Softwood Lumber Prices Hit Highest Levels Since 2004
DIVE BRIEF: Softwood lumber prices are at their highest levels since September 2004, rising 13.4% year-over-year in April, according to the National Association of Home Builders’ analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The NAHB points to the recent softwood lumber trade woes between the U.S. and Canada as the lead, and perhaps only, culprit in the…
Distracted Driving A Concern For Everyone, Including Builders
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, but the topic might as well be a year-round initiative. The National Safety Council estimates that in 2016, roughly 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes — the highest total in nine years and an alarming 14% increase from just two years ago. “From an insurance industry perspective, [distracted driving] is the No….
New Homes Strengthen Economy, Spur Job Growth
As the housing industry celebrates New Homes Month in April, newly released data from the U.S. Commerce Department confirms the significant contribution that residential construction has on the U.S. economy. Final estimates of fourth quarter 2016 gross domestic product (GDP) growth show that housing’s share of GDP stands at 15.6%. “Home building is a key…
Random Lengths Lumber Market Report
While lagging the pace of the February run, trading in framing lumber picked up, giving mills enough business to extend order files and raise prices. Trading in Southern Pine, a laggard in recent weeks compared to other species, kicked into a higher gear. Double-digit discounting seen in previous weeks dried up, as secondaries stepped in…