Latest survey of metals buyers isn't exactly expansionary, but it isn't recessionary either. In sum, business is flat, prices are weak, inventory stocks are low and buying is dull. It now appears that the Sept. 11 attacks didn't hamper metalworking as much as they stalled overall manufacturing activity. Sixty-three percent of buyers surveyed say business was the same or better than October. That's the best response in four months. So, while the worst may be over for metalworking, buying activity hasn't perked up yet and is just plodding along. Only 27% of buyers surveyed in November plan to boost near-term metals purchasing. That compares with 29% from the October survey. And, while 41% express an inventory strategy that would maintain or boost existing levels of warehoused metals, that compares with 42% in the month before.