The FHFA House Price Index increased 6.6% year-over-year in November. FHFA’s seasonally adjusted monthly index for November was up 0.3% from October.
Wood Markets News
US Consumer Confidence Index Rises for Third Consecutive Month in January
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® (CCI) rose to a reading of 114.8 (1985=100) in January, up from a revised December reading of 108.0.
US Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary Released for December
As of the last business day in December, the number of job openings changed little at 9.0 million. The job opening rate was unchanged at 5.4%.
Tolko Reports “Good Progress” on Its High Prairie, Alberta, OSB Mill, but No Restart Date Set
South Peace News reported that Tolko has not yet set a date for the reopening of its High Prairie OSB mill that was destroyed by a fire in 2022.
Lower Mortgage Rates Increase Homebuyers’ Purchasing Power
A homebuyer with a $3,000 monthly budget has gained nearly $40,000 in purchasing power since mortgage rates peaked last year, Redfin reported.
Belarusian Sawn Timber Exports Increase Nearly 40% in 2023
BelTA reported that exports of Belarusian sawn timber were up by almost 40% in 2023, according to figures released by the Belarusian Forestry Ministry.
World’s First Full-Scale Timber Wind Turbine is Operational in Sweden
Built by wood technology company Modvion, the world’s first full-scale timber wood turbine has started turning, according to a feature by Dezeen.
Canadian Payroll Employment Declines in November
Canadian payroll employment declined by 88,300, or 0.5%, in November. This follows a decline of 24,000, or 0.1%, in October.
Paper Excellence to Indefinitely Curtail Paper Production at Its Catalyst Crofton Facility in BC
Paper Excellence Canda announced it will indefinitely suspend paper production at its Catalyst Crofton facility on Vancouver Island.
US Pending Home Sales Grow 8.3% Month-Over-Month in December
The National Association of Realtors® Pending Home Sales Index was 8.3% higher in December, climbing to a reading of 77.3.