The total value of Canadian building permits rose 4.5% in September to CA$11.7 billion, with residential and nonresidential intentions both increasing.
Wood Markets News
US Mortgage Credit Availability Index Rises in October
The MBA Mortgage Credit Availability Index rose 2.3% to 106.8 in October, with conventional credit leading the monthly increase.
US Mortgage Applications Increase in the Week Ending November 7
Mortgage loan application volume increased 0.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis in the week ending November 7, MBA reported.
Metsä Fibre Starts Talks on Possible 90-Day Layoffs at Four Finnish Sawmills
Metsä Fibre has begun change negotiations on possible 90-day layoffs affecting about 350 workers at its sawmills in Lappeenranta, Rauma, Renko, and Vilppula.
Metsä Group to Cut 520 Positions in Finland
Metsä Group will cut 520 permanent positions in Finland—up to 440 through redundancies—as part of its EUR 300 million savings program, with further talks ongoing abroad.
Maine Pulp Mill to Take 26-Day Downtime
Woodland Pulp and St. Croix Chipping will idle operations for 26 days, starting November 20, amid weak global pulp prices, Mainebiz reported.
University of Michigan Releases Preliminary Results of Its Consumer Sentiment Index for November
The Consumer Sentiment Index fell 6.2% to 50.3 in November, with declines across major components and higher short-term inflation expectations.
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index Falls in October
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 0.6 points to 98.2 in October as small firms reported weaker sales and profits but continued hiring challenges.
UK’s Willmott Dixon Completes Industry-First Fire-Safety Tests for CLT Construction
Willmott Dixon completed certified fire-safety testing for CLT cavity barriers, a UK industry first that could streamline timber-build design and compliance.
Norfolk Southern Reaches Five-Year Agreement With Signalmen
Norfolk Southern reached a five-year collective bargaining agreement with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, covering 970 workers and raising pay 18.8%.