Iron ore is used to make steel, which in turn is used in the construction and other infrastructure industries across the world.
Steel production plays a big role in Australia's economy and employs around 100,000 people. There are major steel produces on the ASX in Australia – such as BlueScope Steel – along with dozens of stocks that sit in steel sub-categories, such as iron ore or coal, which are used to produce steel.
Read on to find out which steel stocks are on the ASX and how you can invest in steel from Australia.
Iron ore and steel stocks
Iron ore and steel ETFs
Exchange-traded funds (ETF) hold securities that are connected to an industry. To date, there are no ASX-listed ETFs that only purely track steel or iron ore, however, some mining industry ETFs contain steel and iron ore companies, such as the BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (QRE) and the VanEck Australian Resources ETF (MVR).
Buy iron ore and steel stocks online
You'll need a brokerage account to invest in steel in Australia. Take a look at the options below:
1 - 6 of 6
Important: The standard brokerage fee displayed is the trade cost for new customers to purchase $1,000 of either Australian or US shares. Where a platform charges different fees for both US and Australian shares we show the lower of the two. Where both CHESS sponsored and custodian shares are offered, we display the cheapest option.
What are steel and iron ore stocks?
Steel stocks are companies that mine and manufacture steel products. Because iron ore is used to produce steel, iron ore and steel companies are often one and the same.
Steel is mainly used in construction, such as building infrastructure and tools, and household items such as sewing needles and canned foods.
Why invest in steel or iron ore stocks?
Steel is a trusted and versatile construction material and is beloved for its durability, flexibility and low cost. Steel stocks perform well when the economy is strong.
In the past decade, China has seen explosive growth and maintains a high steel demand. Other large infrastructure projects around the world also up the demand for steel products, leading to higher profits and returns. And as the economy flourishes, the need for new buildings and construction continues to fuel the steel industry.
Risks of investing in steel
While steel currently plays a major part in our daily lives, there are specific risks involved in investing in steel and its uncertain future:
- Fewer large steel mills. The costly investment and environmental concerns — which prompted government policies like the 1970 Clean Air Act — have suppressed the construction of new steel plants.
- Steel alternatives. New building materials are gaining traction in new construction projects. For example, engineered timber is sustainable, a quicker, cleaner building material, and just as strong as steel.
- Recycled steel. You can recycle steel continuously without compromising its strength. The greater availability of recycled steel can reduce the prices of steel stocks, potentially eliminating the need for steel production in the next 30 years.
- Tariffs. Trade wars and tariffs can negatively affect steel stock prices. For example, the 2018 US tariffs against China imports, which were first imposed on steel and aluminum, are estimated to have cost US companies at least $US1.7 trillion in stock prices.
How to buy steel and iron ore stocks
If steel stocks are right for you, here's a breakdown of how to get started in Australia.
1. Research stocks
Before you invest in steel stocks in Australia, evaluate the companies that produce steel or use it to make products. Examine their financial statements. Take a close look at their assets, liabilities, shareholder equity and other metrics found on their balance sheet. You can usually find this on the investor relations section of a company's website.
You also may want to check whether the company has announced any plans to deal with present challenges such as production issues or dealing with potential trade tariffs. In addition, you can also look to see how a company sizes up against its competitors. By closely examining these companies, you can get a good sense of what may be a good investment.
2. Open a brokerage account
Before you begin making trades, you need to open a brokerage account. You can choose from plenty of online brokerage accounts in Australia, but they can differ vastly in terms of fees and tools. So make sure you compare your options.
If you're new to investing, consider an investment app for beginners. If you're an experienced investor check out brokerages like TD Ameritrade or Vanguard which offer sophisticated research and analytical tools.
3. Purchase Stocks
Once you've opened and funded your brokerage account, you can begin buying stocks. Simply look up a stock by company name or ticker symbol. Then, decide the number of shares you want to buy and place your order.
Market projections for steel stocks
Global steel production volume is expected to rise to 2175 million tonnes by 2024, according to Research and Markets. Throughout this course, the industry is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.50%
This growth is expected to be driven by factors such as the expansion of urban populations and increased spending on construction and infrastructure projects. China is expected to remain the largest producer of steel, partly driven by a boost in the production of automobiles and electrical appliances. However, price volatility could be a major challenge to steel stock investing in the coming years.
Bottom line
The steel industry is a staple in the world’s industrial economy. Steel stocks can be profitable when the economy is booming, but keep your eye on how tariffs and developments in the steel industry affect stock prices.
Compare trading platforms in Australia to start investing in steel.
Frequently asked questions
Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, CFDs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for all investors. Trading CFDs and forex on leverage comes with a higher risk of losing money rapidly. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before making any trades. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for the product on the provider's website.
More guides on Finder
-
How to buy OpenAI stock in Australia
Looking to jump on the AI bandwagon? Here's how you can invest in ChatGPT and its parent company OpenAI from Australia.
-
Best performing stocks on the ASX in 2023 (Updated weekly)
Looking for the best performing stocks in Australia? We update this list weekly.
-
Cryptocurrency ETFs explained: A simple guide for investors (2023)
If you’re looking for ways to gain exposure to Bitcoin and other digital currencies, cryptocurrency ETFs could be worth exploring. Find out what crypto ETFs are and how they work in this introductory guide.
-
How to buy Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA ADR (GOL) shares in Australia
Steps to owning and managing Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes SA shares from Australia.
-
How to buy Microsoft (MSFT) shares in Australia
Steps to owning and managing Microsoft shares from in Australia.
-
A beginner’s guide to Lego investing
Looking for alternative investments? With a ROI of up to 3,593% lego may be worth considering. Read on to find out which lego sets are worth the investment.
-
The cheapest stock brokers in Australia (Nov 2023)
Find cheap stock brokerage in Australia when buying and selling shares on the ASX and other international exchanges.
-
What is the money market?
Learn about the money market and everyday consumer money market products.
-
Is investing in crowdfunding a safe investment?
Equity crowdfunding offers a unique opportunity for investors and for Australian startups, but Australia’s regulatory framework surrounding crowdfunding still lags behind the rest of the world.
-
The best trading platforms in Australia for 2023
Follow these tips to find the best share trading platform for you.
Ask an Expert
