Wood Markets News


Home Builder Sentiment Declines for Fourth Consecutive Month in March

On Wednesday (3-16-22), The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) reported that builder sentiment in the market for newly built single-family homes edged 2-points lower in March to a reading of 79. Despite four consecutive monthly declines, the HMI has posted solid reading for the past 6-months.

Mortgage Applications Decline in Week Ending March 11, 2022

According to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Application Survey (WMAS), for the week ending March 11, 2022, the Market Composite Index (a measure of mortgage loan application volume) declined -1.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier.

Canadian Home Sales Increased in February

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) reported today (3-15-22) that national homes sales in Canada were up in February 2022, as buyers took advantage of early spring listings. Home sales recorded over Canadian MLS® Systems climbed 4.6% between January and February 2022.

Estonia’s Trade Associations Seek Tree Felling Relief During Russia–Ukraine War

A joint communique sent to Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas from the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Estonian Employers’ Confederation, and the Trade Unions Confederation reads, “The war in Ukraine and the necessary sanctions it has caused have left Estonian companies short on materials that is mainly a risk for the forestry and timber sector and companies therein.”

Producer Price Index for Final Demand Increased 0.8% February 2022

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today (3-15-22) that the Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand, seasonally adjusted, increased 0.8% in February. This rise followed advances of 1.2% in January and 0.4% in December 2021. On an unadjusted basis, final demand prices moved up 10.0% for the 12 months ended in February.