The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined 2.1 points to a reading of 100.7 in February. The Uncertainty Index rose four points to 104, the second highest recorded reading.
Wood Markets News
Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index Slips in February
The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index declined 1.8 points to a reading of 71.6 in February, the first year-over-year decline since 2023.
Investor Purchases of US Homes in Q4 Fall to Lowest Level Since 2016
Real estate investors purchased 47,004 homes in Q4, the lowest level for that time of year since 2016, Redfin reported.
EU Announces Antidumping Investigation Into Brazilian Softwood Plywood Imports
The EU Commission has started an anti-dumping investigation on Brazilian softwood plywood imports following a complaint by the Softwood Plywood Consortium, the Timber Trades Journal reported.
Finland’s Koskisen to Acquire Iisveden Metsä
Koskisen has agreed to acquire the business operations of Iisveden Metsä, which produces approximately 140,000 cubic meters of spruce sawn timber per year.
Metsä Fiber Ends Change Negotiations at Three Finnish Sawmills
Change negotiations held at Metsä Fibre’s sawmills in Lappeenranta, Renko, and Vilppula, Finland, on possible temporary layoffs of up to 90 days have ended.
US Residential Construction Employment Rises in February
Employment in the construction sector increased by 19,000 in February, the BLS and NAHB reported. Residential construction gained 12,700 jobs.
Labor Dispute Interrupts Production at Three UPM Plywood Mills in Finland
A strike has halted work at UPM’s plywood mills in Ristiina, Savonlinna, and Joensuu, Finland, Maaseudun Tulevaisuus reported.
US Wood Pellet Exports Decline in January
The US exported 825,269.9 metric tons of wood pellets in January, down from 879,332.3 metric tons in December, the USDA and Biomass Magazine reported.
US Nonfarm Payroll Increases By 151,000 in February; Unemployment Ticks Up to 4.1%
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 151,000 in February, similar to the 143,000 gain reported in January.