The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 205,000, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week.
Wood Markets News
Plantation Pine Products Reopens Former Hood Industries Sawmill in Metcalfe, GA
Plantation Pine Products reopened a former Georgia sawmill with a $25 million investment, the Thomasville Times-Enterprise reported.
Federal Reserve Leaves Federal Funds Rate Unchanged
The Fed held its federal funds rate at 3.50–3.75%, citing solid economic activity, somewhat elevated inflation, and uncertainty.
US Producer Price Index for Final Demand Increases 0.7% in February
US producer prices rose 0.7% in February, driven final demand services. Year-over-year, prices increased 3.4%.
Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate Steady
The Bank of Canada held its key interest rate at 2.25% as rising oil prices tied to Middle East conflict add uncertainty to inflation and growth outlook.
US Sawmill Employment Declines in 2025Q3
US sawmill employment fell to its lowest level since 2013Q1, extending a 10-quarter decline in the sector, the Fed and NAHB reported.
BC Prepares for Wildfire Season as Heat, Drought Risks Build
British Columbia is preparing for the 2026 wildfire season as forecasts call for extreme heat and drought risks following a well-above-average fire year, CBC News reported.
US Mortgage Applications Fall in the Week Ending March 13
Mortgage loan application volume decreased 10.9% on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier, MBA reported.
Canadian Housing Starts Increased 10.0% Year-Over-Year in February
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), on Monday (3-16-26), reported that actual housing starts were up 10.0% year-over-year in […]
U.S. Pending Homes Sales Increased Month-Over-Month But Declined Year-Over-Year in February 2026
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported their Pending Homes Sales Index (PHSI) for February 2026 on Tuesday. The PHSI […]