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US Housing and Macroeconomy
The latest data on US housing starts and home building has provided some insight into the current state of this very important sector for the general US economy. As one of the most important inputs into new home building costs, North American softwood lumber prices are an excellent indicator of near- and mid-term expectations for…
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Current Softwood Lumber Prices Compared to Recent and Historical Highs: Oct 29, 2018
Circumstances for North America softwood lumber and panel production and sales changed dramatically since summer. To say it was a complete reversal is not an overstatement. Since Labour Day, the supply-demand balance tilted completely in favour of customers; as sawmills were replete with both lumber inventory and log supply, while order files were a scant…
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US Pending Home Sales, Mortgage Delinquency Rates: Sept 2018
Pending home sales in the US increased in September, but have decreased on an annual basis for nine consecutive months, said the National Association of Home Builders Friday. The Pending Home Sales Index increased 0.5% in September, but remains down 1.0% year-over-year. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) is a forward-looking indicator based on signed…
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Northern British Columbia Sawmill Workers on Strike: Oct 25, 2018
*** BREAKING NEWS: JOB ACTION IN NORTHERN BC *** As explained by Madison’s Lumber Reporter last week, northern British Columbia sawmill workers currently negotiating a contract are in a position to start job action. That step happened today …. Prince George, BC, sawmill workers started their picket lines bright and early this morning according to…
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Sawmill Building, Investment: San Group, Resolute FP
New announcements this week and last point to an increase in softwood lumber production in Canada in the next year or so. First up is San Group, out of Langley, BC, announced Friday The 39-year-old San Group is doubling down on its commitment to Port Alberni with a new $70-million lumber manufacturing facility that will…
