The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® increased to a reading of 100.3 in July, up from 97.8 in June.
Wood Markets News
US Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary for June
As of the last business day in June, the number of job openings was 8.2 million, unchanged from May’s revised level. However, the measure was down 941,000 year-over-year.
Typical US Homebuyer’s Monthly Payment Drops $166 to Lowest Level in Four Months
During the four-week period ending on July 21st, the typical US homebuyer’s monthly housing payment was $2,671, Redfin reported.
North Cowichan Urges BC to Streamline Timber Harvesting Process to Keep Local Sawmills Open
North Cowichan wants BC to streamline its permitting process for timber harvesting in an effort to assist Western Forest Products, the Cowichan Valley Citizen reported.
Meise Botanic Garden in Belgium Unveils Completed “Green Ark” Mass Timber Project
The Meise Botanic Garden unveiled a renovation and expansion comprising 82,000 square feet of new and improved greenhouse facilities, according to a feature by Architectural Record.
US National Interagency Fire Center Wildfire Update as of July 29th
As of Monday, 102 large active wildfires are being managed and have consumed 2,083,405 acres. Fire managers are using full suppression strategies on 94 of these fires.
Hampton Lumber Announces Five-Week Curtailment at Its Fort St. James, BC, Sawmill
Hampton Lumber announced that its Fort St. James, BC, mill will undergo a temporary curtailment for five weeks due to low log availability, Houston Today reported.
Malheur Lumber Announces Permanent Closure of Its John Day, OR, Sawmill
Malheur Lumber Company has announced it will be winding down and then permanently shutting down its operations, the Elkhorn Media Group reported.
Weyerhaeuser to Acquire 84,300 Acres in Alabama
Weyerhaeuser announced acquisitions totaling 84,300 acres of high-quality timberlands in Alabama for $244 million.
US Housing Share of GDP Remains Above 16% Despite Declines in Residential Investment
Housing’s share of the US economy stayed level at 16.1% in Q2, according to the BEA and NAHB.