The Expert Podcast

• Lumber Prices & Economic Signals
  • Understanding how lumber prices affect builders, contractors, homeowners, lenders, and the lumber industry.
  • Recent insights from a Fortune article on inflation warnings and what lumber prices are telling us.
• Historical Trends & Market Volatility
  • Lumber prices traditionally ranged from $300-$400 for decades.
  • Recent fluctuations have seen prices soar above $1,000 and dip below again.
  • Fall season price behavior could signal the severity of an economic contraction.
• Impact of Interest Rates & Inflation
  • Higher interest rates and inflation are shaping market reactions.
  • Real estate sales volume has dropped, but prices remain steady.
  • Job market updates with over 300,000 new jobs created.
• Consumer & Market Reactions
  • Emotional responses to inflation, mortgage rates, and fuel costs have caused pullbacks.
  • Many builders pre-purchased lumber for summer and fall construction.
  • The upcoming months (September–October) will be crucial in determining market trends.
• Lumber as an Economic Indicator
  • Lumber prices can be both leading and lagging indicators.
  • Seasonal construction slowdowns could impact price movement.
  • A steady or rising price in fall may signal economic stability or growth.
  • A downward trend could indicate further economic downturns.
• Final Thoughts & Market Predictions
  • Watching lumber prices is like watching a groundhog—if they drop, more downturns may follow.
  • If they stabilize at $600-$700, that could be the new normal for years.
  • Stay tuned for a follow-up in the coming months to analyze the market shift.