Why the Economy Keeps Defying Expectations

Special Episode: The Mount Rushmores of American Metal

In celebration of America's 250th birthday, Mike and Nick put a fun twist on one of the country's most iconic traditions: creating their own Mount Rushmores of American metal landmarks. From engineering marvels like the Gateway Arch, Golden Gate Bridge, and Empire State Building to unexpected choices such as Cloud Gate ("The Bean"), the Brooklyn Bridge, the original Chicago Ferris Wheel, the Space Needle, and even the Hoover Dam, they each make the case for the four landmarks they believe best represent the impact of steel and metal on America's history. Along the way, they share fascinating facts about the engineering, materials, and construction behind each landmark, compare the enormous amount of metal used in these structures to today's AI data centers, and invite viewers to debate their own picks in search of the ultimate Mount Rushmore of American Metal. It's part history lesson, part friendly debate, and a celebration of the metal that helped build America.

Your Metals Questions Answered

Nick fields listener questions on the state of the market, employment data, lead times, and more.

Steel Utilization Rates Feel Different

Aluminum prices remain elevated, copper demand continues to grow, and commodity markets are sending important signals about the future of manufacturing. Mike and Nick discuss key takeaways from the Harbor Aluminum Conference and what why current mill utilization rates feel different lately.

The Biggest Risks Nobody is Talking About

What could derail an otherwise resilient economy? In this episode, Mike and Nick shift from optimism to risk assessment, examining geopolitical tensions, energy markets, inflation concerns, and the potential supply shocks that could impact global growth in the months ahead.

Why the Economy Keeps Defying Expectations

Manufacturing continues to outperform expectations despite ongoing concerns about inflation, interest rates, and economic uncertainty. Mike and Nick break down the latest PMI data, discuss what's driving demand, and explore why many forecasts continue to underestimate the resilience of the industrial economy.