木材期货跌至近4周低点

Group 1 - The core viewpoint indicates that the delayed effects of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy adjustments are leading to a slight increase in market financing costs, which in turn raises the loan pressure and cost of homeownership for buyers [1] - The U.S. housing market is experiencing a significant decline in activity, with consumer willingness to purchase homes being suppressed due to economic uncertainty and a high-interest-rate environment, resulting in overall weakening demand [1] - Data shows that by December 2025, the volume of unsold homes in the U.S. has decreased by 9.3% month-over-month, further confirming the current weakness in housing market demand [3] Group 2 - The decline in the housing market is impacting lumber futures prices, which have recently fallen below $590 per thousand board feet, marking the lowest trading level in nearly four weeks [5] - This price drop is expected to weaken the demand for key lumber consumption in the construction and renovation sectors ahead of the spring building season [5] - Following a winter supply tightness, lumber mills are ramping up production to rebuild inventories, leading to an increase in lumber supply; however, the combination of weak demand and increased supply is causing investors to exit the market, further exacerbating the price decline [6]