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

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.

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.

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.

The Cup o Joe crew tells us why sulfur has suddently catapaulted to the top of the commodities discussion these days, and why copper and nickel prices remain elevated. 

Hot rolled coil is back above $1,000 per ton, and the steel market is heating up fast. Mike and Nick are joined by Mark Gross for a deep dive into mill pricing, inventories, imports, lead times, and the demand sectors pushing steel higher in 2026.

The AI boom isn’t just a tech story anymore — it’s becoming a metals story. In this episode, the team explores how data center expansion is driving demand for steel, copper, aluminum, and electrical infrastructure, and why industrial supply chains are paying close attention.

Global manufacturing activity is showing signs of life again — and the metals market is responding. Mike and Nick break down the latest PMI data, improving industrial sentiment, and why demand across key sectors may be stronger than many expected heading into the second half of the year.

Steel prices are climbing, freight is tightening, and tariffs remain a wildcard. We cover the latest across steel, stainless, logistics, and policy—plus practical insights for navigating today’s market.

Aluminum markets are under pressure. Supply disruptions, smelter outages, and import slowdowns are driving prices higher and tightening availability. We dig into what’s happening—and what buyers should be doing right now.