There was no significant pricing activity — up or down — in June, and there has been relatively little change in commodity metal costs. Copper and nickel were up slightly, and lead and zinc were up double digits. All except for nickel have remained high relative to the same time last year.
Overall, the market outlook remains steady. Construction spending for residential activity was down (0.5) percent over April but up 10.9% year over year. Commercial (building) construction was up 1.1% for the month and 7.9% percent year over year.