Employment throughout Canada increased by 40,000, or 0.2%, in August, following little change in July. Since January, employment has increased by 174,000, or 0.9%.
Wood Markets News
Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index Unchanged for August
The Index remained effectively unchanged in August, as consumer confidence towards housing continued along the low-level set earlier in the year.
New Brunswick’s New Forest Plan to Protect More Crown Forest
New Brunswick announced new steps the province is taking to protect more Crown forest, according to CBC News.
Canadian Building Permits Decline in July
The total monthly value of building permits in Canada declined 1.5% to $11.7 billion in July. The value of residential permits increased 5.4% to $7.4 billion.
US Weekly Jobless Claims Decrease in the Week Ending September 2nd
The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 216,000. a decrease of 13,000 from the previous week’s revised level.
US, Canada, Mexico Rail Traffic Data for the Week Ending September 2nd
US rail traffic was 476,851 carloads and intermodal units, the Association of American Railroads reported. Year-over-year, the volume is 5.4% lower.
Home Prices Continue to Accelerate Even as Demand Weakens
The typical monthly mortgage payment is $2,612, just $18 below the all-time high set in May, Redfin reported.
30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Remains Above 7% For the Fourth Consecutive Week
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.12%, down from last week when it averaged 7.18%, according to Freddie Mac.
West Fraser to Acquire Spray Lake Sawmills Located in Cochrane, Alberta
West Fraser Timber Co. has entered into an agreement to acquire Spray Lake Sawmills located in Alberta.
Domtar to Indefinitely Idle Its Espanola, Ontario, Pulp and Paper Mill
Domtar Corporation, a part of the Paper Excellence Group, will be indefinitely (for a period greater than one year) idling its pulp and paper operations located in Espanola, Ontario.