Optimal Insights - Transparent Data & Capital Markets Insights

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Alex Hebner, James Cahill, and Kevin Foley discuss the Fed’s final rate cut of 2025, labor market uncertainty, and the biggest economic events shaping mortgage rates. They share expert insights on tariffs, tech-driven capital spending, housing trends, and regulatory changes, offering a clear picture of what to expect in 2026.

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In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon is joined by James Cahill and Alex Hebner for a deep dive into the latest market trends and economic signals as we approach year-end. They discuss the impact of tariffs, inflation trends, and employment data, highlighting how these factors influence interest rates and mortgage activity. The conversation covers the Fed’s upcoming meeting, expected rate cuts, and the implications of leadership changes in early 2026.

Later, Brennan O’Connell and Mike Vough preview the November 2025 Market Advantage Report, analyzing origination trends, lock volumes, rate movements, and secondary market execution stra...

In this episode, the Optimal Insights team analyzes the lingering effects of the recent government shutdown on economic data and market sentiment. With limited new data available, the conversation centers on the upcoming FOMC meeting, the evolving composition of the Federal Reserve, and the implications for mortgage rates and market confidence.

Jim Glennon, Alex Hebner, and James Cahill discuss the increasing dissent within the Fed, the impact on rate expectations, and the potential for significant changes in 2026 as new appointments are made. They also touch on the influence of private payrolls and PCE data, the uncertainty in...

In this episode of Optimal Insights, James Cahill, Alex Hebner, and Kevin Foley share the latest economic updates, covering mortgage rates, Fed rate cut probabilities, and unemployment trends. Then Jim Glennon and Vimi Vasudeva discuss key takeaways from the IMN MSR Conference, including MSR market dynamics, PennyMac’s push for recapture valuation standardization, and creative home equity products like HEI and HELOCs for seniors.

In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon is joined by Alex Hebner and James Cahill to unpack the latest developments in the mortgage and macroeconomic landscape. The team discusses the reopening of the U.S. government, the delayed release of September jobs data, and the implications of widespread layoffs in October. They explore the evolving rhetoric around Fed rate cuts, inflation concerns, and the shifting stance of key Fed governors.

The episode also features the new Market Advantage segment with Mike Vough and Brennan O’Connell, highlighting October’s mortgage production trends, rate movements, and seco...

Welcome to the Market Advantage! Hosts Olivia DeLancey, Brennan O’Connell, and Mike Vough break down October’s mortgage market data, highlighting production trends, rate environment shifts, and secondary market insights.

Special Announcement:

Market Advantage is merging with Optimal Insights! This move will allow us to deliver timely mortgage data and analysis to the public even faster. Stay tuned for future episodes under the Optimal Insights banner.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, the Optimal Insights team dives into the latest market developments, including the potential resolution of the government shutdown, consumer sentiment data, and the controversial proposal of a 50-year mortgage. The team discusses affordability challenges, LLPAs, and the broader implications for first-time homebuyers.

Special guest Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald shares her inspiring journey from receptionist to CEO, her vision for empowering loan officers through technology, and the role of AI in transforming mortgage operations. Her insights into LoanMaps and the Rule Tool highlight the importance of data integrity, cost reduction, and trust in tech-driven solutions.

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In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team dives into the latest macroeconomic developments shaping the mortgage industry. Topics include the recent Fed rate cut and Chairman Powell’s unexpected commentary, which sent shockwaves through the markets. The team explores the implications of rising interest rates, the evolving labor market, and the impact of AI and borrowing costs on hiring trends.

They also discuss FHFA leadership changes, potential shifts in mortgage pricing, and the broader effects of international trade relations and tariffs. The conversation highlights the uncertainty surrounding future rate cuts, the role of asset prices, and th...

In this episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon is joined by Alex Hebner, Kevin Foley, and Vimi Vasudeva to discuss the latest developments shaping the mortgage industry. The team explores the implications of sparse economic data, including CPI and labor trends, and previews the upcoming Fed meeting. They also dive into the FHFA’s potential pricing reforms, including LLPA and G-fee adjustments, and recap key takeaways from the MBA Annual Conference. Vimi also shares insights from her panel on the newly passed trigger lead legislation, explaining how it could improve borrower retention and MSR value.

Key Topics Co...

In this episode, the Optimal Insights team dives into the economic turbulence surrounding the ongoing government shutdown, trade tensions with China, and emerging concerns in the banking sector. With limited data releases due to the shutdown, the team discusses the implications for mortgage rates, the upcoming Fed meeting, and CPI projections. They also explore the strategic importance of rare earth minerals, the impact of subprime auto loans, and the broader credit environment.

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Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage. Hosts Olivia DeLancey, Brennan O'Connell, and Mike Vough kick off the show with a review of September’s mortgage data, highlighting a strong rate rally and notable trends in purchase and refinance activity.

The team then welcomes Andria Lightfoot, VP of client success at FirstClose, for a timely discussion on home equity lending. Andria shares insights on technology integration, evolving borrower needs, and how lenders can streamline processes to maximize efficiency and results.

Key Takeaways:

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and Kevin Foley discuss the renewed trade tensions between China and the U.S., the ongoing government shutdown, and their combined impact on the mortgage and financial markets. They share their expert opinions and insight into how these factors are shaping the industry and the broader economic landscape.

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Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, Jeff McCarty, James Cahill, and Kevin Foley explore the effects of the government shutdown on market data, the Fed’s evolving stance on rate cuts and quantitative easing, and the mechanics of MBS pricing and trade execution. Special guest Justin Monahan from Tradeweb offers a deep dive into how liquidity and transparency are maintained in the MBS market.

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In the first half of this episode, Jim Glennon is joined by Jeff McCarty, Kevin Foley, and Alex Hebner to discuss current market conditions, the potential government shutdown, and the Taylor Rule – a formula used to estimate the ideal federal funds rate. The team analyzes Stephen Miran’s public application of the rule and his controversial suggestion that rates should be two points lower than current levels.

Taylor Rule: i=r∗+π+0.5(π−π∗)+0.5(y−y∗)

·     i = Target federal funds rate

·     r* = Equilibrium real interest rate (often assumed to be around 2%)

·     π = Current inflation rate

·     π* = Target inflation rat...

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, host Jeff McCarty is joined by Alex Hebner, James Cahill, and Kevin Foley to unpack the Fed’s recent 25-basis-point rate cut and its ripple effects across the mortgage and treasury markets. The team explores the implications of rising interest rates despite the cut, investor sentiment, and the looming debt refinancing challenge facing the U.S. government.

A central theme is the Fed’s “third mandate” – moderate long-term interest rates – and how it’s being interpreted in today’s economic climate. The discussion also touches on inflation expectations, political pressures, and the...

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and James Cahill discuss inflation trends, labor market revisions, and expectations for the Fed’s upcoming rate decision. Later in the episode, Vimi Vasudeva joins Jim, Jeff, and James to share insights from the recent Optimal Insights Forum, including MSR pricing dynamics, AI’s impact on servicing, and investor sentiment around ARM and non-QM products.

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Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey, Brennan O'Connell, and Mike Vough kick off the show with a review of August 2025 mortgage data, covering rate lock and secondary market activity.

The hosts then sit down with Optimal Blue Chief Technology Officer Seever Sulaiman to unpack a recent presentation he delivered on maximizing and measuring ROI on AI investments. The conversation explores the components that go into an AI investment, the role of small vs. large language models, and the importance of building a “center of excellence” to drive...

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, James Cahill, and Alex Hebner unpack the latest jobs report, inflation trends, and the Fed’s rate outlook. They share their expert opinions and insight into how these factors are shaping the industry and the broader economic landscape.

Key Topics Discussed:

Is the FED Cook’d? A look at rate cuts, political pressure, and market reactions.

In this episode, the Optimal Insights team dives into the latest market dynamics, including the upcoming unemployment report, inflation trends, and the growing political pressure on the Federal Reserve. The conversation explores the implications of Lisa Cook’s legal battle, potential Fed rate cuts, and the broader economic signals potentially pointing toward stagflation. The team also discusses how immigration and labor market shifts are influencing employment data and what it means for mortgage rates and housing affordability.

Notable Insights:

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, James Cahill, and Kevin Foley discuss the evolving interest rate environment, labor market complexities, and the accelerating adoption of AI in mortgage technology. They share insight into how these factors are shaping the industry and the broader economic landscape.

Key Topics Discussed:

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts discuss the economic landscape and Optimal Blue’s big rebrand announcement from last week.

Main Topics:

Notable Insights:

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey, Brennan O'Connell, and Mike Vough open the show with a discussion on July 2025 mortgage data, highlighting trends in rate lock volumes, refinance activity, and non-agency lending. Later in the episode, Olivia and Mike sit down with Julian Hebron, founder of The Basis Point, to explore rate outlooks, lending trends, and the evolving role of technology in the mortgage industry.

Julian shares The Basis Point’s view that mortgage rates could fall faster than current forecasts suggest, driven by political pressure and...

In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and James Cahill discuss the latest market developments. The team explores the economic implications of newly implemented tariffs, the Federal Reserve’s evolving stance on interest rates, and speculation surrounding a potential IPO for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

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In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon leads a deep dive into recent economic developments. The team analyzes the fallout from a disappointing jobs report, revised employment data, and implications for Federal Reserve policy. They explore the growing use of imputed data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the potential impact of AI on white-collar employment, and discuss thoughts on the political ramifications of leadership changes at the BLS.

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In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team delivers a timely market update and welcomes special guest Mike Vough, Head of Corporate Strategy at Optimal Blue, for a deep dive into the evolving non-QM mortgage space. The discussion covers current economic indicators, Fed policy expectations, and the growing relevance of non-QM products in today’s lending environment. Mike breaks down the nuances of non-QM lending, including borrower profiles, pricing challenges, and hedging strategies, while offering insights into how Optimal Blue is helping lenders navigate this complex market.

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In this episode, the Optimal Insights team delivers a timely market update and welcomes Greg Sher, a leading voice in mortgage advocacy and digital influence. The conversation covers inflation trends, tariff impacts, housing affordability, and the evolving role of credit scoring. Greg shares the story behind the “All of Us” movement, his push for VantageScore adoption, and his commitment to elevating women in mortgage leadership. He also offers a roadmap for professionals looking to build influence and drive change through authenticity and consistency.

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In the July 14 episode of Optimal Insights, the team discusses the latest market dynamics, including inflation expectations, tariff impacts, and the Fed’s rate trajectory. Jim and Alex unpack the administration’s pressure on the Fed, the resilience of jobless claims, and the looming August 1 tariff deadline. Later, Jim and Vimi sit down with Optimal Blue CEO Joe Tyrrell for a wide-ranging conversation on AI’s role in mortgage tech, the future of automation, and how lenders can evaluate innovation in a tight-margin environment.

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Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey and Mike Vough discuss the June 2025 Market Advantage report, including notable shifts in loan sale execution and pull-through trends. They’re joined by Rob Kessel, founder of Panoramic Capital Advisory and Consulting, who brings decades of capital markets expertise to the conversation.

Rob shares insights on capital markets training and secondary marketing strategy, covering foundational concepts like the best efforts versus mandatory spread, pull-through modeling, and loan sale execution. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, data-driven decision-making, and continuous education in m...

In the July 7 episode of Optimal Insights, the team discusses the latest economic indicators and their implications for mortgage rates and the broader financial landscape. They analyze the recent jobs report, which showed strong headline numbers but revealed underlying weaknesses in private sector hiring.

The discussion also covers the delayed implementation of reciprocal tariffs, the evolving landscape of global trade negotiations, and the implications of the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill,” which extends tax cuts and introduces new housing incentives.

Notable Insights:

In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team explores the current state of the mortgage market during a short holiday week, discussing economic indicators, consumer sentiment, and the Fed’s stance on rate cuts. The second half of the episode is a deep dive into adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) – what they are, how they work, and their potential resurgence in today’s high-rate environment. The discussion includes historical comparisons, affordability scenarios, and international mortgage structures, ultimately addressing whether ARMs have a place in the current market.

Key Topics Covered:

The Fed, Iran, and... wait, what's a hackathon?

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and Kevin Foley discuss the Fed’s cautious stance on interest rates, labor market signals, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Later in the episode, Jim Glennon and Kevin Foley explore the outcomes of Optimal Blue’s recent hackathon with special guest, Optimal Blue CTO Seever Sulaiman, highlighting how innovation and AI are shaping the company’s future.

Notable Insights:

In this episode, the Optimal Insights team explores how rising personal and public debt levels are influencing interest rates and shaping the broader economic landscape. The discussion covers inflation trends, the Fed’s upcoming decisions, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on energy prices. The team also examines AI’s effect on electricity demand and infrastructure, and how consumer behavior is shifting in response to tariffs and credit stress.

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Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Brennan O'Connell and Olivia DeLancey share an overview of exciting new additions to Optimal Blue's Market Advantage report. The monthly mortgage data report now includes a range of new data points, including property type and debt-to-income ratio, to provide a more comprehensive view of the industry.

Optimal Blue CEO Joe Tyrrell joins to discuss AI development, exploring how tailored AI solutions like Originator Assistant are revolutionizing the lending process and eliminating human bias. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping lending operations and...

In this episode, the Optimal Insights team dives into the latest economic indicators, including employment data, inflation expectations, and treasury auctions. They explore the implications of recent job market trends, AI’s impact on entry-level employment, and the broader economic sentiment.

A major focus is the growing momentum in the non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) space, with special guest, Vince Zenner, offering expert insights into risk management, hedging strategies, and the role of technology in streamlining complex loan products. The discussion emphasizes the shift from passive to active management across the mortgage industry.

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In this episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon is joined by Jeff McCarty and Alex Hebner to discuss why interest rates remain stubbornly high and what it means for the mortgage industry. The team explores inflation trends, global debt pressures, and the structural shifts reshaping the long-term rate environment.

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In the May 23 episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon is joined by Alex Hebner, Vimi Vasudeva, and Kimberly Melton to discuss the latest developments in the mortgage industry, including market volatility, policy shifts, and key takeaways from the MBA Secondary Conference in New York City.

Key Insights:

Market Update & Economic Trends

In the May 19 episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon is joined by James Cahill, Kevin Foley, and Shawn Chandwani for a discussion on the current economic landscape and the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the mortgage industry.

Key Insights:

Market Update & Economic Trends

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Brennan O'Connell and Olivia DeLancey kick things off with a discussion on the April 2025 mortgage rate lock data and market trends from the Market Advantage report. Later, they are joined by Optimal Blue Chief Product Officer Erin Wester to explore the impact of technological innovations on driving profitability in the mortgage industry.

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In the May 12 episode of Optimal Insights, Optimal Blue experts Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, and James Cahill discuss recent economic developments, including the Federal Reserve's latest rate decisions, the impact of tariffs on the economy, and the surprising agreement with China on tariffs. They also cover market conditions, the state of the mortgage industry, and upcoming economic reports.

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In the May 5 episode of Optimal Insights, Optimal Blue experts Jeff McCarty, Kevin Foley, and Alex Hebner discuss recent economic data, including non-farm payroll numbers, GDP figures, and the Federal Reserve's upcoming rate decisions. Later in the episode, Jeff and Vimi Vasudeva discuss the latest developments in the mortgage servicing rights (MSR) market, regulatory changes, and industry trends impacting servicing costs and borrower behavior.

Key Insights

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, and Alex Hebner discuss the latest market trends. Special guest Kevin Jackson from Wells Fargo joins to provide an in-depth analysis of tariffs, their impact on inflation and stagflation, and the Fed's potential responses.

Key Points:

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jeff McCarty, Kevin Foley, and Alex Hebner discuss the latest market trends, including the impact of tariffs and the dynamics between the Federal Reserve and the executive branch. They share their expert opinions and insight into how these factors are shaping the industry and the broader economic landscape.

Key points:

In this week's episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, and Alex Hebner discuss the latest market trends and the impact of tariffs, providing crucial insights into how these factors are shaping the mortgage industry. Later, Jim Paolino, CEO of Lodestar, and Kevin Foley join Jim for a discussion about accurate fee management, highlighting the importance of precision in closing cost disclosures to avoid costly errors and improve efficiency.

Key points:

In this bonus episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Alex Hebner, and special guest Chris Maloney discuss the impact of recent tariff changes on the mortgage industry.

Jim Glennon, vice president of hedging and trading and client services at Optimal Blue, hosts this bonus episode. He is joined by Chris Maloney, mortgage strategist, and Alex Hebner from Optimal Blue. They share their insights into the recent tariff turmoil between the U.S., China, and many countries around the world, discussing its implications for the capital markets and the mortgage industry.

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Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey and Brennan O'Connell are joined by Mike Vough, Optimal Blue’s head of corporate strategy, to discuss March 2025 mortgage rate lock data, the latest market trends, and the impact of technological innovations on driving profitability in the mortgage industry.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts discuss recent market turbulence, including significant movements in equity markets, bond rates, and energy prices.

They explore the implications of new US tariffs and retaliatory measures from countries like China, discussing how these actions might affect global trade and economic stability. The episode also covers key economic indicators such the OBMMI rate and lock volumes, highlighting trends in refinancing and purchase volumes. Employment data and inflation concerns are also discussed, offering insights into their effects on the broader economy.

Tune in to...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, join Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, and Alex Hebner as they discuss the current market and the potential impacts of the implementation of tariffs on April 2 (referred to as Liberation Day by the current administration). The team also discusses the monumental $9.4 billion acquisition of Mr. Cooper by Rocket Mortgage, a deal that could significantly impact the mortgage industry.

Dale Vermillion from Mortgage Champions joins Jim Glennon and Kevin Foley to share his expert insights on maximizing profitability in this evolving landscape. Given the current economic climate an...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts discuss the latest economic trends and their impact on the mortgage industry. Host Jim Glennon, joined by experts Alex Hebner and Vimi Vasudeva, covers key topics such as the recent Fed meeting, the implications of rising delinquencies on government loans, and the effects on MSR valuations.

Highlights:

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, Jim Glennon, Alex Hebner, and Ben Larcombe discuss the current state of the market, focusing on volatility, the impact of tariffs, inflation trends, and consumer sentiment. They analyze how these factors influence economic projections and the Federal Reserve's potential actions. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding consumer behavior in shaping economic outcomes.

Takeaways:

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Director of Data Solutions Brennan O’Connell shares highlights from February 2025 mortgage rate lock data. He and his cohost Olivia DeLancey then welcome their guest, CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp, to discuss the housing market, affordability outlooks, and more.

 Key Takeaways:

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, host Jim Glennon and cohosts discuss the past week's market volatility. They cover employment trends and rising consumer debt, providing a comprehensive overview of the current economic landscape.

Later, they are joined by special guest Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource, who provides valuable insights into how down payment assistance programs facilitate homeownership in any market conditions. He explains how these programs bridge the gap for borrowers lacking sufficient funds, thereby supporting the mortgage industry.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights!

In this episode, our experts share the latest economic data and the key takeaways from the HousingWire Housing Economic Summit.

We break down the current economic indicators, including a promising trend in mortgage rates, which are hovering around 6.6%, a level not seen since early this year. The conversation touches on the impacts of these rates on both refinancing and purchasing behavior, highlighting how they can unlock significant activity in the housing market. Additionally, we explore the broader economic landscape, examining trends in consumer sentiment, inflation, and em...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights.

Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, and Alex Hebner kick things off by discussing the current mortgage rates, which have hovered around the mid to high sixes, making it challenging for any significant refinancing activity to take off. Both consumer and homebuilder sentiments have taken a hit, reflecting broader economic concerns, and the impacts of tariffs on construction materials are casting a shadow over homebuilders’ confidence. As we explore these economic dynamics, we also touch on the potential implications for mortgage volume and market strategies moving forward.

The team...

At the first annual Optimal Blue Summit, Joe Tyrrell, CEO of Optimal Blue, reflects on past industry challenges, the importance of preparation, and the rapid advancements in technology.

He shares insights on Optimal Blue's new core competencies, including flexibility, transparency, innovation, value, and control, all aimed at increasing profitability for their partners.

Discover how Optimal Blue is leading the way with innovative AI solutions that solve lenders’ real-world challenges and a commitment to delivering unparalleled value at no additional cost.

Learn more about our new product innovations: https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimal-blue-introduces-seven-major-innovations-at-its-inaugural-user-summit-in-san-diego/

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Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. Join Jim Glennon, Ben Larcombe, and Jeff Casella as they dive into the pressing issues facing today's market, with a special focus on how high inflation is impacting mortgage rates.

Jim kicks off the episode by exploring how the current economic environment is shaping builder strategies, particularly the trend of offering rate buy-downs to attract buyers in a high-interest market. Ben provides an insightful analysis of the latest CPI data, highlighting the market's surprising resilience despite ongoing inflationary pressures.

We explored the mechanics of builder forward co...

Market Advantage – Episode 5

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue, recorded on-site at the Optimal Blue Summit in San Diego. The hosts look at mortgage rate lock data from January 2025 before welcoming HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler for a round of “20 questions” spanning her career journey, her role at HousingWire, her interests, and more.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, Jim Glennon and Alex Hebner discuss the current state of the market, focusing on the recent dip in mortgage rates and its implications for all of us.

Special Guest: Sasha Hewlett, associate vice president of secondary & capital markets at the Mortgage Bankers Association, joins us to break down MBA's priorities for the year. In conversation with Jim Glennon, Sasha shares insights on the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the secondary market, especially considering the new administration's impact on policies and regulations.

Tune in to...

Welcome to this bonus episode of Optimal Insights. Recorded on-site at the inaugural Optimal Blue Summit, Jim Glennon, Vimi Vasudeva, and Kevin Foley shared some insights from our general sessions and breakout sessions.

The team also discussed the seven product announcements unveiled live at the first general session with Optimal Blue CEO Joe Tyrrell, Chief Product Officer Erin Wester, Tiffany McGarry, Jeff McCarty, and Kevin Foley. These innovations are designed to streamline processes, maximize profitability, and enhance efficiency within the mortgage industry, enabling professionals to make more informed and expedited decisions.

Immediately following this recording...

Welcome to this week's episode of Optimal Insights!

In this episode, our experts discuss the current state of the economy, the impact of tariffs, and the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.

Recent data indicates that interest rates remain resilient, and we continue to grapple with inflation—it's quite the rollercoaster ride.

Join Jim Glennon, Ben Larcombe, and Kevin Foley as they analyze the Federal Reserve's recent actions and their implications for navigating these high-rate conditions. Additionally, we provide an important update on tariffs that could significantly affect trade with Canada, Mexico, and China, po...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights! Our experts discuss the current economic landscape, the impact of the California fires on mortgage servicing rights (MSRs), and give an exciting preview of the upcoming Optimal Blue Summit.

Discussion Highlights:

Welcome to Optimal Insights. In this episode, Optimal Blue experts discuss the launch of the Mortgage Rate (OB30C) futures contract. This capital markets instrument represents a significant advancement in hedging strategies for lenders, providing a new tool that directly relates to the primary mortgage rate.

Jim Glennon, Ben Larcombe, and Kevin Foley discuss the implications of this innovative financial instrument, which aims to enhance the efficiency of hedging mortgage rate pipelines.

Additionally, the speakers highlight recent positive inflation data and its impact on the bond market, illustrating the current economic landscape. Listeners are encouraged...

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue, where we analyze mortgage lock data from December 2024 and feature an interview with Shant Banosian, executive vice president of sales at Rate (formerly known as Guaranteed Rate). Shant is the #1 loan originator in America for 6 years running.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Alex Hebner, and Ben Larcombe discuss the latest economic indicators impacting the mortgage industry. They explore the implications of last week's strong jobs report, rising mortgage rates, and key inflation metrics, providing insights on how these factors influence lending practices and the broader economic landscape.

The episode offers strategies for navigating the evolving mortgage market and staying informed about industry trends.

Takeaways:

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts discuss current economic landscape as we enter 2025, alongside conversation with Amy Creason and Pat Peters about the initiatives of Capital W Collective, an organization dedicated to promoting gender diversity in mortgage capital markets.

Jim Glennon and Alex Hebner analyze the U.S. economy's strong positioning amidst global challenges, highlighting key indicators such as inflation rates and employment statistics.

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts offer an analysis of the economic landscape as we approach the new year.

Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, and Ben Larcombe discuss the Federal Reserve's recent announcements and their implications for interest rates, highlighting a potential pause in rate cuts moving into 2025. The team reflects on the economic events of 2024 while offering insights on key areas to monitor in the coming year, including governmental policies and market trends that could impact the mortgage industry.

Join us as we wrap up the year and p...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. This week, our experts reflect on the pivotal events and trends of 2024, providing a comprehensive year-in-review that touches on both industry-specific developments and broader global occurrences.

Notably, they discuss the persistent high interest rates and their implications for profitability in the financial markets, as well as the anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts and their potential impacts on the economy. The conversation highlights significant moments in the mortgage industry, including the settlement of the National Association of Realtors lawsuit, which has begun to reshape realtor compensation. As they navigate th...

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue, where we analyze mortgage lock data from November 2024 and feature an interview with Agha Mirza, managing director and global head of rates and OTC products at CME Group.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts discuss the intricate relationship between tariffs, inflation, and the mortgage market. Jim Glennon leads a discussion with Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and Kevin Foley, emphasizing how proposed tariffs could significantly impact inflation rates and, consequently, mortgage interest rates.

The team explores historical perspectives on tariffs, the potential for geopolitical maneuvering, and the implications for the U.S. economy as it navigates this new landscape. Alex Hebner shares recent employment numbers and inflation data that could influence market conditions.

Tune in to ga...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, Optimal Blue experts discuss key economic data, recent cabinet appointments, and their potential impacts, while also highlighting the newly released loan limits for 2025. The episode emphasizes the implications of these loan limits, which have increased significantly, reflecting changes in home prices and raising questions about affordability in the housing market.

Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape. #OptimizeYourAdvantage #MaximizeProfitability

Hosts and Guests:

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts discuss the impact of recent economic data and holiday trading schedules on profitability.

Ben Larcombe highlights a notable uptick in existing home sales, marking the first year-over-year increase since 2021, while also cautioning about potential slowdowns due to rising rates. The conversation shifts to the political landscape with insights from the recent IMN conference, where Vimi Vasudeva shares critical topics, including the ongoing challenges of recapture strategies and the implications of a new administration's policies on mortgage servicing rights. With a focus on upcoming ec...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts discuss the current state of the mortgage market, highlighting the challenges and opportunities as interest rates hover above 6.8%. The discussion emphasizes the rise in cash-out refinancing due to significant home equity, even as overall volume struggles in the face of increasing rates. Experts provide insights into recent economic indicators, including inflation readings and retail sales data, which remain closely monitored by the market. Additionally, the episode features a detailed conversation about mortgage servicing rights (MSRs). Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how MSRs impact lo...

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue, where we analyze mortgage lock data from October 2024 and feature an interview with Dave Savage, chief innovation officer at Trust Engine and founder of Mortgage Coach.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts discuss the intricacies of hedging within capital markets, emphasizing its critical role in protecting profit margins amidst fluctuating interest rates.

Host Jim Glennon is joined by experts Jeff McCarty and Alex Hebner to explore the recent election outcomes and their implications for the economy, including a significant focus on the Federal Reserve's latest decisions. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding hedging mechanisms, particularly for those in different roles within the mortgage industry, and how effective strategies can lead to enhanced profitability.

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Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts share the current state of the capital markets, emphasizing the impact of recent economic indicators and the upcoming election on rate trends.

Jim Glennon leads the discussion with insights from Jeff McCarty, who highlights the uncertain market landscape post-Fed rate cuts and the mixed signals from recent job reports.

Alex Hebner provides a detailed analysis of the economic data, including the disappointing non-farm payroll figures, and their implications for market sentiment.

Additionally, Kimberly Melton and Kevin Foley explore the in...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts discuss recent housing supply data, highlight the significant impact of inflation, and explore how election outcomes could influence interest rates and government spending with special guest, Chris Maloney, mortgage strategist at Bank of Oklahoma.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights.

In this episode, our experts discuss the critical intersection of housing policy and market dynamics as the election approaches. They explore how political platforms from both major candidates could influence housing supply and affordability, the current state of the housing market, including recent data on housing starts and permits, and highlight the significant impact of government policies on pricing for borrowers.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts explore the intersection of economic indicators and mortgage market dynamics with guests Alex Hebner and Kevin Foley. The team discusses market updates, recent inflation metrics, and the topic of specified pools and loan products in this week’s episode.

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to this month’s episode of Market Advantage from Optimal Blue, where we analyze mortgage lock data from September 2024 and feature an interview with Joel Kan, deputy chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Key Takeaways:

Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable advice to help you sta...

Welcome to Optimal Insights.

In this episode, our experts discuss how the robust job growth, particularly in the hospitality and service sectors, has influenced market expectations and rate movements. They highlight the ongoing challenges in the economy and the potential for refinancing waves as rates trend lower in the coming months. The conversation also touches on the importance of proactive strategies for originators to capture refinancing opportunities effectively. 

Key Takeaways:

Welcome to the first episode of Optimal Insights.

In this episode, our experts discuss the recent developments in interest rates and their impact on market trends. The episode highlights a significant drop in mortgage rates, approaching 6%, which has sparked an increase in lock volumes, defying typical seasonal patterns. The team also explores the Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points, shifting its focus from inflation control to supporting economic growth and employment.

Key Takeaways:

Get the insights you need to maximize your profitability this week.

Welcome to OPTIMAL INSIGHTS, brought to you by Optimal Blue. Join our experts as they explore the latest real-time rate data and provide essential commentary spanning from originations to capital markets – insights you need to hear as you start your week.

Designed for mortgage professionals, from originators to investors and everyone in between, each episode offers valuable information to help you maximize profitability and stay ahead in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape. Tune in for in-depth discussions, actionable ideas, and the latest trends that matter mo...