I’m in the residential design/build business. Lumber prices began skyrocketing a few month ago. Supposedly beginning to come down based on the futures market. But no, this has little to do with inflation in it’s pure form.
There are a lot/many of reasons for it, but I don’t talk to anyone who understands the primary reason why. That includes my lumber yard salesman who purchase wholesale. When a 2x4 goes from $2 to $10 ‘over night’ that is more than actual inflation, or QE. Personally, I think with the housing/remodeling boom, and the availability of cheap money, the wholesale folks got greedy. We have been incredibly busy over the last 9 months, and lumber costs haven’t stopped anyone from starting or following through on a project. So, why lower costs? Supply and demand allows it. When rates go back up, and they will, prices will drop. But right now, it isn’t stopping anyone as money is cheap, and some are taking full advantage.