Expectations of some traders for a swift start
to the year topped reality, as a number of
factors left buyers straddling the fence.
China’s weakening economy was a catalyst for
dives in global stocks, and raised questions
about the underlying strength of U.S. financial
markets. Oil prices touched a multiyear low, and
concern about commodity prices, including
lumber, were widely evident. Winter weather was
another major factor, although traders selling
into markets with more mild conditions were more
upbeat.
| This Week Jan 8 |
Last Week Dec 31 |
Year Ago 2015 |
|
| Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price* | $320 | $320 | $385 |
| KD Western S-P-F #2&Btr 2x4 R/L Mill Price | 273 | 274 | 340 |
| KD Eastern S-P-F #1&2 2x4 R/L, delivered Great Lakes | 375 | 375 | 442 |
| Green Douglas Fir Std&Btr 2x4 R/L (Portland) | 290 | 290 | 317 |
| Southern Pine (Westside) #2 2x4 R/L | 412 | 412 | 465 |
| KD Coast Hem-Fir #2&Btr 2x4 R/L | 303 | 303 | 345 |
| Ponderosa Pine (Inland) #2&Btr 1x12 R/L | 660 | 660 | 665 |
| * Weighted average of 15 key items | |||
