1 Aluminum Co. of America is buying No. Thanks to consolidation and the strong economy, aluminum prices zipped from 55 cents to 69 cents per pound in 1999. No one expected 1999 to be that good, says Thomas Van Leeuwen, a metals analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston. And he expects to be singing the same tune at the end of 2000. While the aluminum industry may have its own dynamics, you can bet Big Steel is taking a very close look.
Strong economy helps many steel companies rebound.
Aluminum mergers seem to be boosting sagging prices. Dream of steel industry consolidation remains unfulfilled. Big integrated steel companies like LTV continue to be laggards. The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.