[avatar user="jhearn" size="thumbnail" align="left" /] To focus on the market for low value and end of life vehicles we need to first look at the entire Auto Marketplace and US Roadways.  First a glance at Vehicles in Operation (VIO). Today, there are over 264 million cars and trucks in operation in the U.S., an increase

[avatar user="jhearn" size="thumbnail" align="left" /] American automotive markets are facing huge challenges at wholesale and retail.  Remarketers, Repossessors, Fleet Operations, Insurance Salvage and Finance verticals are facing uncertainty at near record levels.  Success is harder and more elusive than ever.  There is no rescue coming, no unified vision about the future.  The uncertain market we

Second Quarter 2022: Out-of-market pressures deflate values Global economic conditions rough up metals markets. U.S. Inflationary pressures are causing uncertainty. Negative outlook for sustained economic growth are slowing, impacting pricing across the board. Crushed Auto Bodies Inflationary pressures have been driving values down but overall demand remains high. Auto recyclers continue to struggle with product

First Quarter 2022: Pandemic Metals Demand and Performance For this quarter's Wreckonomics/Metals and Markets overview we're going to look solely at pandemic performance for the commodties and markets we discuss regularly.  Let's see if the narrow view tells us anything new. Crushed Auto Bodies As discussed in previous Wreckonomics posts, Pandemic demand was totally fueled

May 2021: Stability Amidst Shortages?   Looking at May 2021 markets, we’re seeing what looks like stability returning to the pricing of some commodities as covid-related supply chain disruptions are resolved.  However, global shortages and demand spikes which were previously discussed in April's Wreckonomics article are hovering around record heights, exacerbated by increased demand as

After sharp declines in the U.S. scrap steel prices bounce back and stabilize while data comes out on steel and aluminum imports and palladium struggles to hold its record value. Scrap steel prices remain stable for the second straight month as we get closer to the warmer weather of spring.  Since falling over over 8

Based on the easy to track data surrounding car donations, here is a keyhole view of charity giving from car donations & effect of tax law changes on fundraising. In advance of this years’ Giving USA Report, and what we expect to be a very thorough and thoughtful conversation about the changes in charity giving

Steel prices were up going into the last month of the year but are feeling pressures from falling oil prices, lack of exports overseas and slowing auto and housing industries. The December scrap metal report is ultimately a welcomed sight after four consecutive months of declines. While scrap steel prices were up and down in

As gas prices rise we are seeing Americans drive less for the first time in years. [avatar user="zlasky" size="thumbnail" /] Americans travel more during the summer than any other time of year but it seems as though gas prices may be having an impact on the amount of travel we are doing as a country. 

[avatar user="alyons" size="thumbnail" align="left" /] The 2018 Job Act will bring many changes to US households. It will also significantly impact the nonprofit industry and how and why people choose to donate.The 2018 tax changes allow individuals a standard deduction of $12,000 ($24,000 for married couples). This means those who are more likely to itemize