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Replies to post #21956 on The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence
04/22/20 11:23 AM
The coronavirus pandemic is boosting momentum for major broadband legislation, highlighting the widespread lack of high-speed internet in U.S. homes at a time when it has become more essential than ever.
Leading lawmakers of both parties say the long-delayed issue of closing the so-called digital divide is gaining new prominence, as Washington weighs initiatives to help speed economic recovery and improve U.S. competitiveness.
House Democrats are likely to lead the legislative push for expanded broadband in coming weeks. But many Senate Republicans also are keenly interested, and say the pandemic is underscoring the need for action.
04/24/20 10:29 PM
05/20/20 3:25 PM
Brazil’s deadly coronavirus outbreak has disrupted global supplies of iron ore just as demand from China is revving up, pushing the price of the steel ingredient to a seven-month high.
…Front-month futures for ore with 62% iron content jumped 10% to nearly ¥759 ($107) a metric ton Wednesday on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange. That is their highest closing price since October 2019.
…The squeeze on supplies has struck at the same time as demand for the raw material from China’s steel sector is picking up. Steel mills there produced 85 million tons of crude steel in April, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, almost 8% higher than the 79 million tons made in March.
…Also boosting iron-ore demand: a shortage of recycled steel stemming from disruptions in the scrap-metal industry, said Mr. Capoferri. That has led to difficulties at electric-arc furnaces, which use less iron ore and more scrap steel than traditional steel blast furnaces.
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