Ahead Of The Bell: Steel Shares Rise

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Shares of United States Steel Corp. and other steel makers rose in premarket trading Wednesday as an analyst increased his investment rating on two steel stocks and said demand is rising for flat-rolled steel in U.S. markets.

Analyst Mark L. Parr of KeyBanc Capital Markets upgraded Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel and Olympic Steel Inc. of Cleveland to "Buy" from "Hold."

Prices are rising for flat-rolled steel — a sheet-like product used in autos and appliances — into the June and July period as plants "begin to gradually re-engage the market," he said in a note to investors. ...