by Calculated Risk on 1/04/2015 09:53:00 AM

Here is another graph on framing lumber prices. Early in 2013 lumber prices came close to the housing bubble highs.

The price increases in early 2013 were due to a surge in demand (more housing starts) and supply constraints (framing lumber suppliers were working to bring more capacity online).

Prices didn't increase as much early in 2014 (more supply, smaller "surge" in demand), however prices didn't fall as sharply either.

Click on graph for larger image in graph gallery.

This graph shows two measures of lumber prices: 1) Framing Lumber from Random Lengths through Dec 19th (via NAHB), and 2) CME framing futures.

Right now Random Lengths prices are down about 2% from a year ago, and CME futures are down 9% year-over-year. Mostly prices have moved sideways for the last 18 months.