Latest news with #MMI
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Stainless Steel Market Reacts to Tariff Hikes
Via Metal Miner The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, rising by a modest 0.35% from May to June. However, the stainless steel price remains under pressure from several factors. In a move few saw coming, President Trump doubled Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%. The duty increase took effect on June 4, just days after its announcement, leaving both suppliers and buyers with no real window to prepare. The tariff increase proved controversial, drawing concern from many industry experts. According to stainless analyst Katie Benchina Olsen, 'The U.S. flat-rolled stainless steel market has always required imports to satisfy the market demand. In some years, import penetration exceeded 30%, with steady state hovering around 18%.' Because of this reliance, the 'rapid implementation of a 50% tariff is wreaking havoc on the stainless steel industry. This, in turn, seems destined to also impact the stainless steel price. Already, importers of products that U.S. mills cannot support are having to go back to their customers for the second time this year to adjust pricing. This is material that the customer has to accept to pay the 50% tariff.' Don't miss the next tariff adjustment. Opt into MetalMiner's free weekly newsletter. As those relying on imports get pinched by the tariff hike, the quick implementation of such a significant increase in duties also poses considerable risks for stainless steel price stability from domestic producers. The only reprieve to the tariff hike seems to be the weak market conditions, which have plagued the industry for over a year. This might explain why U.S. mills have yet to adjust prices, as market oversupply, at least for now, remains a limiting factor. Depending on how long tariffs last, a lot could change. Higher duties will allow domestic producers to prioritize more favored grades of stainless, including common grades like 304, which represents the bulk of demand. This means most buyers will not face shortage risks, especially as common austenitic grades like 304 experienced oversupply conditions ahead of tariffs. However, the same could not be said for ferritics, where supply continues to appear increasingly tight. While 304 will remain readily available to buyers sourcing domestically, other grades will likely prove less lucky. As mills prioritize material like 304 to fill capacity, they will likely turn away other orders more often. Some of this behavior has already started to occur. Ahead of tariffs, Outokumpu's discount adjustment released in February increased prices for a number of stainless grades the mill prefers not to produce. By late May, NAS had reportedly started to turn away orders for bright annealed. While mills will likely remain sensitive to demand destruction, price increases will probably follow in the coming months, assuming tariffs stick around. However, some argue that the latest tariffs may prove more temporary than some might expect. Although part of the Trump Administration's intention is to support domestic producers, trade negotiations still represent the larger goal. As MetalMiner's Stuart Burns points out, 'the Trump administration announced the UK would not face the additional 25% increase to 50% on steel and aluminum while negotiations continue.' This decision likely serves as a cue to other countries looking to secure a new trade deal with the U.S. Aside from stainless, the tariff exemption appeared to temper the impact of the tariff hike on other markets. Carbon steel prices remained bearish in the following days. This signals that markets anticipate further tariff changes and reductions in the coming months. While deals may begin to roll in and offer relief to stainless steel buyers, it is worth noting that supply conditions are still likely to change. Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, the biggest culprits in suppressing global stainless steel prices, are unlikely to secure exemptions or quotas. Meanwhile, lackluster demand conditions will help mitigate the impact of higher duty rates in the short term. However, reduced supply from the cheapest Asian producers—primarily responsible for dragging the global price curve lower—will inevitably offer more leverage to domestic producers with regard to stainless prices. By Nichole Bastin More Top Reads From this article on Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Audi A4 Signature Edition launched in India at ₹57.11 lakh, gets minor design and feature enhancement. Check details
₹57.11 lakh, gets minor design and feature enhancement. Check details data-item-target-url=/auto/cars/ data-item-story-segment=Luxury> The Audi A4 Signature Edition is priced at ₹57.11 lakh, ex-showroom. Check Offers The Audi A4 Signature Edition has been launched in India with a price tag of ₹ 57.11 lakh, ex-showroom. The new special edition model is based on the existing Technology trim. The Signature Edition includes a set of factory-fitted accessories and minor design enhancements but retains the core mechanical and equipment package of the standard A4. Audi A4 Signature Edition: Design Aesthetically, the Signature Edition makes a couple of modifications designed to distinguish it from the standard models. Exterior modifications include Audi rings decals, LED entry lights casting the Audi logo, and dynamic wheel hub caps. There's also a added spoiler lip for improved aerodynamics, and a special paint finish on the alloy wheels to distinguish it from the standard model. Also Read : Audi India announces price hike of up to 2% from May 15 Inside, the cabin receives a natural grey wood oak decorative inlay, which replaces the standard trim, and a custom key cover is part of the additional kit. The Audi Genuine Accessories package also includes stainless steel pedal covers and a fragrance dispenser. Audi A4 Signature Edition: Features The Signature Edition doesn't alter the primary feature list of the Technology variant. It continues to offer the 25.65 cm MMI touchscreen infotainment system, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, navigation with voice commands, and Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 19 speakers. Convenience features such as three-zone climate control, electrically adjustable front seats with memory for the driver, and ambient interior lighting with 30 colour options are carried over. Additionally, the Park Assist function with a 360-degree camera has been added, offering extra assistance in urban parking scenarios. Also Read : Audi India registers 17% growth in sales in Q1 2025, retails 1,223 units Audi A4 Signature Edition: Specifications The powertrain is the same. The A4 Signature Edition gets a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (TFSI) engine that makes 204 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. The sedan clocks 0-100 kmph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 241 kmph. It also gets a 12V mild-hybrid system that delivers regenerative braking and less jarring engine starts, mainly to assist fuel efficiency and ease engine load in traffic conditions. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 09 Jun 2025, 11:48 AM IST
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Audi India launches A4 Signature edition at ₹57.11 lakh
Audi India has unveiled the A4 Signature edition , an exclusive new variant of its popular luxury sedan , the Audi A4 . Priced at ₹57.11 lakh (ex-showroom), the limited-edition model introduces a series of bespoke design elements and premium feature upgrades. The Signature edition features a host of distinctive enhancements, including Audi rings entry LED lamps, dynamic wheel hub caps, exclusive Audi rings decals, and a premium fragrance dispenser. Speaking on the launch, Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, ' The Audi A4 has been one of the best-selling sedans in our line-up, combining dynamic performance with sophisticated elegance. With the launch of the Signature edition , we're offering our customers a chance to own an even more exclusive variant, distinguished by bespoke styling elements that elevate its premium appeal.' The model will be available in five exterior colours: glacier white metallic, mythos black metallic, navarra blue metallic, progressive red metallic, and manhattan grey metallic. Performance and Technology: The Audi A4 Signature edition retains the standard car's powertrain, featuring a 2.0L TFSI engine that delivers 204 hp and 320 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0–100 km/h in 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 241 km/h. The car also benefits from a 12V mild-hybrid system, brake recuperation, and advanced driver-assist features. It also comes with a high-resolution MMI touch display, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, B&O 3D sound system with 19 speakers, ambient lighting with 30 colour options, and three-zone climate control. Other highlights include powered front seats with memory, natural-language voice control, and wireless smartphone charging.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
1 Cash-Producing Stock with Impressive Fundamentals and 2 to Question
A company that generates cash isn't automatically a winner. Some businesses stockpile cash but fail to reinvest wisely, limiting their ability to expand. Cash flow is valuable, but it's not everything - StockStory helps you identify the companies that truly put it to work. Keeping that in mind, here is one cash-producing company that reinvests wisely to drive long-term success and two best left off your watchlist. Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 1.4% Largely targeting the professional customer, Genuine Parts (NYSE:GPC) sells auto and industrial parts such as batteries, belts, bearings, and machine fluids. Why Is GPC Not Exciting? Annual sales growth of 4.2% over the last six years lagged behind its consumer retail peers as its large revenue base made it difficult to generate incremental demand Weak same-store sales trends over the past two years suggest there may be few opportunities in its core markets to open new locations Day-to-day expenses have swelled relative to revenue over the last year as its operating margin fell by 2.1 percentage points Genuine Parts's stock price of $126.25 implies a valuation ratio of 15.3x forward P/E. If you're considering GPC for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more. Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 1.8% Founded in 1971, Marcus & Millichap (NYSE:MMI) specializes in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research, and advisory services. Why Should You Sell MMI? Annual sales declines of 3.2% for the past five years show its products and services struggled to connect with the market Cash-burning history makes us doubt the long-term viability of its business model Waning returns on capital imply its previous profit engines are losing steam Marcus & Millichap is trading at $30.21 per share, or 299.2x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including MMI in your portfolio, it's free. Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 32.1% Founded by Fred Luddy, who coded the company's initial prototype on a flight from San Francisco to London, ServiceNow (NYSE:NOW) is a software provider helping companies automate workflows across IT, HR, and customer service. Why Will NOW Outperform? Sales pipeline is in good shape as its current remaining performance obligations (cRPO) averaged 22.3% growth over the last year Excellent operating margin highlights the efficiency of its business model, and it turbocharged its profits by achieving some fixed cost leverage Strong free cash flow margin enables it to reinvest or return capital consistently At $1,017 per share, ServiceNow trades at 15.7x forward price-to-sales. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it's free. Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tariff Uncertainty Fuels Copper Price Volatility
Via Metal Miner The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) retraced to the downside with a 4.23% decline from March to April. Looking at copper prices today, analysts seem to be struggling with ongoing trade policy shifts. Comex copper prices have experienced wild swings over the past few months. First, they hit a new all-time high in March before plunging in April. By mid-May, they entered into a shaky sideways trend. Source: MetalMiner Insights Tariffs continue to drive the market. This month, markets have mostly been reacting to the U.S.'s most recent deals with China and the UK. Both appeared to ease concerns that the broad-based tariffs announced over recent months may prove less extreme than expected, resulting in renewed optimism about the global economy. While mostly stable, the bias appears increasingly to the downside for Comex copper prices today. This is mainly because tariff deals have yet to fully ease the demand concerns that continue to plague the market. The International Copper Study Group counts itself among those not particularly concerned about supply. Contrary to previous worries that the copper market was on the verge of growing deficit, the ICSG expects the market to maintain its surplus status in both 2025 and 2026. The group noted 'Uncertainty surrounding international trade policy that is likely to weaken the global economic outlook and negatively impact copper demand, usage growth rates have been revised down compared to the Group's September 2024 forecasts.' As a result, the surplus expectation more than doubled for 2025. Considering the surplus accumulated during 2024, this will leave the market with a significant cushion as trade policy evolves. While the raw material market remains tight, global growth prospects remain a concern. The U.S. economy shrank by 0.3% in Q1. Meanwhile, deflation remains a lingering problem for China, which is struggling to lean on domestic demand amid trade barriers in the U.S. The U.S.-China trade deal may have eased some market concerns about the impact of steep tariffs on the world's two largest economies. However, uncertainty lingers as the current agreement will expire in 90 days and still leaves a steep 30% tariff on Chinese goods. Global stocks returned to the upside in May, offering no support for copper prices today. While inventory fluctuations do not boast a strong correlation to copper prices, the rise suggests demand conditions appear relatively stable. Both SHFE and LME inventory levels experienced considerable drawdowns over recent months as material moved to the U.S. amid tariff concerns. Source: MacroMicro But while LME stocks continue to decline, SHFE stocks have started to rebound. This, alongside the continued rise in Comex stocks, has added a further drag to bullish expectations for copper prices. Among the other leading indicators for copper prices, the U.S. dollar index appeared to stabilize, halting declines that pushed the index below its long-term range in previous months. Source: MetalMiner Insights, Chart & Correlation Analysis Tool The index, which trades inversely to copper prices, has started to move sideways after regaining some of the losses accumulated in recent months. While it has fallen short of rebounding back to where it stood at the start of the year, the modest increase has seemingly weighed on copper prices over recent weeks. Investor expectations remain mixed on the future direction of the index. Speculation that the White House might favor a weaker dollar relative to other currencies added considerable weight, particularly after the Trump administration noted the strength of the U.S. dollar has come at the expense of U.S. exports. However, U.S. officials have subsequently clarified that currency policy is not part of ongoing trade negotiations. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has yet to blink with regard to rate cuts. Chairman Jerome Powell has remained reluctant to cut rates since last year, as tariff announcements have risked further inflation pressures in the U.S. While the most recent CPI and negotiations with China could incentivize a softer stance from the Fed, Powell has repeatedly cited 'uncertainty' as reason to hold rates steady. A cut from the Fed would add further pressure on the U.S. dollar, potentially dragging it back below its current range. This could stem further losses for copper prices today, tomorrow, and in the near future. Read MetalMiner's market outlook and copper price forecast here. By Nichole Bastin More Top Reads From this article on
