In the US, lumber futures declined

Lumber futures fell to $590 after weaker U.S. housing data

Lumber futures fell to around $590 per thousand board feet, retreating from a three-month high of $614.5 reached on January 20. The decline occurred against the background of deteriorating data on the US housing market and a reduction in previous replenishment flows.

Key factors of the decline:

• Housing sales collapse: The number of Pending Home Sales fell by 9.3% month-on-month in December, marking the sharpest drop since April 2020. This indicates a decrease in business activity and restrains expectations regarding construction demand ahead of the spring season.
• Cooling of the physical market: Distributors report a calmer situation with orders, although sawmills continue to operate in a steady mode to restore stocks after previous shortages, which temporarily increased product availability.
• Profit taking: The correction was reinforced by the actions of investors taking profits after the January growth. A decrease in trading volumes and open interest indicates the closing of positions, rather than a new wave of sales.

Thus, the current decline reflects a combination of macroeconomic signals about a slowdown in the real estate market and a technical correction after recent price increases.

A brief analysis:

Tags: #futures #lumber #market_less #construction #USA #real estate #economy #exchanges

Edited Moderator (Feb. 1, 2026 21:47:38)