Statistics Canada (StatsCan) reported today (10-1-21) the real gross domestic product (GDP) in Canada edged lower -0.1% in July. This follows a 0.6% increase in June. Total economic activity in July was approximately -2% below the pre-pandemic level of February 2020.
News in end use
University of Michigan Final Consumer Sentiment Index Increases for September 2021
The University of Michigan today (Friday 10-1-21), released its Final Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) for September. The Index of Consumer Sentiment increased to a reading of 72.8 in September, up from 70.3 in August — a month-over-month increase +3.6% but -9.5% decrease year-over-year (80.4 in September 2020).
Personal Income and Outlay Both Increased in August 2021
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported on Friday (10-1-21) that according to their estimates, personal income (PI) increased $35.5 billion, or 0.2%, in August. Disposable personal income (DPI) increased $18.9 billion, or 0.1%, in August.
Mortgage Rates Climb Above 3% in the Week Ending September 30, 2021
Freddie Mac has released its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) for the week ending September 30, 2021. The PMMS reports that 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.01% with an average 0.7 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.88%. A year ago, at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 2.88%.
Home Asking Prices Increase to an All-Time High
Redfin, the Seattle-based, technology-powered real estate brokerage, reported on Wednesday (9-29-21) that the asking prices of homes listed for sale increased to an all-time high of 12%. On the other hand, pending home sales were just 4% higher year-over-year, the smallest increase since June 2020.
Weekly Jobless Claims Rise in the Week Ending September 25, 2021 — Third Consecutive Increase
The U.S. Department of Labor is reporting that an additional 362,000 Americans made their initial filing for unemployment benefits during the week ending on Saturday, September 25, 2021. This is an increase of 11,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level.
Georgia-Pacific Announces $120 Million in Additions and Improvements at Pineland Lumber Complex
Georgia-Pacific announced today (9-29-21) that their Pineland Lumber Complex in Texas will undergo $120 million in additions and improvements in an effort to modernize and increase the mill’s overall production capabilities. The modifications include a new sawmill which will replace the existing stud mill that was built in the 1960s.
Pending Home Sales Soar 8.1% Month-Over-Month in August
On Wednesday (9-29-21), the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported their Pending Homes Sales Index (PHSI) — which is based on signed real estate contracts, not actual closings, for existing single-family homes, condos, and co-ops — increased of 8.1% in August 2021 to a reading of 119.5.
Canadian Industrial Product Price Index Declines in August — Led by Lower Lumber and Wood Product Prices
Statistics Canada (StatsCan) reported today (9-29-21) that prices for products manufactured in Canada, as measured by the Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI) declined -0.3% month-over-month in August. However, year-over-year (August 2020 to August 2021) they were up 14.3%.
Canada’s Housing Sector Moves from Moderate to a High Degree of Vulnerability in Q2 2021
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) on Tuesday (9-28-21) reported that the country’s housing sector moved from a moderate, to a high degree of vulnerability during Q2 of 2021. Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto markets bear most of the risk.