Existing-home sales declined 5.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million in March, NAR reported.
Wood Markets News
Softwood Lumber Board Releases 2024 Annual Report
In 2024, the SLB continued to target investments across its key program areas of codes, communications, conversions, and education.
Canadian Rail Cargo Volumes in February at Lowest Level Since 2019
The volume of cargo reached 26.7 million tons in February, down 12.9% year-over-year—the steepest annual decline in three years.
US Mortgage Rates Trend Lower in the Week Ending April 24
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.81%, down from last week when it averaged 6.83%, Freddie Mac reported.
US Mortgage Application Payments Decrease in March
The national median payment applied for by purchase applicants fell from $2,205 in February to $2,173 in March, MBA reported.
US Weekly Initial Jobless Claims Climb in the Week Ending April 19
The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 222,000, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week’s revised total.
US New Residential Single-Family Home Sales Rise 7.4% in March
New residential single-family home sales for March were at a SAAR of 724,000, 7.4% above the revised February rate.
BC Announces New Support for Forest Sector Manufacturers
Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, the BC Government is contributing as much as C$11 million toward four forest sector capital projects
US Domestic Wood Pellet Sales Decline in 2024, but Exports Increase
US manufacturers produced 10.71 million metric tons of wood pellets in 2024, the EIA and Biomass Magazine reported.
Union Pacific Reaches 5-Year Agreement With the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers
Members of the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers have ratified a five-year agreement with the railroad.