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.

Key Topics Covered:

• Employment data and its mixed signals
• Inflation expectations and upcoming CPI/PPI reports
• Treasury auctions and foreign investor sentiment
• GSE privatization debate
• Non-QM market growth, technology adoption, and hedging strategies
• Portfolio management and risk-adjusted returns

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jeff McCarty, VP of Hedging & Trading Product, Optimal Blue
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue
• Vimi Vasudeva, Managing Director, Optimal Blue

• Vince Zenner, Managing Director of Portfolio Management, Rate

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Boyer

Mentioned in this episode:

Smarter Hedging Starts with the Right Team

Innovative technology is only as powerful as the people behind it. At Optimal Blue, our hedging client services team partners with you to navigate risk, act decisively, and stay ahead of market shifts. Combine that expertise with CompassEdge – our hedging and loan trading platform – and you gain real-time insights, faster execution, and a strategy that adapts with the market. Whether you need full-service support or just another set of eyes, Optimal Blue delivers a high-performance engine built on people, powered by technology, and focused on your bottom line. 📅 Join our webinar: Maximize Profitability With a Smarter Hedging & Trading Strategy 🕛 August 20 at 12 p.m. CT 🔗 https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2676301910911287388?source=podcast

Effortless Best Efforts Locking with Optimal Blue

Manual locking just got an upgrade. With Optimal Blue’s latest enhancement to the Optimal Blue® PPE platform, lock desk users can now complete the entire locking process – start to finish – with a single click. No system toggling. No rekeying. Lock requests are sent directly to investors via API, reducing processing time from minutes to seconds. Secure data flow and real-time updates ensure transparency, speed, and confidence for both originators and investors. Learn more at https://www.optimalblue.com or in the press release: https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimal-blue-fully-automates-best-efforts-locking-directly-with-investors