Construction employment increased in 24 states and the District of Columbia in September, the BLS and NAHB reported.
Wood Markets News
Share of US Mortgage Loans in Forbearance Increases for Fourth Consecutive Month in September
The total number of loans in forbearance as of September 30th increased to 0.34% of servicers’ portfolio volume, up from 0.31% in August, MBA reported.
The Conference Board US Leading Economic Index Trends Lower in September
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index declined 0.5% in September to a reading of 99.7 (2016=100), following a 0.3% decline in August.
US National Forest Products Week Proclamation
On Friday, President Biden issued a proclamation declaring October 20th through October 26th as National Forest Products Week.
US Home Builders Focusing on Townhomes and Condos to Alleviate Housing Shortage
Zillow reported that America’s housing stock continues to grow faster than it did before the pandemic-induced housing frenzy, as builders race to fill a shortage.
US National Interagency Fire Center Wildfire Update as of Monday October 21st
As of Monday, October 21st, wildland fire activity continues in 11 states where 30 large active wildfires have burned 1,117,707 acres.
Mass Timber Apartment Tower Completed in Paris
A new 50-meter (165 feet) apartment building taking its place as one of the first wood towers to grace a European skyline, Wallpaper reported.
US Housing Starts, Building Permits, and Completions Decline in September
Housing starts in September were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,354,000, 0.5% below the August estimate of 1,361,000.
San Group Curtailing Its Large-Log Sawmill and Value-Added Manufacturing Plant in BC Due to Log Shortage
The San Group is temporarily shutting down its large-log sawmill and value-added manufacturing plant in Port Alberni, BC, the Times Colonist reported.
Joint Center for Housing Studies Projects US Remodeling Will Return to Growth in 2025
After a mild pullback over the previous year, spending for improvements and repairs on owner-occupied homes is set to expand once again by the middle of 2025, JCHS reported.