The latest Producer Price Index, reported by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicated that inputs to residential construction, goods less foods and energy (not seasonally adjusted) increased 1.28% between December 2023 and January 2024. This was the largest monthly change for the index since March of 2022, when it increased by 2.07%. The year-over-year change of the index was 1.91%, the largest yearly increase since February of 2023. …The seasonally adjusted PPI for softwood lumber continued to fall as it decreased for the 6th consecutive month, down 1.82% in January. Over the past year, softwood lumber prices have been down 8.98%. …The not seasonally adjusted PPI for gypsum building materials did not change over the month of January, but was 1.92% lower than last year. …Ready-mix concrete seasonally adjusted prices increased in January 1.37% after falling 1.27% in December. …The not seasonally adjusted PPI for steel mill products continued to rise for the second straight month, up 5.4% in January.