Investment banks love a super cycle. It spurs irrational investment and sucks in unwary investors. Furthermore, it encourages passive funds to up their allocation, even if only by fractions of a percent. But with some $14 trillion invested in US equities alone, even a modest increase in passive investments into ETFs would reap significant rewards […]
Tag: Steel
Nucor forecasts Q1 2021 net earnings to best 2008 record
While the first half of 2020 posed significant challenges for metals manufacturers and end users alike, some firms have showed signs of recovery in the ensuing months and into 2021. In the second quarter, steel demand suffered. Automotive manufacturers idled production in North America for a period of about two months last year, beginning in […]
Raw Steels MMI: Section 232 steel tariff upheld after challenge from steel importers
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) increased for the ninth consecutive month, rising by 0.5% as US steel prices continued to rise. Buying organizations should continue to buy as needed, as prices remain at all-time highs. Cut-to-length adders. Width and gauge adders. Coatings. Feel confident in knowing what you should be paying for metal […]
This Morning in Metals: Coalition of American Metal Manufacturers and Users calls for end to Section 232 tariffs
This morning in metals news: the Coalition of American Metal Manufacturers and Users called on the Biden administration to rescind the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs; meanwhile, the Energy Information Administration forecasts US energy-related CO2 emissions to rise after the mid-2030s; and, lastly, US President Joe Biden spoke this week with Chinese President Xi […]
Crude steel production at Evraz’s North American assets drops 15.1%
Crude steel production at Evraz’s North American assets dropped 15.1% year over year in 2020. The drop was due mainly to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the global economy, the Russian group noted. Evraz output in North America drops Production for the 12 months totaled 1.58 million metric tons from slightly over 1.86 million tons […]
West Europe HRC under pressure on higher availability, Lunar New Year
Prices for hot rolled coil in Western Europe appear to be moving away from increases seen in late 2020, as steelmakers there and in Central Europe restart their own crude production and the Lunar New Year in China approaches, market sources told MetalMiner. “It looks they are more decreasing, rather than rising,” one trader said. […]
Metals prices in 2021 likely to plot more stable course
When discussion of metals markets — indeed, any markets — considers likely price trends, it nearly always starts off looking in the rear-view mirror. Last year’s copper market suggests a bull market driven by vociferous Chinese demand. Imports surged after China relaxed its spring lockdown. Prices rose strongly, up some 48% on the LME from […]
How will Biden administration impact US-India trade relations, metals tariffs?
It is too early to talk of the direction US-India relations will take under US President Joe Biden’s administration. But Indian trade circles are keeping a close eye on trade-related developments with a hopeful eye. Hopes for better US-India relations Much of the hope for better US-India relations focuses on the desire that the US […]
China’s property market is a driver — and risk — for steel prices
Just about every review of growth in China — of steel prices or of iron ore demand — contains reference to China’s property market. Few countries in the world have a property sector that plays such a large and dynamic role in the country’s GDP. Furthermore, few have one that causes such concern among a […]
World Steel Association: Global crude steel production down 0.9% in 2020
After global crude steel production rose for four consecutive years, output declined last year, the World Steel Association reported Tuesday. Global crude steel production drops 0.9% in 2020 Global crude steel production fell by 0.9% in 2020 compared with 2019, the World Steel Association reported. Production had increased every year from 2015-2019. Output last year […]
