Companhia Siderurgica Nacional

Brazil (EWZ) is expected to see a reversal of the downward trend in its economic growth in 2017, mostly with the help of rising commodity prices and improvements in exports.

If any proof were required that equities run on emotion, Brazilian markets have provided it. This isn’t to say there aren’t quality companies in the market.

Brazil finds itself in a phenomenon known as stagflation, characterized by slowing economic growth, rising inflation, and high unemployment.

The Brazilian real fell by 0.88% against the US dollar on August 28, 2015. GDP data for the second quarter confirmed a contraction in the economy.

Housing starts are a leading indicator of residential construction activity. Housing starts in May increased 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. However, compared to April, they dipped 11.1%.

Steel scrap prices tanked by more than 25% in February. This helped mini mills. They were at a competitive disadvantage due to the decline in iron ore and coal prices.

The WSA expects global steel consumption to grow by 0.5% in 2015 on a YoY basis. This was highlighted in the short range outlook released on April 20.

Metal service centers acquire primary metals like carbon steel and aluminum from metal producers and process them to customer specifications.

The global steel industry (XME) has seen its fortune change ever since OPEC decided against reducing its daily oil production.

Steel production up until April 4 is down 6.3% over the corresponding period last year. The decline in steel production is negative for steel companies in the US.

Steel prices are a key driver for steel companies. Last year, steel prices dropped by ~10%.

A massive increase in steel imports has been the single biggest risk for the US steel industry. U.S. Steel faces challenges in its tubular segment also.

A low capacity utilization rate increases competition between existing industry players. This pressures steel prices as producers try to increase sales.