Wednesday 9 October 2013

What the Steel Industry Is Made Of

An overview of the global steel industry, with a focus on industry drivers and macroeconomic variables that impact steel demand and prices.

Steel has been the backbone of the global industrial economy since its mass production was standardized following the development of the Bessemer converter in 1857. It is an alloy of iron ore, carbon and other elements, and is used in residential and non-residential construction and fabrication, in the production of machinery, vehicles, appliances, oil and gas rigs and ships, and in various other products.

China is the largest producer and consumer of steel in the world. A total of 1.51 billion tons of steel was produced globally in 2012, out of which 708.78 million tons was produced in China. ArcelorMittal S.A. (MT) is the world’s largest steel producer, with an annual production capacity of 119 million tons. Read more

Investment Opportunities in the Steel Industry

As automobile production and construction activity picks up, the steel industry is bound to record gains going forward. Take advantage and buy Nucor and Steel Dynamics for stable returns.

Previously, we analyzed the workings of the steel industry and the major factors that impact its performance. In this piece, we will analyze the performance of major players in the industry and which ones are our best investment picks.

This article is a short introduction of the four most prominent steel production companies in the US, followed by a brief analysis of their financial metrics and overall performance. Read more