The Mortgage Bankers Association Mortgage Credit Availability Index increased 1.1% to a reading of 93.9 in March, the third consecutive monthly increase.
Wood Markets News
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index Edges Lower in March
The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index declined 0.9 to a reading of 88.5, the lowest level since December 2012.
C&D Lumber in Riddle, OR, Will Cease Operations Effective May 2nd
C&D Lumber Co. plans to shut down its sawmill in Riddle, Oregon, effective May 2nd, The Oregonian reported.
San Group’s Acorn Sawmill Suffers Fire Damage in Sunday Morning Blaze
A fire broke out early Sunday morning at the San Group’s Acorn Forest Products sawmill in Delta, BC, CTV News reported.
Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index Unexpectedly Declines in March
The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index dropped for the first time since November 2023, declining 0.9 points to a reading of 71.9.
Ontario to Amend Its Building Code to Permit Mass Timber Construction Up to 18 Stories
Ontario intends to amend its building code to permit mass timber construction up to 18 stories, an increase from the current 12 stories, the Daily Commercial News reported.
US Wood Pellet Exports Decline Month-Over-Month but Increase Year-Over-Year in February
The US exported 696,692.9 metric tons of wood pellets in February, down from 742,824.6 metric tons in January, Biomass Magazine and the USDA reported.
US Construction Sector Employment Posts Solid Gains in March
Employment in construction increased by 39,000 in March, following an upwardly revised gain of 26,000 in February, the Census Bureau and NAHB reported.
China’s Real Estate Troubles Likely Far From Over, Global Investment Firm KKR Says
China’s real estate troubles are likely far from over, according to a report by KKR featured by CNBC.
US Nonfarm Payroll Increases by 303,000 in March; Unemployment Declines to 3.8%
Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 303,000 in March, above the average monthly gain of 231,000 over the prior 12 months.