Company: Nucor Corp

(Reuters) - Shares in U.S. steelmakers fell on Wednesday and analysts said it was likely related to a major iron-ore producer warning that commodity markets could cool further amid the Euro zone crisis and uncertainty over the global economy.

It's that time again — earnings season kicks off this week and it may be a bumpy ride. Corporate profits are expected to show the slowest growth in three years.

Stocks eased off their best levels in the final minutes of trading Monday but still managed to eke out a small gain, following a sharp rally from the previous week.

Corporations hold large amounts of cash for a variety of reasons, including speculation on the price of assets, corporate acquisitions, future investments or even as a precaution against market uncertainty.