Koskisen announced the launch of a comprehensive EUR 12 million investment program to boost plywood production at its panel mill in Järvelä.
Wood Markets News
USDA Launches Program to Support Wood Processing Facilities and Reduce Wildfire Threats
USDA Rural Development is partnering with the Forest Service to provide funding through the new Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program.
Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index Declines in December
The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) fell 1.9 points in December, but it remained substantially higher than year-ago levels.
US Consumer Confidence Index Declines in December
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index declined 8.1 points to a reading of 104.7 (1985=100) in December.
US Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary for November
As of the last business day in November, the number of job openings was 8.1 million. Year-over-year, the measure was down 833,000.
North America’s First Mass Timber Acute Care Hospital Planned for Picton, Ontario
Site work has begun on what is expected to be North America’s first all mass timber acute care hospital, Building Design+Construction reported.
US Home Prices Increase 0.5% in November
US home prices increased 0.5% in November on a seasonally adjusted basis, marking the third consecutive month of 0.5% growth, Redfin reported.
US Housing Affordability Improved Modestly in 2024 but Remains Out of Reach for Many
A household earning the median income in 2024 would need to allocate 41.8% of their income toward the cost of a typical home, slightly down from 42.2% in 2023, Redfin reported.
US Pending Home Sales Increase for Fourth Consecutive Month in November
The NAR Pending Homes Sales Index increased 2.2% to a reading of 79.0 in November. Year-over-year, pending sales rose 6.9%.
US State-Level Construction Employment Data for November
The construction industry gained a net 10,000 jobs in November, the BLS and NAHB reported. Employment (both residential and nonresidential) increased in 23 states and the District of Columbia.