Ex-Dividend for (EOT) (EVM) (GGB) (HLF) (HQH) is May 20

The ex-dividend date for Eaton Vance National Municipal Opportunities (NYSE:EOT), Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund (NYSE:EVM), Gerdau SA (NYSE:GGB), Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE:HLF) and H&Q Healthcare Investors (NYSE:HQH) is May 20.

Eaton Vance National Municipal Opportunities (EOT) pays a dividend of $0.10 with a yield of 6.61 percent.

Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund (EVM) pays a dividend of $0.07 with a yield of 7.76 percent.

Gerdau SA (GGB) pays a dividend of $0.04 with a yield of 1.45 percent.

Herbalife Ltd. (HLF) pays a dividend of $0.20 with a yield of 0.88 percent.

H&Q Healthcare Investors (NYSE:HQH) pays a dividend of $0.32 with a yield of 8.17 percent.

Gerdau S.A. (GGB) Faces Cost, Price Volatility

Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB) is under pressure with the rest of the steel sector as costs mount for raw materials and steel demand slows.

A lot of uncertainty surrounds the steel industry based on the guidance given by the largest steelmaker in the world - ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT). Even after beating estimates for the latest quarter the stock was punished on a weak outlook, dragging down much of the sector with it.

Softer steel prices in North America and Europe point to major challenges going forward for steel companies, as margins will continue to come under pressure.

According to Banco Santander SA, costs of coking coal jumped 68 percent and iron ore 77 percent in the first quarter of 2011.

The steel industry is projected to grow at a 5.9 percent clip this year, says the World Steel Association. Some think that's at the high end of the spectrum.

Pricing will remain a challenge in light of the new pricing system put in place where steelmakers say it's harder to pass on costs to customers because of difficulty in projecting costs.

Expectations are the second half of 2011 will be slow for the industry.

Gerdau S.A. participates in the production and sale of steel products in Brazil and internationally.

Gerdau S.A. (GGB) closed Wednesday at $45.67, down $1.08, or 2.31 percent.

Steel's (MTL) (GSI) (GGB) (HAYN) (IIIN) and China Demand

As goes China so goes the demand for steel, and in that regard it doesn't look good for steel companies like General Steel Holdings, (NYSE:GSI), Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB), Haynes International Inc. (Nasdaq:HAYN), Insteel Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:IIIN) and Mechel OAO (NYSE:MTL) , which are going to be pressured in the years ahead from declining demand from the Middle Kingdom.

According to the China Iron & Steel Association, the Chinese government is pushing to slow down economic growth, which will result in demand for steel in the country to slow down.

Estimates under the current scenario for the steel sector have steel consumption declining in China by a minimum of 2.6 percent to as high as 4.6 percent in 2011.

Globally it doesn't look good for the next five years or so either, as the top estimates are for steel demand to grow at a 5 percent rate annually, although many think it'll be less than that.

In the short term, the U.S. steel industry should ship product at 14 percent above 2010 levels, reaching about 95 million tons in 2011.

All the companies are being affected by soaring iron ore prices and other inputs, which are putting stress on margins and earnings because buyers are hesitating to acquire product at too high of prices; something that will continue for several years.

For the steel industry, there isn't much to be optimistic about, no matter how the situation is spun. It's going to remain tough for some time.

Mechel OAO closed Wednesday at $25.77, falling $1.03, or 3.84 percent.

Steel Firms (FRD) (SYNL) (GGB) (X) (SCHN) Pressured on Low Growth Outlook

The steel sector, even with some strong recent quarters from companies, looks weak, as over the next five years it is projected to grow at a pace of about 5 percent or less annually, placing downward pressure on steel producers like Friedman Industries Inc. (AMEX:FRD), Synalloy Corp. (Nasdaq:SYNL), Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB), US Steel (NYSE:X) and Schnitzer Steel Industries (NASDAQ:SCHN). And that's the more positive outlook by most analysts. A large number don't believe growth will even happen at that rate.

A majority of steel companies are being pressured to increase prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities rise.

That's not to say steel demand is falling completely, because it's not. But rising demand in some segments doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing. A number of weak economies around the world could cut also into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.

There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry positively. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand in some segments, as they attempt to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.

US Steel closed Friday at $47.71, gaining $0.05, or 0.10 percent.

AK Steel (AKS) (GGB) (GNI) (IIIN) (MTL) (ZEUS) Pressured on Low Growth Steel Outlook

The steel industry, even with some strong recent quarters, looks weak, as over the next five years it is expected to grow at a pace of about 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel companies like AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE:AKS), Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB), Great Northern Iron Ore Proper (NYSE:GNI), Insteel Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:IIIN), Mechel OAO (NYSE:MTL) and Olympic Steel Inc. (Nasdaq:ZEUS); although they traded a little stronger Thursday.

A majority of steel companies are being forced to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities rise.

That's not to say steel demand is falling, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing. A number of weak economies around the world could cut also into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.

There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry positively. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand, as they attempt to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.

It also looks like the U.S. economy is starting to sputter again, and that's not good news for the steel industry either.

Ternium (TX) (MTL) (SID) (AKS) Pressured on Low Growth Outlook

The steel industry, even with some strong recent quarters, looks weak, as over the next five years it is expected to grow at a pace of about 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel producers like Ternium S.A. (NYSE:TX), Mechel OAO (NYSE:MTL), Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (NYSE:SID) and AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE:AKS), even with a couple of decent quarterly results coming from their peers, like Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD). And that's the more positive outlook by the majority of analysts. Many don't think growth will happen even at that rate.

A majority of steel companies are being pressured to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities jump.

That's not to say steel demand is falling, because it's not. But the slowly rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing at this time. A number of weak economies around the world could also cut into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.

There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry in a positive manner. The industry will struggle for years, even in the midst of better demand, as it attempts to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from the producers.

Ternium S.A. closed Thursday at $33.67, falling $0.01, or 0.03 percent. Mechel OAO ended the session at $28.98, gaining $0.23, or 0.80 percent. AK Steel Holding Corporation closed at $30.86, dropping $0.11, or 0.68 percent. Gerdau S.A. closed at $15.94, up $0.07, or 0.44 percent.

POSCO (PKX) (USAP) (ZEUS) (GGB) Pressured on Low Growth Outlook

The steel industry, even with some strong recent quarters, looks weak, as over the next five years it is expected to grow at a pace of about 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel producers like Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB), Olympic Steel Inc. (Nasdaq:ZEUS), Universal Stainless & Alloy (Nasdaq:USAP) and POSCO (NYSE:PKX), even with a couple of decent quarterly results coming from their peers, like Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD). And that's the more positive outlook by the majority of analysts. Many don't think growth will happen even at that rate.

A majority of steel companies are being pressured to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities jump.

That's not to say steel demand is falling, because it's not. But the slowly rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing at this time. A number of weak economies around the world could also cut into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.

There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry in a positive manner. The industry will struggle for years, even in the midst of better demand, as it attempts to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from the producers.

POSCO closed Thursday at $111.13, falling $2.10, or 1.85 percent. Universal Stainless & Alloy ended the session at $32.79, gaining $0.64, or 1.99 percent. Olympic Steel Inc. closed at $30.86, up $0.15, or 0.49 percent. Gerdau S.A. closed at $12.13, down $0.01, or 0.08 percent.

Steel Companies Nucor (NUE) (GGB) (WOR) (CPSL) Get Boost from Consumption Report, (STLD)

Investors have suddenly become steel industry and company believers after the performance of Steel Dynamics, Inc. (Nasdaq:STLD) and the release of estimates for glow steel production by the World Steel Association, which pushed up the share prices of Nucor (NYSE:NUE), Worthington Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WOR), China Precision Steel, Inc. (Nasdaq:CPSL) and Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB) Wednesday.

Steel Dynamics gave as its reason for the optimism as growing backlogs in the company’s structural and rail division, but quietly added some of that could have been weather-related.

Also the projected global steel consumption growth of 5.9 percent didn't included the potential devastating effect the slowdown in Japan will have, as it's the largest consumer of steel in the world. Without that, the numbers are pretty meaningless. And it will take time, as with everything related to Japan at this time, before we know the full impact on steel and other sectors.

Gerdau S.A. closed Wednesday at $12.14, gaining $0.32, or 2.71 percent. China Precision Steel, Inc. ended the day at $1.54, up $0.01, or 0.65 percent. Worthington Industries, Inc. closed at $21.00, jumping $0.34, or 1.65 percent. Nucor closed the session at $46.48, rising $0.78, or 1.71 percent.

Steel Firms Gerdau (GGB) (SCHN) (AKS) (CRS) Jump on Steel Dynamics' Strength

Even though the results of Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD) gave steel stocks like Carpenter Technology (NYSE:CRS), Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB), Schnitzer Steel Industries (NASDAQ:SCHN) and AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE:AKS) a big boost Tuesday, overall, the steel industry looks weak over the next five years, as it is expected to grow at a pace of 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel producers like. And that's the more optimistic outlook by analysts. Most don't think growth will be at that rate.

Most steel companies are being forced to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings, as the price of inputs and commodities rise.

That's not to say steel demand is dropping, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is finding out. Weak economies around the world could cut into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.

There's no way to spin this in a positive manner. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand, as they attempt to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.

As for Steel Dynamics, it admits bad weather in February could have been the reason for the jump in March shipments. Even if steel companies in general have a good quarter to report, it's very doubtful it has changed the outlook over the next several years. It could be a chance to make some quick money though.

Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD) closed at $18.46, gaining $1.00, or 5.73 percent. AK Steel Holding Corporation closed at $16.08, rising $0.69, or 4.48 percent. Schnitzer Steel Industries closed at $59.61, jumping $0.99, or 1.69 percent. Gerdau S.A. ended the session at $11.82, increasing $0.06, or 0.51 percent. Carpenter Technology closed at $43.20, gaining $1.72, or 4.15 percent.

Mechel OAO (MTL) (MT) (X) (GGB) Drop as Commodities Correct

A general correction in commodities prices spurred by the plunge in oil prices pressured the steel sector as well, with ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT), US Steel (NYSE:X), Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB) and Mechel OAO (NYSE:MTL) all closing down Tuesday.

Crude oil prices for May delivery fell as much as 63 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $105.62 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract was at $106.01 at 10:14 a.m. Sydney time. Yesterday, it fell $3.67 to $106.25. Prices dropped 5.9 percent on April 11 and 12.

The U.S. raised its crude-oil price projection for 2011 to an average $106.38 a barrel from $101.77 in March, according to the Energy Department’s Short-Term Energy Outlook.

Mechel OAO closed Tuesday at $28.58, falling $0.83, or 2.82 percent. Gerdau S.A. closed at $12.36, down $0.41, or 3.21 percent. ArcelorMittal closed at $35.80, dropping $0.72, or 1.97 percent. U.S. Steel ended the session at $50.52, declining $1.20, or 2.32 percent.

Gerdau (GGB) (VALE) (PBR) Pressured on Currency Strength

Shares of giant Brazilian companies like Gerdau (NYSE:GGB), Vale (NYSE:VALE) and Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) were all down in trading Wednesday as the government of Brazil attempts to battle the long-term currency appreciation which threatens its economy.

The Bovespa, the equity index of Brazil (XX:BVSP), closed down 1.2 percent to 69,036.91 with all sectors tracking being in the red.

Brazil’s currency (USDBRL) fell against the U.S. dollar Wednesday dropping to 1.612 reals from 1.607 reals on Tuesday. The real has soared over 35 percent against the dollar since 2009.

Danske Research said for the next three-, six- and 12-month period for USD/BRL, they changed their outlook from 1.65, 1.68 and 1.70 to 1.55, 1.56 and 1.59.

Other companies from Brazil closing down in New York were Gafisa (NYSE:GFA), Banco Bradesco (NYSE:BBD), Banco Santander (NYSE:BSBR) and Itau Unibanco (NYSE:ITUB)

Recently Brazil's real has traded at its highest level against the U.S. dollar since August 2008.

All of this is important because of the heavy reliance of commodities in Brazil, which when its currency rises against the U.S. dollar, it undermines the profits.

Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB), Steel Dynamics (Nasdaq:STLD), Commercial Metals (NYSE:CMC), Olympic Steel (Nasdaq:ZEUS), Schnitzer Steel (NASDAQ:SCHN) in 2010

Steelmakers had a rough go of it in 2010, and most companies plunged in the early part of April, including companies like Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB), Steel Dynamics (Nasdaq:STLD), Commercial Metals (NYSE:CMC), Olympic Steel (Nasdaq:ZEUS) and Schnitzer Steel (NASDAQ:SCHN).

Gerdau S.A. ended the year at $13.99, gaining $0.14 on December 31, up 1.01 percent. The company had a 52-week trading range of $11.49 to $17.99. They ended the year with a market cap of $19.85 billion.

Commercial Metals closed the year out at $16.59, losing $0.11 on the last trading day, down 0.66 percent. The trading range for 2010 was from $12.12 to $18.18. They ended the year with a market cap of $1.90 billion. They had an extremely volatile year.

Olympic Steel finished off the year at $28.68, dropping $0.18 on Friday, a loss of 0.62 percent. The 2010 trading range for them was $20.18 to $36.75. They closed off the year with a market cap of $312.47 million.

Steel Dynamics ended 2010 at $18.30, down $0.13 on the final trading day of the year, losing 0.71 percent. Their trading range for the year was $12.89 to $20.47. Their market cap heading into 2011 is $3.97 billion.

Schnitzer Steel finished 2010 at $66.39, gaining $0.08, or 0.12 percent on the last day of the year. Their 52-week trading range was $37.00 to $66.85. Their market cap at the end of the year was $1.80 billion.