U.S. building materials prices: softwood lumber down 2.8% in October

U.S. price level of inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e., building materials) declined 0.1% in October (not seasonally adjusted) following a 0.2% increase in September, according to the latest Producer Price Index report.  The index has increased 1.0%, year-to-date, marking the smallest YTD gain through October since it fell 0.1% over the first 10 months…