Washington State University researchers received a grant to make more resilient and durable housing materials from thermally modified CLT and recycled carbon fiber, the WSU Insider reported.
Wood Markets News
Confidence in the Market for New Multifamily Housing Falls Into Negative Territory in 2023Q4
The National Association of Home Builders Multifamily Market Survey’s Multifamily Production Index was at reading of 41 in 2023Q4—below the break-even point of 50.
Union for Workers at Canada’s Two Largest Rail Operators Warns of Work Stoppage as Talks Stall
The union representing 9,300 workers at Canada’s two largest rail operators said negotiations have deadlocked, risking a work stoppage, FreightWaves reported.
Colorado Providing Loans to Eight Modular Home Manufacturers to Boost Innovative Housing
Colorado announced funding to support the growth of eight modular housing manufacturers, projected to create 4,755 housing units per year.
Canadian Govt. Boosts BC’s Housing Plan With Infusion of $2 Billion in Federal Financing
Ottawa is adding $2 billion (CAD) in financing to the BC Build initiative aimed at fast-tracking the construction of middle-income rental housing, The Canadian Press News reported.
Södra and SSEA Group Working Together on New Pilot Project in Sustainable Construction
Södra and SSEA announced that they will build 12 apartments in Malmö, Sweden, in a new pilot project in sustainable construction.
US Existing-Home Sales Increase Month-Over-Month but Decline Year-Over-Year in January
US existing-home sales recorded a 3.7% month-over-month increase in January to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.00 million homes, NAR reported.
Fixed-Rate Mortgages Trek Higher in the Week Ending February 22nd
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.90%, up from last week when it averaged 6.77%, Freddie Mac reported.
US Weekly Jobless Claims Move Lower in the Week Ending February 17th
The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 201,000, a decrease of 12,000 from the previous week.
The Size of New US Single-Family Homes Continues to Shrink
The median single-family square floor area came in at 2,156 square feet in 2023Q4, the lowest level since the beginning of 2010, the Census Bureau and NAHB reported.