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Lumber prices fell below $570 per thousand board feet as tariff uncertainty continued to weigh on demand. Canada’s minister responsible for US trade relations said the country remains committed to negotiations, although reports indicated Canadian officials were dissatisfied with the latest US offer and continued to push for zero tariffs on softwood lumber. Earlier, the US imposed tariffs on several Canadian lumber-related products, while Canadian softwood lumber was excluded. Still, US demand for Canadian lumber fell 1.7% in the first half of the year, while its share of the US market declined slightly. Shipments to markets outside the US also fell 3%. Meanwhile, mortgage rates rose to their highest level in a year, according to Freddie Mac, while mortgage applications declined in the final weeks of July. Construction spending on lumber-intensive single-family housing fell 3.3% year-on-year in June, adding to demand concerns.

Lumber Extends Decline Amid Tariff Uncertainty

US 30-year fixed mortgage rates edged down to 6.67% as of August 13, 2026, from 6.69% the previous week, ending a streak of five consecutive weekly increases. Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater said mortgage rates remained relatively stable, while improved housing affordability and recent increases in purchase and refinance applications suggest borrowers continue to respond to modest rate changes. A year earlier, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.58%. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 5.96% from 6.01% a week earlier.

US Mortgage Rates Break Five-Week Rising Streak

The FTSE MIB closed little changed at 53,693 on Thursday, remaining in a narrow range after reaching record levels earlier in the week, as positive developments across sectors offset broader macroeconomic concerns. Saipem rose 3.6% after securing a $2 billion offshore contract in the Middle East. Nexi advanced 2.4% following reports that CDP is preparing to increase its stake to 29.9%, becoming the company’s largest shareholder without launching a takeover bid. UniCredit gained 0.8% amid reports that the ECB is leaning toward approving its takeover bid for Commerzbank, with the stock reaching its highest level in nearly 17 years. On the downside, uncertainty over Middle East peace talks kept energy markets volatile, with oil and natural gas prices remaining elevated. Unipol, Inwit and Moncler fell less than 1%. Eni slipped 0.9%, tracking lower global oil prices. In turn, utilities extended their recent decline.

FTSE MIB Closes Flat

The DAX 40 moved into the red to close marginally down at 26,292 on Thursday, the second day of losses, despite remaining close to recent record highs. While lower oil prices and reduced concerns over interest rates provided support, uncertainty over the Iran conflict kept investors cautious. Meanwhile, attention remained focused on corporate earnings as the reporting season drew to a close. Among key movers, BASF (-2%), Mercedes-Benz Group (-1.5%) and Volkswagen (-1.3%) posted the biggest declines. On the upside, Continental emerged as the top performer, rising around 3%. RWE gained 2.5% after reporting better-than-expected first-half profit, helped by a Dutch compensation payment and stronger energy trading, while reaffirming its 2026 dividend and long-term profit targets.

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