Housing data was released by the Department of Census and shows that the annualized rate of 586,000, which is slightly down from June. Again, the expiration of the credit for new homebuyers had a direct increase in this figure. Furthermore, foreclosures continue to supply the market and so there is little demand for new construction. This not only has an impact on douglas fir, southern yellow pine, and other softwood lumber but also on the hardwood lumber. Sales of furniture, flooring, and other products made from maple, red & white oak, alder and other hardwoods tend be correlated with home sales, as new homeowners furnish there homes. The good news is that there is now way to go but up and we expect the 3rd quarter to improve.

