Recycling, Scrap Metal, Commodities and Economic Report

This is the Commodities, Scrap Metal, Recycling and Economic Report, October 16th, 2023.

weekly tonnage of raw steel production

U.S. weekly raw steel production fell to 1.698MT, down 1.2% YTD on a slowing U.S. industrial economy.

US Dollar

U.S. dollar vs other global currencies. When the U.S. dollar rises, most commodity prices fall. It rose to 106.5, near a 1 year high, driven by higher than expected inflation. Higher inflation could mean higher interest rates that brings a higher dollar.

Crude Oil

WTI crude oil price rose to $87.88/b on the Middle East fighting. Also, on Iran threatening that militants that they support could expand the current fighting.

Oil Rig Count

The U.S. Weekly oil rig count rose to 501. Higher prices are bringing higher production.

US Field Production of Crude Oil

U.S. weekly oil production rose to 13.2Mb/d, the absolute highest in American history, ever. Outstanding news for the U.S. economy. Also U.S. oil exports remain strong.

AMM Weekly Heavy Melt

Scrap steel #1HMS price was steady at $330/GT. Supply and demand are mostly in balance.

Hot Roll Coil

Hot-rolled coil steel price rose to $36.67/cwt., $733/T as steel mills are working to increase profitability.

Copper

Copper price fell to $3.57/lb., near a 4 month low. This was on the higher U.S. dollar, but some positive China demand forecasts.

Aluminum

Aluminum price fell to $.99/lb., $2,192/T on the same higher U.S. dollar, but as China continued slowing aluminum production expansion.

China September Trade Surplus

China September trade surplus grew vs August to $77.1B, but below last September. Exports fell 6.2% vs. LY and imports declined the same 6.2%. Sadly, the surplus with the U.S. grew from August to $33.2B from $33.1M.

U.S. October U of M Consumer Sentiment Index

U.S. October U of M consumer sentiment index fell to 63, the lowest in 5 months. Inflation expectations rose to 3.8% and assessment of personal finances fell. Also, 1 year business expectations fell, but long term expectations were little changed.

U.S. September Core Inflation

U.S. September core inflation which excludes the volatile food and energy, fell to 4.1%, the lowest in 2 years, but well above the 2% target. Shelter rose, but new and used vehicles and food fell. Headline, total September inflation was steady at 3.7%.

U.S. September NFIB Small Business Optimism Index

U.S. September NFIB small business optimism index decreased to 90.8. Inflation and labor quality were the top concerns.

Dow Jones

Wall Street’s Dow Jones Industrial average rose 262 points to 33,670, as the slightly slowing economy is bringing hopes of lower interest rates. Also, the International Monetary Fund increased their Global & U.S. growth forecast for 2024.

Supermini

To repeat last week’s BENLEE message. Need a new roll off truck? Have an underutilized day cab. Save $200,000 dollars. Really, save $200,000. BENLEE’s Super Mini roll off trailer is only 25′ 11″ long and when put behind a day cab is only 12″ longer than a roll off truck and carries more weight legally. An experienced driver can get it into a tighter spot than a truck. Lastly, the price is only about $86,000 vs about $290K+ for a new roll off truck.

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As always, feel free to call or email me with any questions and we hope all have a safe and profitable week.