China’s steel market is not collapsing despite the property downturn. Instead, demand is stabilising at a lower level as manufacturing, exports and new energy sectors gradually replace construction-driven demand. This is not a demand collapse, it’s a structural shift from property to industrial and export-driven demand. What’s Really Happening The sharp drop in construction activity has clearly hurt steel demand: Property-related steel (like rebar) has fallen significantly Construction’s share of demand is shrinking But the broader market tells a different story: Total steel demand is only slightly below past peaks Manufacturing, shipbuilding and energy transition sectors are absorbing demand Exports are acting as a key buffer Instead of a sudden crash, the industry is entering a long plateau . Why This Matters The market had expected a sharp collapse but reality is more gradual: Demand is declining slowly, not falling off a cliff China is shifting from construction-led growth to ...
As Brent crude oil prices hit a five and a half year low of nearly US$57 per barrel and the ringgit hit a near five year low of 3.5027 to the dollar, the FBM KLCI also slips 0.09% today and closes at 1,766.830. FBM KLCI closes at 1,766.830 There were 382 gainers against 402 decliners, while 304 counters remained unchanged. In our post earlier on the oil price slump , we were of the opinion that Bursa Malaysia would follow suit as per the declining trend of the oil price as we see a sharp drop. Today's top gainers: Hong Leong Capital Berhad, British American Tobacco Bhd and Apex Healthcare Bhd. The top decliners: Multi-Usage Holdings Bhd, Press Metal Bhd, and Aeon Co. Bhd. Hubline Bhd was the most actively traded stock for today. While the oil price dropped about 1%, the FBM KLCI only decline slightly at about 0.09%. This is most likely because of the support from the local institutional investors. The holiday season also contribute to one of the re...