AS ECONOMIES BOUNCE BACK

Forget cryptocurrencies and racy technology stocks, the real party for investors is in the lumber market. Wood prices are up by 350pc over the past year, reaching a high of more than $1,600 (£1,100) per 1,000 board feet earlier this month. Demand for lumber, which is wood processed into beams and used to build homes, particularly in America, has soared as economies turn the corner and recover from sharp recessions. Supply shortages could push prices even higher as more coronavirus restrictions are eased.