Steel Output Mounting The Steel industry, which consists of companies engaged in the extraction of iron ore and coke coal for the processing of iron and steel, has the major chunk of sales concentrated with a few producers. The industry includes metal ore exploration and mining services, iron and steel foundries for smelting, rolling, forging, spinning, recycling, stamping, polishing and plating of iron and steel products such as pipes, tubes, wire, spring, rolls and bars. The largest drivers of steel consumption have historically been the automotive and construction markets, which make up more than 50% of total steel consumption. Other steel consuming industries include appliances, converters, containers, tin, energy, electrical equipment, agricultural, domestic and commercial equipment and industrial machinery. Large automakers such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company ([url=http://www.zacks.com/stock/quote/f]F[/url]), Toyota Motor Corporation ([url=http://www.zacks.com/stock/quote/tm]TM[/url]) and Honda Motor Company ([url=http://www.zacks.com/stock/quote/hmc]HMC[/url]) depend upon the steel industry. ArcelorMittal ([url=http://www.zacks.com/stock/quote/mt]MT[/url]) is ...

Nissan losses lower than expected   The world’s third largest carmaker, Nissan Motor Company (NSANY), posted a modest net loss of 9 cents (¥4.06) per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The loss was largely driven by the slump in global car demand, negative impact of a stronger yen, sharp decline in consumer confidence in all the major markets and product mix deterioration. Reported losses were significantly lower than the Zacks consensus forecast of 80 cents. Cost-cutting efforts, coupled with the government stimulus, helped Nissan curb losses in the quarter. The government of US, Germany, Japan and China are offering consumers credits, tax breaks and subsidies for trading in old cars for new fuel-efficient models. However, we remain concerned about Nissan’s prospects as these government incentives will not be available for much longer. Operating costs shrunk 37% year over year to $25.2 billion ...

a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T9VXVyuEITg/SWmtZExgT4I/AAAAAAAAAnU/qUCH6PVlFiM/s1600-h/iphonecrowd.jpg"img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T9VXVyuEITg/SWmtZExgT4I/AAAAAAAAAnU/qUCH6PVlFiM/s200/iphonecrowd.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289949883613073282" //a Considering how bad the economy is and in spite of the absence of Steve Jobs, the 2009 Macworld Conference and Expo, held at Moscone Center in San Francisco, California was very successful. This is also in spite of the fact that Apple (AAPL) announced that they wouldn't be back next year. But that isn't the only disappearing act. br /br /There were a couple other major companies that were conspicuous by their absence, such as Adobe (ADBE). Adobe used to be one of the anchor exhibitors at the Expo, and one of the noteworthy producers of Macintosh software. Another MIA was Sony (SNE). Does anyone remember the old Sony beige 3.5 inch floppy disks?br /br /So who was there in place of the biggies? There were approximately 400 exhibitors and ...

Senior automotive industry analyst Paul Raman, CFA, recently returned from the San Diego Auto Show, had these comments to make about Toyota Motors (...

Senior automotive industry analyst Paul Raman, CFA, recently returned from the San Diego Auto Show, had these comments to make about Toyota Motors (TM), Honda Motor Company (HMC), Nissan Motors (NSANY) and others.Most -- if not all -- automakers are keeping an eye on joint venture and/or buyout opportunities within the industry in 2009.  Also pending in the early part of the year is the question of a further auto industry bailout by the U.S. Federal government, though this concerns the American Big Three, not the Japanese automakers.TOYOTAYaris - Sales are up 27% for this car that gets 32 MPG and has a 4 star crash rating with a economical price of $16K. There is not enough leg room and a strange dashboard. The interior needs a major upgrade.Tundra - Sales are down 25% for this pickup with 15 MPG. ...