There was no significant pricing activity — up or down — in April, and there has been little change in commodity metal costs. Copper, zinc and lead were all down slightly, and nickel was down 10%, though all four metals remain high relative to the same time last year.

Overall, the market outlook remains steady with cautious optimism.  Residential activity was up 1.2% over February and up 7.3% year-over-year. Commercial (building) construction was down 2.2% for the month but still up 6.7% year-over-year.