US construction employment rose by 19,000 in September, with gains in both residential and nonresidential sectors, the BLS and NAHB reported.
Wood Markets News
Shawano County, WI, Sawmill to Reopen and Expand With USDA Loan
TPCE will reopen and expand the former Hoffman Wood Fiber sawmill in Shawano County with an $800,000 USDA loan, WAOW reported.
US Wood Pellet Exports Decline in August
US wood pellet exports totaled 894,320.3 metric tons in August, down from July but above year-ago levels, the USDA and Biomass Magazine reported.
University of Michigan Releases Final Results of Its Consumer Sentiment Index for November
The Index of Consumer Sentiment fell to 51.0 in November, down 4.9% from October and 29.0% from a year ago.
BC Forestry Trade Mission to Asia Returns With New Partnerships
BC’s forestry trade mission to Japan and South Korea returned with new agreements supporting wood construction growth and expanded market opportunities for BC producers.
Kronospan Completes Acquisition of Sebeș, Romania, Sawmill
Kronospan completed its acquisition of ZG Timber’s Sebeș sawmill, adding sawn timber to its Romanian product portfolio.
US Existing-Home Sales Increase in October
Existing-home sales rose 1.2% in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.10 million, NAR reported.
Canadian Industrial Product and Raw Materials Price Indices for October
The Industrial Product Price Index rose 1.5% in October, including a 6.9% increase for softwood lumber.
US Mortgage Application Payment Index Falls in October
The national median mortgage payment decreased to $2,039 in October from $2,067 in September, MBA reported.
US Mortgage Rates Edge Higher in the Week Ending November 20
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.26%, up from 6.24% the previous week, Freddie Mac reported.