Welcome to The Gauge, your resource for market intelligence. Tapping into a broad range of industry expertise, Ryerson provides content that helps you make more informed decisions for your business.
The colors of fall are firmly upon us. Before we look forward to the final two months of 2018, let's take a quick look back at how the market entered this past month. The market became awash with a 'crimson wave'. On a month-over-month basis, carbon steel prices were off 5.2%, LME (London Metal Exchange) aluminum was off 4.5%, and LME nickel lower by 2.1%.
Some of this price weakness can be attributed to seasonal factors within the U.S. But also, there are a few fundamental elements contributing to driving the markets in this direction.
Commodity prices aside, it is far from doom and gloom this fall. In fact, there is plenty to be excited about within the U.S. manufacturing space. GDP (gross domestic product) is chugging along at ~4%, and the ISM Manufacturing Index is at its highest level since September 1983.
Tariffs have certainly caused some headaches (and headlines), but thus far we are seeing few immediate factors that can throw a wrench into the macro economic strength.
Want more information on what's driving the market? Check out The Gauge's Monthly Market Report by clicking here. Each month, Ryerson engages product and risk managers who provide insight on the latest economic indicators and market data driving supply and demand.
All cold-finished products are hot rolled, but hot rolled products are not necessarily cold finished. Instead, it’s all a matter of how the bars are processed.
Have you noticed a change in the cost to purchase goods and services lately? It could be a direct impact of rising freight costs.
Faster speeds and cleaner cuts; think those are the only benefits that come with the use of laser cutting technology? Think again.
While different factors play into grade selection, corrosion resistance in one that factors heavily into the decision.
Have decreases in foreign material impacted domestic supply as initially anticipated? This is One Big Question on the minds of many these days. And we asked risk managers weigh in.
Choosing the right grade of aluminum for your application often comes down to answering two simple questions.
Each year, roughly 7,700 wildfires sweep through the state of California. Ryerson customer Husky Portable Containment ships portable water tanks to help firefighters combat these events. And in the case of one order, the speed and flexibility of the network was truly put to the test.
All stainless steels are iron-based alloys containing at least 10.5% chromium. But did you know that there are various elements that control the micro-structure of the alloy? Here is a look at 11 alloying elements.
Today, labor shortages, capacity constraints, uncertain inventory levels and logistical limitations are having a direct impact on your ability to compete. But are you truly aware as to what degree?
