Wreckonomics™ Mid-Year 2026

As we move into the second half of 2026, the automotive marketplace continues its transition from the extraordinary conditions that followed the pandemic toward what appears to be the industry's "new normal." While wholesale vehicle prices stabilized compared to the volatility of recent years, persistent affordability challenges, elevated repair costs, evolving trade policy, and record vehicle age continue to reinforce one undeniable trend: Americans are keeping their vehicles longer than ever.

Market & Metals, Quarter 2 2026

Heading into the second half of 2026, the End of Life vehicle (ELV) and metals scrap metal markets continue to demonstrate resilience in a pressurized system.  The sustained and specific demand for end of life vehicles and component materials had a good quarter, driven by structural shifts in global manufacturing, EV supply chains, and domestic infrastructure projects.

Scrap Metal Market Performance q1 2026

Market & Metals, Quarter 1 2026

The scrap metals market is experiencing a period of historic volatility and record-breaking price action. While the end of 2025 showed signs of stability, Q1 2026 has been defined by extreme unpredictable change, particularly in the rare metals and catalytic metal sectors.

Wreckonomics Markets and Metals 2025

Market & Metals, Quarter 4 2025

2025 saw influences of global trade disagreements and shifting supply dynamics impact our partner landscape in several ways.

Market & Metals, Quarter 3 2025

2025 saw influences of global trade disagreements and shifting supply dynamics impact our partner landscape in several ways.

Wreckonomics™ Mid-Year 2025

In this July 2025 edition of Wreckonomics™, we delve into the key macroeconomic indicators and specific trends impacting the American automotive markets, with our particular focus on low-value and end of life vehicles.

Market & Metals, Q2 2025

2025 saw influences of global trade disagreements and shifting supply dynamics impact our partner landscape in several ways.

Wreckonomics© 2024 Year in Review

In 2024, most of the automotive headlines were once again focused on the used car market.  High interest rates and inflation caused a dip in consumer purchasing power, leading to a decline in demand for mid-range used vehicles.

Market & Metals, Q2 2024

We have been consistently witnessing deflating values of low value and end of life automobiles presented at wholesale.

Market & Metals, Q1 2024

The surprising stability of the first three months of 2024...well...surprised us somewhat.