Leading Economic Index Jumped 0.5% in January The Conference Board Leading Economic Index jumped 0.5% in January, beating consensus estimates. Led by improvements in personal consumption-related indicators, the Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) increased to +0.66 in January from +0.41 in December. All four broad categories of indicators used to construct the index made [...]
US Raw Steel Production Retreated Last Week US raw steel production retreated 0.7% last week as mills operated at an ACUR of 74.2%. In the corresponding week last year, mills operated at an ACUR of 74.9%. Thus far this year mills have produced prox 42,000,000 tons compared to the prox 41,344,000 tons produced in the [...]
Special Bar Quality (SBQ) Prices Have Risen $40.00/ton Special Bar Quality (SBQ) prices have risen some $40.00/ton in the US as base price increases for June take hold, market sources have said. Lead times have extended significantly, stretching into September and beyond for certain bars larger than 3.000” in diameter, one distributor said. Still, typical [...]
The US Leading Economic Index Continued Upward Trend in March The US Leading Economic Index continued its upward trend in March. Strength in ISM new orders and the interest rate spread components continue to help boost the index. The March increase and upward trend in the US LEI point to continued economic growth in 2017 [...]
Special Bar Quality - SBQ prices gained some $40 per ton for January shipment following this month’s rise in No. 1 busheling prices in Chicago, market participants said. Still no base price increases were reported in the market with SBQ tags continuing to ride scrap adjustments. Nonetheless some optimism in the market bodes well for [...]
The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Business Survey for April Released 4/16, it indicated manufacturing activity increased modestly in April according to respondents to this month’s Business Outlook Survey. Indicators for general activity and new orders were positive but remained at low readings. The Conference Board Leading Economic Index Friday 4/17: released for the US, it increased [...]
