1 and May 1, though it notably traded down […]
Category: Macroeconomics
Raw Steels MMI: U.S. Steel Prices Slide as Construction Sector Poses Long-Term Risk
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved down from April to May as all its components declined. After sharp upside movement during March, flat rolled steel prices saw their four-month uptrend falter throughout April. Meanwhile, hot rolled coil prices had risen over 82% from the beginning of the early December uptrend until prices peaked […]
Raw Steels MMI: Market in Backwardation Suggests U.S. Steel Prices May Be Near Peak
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways from March to April, with a mere 0.65% increase. A sharp reversal to the downside for Midwest HRC future prices placed additional weight on the index. Meanwhile, HRC price action continued to the upside during the month, with the HRC rally yet to show a meaningful slowdown. […]
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 […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Prices Highly Volatile, Dropping Up and Down Rapidly
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) dropped considerably month-over-month. All in all, the index fell by 8.74%. The market continues to witness bearish pressure on precious metal prices today, just as it did throughout Q1 of 2023. While this led to a significant drop in value, some metals are feeling the effects more […]
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 […]
Aluminum MMI: Price of Aluminum Falls, Tariffs Back On
Aluminum prices reacted bearishly in the short term. At the beginning of February, price action showed a short-term sideways trend with no new lows or highs. Indeed, the price of aluminum would need to break out of its current range to form a continuation trend or a reversal downward. However, future price direction currently remains […]
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 […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Prices Shift Down, Markets Face Bearish Pressure
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) moved sideways last month, inching down a mere 0.37%. Precious metal prices today are trending sideways in general. However, as a whole, the market appears more bearish than bullish in the short term. Gold, in particular, faces bearish pressure from investors due to its correlation with the […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Pause Following Surge
Aluminum prices have stayed bearish in the short term. At the beginning of February, price action showed a short-term sideways trend, as no new lows or highs formed. This means prices need to break out of their current range to form a continuation trend or a downward reversal. Currently, however, future price direction remains unclear. […]