Lumber futures have dropped 24% since early August, signaling Wall Street concerns about trade uncertainty, a weakening housing market, and potential economic trouble, according to The Wall Street Journal. Falling wood prices are seen as a key warning sign for downturns in the housing market and the broader economy. Lumber prices have swung sharply this year, driven more by tariff threats and duties on Canadian imports than by actual demand. Traders stockpiled in anticipation of new tariffs, then pulled back when the measures were eased. Residential building permits and construction spending are down, though falling mortgage rates and expected Fed cuts later this month could spur demand and stabilize the market.
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