What? You’re a builder who’s short on nails? Well, bring in some folks from Japan… they don’t necessarily need them. Of the nearly 300 types of nails made in the United States today, most are used in residential housing construction. The average wood frame house uses between 20,000 and 30,000 nails of various types and sizes. (I don’t know what percent of nails used in the United States are made in places like China.) On a side note, Walmart says that 70-80 percent of its merchandise is made in China. But interestingly, Walmart’s stock price is at its all-time highs despite tariff talk. Lender and bank stocks, however, are more complicated. Investors and advisers are anticipating increased consolidation among smaller U.S. banks under President-elect Donald Trump, viewing merging as a way to compete with larger firms. Regulatory scrutiny under President Joe Biden slowed mergers, but the potential for a more business-friendly environment under Trump has already led to deals. And STRATMOR, known in the industry as involved in many deals, reports that lender interest is strong. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s podcasts are sponsored by Bundle, the attorney-prepared legal documents company that is dedicated to the real estate, mortgage, and title industry. Save 20 percent all week with the code “Chrisman.” Hear an interview with Bundle’s Courtney Dec and Carissa Orozco on setting online services technology to serve the speed and expectation of clients.)