Meta: US payrolls rose only 29,000 in September 2026 and Treasury yields fell. Lord Wood explains what lower financing costs mean for timber buyers and construction projects.
Lord Wood presents its timber brief for Friday, October 2, 2026.
The news: The US added just 29,000 jobs in September. Treasury yields fell as markets moved toward expecting the Fed to hold rates on October 28, after its September hike.
Why timber buyers should care: Interest rates drive both North American housing demand, which sets global softwood prices, and your own cost of holding stock. Lumber is steady at $538 per thousand board feet. A pause in rate hikes could slowly support demand, and prices, into 2027.
Example, the hidden cost of stock: If you finance $100,000 of timber stock for three months at 8% a year, interest costs about $2,000. Staged deliveries that halve your average stock save about $1,000, often more than a small price discount.
For our partners: Lock prices on Q4 and Q1 volumes while the market is soft. Ask for staged deliveries matched to your project schedule. Insist on grading and moisture certificates.
The honest caution: One weak report is not a trend. If inflation stays high, rates could rise again.
Lord Wood — quality timber for serious projects.
