Week-in-review and thoughts for the upcoming week of Feb. 16, 2026
A weekly review of global political developments, market volatility and key macroeconomic data shaping equities, commodities, energy and trade heading into the week of Feb. 16.
A weekly review of global political developments, market volatility and key macroeconomic data shaping equities, commodities, energy and trade heading into the week of Feb. 16.
Recent earnings from major HVAC manufacturers show residential demand constrained by channel adjustments, while commercial activity - especially in the Americas - remains the primary source of volume support.
With LME contango insufficient to cover financing and storage costs, the aluminum market has shifted the burden of carry onto physical premiums, forcing traders to rely on premium appreciation to keep inventory economically viable.
The smelter had been the largest domestic source of high-purity primary aluminum used in aerospace and defense applications—arguably falling under the national security rationale of Section 232.
Gränges' 2025 results show rising shipments and revenue, but late-year profit concentration driven by product mix, pricing pass-through and utilization effects.
Canada is repositioning its aluminum exports toward Europe and Mexico as US tariffs raise costs, strain downstream demand and reshape trade flows.
January's AMU survey shows stabilizing lead times with growing product-level and role-based divergence, alongside a notable shift in perceptions of import competitiveness.
January AMU survey results show firmer Midwest premium expectations, stabilizing UBC outlooks, and a split between recycler responses and those of producers, manufacturers, and traders.
December survey data showed lead times rising across aluminum products even as respondents reported steadier conditions.
December survey results show UBC price expectations becoming more debated even as scrap availability, inventory behavior, and Midwest premium expectations point toward steadier underlying conditions.