Decline in copper shipments

Source: www.purchasingdata.com

WHAT IT MEANS: U.S. copper consumption declined in 2007 due to the collapse in residential construction. Recent buyers' discussions also note a continued slowdown in such other copper-using sectors as diverse as heavy truck assembly, trailer manufacturing, motor making, and medical diagnostics and monitoring equipment.

Growth in carbon steel prices

Source: Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries

WHAT IT MEANS: Declines in automaking have limited the tonnage of ferrous scrap available in the home market. At the same time, global demand is so strong that pricing has risen from U.S. processors.

Decline in world aluminum price

Source: London Metal Exchange

WHAT IT MEANS: Investors and speculators agree the world aluminum ingot price average for 2008 will drop 5% to $1.14/lb (from $1.20 in 2007). However, some contrarian economists say a 9% slide to $1.09 is possible if a manufacturing recession strikes the U.S.