Hot Rolled Futures: Waiting Mode

The depression of some of the world’s currencies reflects the strain some of these economies are under. In our zone things feel better, as the US economy proves once again to be the largest and most resilient economy. The strength of our market however appears directly connected to the government’s efforts to contain interests rates, thus the growth in our auto and housing markets, while manufacturing/export markets continue to suffer. How therefore will our government succeed in easing off the bond buying program when it will directly affect the few regions of our economy that are thriving (consumer related industries) especially at a time when the world is relying on us for our, albeit meager, 1.5% growth? I believe some world leaders asked Obama that very same question at the G-8. For now, we are the world’s beacon.

Copper and Crude has taken very different paths in the past two weeks. Copper has drifted and just today has lost a few cents to end $3.205/lb on the Dec. contract. The market is still quite long and waiting for follow through with no breakdown as yet. Crude is also just about where it was 2 weeks back at $108.75/bbl, however crude has since been to $104/bbl and $112/bbl extremes as the middle east situation with Syria has remained very fluid. Gold meanwhile had a big down day today coming off $43/oz, as the Syria war concern rally is now retracing back to lower levels. Gold appears headed to 1250 area as it failed to hold 1360 support. Another sign of optimism in the markets with this decline.

Steel

A very quiet week in steel, continuing a period of very quiet for some weeks now. A total of 250 contracts or 5000 ST traded. The market has come under some pressure as sellers have lowered offer levels and reached to some buyers levels. Q2’14 has been the biggest mover down from $625/ST to $617/ST, and Q4 ’13 also under pressure moving down to $623/ST from a $630/ST level. Q1 ’14 has also gone from $635/ST trading to $629/ST offered. The CRU number posted yesterday came in $646/ST down another $2/ST from the week prior. This leaves the market a long way from price levels that will encourage buyer interest, and thus transactions on futures. Rumblings abound in the spot market of deals being offered, but nothing tangible enough, as yet, to affect the index, or to even encourage trades on futures in anticipation.