by Calculated Risk on 10/07/2013 10:30:00 AM

Here is another graph on framing lumber prices (as an indicator of building activity). Early this year I mentioned that lumber prices were nearing the housing bubble highs. Then prices started to decline sharply, with prices off over 25% from the highs by June.

Prices have been increasing again since June (there is some seasonality to prices).

Currently prices are up about 20% year-over-year.

Click on graph for larger image in graph gallery.

This graph shows two measures of lumber prices: 1) Framing Lumber from Random Lengths through last week (via NAHB), and 2) CME framing futures.

Lumber prices have been increasing again lately.